Chapter 10
The house buzzed with energy as everyone prepared for the flower parade, the excitement spilling over from room to room. The scent of fresh blooms filled the air as flowers were pinned, woven, and braided with care, turning the preparations into a celebration all on their own. Rose knelt in front of little Evelyn, carefully securing flowers in her soft curls, one by one, as the girl beamed up at her.
"There you go," Rose said, smoothing Evelyn's hair. "All set to charm everyone at the parade."
Evelyn giggled, turning her head from side to side to make the flowers bounce. "Do you think I look like a fairy, Rose?"
Rose smiled warmly. "You look like the prettiest fairy I've ever seen."
With Evelyn's delighted approval, Rose stood, adjusting the delicate lace of her own dress—a soft, flowing white that felt like sunlight on her skin. The dress used to belong to Sarah. It was now perfect for the occasion; its delicate embroidery danced along the edges, and she loved the way it swayed with her every step. She moved to her mirror, picking up small white blossoms and weaving them into a loose braid. Each flower nestled gently into place, giving her reflection a soft, dreamlike quality. As she worked, she suddenly heard a low mumble and the faint sound of someone fumbling in the corridor. Footsteps approached her door, and as she looked up into the mirror, she saw Jack pass by, looking flustered as he struggled with his tie.
Without turning, Rose called out, "You need help with that?"
Jack looked up, catching her gaze in the mirror with a lopsided smile. "Please," he said, sounding almost relieved. He walked into her room, and the faint hint of cologne followed him, mingling with the flowers and sunlight.
Rose turned to face him, her hands reaching for his tie. She bit her lip, suppressing a small smile as she untangled the knot he'd made. "It's amazing how a man can travel the world and yet be defeated by a piece of cloth."
Jack chuckled, standing still as her fingers deftly worked on his tie. "You'd think I'd have learned by now, but… maybe I've always needed a little help with these things."
Rose quickly finished straightening Jack's tie, fingers lingering for a moment as she stepped back, their eyes catching and holding in the quiet space between them. In that brief silence, she couldn't deny how striking he looked—his usual roughness softened by the crisp lines of his shirt and tie, a hint of cologne making him seem unexpectedly polished.
Clearing her throat to break the tension, she offered a small, awkward smile. "I'm sure Betty will be pleased by your appearance. You're going to sweep her right off her feet."
Jack chuckled softly, glancing down as though embarrassed by the attention. "Guess we'll see, won't we?"
Just then, Evelyn jumped down from Rose's bed and dashed over to Jack, twirling in front of him, her dress bouncing with each spin. "Uncle Jack, how do I look?"
Jack's face softened, a warm smile spreading across his face as he leaned down. "You're the prettiest girl in the whole world, Evie," he said, and in a quick, playful move, he picked her up and spun her around. Evelyn shrieked with laughter, her giggles filling the room and bringing an infectious lightness with them.
Rose watched them, a smile tugging at her lips as she saw Jack's expression—how genuine it was, how unguarded. He gently set Evelyn down, another silence fell between them, one that was almost comfortable but tinged with something unspoken. Rose felt a strange mix of emotions stirring within her—a warmth, but also a subtle ache she couldn't quite place.
Then Jack glanced at his watch, the reality of the day pulling him back. "I should go. Betty's waiting."
He sounded almost reluctant, and Rose quickly nodded, a bit too quickly. "Yes, of course."
The flower parade was in full bloom, vibrant colors and laughter filling the streets as decorated carriages passed by in a grand display. Rose felt a lightness in her heart as she stood by Sarah and Mark, with little Evelyn at her side, her tiny fingers wrapped around Rose's hand. The air was fragrant with blooms, and the sun cast a warm glow over the whole town, illuminating the joyful faces around them. It felt like a perfect day, and Rose let herself relax, savoring the moment.
Evelyn tugged at her hand excitedly, pointing at a carriage covered in roses and daisies. "Look, Rose! It's all pink and white!"
Rose smiled, lifting Evelyn onto her hip so she could see better. "Isn't it beautiful? Like something out of a fairytale."
Evelyn nodded enthusiastically, her eyes wide with wonder. The little girl was captivated by every detail, and Rose found herself experiencing the parade through Evelyn's excitement—each carriage, each costume, each float seemed more enchanting than the last.
Around them, the women of the town clustered near Sarah, doting over baby Grace and exchanging compliments about the parade, their voices blending into a soft, pleasant hum. Rose could feel their warmth, their easy laughter, and though they didn't know her well, she finally felt welcome here. The town's simplicity, its familiarity, felt comforting in a way she hadn't expected.
Just then, Evelyn tugged at her hand, bringing her back to the present. "Rose, can we get closer to the horses? I want to see the big one with all the flowers on it!"
"Of course, darling," Rose said, her voice light as she held Evelyn's hand and gently pushed through the crowd. She guided them to the edge of the road, right as a tall, proud horse trotted by, his mane adorned with wildflowers that spilled down his neck in colors of blue, pink, and white. Evelyn's face lit up, her excitement bubbling over.
Rose laughed softly, feeling an unexpected peace as she watched the girl's joy. Perhaps this was enough, she thought—these small moments of contentment, of belonging to a simple life, without the burdens she'd once carried.
As the horse parade passed, the crowd began to shift, dispersing towards the food stalls and the little booths set up for games and treats. Sarah called out, beckoning Rose and Evelyn to join them. Rose gathered Evelyn in her arms and made her way back, stopping just before Sarah and Mark.
"Isn't it lovely today?" Sarah said, smiling. "Days like this make me grateful to be part of this town."
Rose nodded, adjusting Evelyn on her hip. "Yes, it's… it's beautiful. It's almost starting to feel like I belong here too."
As the parade continued, Betty was radiant beside Jack, practically glowing in her bright yellow dress, her hair done up with fresh flowers. She laughed at everything Jack said, even his smallest jokes, her eyes sparkling with admiration. She was animated, leaning in closer to him whenever she could, trying to draw his attention and keep his gaze on her.
Jack, amused, seemed to enjoy Betty's attention, though his smiles were more reserved. He laughed along, and he was courteous, but his eyes often wandered to the crowd, as though he were searching for something—or someone—just beyond them.
Betty noticed this, her face faltering for a moment before she pulled herself together and tugged on his sleeve. "Jack, let's go get some of those fresh lemonades they're serving by the fountain. I hear they've made them extra sweet today."
"Alright," Jack agreed easily, allowing her to guide him over to the refreshments. They strolled through the crowd, chatting as they went. Betty filled the air with stories of small-town gossip and plans for the upcoming summer events, hoping to charm him with her lively spirit.
As they reached the lemonade stand, Betty handed Jack his glass, raising her own for a toast. "To the parade!" she declared, her eyes locking onto his. "And to good company."
Jack raised his glass with a soft chuckle. "To good company."
They sipped in companionable silence, but Jack's expression was thoughtful, his attention drifting. Betty sensed it again—the feeling that she was reaching for something that kept slipping just out of her grasp.
In a last attempt to turn his attention fully to her, Betty set her glass down and tugged him toward the games at the edge of the square. She laughed brightly as she challenged him to toss rings over bottle tops, clapping when he managed to make a few shots. Jack played along, laughing at her enthusiasm, though his competitive edge surfaced, his focus on the game rather than on Betty herself.
"Look at that!" Betty exclaimed when Jack finally landed a ring squarely over a bottle top. She clapped, leaning into his arm, her face turned up to his. "I knew you had it in you!"
Jack grinned, accepting the small prize—a delicate, hand-carved wooden flower. He turned it over in his hands, studying the details, and finally offered it to Betty with a friendly smile. "Here, a little souvenir of the day."
Betty's face softened as she accepted the flower, her fingers brushing his for just a moment. She tucked it into her dress, close to her heart, hoping he noticed. "Thank you, Jack," she said softly, her voice unusually shy.
He nodded, his smile kind but distant, and glanced back over the crowd just as his sister and Rose, with Evelyn in her arms, passed by in the distance. She hadn't seen them, her attention fully on Evelyn, her laughter ringing as she held the child aloft to watch the last float pass. Something in Jack's expression shifted, his smile fading as his gaze lingered on Rose.
Betty saw it—she couldn't miss it. Her own smile tightened, but she covered it with a laugh, patting Jack's shoulder to regain his attention. "I think I've kept you from your family long enough. Shall we head back?"
Jack blinked, snapping out of his reverie. "Yeah, sure," he agreed, his voice softer now.
They walked back toward the rest of the group, Betty's arm looped through Jack's, though it felt looser than before. She kept her chin up and smiled, but the certainty she'd felt earlier now seemed a little faded. Still, she held onto that carved flower tightly, hoping that today had at least made an impression.
Day turned into night and Betty pulled Jack onto the dance floor, her laughter bright and infectious as she took his hands and led him into a lively waltz. Jack chuckled and went along, allowing himself to get lost in the music and in Betty's warmth and enthusiasm. She was easy to be around, her lively chatter and ready smile making her the kind of company that brought lightness to an evening. But Betty sensed some distraction. Though she tried to laugh and joke as usual, she felt him slipping away, like he was only half there with her. She tightened her grip on his hands and leaned closer, bringing his attention back to her. "What's on your mind, Jack?" she asked with a slight teasing tone, masking her concern.
Jack shook his head, smiling faintly. "Nothing, really. Just… it's been a while since I've been back here, you know?" He looked around the bustling square, giving her a reassuring smile. "So much has changed, and yet, it hasn't changed at all."
Betty nodded, though she wasn't entirely convinced. She pulled him closer, swaying with him in the dance as the music slowed, hoping that the moment might pull him back to her. She leaned her head on his shoulder, feeling his warmth, but his response was gentle and distant. He moved with her, his steps steady and polite, but she could tell he wasn't entirely present.
After the dance, they took a walk around the edges of the square, where lanterns lit up quiet corners, casting a soft glow on Betty's face as she tried to catch his gaze. "I was thinking…" she began hesitantly, her voice soft and hopeful. "Maybe we could go on a picnic sometime? Just the two of us. It's been so nice getting to know you better."
Jack glanced at her, his smile kind but guarded. "A picnic sounds lovely," he replied, not fully committing but trying not to disappoint her. He paused, searching for words that would ease the tension building between them. "I'm not always the best at… at staying in one place, Betty. Life's pulled me in a lot of directions."
Betty's expression faltered slightly, but she quickly masked it with another bright smile. "Well, then let me show you why staying isn't so bad. There's more to life than… than wandering," she said, her voice catching just a little. She reached for his hand, squeezing it lightly, almost as if she hoped he'd find a reason to settle, a reason to stay, in her presence.
Jack's gaze softened, and he squeezed her hand back gently, though something in his eyes remained distant, like a part of him was already somewhere else. He appreciated Betty's kindness, her warmth, but he couldn't deny the pull within him—the restlessness that never seemed to go away, no matter how many places he'd seen or how many people he'd met. Betty tried to keep his attention, telling stories and laughing at her own jokes, drawing him back to the present moment as best she could. But Jack's responses grew shorter, his laughter more reserved, and eventually, she fell silent, moving alongside him as the evening wore on.
His eyes caught sight of Rose on the other side of the room, standing with a tall, well-dressed man he recognized from his school days: David Porter, a former classmate. Jack watched as David leaned in close to Rose, saying something that made her laugh, her face lighting up in a way Jack rarely saw. David then offered his hand, asking her to dance.
To Jack's surprise—and a faint, unexpected twist in his chest—Rose accepted. She took David's hand, and together, they moved gracefully into the center of the dance floor. The music shifted to a cheerful, lively tune, and David spun her around, making Rose laugh again, her voice ringing out like the soft chime of a bell.
For a moment, Jack felt rooted to the spot, his steps with Betty faltering as he watched David and Rose. Rose moved with an elegance he hadn't fully appreciated before, her white lace dress catching the glow of the lanterns, flowers woven into her hair that framed her face with a gentle softness. She looked different somehow, lighter and freer, her smile genuine as she let herself get swept up in the dance.
Betty noticed Jack's distraction, her gaze following his to where Rose and David danced together. Her own smile faded, though she tried to keep her tone light. "Rose seems to be having a good time," she said, a slight edge in her voice.
Jack snapped his attention back to Betty, a faint blush rising in his cheeks. "Yeah," he said, forcing a smile. "She does." He tried to shake off the strange feeling that had settled over him, telling himself he was happy to see Rose enjoying herself. But even as he tried to refocus on Betty, his gaze kept drifting back to Rose and David.
The two of them moved easily together, David whispering something in Rose's ear that made her laugh again, her eyes bright with a spark Jack hadn't seen in a long time. Jack's jaw tightened involuntarily. He told himself it was just an old friend showing Rose a good time—nothing more. But the ease between them, the way Rose laughed and leaned in closer to hear David's words, gnawed at him, stirring feelings he didn't quite know how to name.
Moments passed, Jack took a slow drag from his cigarette as he surveyed the crowd. Betty was now deep in conversation with some of the other town's people, and he saw his chance to go his own way. With a quick glance to make sure she was occupied, Jack grabbed two beers from the table and made his way through the throng of people. His shoes clacked against the floor as he walked, the weight of his cigarette hanging loosely from his lips, exhaling thin curls of smoke.
When he spotted Rose near the edge of the room, standing alone for the moment, Jack couldn't help but feel a small sense of relief. Rose looked up as he approached, her eyes lighting up with recognition, though her smile was more curious than welcoming.
"Thought you might need one of these," Jack said, handing her one of the beers. The corners of his mouth lifted slightly in what could have been a smile. "You look like you could use a drink."
"Thank you," Rose replied, accepting the beer and taking a sip, her gaze never leaving him.
Jack let out a breath of smoke and turned his attention to David. "Sorry, mate. I forgot to bring you one."
David merely shrugged with a laugh, not sensing Jack's slight tension. "No worries, I'll grab one myself." He gave Rose another friendly smile before walking away.
Jack turned back to Rose, his focus fully on her now. "Seems like you and David Porter are getting along," he said casually, his tone almost begrudging.
Rose took another sip of her beer, the sparkle of amusement never leaving her eyes. "Yes, David's a real gentleman. He told me you two went to school together."
"We did," Jack replied, a hint of nostalgia flickering across his face. "He's always been the smart one, a bit more polished than me." He gave her a knowing grin. "Only thing he's not very good at is dancing."
Rose scoffed, a teasing look on her face. "All right, Mr. Dawson, as if you're a great dancer yourself."
Jack's grin widened, his confidence making a reappearance. "Indeed I am, Miss Williams," he said with a wink. "I don't like to brag, but I'm quite the expert."
Rose narrowed her eyes, amusement glinting in them. "Oh really?" she teased, folding her arms. "I'm not so sure about that, Jack. You've yet to prove it."
Jack gave her a roguish grin, cigarette still between his fingers as he set down his beer. Without another word, he reached for her hand, his confidence unwavering as he pulled her gently toward the dance floor. Rose, still holding her beer, looked around for a place to set it down, but Jack was already guiding her forward, leaving her no time to hesitate.
"Jack, I don't know if this is such a good—"
"Just trust me," he said, cutting her off. He lifted her hand, spinning her around once, drawing a laugh from her despite herself. The two found a space in the middle of the dance floor as the music started up again, a lilting, upbeat tune.
With a flourish, Jack pulled her close, his hands firm but relaxed around hers. Rose, barely able to keep up with his confident steps, felt a spark of something—perhaps it was excitement, or maybe the challenge of his unanticipated boldness. She looked up at him, the warmth in her cheeks mirrored by the flicker of intensity in his eyes.
They moved in unison, Jack leading her in a series of quick, lively steps that felt effortless, like they'd danced together a hundred times. Rose laughed as they moved, feeling freer than she had all evening. She couldn't deny it—he was right. Jack could dance, and he was good at it. She found herself matching his pace, keeping up with his steps, their energy feeding off each other's in a way that felt natural and exhilarating.
"So, what do you say, Rose?" Jack asked, smirking down at her as they spun. "Have I proven my point yet?"
She pretended to consider, though the laughter bubbling up from her said otherwise. "Perhaps," she replied with a wry smile, catching her breath as he dipped her low, just for effect. "But it's going to take more than one dance to convince me entirely."
Jack raised an eyebrow, still holding her close as he straightened them both. "Oh, is that so? Well, I'm willing to accept the challenge."
Rose was about to respond when she noticed David, standing off to the side, watching them with an unreadable expression. It jolted her back to reality, her laughter fading just a bit as she realized that everyone around them seemed to be looking their way, drawn by the pair's unexpected, spirited performance.
Jack noticed too and loosened his hold, giving her a small smile. "I suppose we're causing a bit of a scene," he murmured, stepping back.
Rose took a steadying breath, still feeling the thrill of the dance in her chest. "Maybe we are," she replied softly, almost reluctant to let go.
But before either of them could say more, David walked up, his casual demeanor masking a slight tension in his eyes. "Well, I'd say I've missed out on quite a show," he said, his voice light but with an edge of curiosity.
Rose smiled, feeling suddenly self-conscious. "Jack here was just proving his dancing skills," she replied, her tone light but with a hint of warmth that lingered between her and Jack.
David nodded, glancing between the two of them. "I'll have to take you up on that someday, Dawson," he said with a chuckle, though his gaze lingered on Rose. "You've set the bar high."
Jack gave a shrug, a playful gleam still in his eye. "Anytime, mate," he replied, though his focus drifted back to Rose for one last moment, his expression softening.
As David took her hand again, ready to reclaim his dance, Rose couldn't help but feel the echo of Jack's touch still warm against her skin.