Chapter 51: Proposal

"Rose, don't eat too much, you don't want to be sick on the train," Emma says.

Rose rolls her eyes and sticks her tongue out at Emma. For the past week or so, she's been craving unusual things, including pickles, watermelon, peanut butter, salt water taffy and mayonnaise on toast. She had Jack go out and pick up these unusual ingredients and she ate continuously through the day. Fortunately, her morning sickness was less and less noticeable, allowing Rose to focus on Sybil.

Rose takes a pickle from the plate she prepared for herself for lunch and swirls it in peanut butter before taking a big bite. These cravings were unusual

"When my mom was pregnant with Sybil, she craved grapefruit, strawberries, and chocolate," Emma says, packing some lunch for the two on their trip. "They say when you crave sweet things, like sugar and spice, you're having a girl. Salty and tangy means a boy. You Rose, seem to be craving both."

"Maybe that means a boy and a girl," Peter says, lugging Rose's suitcase down the stairs followed by Jack.

Jack puts his suitcase and down and goes over to Rose, kissing her. "Boy or girl doesn't matter to me," Jack smiles. "As long as it's healthy and happy."

"That was what my father said about Sybil," Emma adds, finishing up the sandwiches. "That is the most important thing, the other stuff is old wives' tales." She swallows hard, thinking in her mind, Sybil may have been healthy, but her mother had not been. She shakes the thoughts from her head.

Rose smiles once and finishes another pickle.

"What time does the train leave?" Peter asks.

"One-thirty," Jack answers. "One train to Santa Monica, California."

Rose smiles again, so excited about what was to come. She and Jack were fulfilling their promise they made on the Titanic to go Santa Monica and ride a roller-coaster till they threw up, drinking cheap beer and learning to ride a horse like a man. Rose, of course, knew that her pregnancy complicated these things, but they would still have a wonderful time.

Jack had the ring he had purchased two weeks ago in his pocket. His second paycheck and some of his painting money helped pay for a beautiful silver band with a .50 cut diamond, surrounded by two small sapphire stones. It was small but very beautiful. He couldn't wait to see it on her finger. He had it in a small blue velvet box and it was his anchor in his pocket, keep him from floating away.

He hoped that Rose was oblivious to his intentions and that they were merely going on a trip, but Rose knew deep down that something big was going to happen. Her heart beat in anticipation and excitement.

"Okay," Emma says. "Let's get going."

"Just let me get some more art supplies," Rose says and goes upstairs. "I really want to try some painting." She's wearing a lovely lavender sundress that swishes every time she moves. Her stomach was slightly protruding with the growth of the new life inside her and Jack knew she was glowing, she was the most beautiful woman he had every seen and he definitely wanted to marry her.

Peter and Jack bring the bags out to the car.

"Nervous?" Peter asks, noticing Jack's quieter demeanor.

"Is it that obvious?" Jack asks.

"Just give her a wonderful time and tell her that you love her," Peter says. "Just act as normally as possible."

"But how will I know when I should…you know…"

"You'll just know. The moment will feel so perfect, everything will just slow down, just for that moment. When I proposed to Emma, it was just so perfect. I was nervous as ever, but when we were on the beach, walking hand in hand along the water. I knew she loved sunsets and the beach and when I saw the look of love in her eyes, I just knew. When the sun reflected off the diamond, the glow in her eyes and with that smile, I knew she was going to be my wife."

Jack smiles and Peter pats him on the shoulder. "It doesn't matter how you do it, she loves you and she'll say yes."

Jack takes a deep breath and shuts the door to the car.

Rose comes out with Emma behind her and Sybil in arms.

Emma and Peter drive the two down to the train station. The whistle blows as people climb onto the awaiting train. Peter and Jack load the bags onto the train and then join the girls on the platform.

"Have fun," Emma says, hugging Rose tightly.

"We will."

Rose leans over and gives Sybil a kiss on the cheek, in which the tiny tot smiles and gurgles and grabs for Rose's hair.

Peter gives Jack a hug. "She'll say yes," he whispers.

Emma embraces Jack with a knowing smile. "Good luck," she whispers.

Peter hugs Rose and then Jack helps his pregnant…girlfriend onto the train. They find a window seat and wave as the train lets out another whistle before beginning to steam away. Peter, Emma, and Sybil, with Emma's help, wave to the couple.

As they settle into their train car, Rose lays her head on Jack's shoulder to fall asleep. Jack puts his arm around her and subtly puts his hand near his pocket to make sure the ring is still there.

…

The train blows off steam as it pulls into the station.

The couple gets off hand in hand and into the warm California sun. The sounds of the ocean are comforting and the sounds of the busy seaside city greet them. Jack flags a cab to a small hotel where they rent a room with and ocean view.

"Oh, Jack," Rose gasps. "You can see the pier." Rose takes in the marvelous view of the sandy beaches and the crystal blue waters, but what excites her most is the Santa Monica Pier. She can't believe that they are finally here, being able to do all the things they had talked about on Titanic and more. A large Ferris wheel stands high above the water and the large tracks of the roller coaster raise a small cart high into the air before dropping them down a steep hill. The sounds of laughter and screams are heard from their hotel. Rose's eyes fill with tears.

Jack comes up behind her and wraps his arms around her.

"Ready to fulfill that promise?" he asks.

…

"I don't know Jack," Rose says nervously as they stand in line for the roller-coaster. "What about the baby?"

"It will have its first thrill of its life," Jack says jokingly. Rose frowns at him. "I checked with the doctor, you're still in your first trimester, so it's safe, you just can't drink the cheap beer."

"Next please," the ride supervisor says. Jack climbs into the car and Rose follows reluctantly.

As they are strapped in, Rose feels her heart pounding and her stomach twist tightly.

"Don't forget to scream," Jack adds. "And scream like a man."

"They don't exactly teach you how to scream in finishing school," Rose says humorlessly.

The coaster begins to move and Rose clings to Jack as they ride car goes up a steep hill part. When they get to the top, Rose's stomach drops out from underneath her as the wind blows her hair behind her and the car rattles beneath them.

"Throw your arms up!" Jack yells. "It's more fun that way!" and he lets go of her hand.

"Jack, Jack Wait!" Rose says in shock before she can do anything, her hands are in the air. She feels the rush of adrenaline and she opens her mouth to scream and it comes out almost like a laugh. Every steep drop, they scream louder and louder, laughing the entire time.

When they get off, Rose feels slightly dizzy, but excited, waiting for the blood to stop rushing through her veins. Her stomach twists in protest slightly and Rose leans near a trash can just in case.

"I knew one ride would do it for you," Jack smiles knowingly. "You're just getting over morning sickness."

"That was fun, though," Rose says. "Maybe we can do it again when I'm not as pregnant."

"Maybe we should try something a little slower," Jack nods towards a carousel. "It'll be our substitute for the horses on the beach until the baby is born, plus you can still ride it like a man."

Jack helps Rose onto a carousel horse, sitting "like a man" and then takes his seat next to her. Little children giggle and laugh around them with the beautifully carved horses go up and down and in a circle. Rose laughs as loudly as the children and Jack continue to smile and hold her hand.

The couple visits the fun house next, laughing at the trick mirrors and walking through a maze of glass. They pose for a picture with one of those funny cut out scenes and play a few carnival games. Jack manages to win Rose a lovely stuffed dog at the baseball throw. They take a ride on the Ferris wheel afterwards, both enjoying the beautiful view of the California coast. The ocean like a bright blue gem that sparkled in the afternoon sun.

Afterward, they go to the dance hall and dance until the late afternoon. The music wasn't as lively as it was on Titanic, but the two of them danced until their legs nearly fell off.

"Want to get something to eat?" Jack asks.

"Yes please," Rose says. "This baby is starving."

"How about a hot dog?" Jack suggests.

"What is that?" Rose asks.

"You've never had a hot dog?" Jack pretends to gasp in horror.

"Ladies weren't allowed to eat anything that would dirty their gloves," Rose says in an almost prissy manner.

"Man, you were deprived," Jack says and goes to the nearest food cart. "Two please."

Jack brings Rose a hot dog on a bun with ketchup and mustard. "There you go, one hot dog with all the fixings."

Rose takes a big bite. The warmth of the dog mixed with the sweetness of the ketchup and mustard makes Rose lick her lips.

"It's delicious," Rose says and devours the rest of the dog quickly.

After that, Jack leads Rose towards the beach. They take off their shoes and go along barefoot. She giggles as the sand tickles her toes and kicks some playfully at Jack. The beach isn't too crowded, but several people lay along the sand, soaking up the afternoon sun. Several sailboats glide along the glistening water, creating the perfect scene for an artist to draw.

Jack gets an idea.

"I want to draw you," he says eagerly.

"Like one of your French girls?" Rose says mischievously, raising her eyebrow.

"No, I just want to draw Rose, beautiful, glowing Rose. My muse."

"Where?"

Jack takes a moment and then spots a large rock by the shore.

"There!" he indicates.

He guides Rose over to the rock and tells her how to pose. He then sits in the sand, gets out his sketchbook and begins to draw.

Rose's heart pounds loudly, she has a flashback to the night in her stateroom. Jack's bright blue eyes looking upwards ever so often as she lay by the firelight on the sofa, the Heart of the Ocean around her neck and the slight smile on her face. She felt so in love with Jack at that moment, despite the fact that she was nude in front of him, but it didn't matter, they were soon both nude in the cargo hold. She suddenly shakes the images from her head, not wanting to bring up the nightmare again and ruin the image.

"Stop moving," Jack orders and Rose poses again, staring lovingly at Jack.

Jack's hand sweeps over the paper in quick, but precise movements. His eyes go up every so often to behold the beautiful image he was sketching. He looked up more often than he had to, he just wanted to see the woman that he would propose to. His hands got sweaty and his heart raced, he had been so busy having fun that he forgot about the proposal. The ring was still in his pocket, never leaving his side, but he just wasn't sure when the right moment would be. He focused his attention back to his muse, capturing her likeness and the shadows of her face with the receding sun. She was his Mona Lisa, perfect in every way. He knew he would spend the rest of his life with her, he just wanted to know when the right moment for that would be.

Once Jack is done drawing Rose, he brushes his hands off. Rose goes up behind him and looks at the drawing.

"How much?" Rose asks, leaning her head on his shoulder.

"Your beauty has no charge," Jack says.

The two sit for a few silent moments on a blanket they found, staring at the rolling waves and the bright horizon, as if inviting them to join the beautiful scene.

"Want to go in the water?" he asks.

Jack leaves his coat and the ring near the blanket and starts towards the water, guiding Rose along.

Rose pauses at the water. She swallows hard and her heart rate. They haven't been near the water since the sinking and the nightmares she had about Jack drowning and the boat never coming back, have made her reluctant. Jack too shared some of this anxiety, but there was no ship in sight and this was supposed to be the happiest day of their lives.

"You okay?" Jack asks quietly.

Rose doesn't respond at first and she swallows again.

Jack reaches over and grabs her hand and squeezes it.

He leans in.

"It's okay, I'm scared too, but we're here…alive and well…"

Rose closes her eyes and sucks in a deep breath.

"But as long as we're together, we'll be okay."

Rose squeezes Jacks hand tightly for re-assurance before turning her head to kiss him deeply. The warmth of the sun shines down on both of them and the sounds of the waves have a soothing effect on them. Jack kicks off his shoes and rolls his pants up. He steps into the water. It wasn't anything like the Titanic, it was warm and the waves rolled up onto the sandy shore. Jack holds Rose's hand, trying to coax her into the water.

"It's cold," Rose says in an almost whining voice. She lifts up the folds of her skirt and steps into the water.

"Would you like me to carry you?"

Rose smiles.

"I'd like that."

Jack goes over and lifts Rose up bridal style. He carries her out into the water as the waves roll up on his ankles. He then begins spinning her in large circles, laughing the entire time. Rose can't help but laugh too. She was still a little reluctant, but Jack's strong arms around her alleviated some of her fear. As he goes deeper, his pants soak all the way through, but he is too busy having fun.

"Jack stop, I'm getting dizzy," Rose squeals like a little girl.

Jack begins to feign dizziness. "oh, my head, I'm getting so dizzy, I can't hold on..."

"Jack don't you…"

Before Rose can finish her sentence, Jack tosses her into the water, dress and all. Rose pushes her way up to the surface to see Jack treading water next to her. Jack smirks at her. Rose gives a pouting face and then splashes Jack playfully. Jack sputters and then splashes her back. Rose laughs and begins to swim, going under water again. The waves wash over their soaking bodies. They kiss again, more deeply and laugh happily.

…

The sun begins to set on the beach as both of them climb out of the water, soaking wet and giggling. They lay on a blanket and eat some sandwiches as a picnic, and afterward, Jack buys her some cotton candy, something Rose had never had before.

"What do you think?" Jack asks.

"It's delicious," Rose smiles. "I love how it melts in your mouth."

They lay back and watch the setting sun over the horizon.

"It's so beautiful," Rose sighs gently, laying her head on Jack's shoulder. They are both reminded of the sun setting for the last time on Titanic, where Jack taught Rose how to fly.

The beach begins to fill up with many people as there is preparation for the Fourth of July fireworks. Little children run along the beach, leaving little footprints behind, while their parents chase after them. They were also building sandcastles and playing with sparklers. Two elderly people walk along the water hand in hand and another couple lay back and look at the stars. Several men laugh behind the couple, clinking their beer bottles together and celebrating the liberty of their country. Some women giggle amongst themselves and kick sand from around their ankles. The lights of the Santa Monica Pier light up, making look like a city at night and even the Ferris wheel is lit up completely, adding more beauty to the night.

As the sun sinks below the surface of the water and the stars come out, a loud whistle echoes across the beach and a flash of red light explode into the darkening sky. The sound startles both Rose and Jack and Rose flashes back to the night on the ship, with officers shooting up flares in hopes of attracting the attention of another ship. She leans even closer to Jack and grabs his hand. These fireworks, however, are beautiful, streaks of red, white, orange, blue, green and pink explode in front of them, their reflections dancing across the water in the waves.

Jack looks over at Rose and looks at her beautiful face glowing in the fireworks. Her eyes stare up in wonder and awe as if this is the most beautiful show she's ever seen. He can feel the ring box in his pocket. His heart is pounding loudly. He's doing his best not to look nervous, but he definitely feels like it, the ring was becoming a stone is his pocket, weighing him down in anticipation and anxiety. He's not sure when he wants to propose, during the show or after…he can't decide. He has to tell himself that she loves him and she'll say yes, no matter when he does it. Peter's words of he'll know when the right moment will be to ask for her hand, it all plays out like a storybook. He wishes he could've bought her a bigger ring to symbolize their devotion and strength for each other, but again, Rose was happy enough with him, she never needed anymore or any less.

As the fireworks show comes to a close, there is applause and cheering as the sky grows dark again to allow the moon and stars to put on their own display of beauty, many people begin to pack up and head either to the pier or home. Parents carry sleeping children in their arms and others pick up their blankets belongings after one last chug of beer.

Eventually, as the moon rises, the beach is relatively empty. The full moon hovers above the water like a pale white orb, illuminating both Jack's and Rose's faces. Jack's heart pounds against his chest and he slips his hand into his pocket to feel the velvet box.

It's time… he thinks to himself.

Jack swallows hard and stands up. Rose soon follows.

"Ready to go?" she asks.

"Not just yet…" Jack says. He turns to face Rose.

"Rose, you are the most beautiful girl I've ever met. Your loving, feisty, happy and passionate. When I first met you, you were a girl feeling trapped in a world she didn't want and thought there was one way out. But I knew then that you wouldn't jump, you had so much to live for, you just needed someone to listen to you and guide you. I knew when I took you dancing that you and I were destined to be together. The way you laughed and how lovely you looked with a smile on your face, made me realize that I couldn't live without you, not for a second. Sure we've had our ups and downs, but what relationship doesn't. In the end, you and I saved each other and when I saw you again, laying on the grass, eyes filled with sadness, all I wanted to do was take you in my arms and never let you go, make sure you were never sad again…"

Jack gets down on one knee and pulls out the ring. The shiny diamond reflects the light of the moon, making it glow very brightly.

"Rose DeWitt Bukater, I love you so much. Will you allow me to make you happy for the rest of your life? Will you jump with me into a new adventure, one filled with passion and love? One that where nothing can stand in our way? Rose, will you marry me?"

Rose's eyes fill with tears and her heart pounds loudly. The largest smile she could ever muster spreads across her face. She leans down and kisses Jack deeply.

"Yes, yes, a million times yes!" She screams so that the entire beach can hear.

Jack slides the beautiful diamond on her finger and then picks her up. She laughs so loudly and so hard, Jack soon joins in and he spins her around until they both fall over into the warm sand. Rose lays against the sand, Jack practically on top of her, looking up into the beautiful blue eyes of the man she loved so much. She puts her hand on his face. She would never love someone as much as she loved Jack. He saved her, he set her free, and now they could be together forever. She smiles so widely; her cheeks were becoming sore and she felt like she was going to burst with joy. Jack leans in and kisses her passionately. He loved her so much, he never wanted to let her go again. His excitement and happiness overflowing into this one kiss.

The two fall asleep on the sandy beach, clinging to one another in the soft breeze.