Hi everyone, sorry for the rather long wait. I've been in bed for most of the week with a bad stomach flu, but luckily I am feeling much better! I hope you'll enjoy this new chapter xoxo

Chapter 17

The warm afternoon sun bathed the porch in golden light as Jack, Rose, Evelyn, and Mrs. Turner sat waiting. The atmosphere buzzed with a mixture of anticipation and calm, the air heavy with heat. Evelyn swung her legs excitedly, sitting on the edge of the porch steps. She was the first to spot the carriage cresting the hill, its wheels kicking up a light trail of dust.

"They're here!" Evelyn squealed, leaping to her feet and running down the pathway.

Mark pulled the reins, bringing the horses to a slow stop. His face broke into a wide grin as he jumped down from the carriage and crouched, arms wide open. Evelyn rushed into them, laughing as he lifted her high into the air and spun her around.

"My little Evie! Have you been good while we were away?" Mark asked, holding her close.

Evelyn giggled and nodded enthusiastically. "I helped Uncle Jack! And Mrs. Turner told us stories!"

"Is that so?" Mark chuckled, setting her down and ruffling her hair.

Meanwhile, Sarah carefully stepped out of the carriage, holding Grace in her arms. The baby stirred, her tiny face scrunching in mild protest at being disturbed. Sarah leaned down and kissed Evelyn's forehead before straightening and casting her gaze toward the house.

Her eyes landed on Jack, Rose, and Mrs. Turner. A soft smile spread across her face as she walked up the path, her movements slow and measured, still adjusting to her post-pregnancy strength. Jack met her halfway, pulling her into a gentle hug, careful not to disturb the baby.

"Welcome home, Sarah," he said warmly.

"Thank you, Jack," she replied, her voice tender. "It's good to be back."

As she released Jack, her eyes shifted to Rose, who stood slightly apart, her hands clasped together. Rose stepped forward, her posture unsure, but Sarah reached out, placing her free hand on Rose's arm.

"Rose," Sarah said kindly, her voice tinged with genuine affection. "I trust everything went smoothly?"

Rose nodded. "Yes, everything is as you left it."

"Good," Sarah said softly. "Thank you. For everything."

Mark, now holding Evelyn's hand, joined them on the porch. "Mrs. Turner," he greeted, tipping his hat. "We can't thank you enough for keeping these two in line." He grinned, gesturing at Jack and Rose.

"Oh, it was no trouble at all," Mrs. Turner said, brushing off his gratitude with a wave of her hand. "Though I'll admit, Evelyn is the easiest to manage of the lot."

Jack placed a hand over his heart, feigning offense. "Are you saying I'm difficult, Mrs. Turner?"

She gave him a sharp look, her lips twitching into a smile. "You said it, not me, Jack Dawson."

Everyone laughed lightly, the moment easing into familiarity. Sarah kissed Evelyn on the cheek again and handed Grace to Mark, who cooed at the baby as she squirmed in his arms.

As the evening stretched on, the house grew lively with the sounds of conversation, laughter, and the occasional clatter of dishes from the kitchen. Sarah sat quietly in her favorite rocking chair by the window, holding Grace, who had finally drifted off to sleep after a long day of excitement. Evelyn played with a doll on the rug, humming softly, while Mark and Mrs. Turner discussed the weather and its effect on the crops.

But Sarah's attention kept drifting elsewhere.

Across the room, Jack and Rose sat together, ostensibly helping Evelyn dress her doll, but the two adults seemed far more engaged with each other than the task at hand. Rose's soft laughter drifted through the air as Jack made some exaggerated comment, gesturing dramatically with his hands. She nudged his arm, smiling as if she couldn't help herself, and Jack leaned closer, murmuring something that made her laugh again. His hand brushed against hers, and she didn't pull away.

Sarah felt her chest tighten.

In one way, her heart warmed at the sight of them. The connection between her brother and Rose was undeniable, and for all of Jack's wandering and carefree spirit, she had never seen him look at someone quite the way he looked at Rose. There was something grounding in it, something... tender. She didn't need to hear the words to understand what was growing between them.

And yet, a faint ache tugged at her as well.

Sarah had come to care for Rose like family, watching her find her place on the farm and slowly open herself to this new life. It was a fragile thing, this new beginning of hers, and Sarah couldn't shake the fear that whatever was building between Rose and Jack could threaten it. Jack's love was genuine, she didn't doubt that, but his nature was untethered."Penny for your thoughts?" Mark's voice broke through her reverie.

Sarah blinked and looked at her husband, who stood by her side, watching her with a gentle smile.

"Just tired," she said, brushing off her thoughts. She adjusted Grace in her arms, careful not to wake her.

Mark glanced toward Jack and Rose, then back to Sarah, his smile widening knowingly. "They seem to get on well."

Sarah hesitated, her gaze flickering back to the pair. Jack was now helping Evelyn fix the doll's hair while Rose watched, her lips curved in a faint, private smile. She caught Jack's eye for a brief moment, and something unspoken passed between them. Sarah looked away.

"They do," she murmured. "Perhaps too well."

Mark raised an eyebrow, his tone teasing. "What's that supposed to mean?"

"It means," Sarah said softly, "that I'm not sure where it's headed. And I don't think they know either."

Mark's brow furrowed as he looked back at his brother-in-law and Rose. "You're worried."

"A little," Sarah admitted. She glanced down at Grace, using her as an excuse to avoid meeting Mark's gaze. "Rose has been through a lot. I just want her to be happy. And Jack... well, you know how Jack is."

Mark nodded slowly, understanding her unspoken concern. "He's changed, Sarah. These past few years have made him grow up, more than you might think. If anyone can handle his heart, it might just be her."

Sarah let out a soft sigh, torn between her trust in Mark's words and her own uncertainties. She didn't reply, instead shifting her focus to Evelyn, who was now climbing onto Jack's lap, chattering excitedly about her doll. Rose watched them, her expression unreadable, though a faint blush dusted her cheeks when Jack caught her looking again.

For now, Sarah decided, she would let it rest. But the next morning she woke up, still with that sense of unease.

The kitchen was quiet, the only sounds coming from the soft bubbling of the boiling eggs on the stove. Jack leaned against the counter, arms crossed, sipping from a mug of coffee. It was a rare moment of calm, and yet Sarah's steady gaze on him made Jack uneasy.

"Jack," Sarah began, her tone gentle but deliberate. "We need to talk about Rose."

Jack glanced at her over the rim of his cup, eyebrows raised. "What about Rose?"

Sarah sighed, her fingers lightly stroking Grace's tiny hand. "You're clearly involved with her. I'm not blind and far from stupid. But I need to know—what are your intentions?"

Jack blinked, lowering his mug. "My intentions?" he repeated, surprised. "Why does this feel like one of those awkward talks fathers give their daughters' suitor?"

"This isn't a joke," Sarah said sharply, her eyes narrowing. "I care about Rose. More than you probably realize. She's become like a sister to me, and Evelyn adores her. She's been through a lot—more than I think either of us knows. She deserves stability, Jack. She deserves a future. So, I'll ask again: what are your intentions?"

Jack set his mug down, crossing his arms defensively. "Why do you sound so concerned? What makes you think I'm just stringing her along?"

Sarah tilted her head, her expression softening but still serious. "Because you haven't said otherwise. You've always been someone who does as you please, Jack. You follow the wind, chase adventure, and think about the consequences later. But Rose doesn't need a man who's here one moment and gone the next. She needs—"

"Stability," Jack interrupted, his tone edged with frustration. "Yeah, I got it."

"Don't mock me, Jack," Sarah snapped, her voice rising. Grace stirred in her arms, and Sarah paused, taking a breath to calm herself. "This isn't about you, or me. It's about her. Have you even thought about your future with her? Are you planning to marry her, or is this just a fling to you?"

Jack stiffened, caught off guard. Marriage hadn't crossed his mind—not because he didn't care, but because everything with Rose felt so new, so raw. He was still grappling with the depth of his feelings for her.

"I haven't really thought about it," he admitted cautiously.

Sarah's lips pressed into a thin line. "Exactly my point," she said, her voice low but firm. "You never think. You simply act on impulse. You can't do that with Rose, Jack. Not with someone like her."

Jack pushed off the counter, his frustration simmering. "You talk like I don't care about her. Like I'm just playing around. But you're wrong, Sarah. I care about Rose more than I can put into words. I—" He hesitated, his voice softening. "I love her."

Sarah studied him, her expression unreadable. "Do you?" she asked quietly.

"Yes," Jack said firmly, his eyes meeting hers. "More than I've ever loved anyone."

Sarah let out a long breath, shifting Grace in her arms. "Then you need to prove it, Jack. To her and to yourself. Love isn't enough if you don't have a plan, if you can't offer her something real."

Jack watched as Sarah paused in the doorway, her back to him. Her shoulders were tense, and when she turned back around, her face was streaked with tears she had clearly tried to hold back. She set Grace down in her crib, brushing a hand gently over the baby's forehead before facing her brother fully.

"Jack," she began, her voice trembling slightly, "I need to know—what do you have to offer her? How are you going to take care of her?"

Jack opened his mouth, but Sarah didn't wait for an answer.

"You can stay here on the farm," she continued, gesturing to the house around them. "I don't mind. Mark and I don't mind. But Jack, is this what you want for her? To let her punch out a couple of children and spend her life locked up on this farm? Is that what you want for yourself? For Rose?"

Her voice cracked on Rose's name, and Jack's heart clenched. He moved toward her, but Sarah stepped back, shaking her head. Her tears were flowing freely now, and Jack realized that her words weren't just about Rose—they were about herself.

"Sarah," he said gently, reaching out to take her hand.

But she pulled away, wiping her face with trembling fingers. "I'm fine, Jack," she said, almost to herself. "I love my life. I love Mark, and I love Evelyn and Grace. I wouldn't trade them for the world." Her voice broke, and her tears spilled over again. "But I don't want that life for her if it's not what she wants. I don't want her to wake up one day and wonder what could have been."

Jack stared at his sister, the depth of her words sinking in. He had always seen Sarah as strong, unwavering, the heart of their family. But now he saw the weight she carried, the sacrifices she had made, and the fears she harbored for Rose.

"Sarah," he said softly, stepping closer. He took her hand despite her resistance and held it firmly. "You've built something beautiful here. You have a family, a home. You've given so much of yourself to make this work."

"I love my life, Jack," Sarah said again, but her tears betrayed her. "I do. I love my husband and my children. And I love you. I want the best for you and for Rose. I want you both to have a chance to make the life you want, not one you feel trapped in."

Her words hit Jack like a wave, and he pulled her into a hug, holding her tightly as she finally let herself cry against his shoulder. "I hear you, Sarah," he murmured. "I hear you. And I promise, I'll do right by Rose. I'll do right by both of us."

Sarah pulled back slightly, her eyes red but her expression resolute. "Good," she whispered, sniffling. "Because I'll fight for her happiness just as hard as I'll fight for yours, Jack."

Jack nodded, his throat tight. "I wouldn't expect anything less."

For a moment, they stood there in silence, the bond between them stronger than ever. Jack knew Sarah was right—about Rose, about life, about everything. He had some thinking to do, but for the first time, he felt a clarity he hadn't had in years.

Jack leaned against the porch railing, the cigarette dangling loosely between his fingers as he gazed across the field. The evening air was cool, a relief after the day's heat, and the farm was bathed in a golden hue from the setting sun. In the distance, he could see Rose running with Evelyn, the little girl's high-pitched giggles echoing across the land. Rose's skirts billowed as she twirled, her arms stretched out like wings. Evelyn chased after her, her tiny legs pumping furiously.

They both looked so free, so alive. Jack took a long drag from his cigarette, letting the smoke curl around him before exhaling slowly. Sarah's words lingered in his mind, heavy and unrelenting. Would Rose still be this happy and carefree if she stayed here? Would this farm, this life, eventually dim that spark in her eyes?

Jack couldn't shake the memory of Rose's laughter earlier that morning at breakfast, how it lit up the room. But he also remembered how she grew quiet when talk of the future arose, how her gaze drifted to the window, as if she were looking for something beyond the horizon.

Sarah was right. Rose was more than this farm, more than cooking meals and chasing after Evelyn. She was vibrant, complex, and full of potential that hadn't yet been realized. Jack didn't want her to wake up one day, feeling trapped by a life she hadn't chosen.

But he also couldn't deny his own selfishness. He loved her. He wanted her here, with him. The thought of her leaving, of a life without her in it, was unbearable. Yet, if he truly loved her, wasn't it his responsibility to want the best for her? To support her, even if that meant letting her go?

He stubbed the cigarette out against the railing, tossing it to the ground as he continued to watch Rose and Evelyn. Rose scooped the little girl up, spinning her around until they both collapsed into the grass, breathless and laughing. The sight pulled a small smile from Jack's lips, but it faded just as quickly.

She deserved to be happy. But more than that, she deserved to choose her happiness.

Jack ran a hand through his hair, feeling the weight of his sister's words settle more firmly in his chest. As he stood there, the sound of Evelyn's laughter carried through the air again, accompanied by Rose's softer chuckles. Jack sighed, his gaze lingering on her a moment longer. Then he turned and walked back into the house, resolved to do what needed to be done—whatever that turned out to be.

…

The sun hung high in the sky as Rose strolled through town alongside David, the cobblestone streets bustling with the usual afternoon activity. Vendors called out to passersby, selling everything from fresh produce to trinkets, while children darted between the stalls, their laughter echoing in the warm summer air.

David, impeccably dressed as always, walked with a confident stride. His hands moved animatedly as he spoke, his voice carrying over the clamor of the town.

"It's a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, Rose," he said, his excitement evident. "Milwaukee is growing faster than ever. They're investing in infrastructure, and the factory owners are looking for partners who can help streamline operations. The economics are sound—practically foolproof."

Rose nodded, trying to match his enthusiasm as they turned a corner, heading toward the square. "It sounds like a remarkable chance, David," she said, her voice even and polite. "You've always had a keen eye for business."

David flashed her a charming smile. "You always did know how to flatter me, Rose." He chuckled, then continued, delving into the details of logistics and profitability margins, his tone passionate.

Rose tried her hardest to focus, keeping her eyes on his face as he spoke, but her mind wandered. The hum of the town felt distant, the warmth of the day lulling her into a daze. She found herself glancing at the flower cart they passed, the vibrant colors of the blooms catching her attention.

"—and the capital investment isn't nearly as high as I anticipated," David was saying. "Of course, there's risk, but isn't there always? The potential rewards far outweigh it."

Rose snapped back to the conversation, nodding quickly. "Absolutely," she said, though her tone lacked conviction. She felt a twinge of guilt as David's eyes lit up, his excitement unrelenting. He was so passionate about his endeavors, so focused on his ambitions. She admired it in a way but found it difficult to match his fervor.

He paused in his speech, turning to her as they reached the bench near the fountain. "Rose, are you even listening?" he asked, his tone light but probing.

"Yes, of course," Rose replied quickly, forcing a smile. "Milwaukee sounds... promising."

David raised an eyebrow, smirking slightly. "I've been going on about this for twenty minutes, and that's all you have to say?"

Rose laughed softly, brushing a strand of hair from her face. "I'm sorry, David. It's just—business has never been my strong suit. But I do think it's an incredible opportunity for you. You've always been so driven. It suits you."

The fountain's gentle splashes filled the pause in their conversation as David grew uncharacteristically quiet. Rose tilted her head slightly, noticing his sudden unease. He fidgeted with the edge of his sleeve, his usual confident demeanor replaced by something more vulnerable.

"David?" she asked softly, her brows furrowing. "Is something wrong?"

He looked at her then, his face betraying a mixture of excitement and apprehension. "Rose," he began, his voice wavering slightly. "There's something I've been meaning to tell you."

Rose straightened, her heart skipping a beat. "Go on," she prompted.

David took a deep breath, his fingers clasping tightly in his lap. "This opportunity in Milwaukee," he said, carefully choosing his words, "it's not just a venture I'm considering. It's... certain. I have to move there, Rose. There's no way to make it work if I stay here."

Rose felt her stomach tighten. She glanced away briefly, her gaze finding the fountain again, the water now seeming oddly still. "My goodness, that is a big step, David."

"Yes," David said firmly, though his tone softened as he reached for her hand. "But I don't want to build this life there alone. I want to build it with you."

Rose turned to him, her expression unreadable. "With me?"

David nodded, the nervous energy in his posture now clear as day. "Rose, I've thought about this for a long time," he continued, his voice gaining steadiness. "I've have thought about it thoroughly, Rose. People told me I've gone mad for we are still rather strangers, but I've happened to become very fond of you and I feel there is something between us."

Rose felt her pulse quicken as his words hung in the air. She opened her mouth to speak, but David pressed on, his determination overpowering her hesitation.

"I'm asking you to come with me," he said, his eyes locking onto hers. "To Milwaukee. To start fresh. Together."

Rose blinked, her lips parting as if to reply, but her words faltered. "To... to live together?" she finally managed, her tone laden with nerves.

David chuckled, though the sound was tinged with his own anxiety. "Yes, Rose," he said, his smile softening. "To live together, to be together. To marry you."

The words hit her like a wave, and for a moment, she couldn't breathe. She stared at him, his face so earnest and full of hope, her own thoughts a whirlwind of uncertainty and conflicting emotions.

David's smile faltered slightly at her silence, but he held her hand tighter. "Say something," he urged gently.