NEW IMPRESSIONS
Chapter Twelve

MAY 28th, 2001

"Do you want one of these bags, sir?" The employee behind the ornate glass counter held up a tiny black gift bag, that had "Aura Jewelers" written in glossy lettering across the front. Shaken into reality by his question, Jack opened his mouth to speak, then looked down at the small blue velvet box in his hand. After a moment's thought, he shook his head.

"No, no thank you though. I think I want to be inconspicuous for a few more hours."

Jack smiled and simply slid the delicate ring box into his suit pocket, checking to make sure it didn't show through the lining. He let out a nervous chuckle and offered his hand to the tall attendant who had been so kind. "Thank you so much." Jack glanced quickly at his watch and reached for the receipt he was handed. If he didn't leave now, there was absolutely no way he could make the ceremony on time.

"You're welcome, sir. We appreciate the business." The man adjusted his wire-rimmed glasses and grinned, putting his hands together. "And come back and let us know what she says. But with that ring, I'm sure there's no way she would refuse."

He winked before returning to his work behind the display cases.

Jack swallowed and felt his heart pounding inside his chest like a loud set of drums. He nodded politely, his mouth dry, and turned for the door. Suddenly he felt as if a huge knot had formed inside his stomach, churning over and over. The warm air hit his face as he stepped outside onto the narrow sidewalk. Jack squinted against the sun and shook his head several times, trying to regain the calmness he had felt only a few hours ago. When he woke up this morning, he had felt strong and sure, but now those feelings were dissipating rapidly. Why in the world did someone have to make a comment like that? He had never even considered that she would say no...and now that thought was playing a game of Ping-Pong inside his head. Frustrated with himself, Jack hurriedly jumped inside his car, determined to make it to Rose's graduation on time.

It was a beautiful day for such a celebration--he had to admit that at least. It was warm, especially in dress clothes, but the sky was a crystal clear blue. The sun was bright, and a gentle wind was rattling the trees that lined the streets of Berkeley. Jack squinted, searching for the turnoff that would lead him to the University. He wasn't used to this side of town, and he hadn't known it would take so long to get here. A colleague had recommended this place to him, and they had certainly done a nice job of re-sizing Rose's ring. But now he was running extremely late.

Jack bit his lip and pictured the ring that was now resting safely inside his jacket. He knew without a doubt that Rose would appreciate its beauty...after all, she had picked it out herself, even if she wasn't aware of the fact. During their trip to Florence the previous Thanksgiving, she had admired it at an enchanting little jewelry store on the Via Tornabuoni, near their hotel. He could recall exactly the way she had looked, on the ancient cobblestone street, her hair whipping behind her as she stared at it with a smile on her face. Seeing her so happy, Jack had wished that he could buy the entire store for her.

But he did purchase the ring, which was silver, with a sprinkling of diamonds set around a deep-blue sapphire. Not overdone or showy at all, but unique and elegant just like Rose herself.

Glancing in the rearview mirror, Jack tried to compose himself. He had a speech planned...or at least a few special things that he wanted tell Rose before he actually proposed. He'd spent nearly an hour in front of the mirror in his bedroom this morning, practicing the carefully mastered words that were stored in his mind. He just hoped that in the midst of the commotion, he wouldn't forget any of it.

He positioned the air conditioning vents right toward his face, trying to cool himself. But since his adrenaline was racing, it really was a futile effort. The word "engagement" kept flashing in his mind. Along with two others--"yes" and "no". "Dawson, get a hold of yourself..." He whispered this quietly to himself, slowing down as he reached the traffic that was moving at a snail's pace through Sather Gate. Ruth, who had been in town since Saturday, was already there. She had gone this morning with Rose, to take pictures and help her with her cap and gown. Maybe once he was sitting with Ruth, and had someone to talk to, this sudden anxiety would lessen. She was already aware of the question he was going to ask Rose today, and so far she had been surprisingly encouraging. It seemed she had become a completely different person in the last year, from what he could tell at least. "We've all changed for the better..." Jack leaned back against his seat, waiting patiently in the long line of cars. Thinking back to the miraculous year that had passed, he knew that both he and Rose had grown and evolved, and he liked to think that was because of their devotion and strong commitment to each other. As Editor in Chief of the Berkeleyan, Rose had excelled in both that important position and in all of her classes.

Time had passed quickly, and just as Jack had predicted, their relationship had thrived despite the hectic school year. They still received the occasional glare on campus, but overall it seemed that most everyone had grown accustomed to seeing them together.

Even Rose's two bumbling, gushing roommates had long forgotten the initial shock at discovering that Rose was involved with their art history professor. His classes had gone well also, and he had even managed to enter a painting of his own in an art show near Los Angeles. Now as Rose's four years at Berkeley were culminating into her graduation, there was nothing for her to do but look to the future. A future that Jack hoped with all of his might, included him. Rose was so full of fire and energy--had such a promising career and life ahead of her. Some horrible, gnawing part of him wondered if she really would agree to marry him. That thought was frightening--for being with Rose and loving her was as natural and necessary as taking each breath. There was no way he could live without her now, not without her smile and her laughter.

The traffic began to spread out as he drove through the main gate. He headed carefully to his staff parking space, grateful that he didn't have to join the huge mass of cars that were battling for the precious spots outside Haas Pavilion. Jack quickly reached beside him, carefully lifting a bouquet of red roses from the seat. Their fresh, fragrant scent reminded him of Rose, and he knew that she would love them. He hopped out of the car and made sure it was locked, before starting toward the auditorium. He ran his hand through his smooth, newly cut hair. He'd never had it this short before, and he still felt a bit self-conscious about it, despite Rose's adamant approval. Somehow he missed the loose locks that used to fall on his forehead, but he knew it was time for a little change. Rose said that it made him look older and wiser, and he hoped that she was right.

Jack walked briskly, until his step had taken on a light jog. Gathered in the large courtyard were hundreds of proud families, squirming children, and bustling faculty. The women's hats, which seemed to be back in style these days, created dots of pastels against the lush green of the lawn, and all of the men seemed uncomfortable in their suits and ties.

Jack knew that Ruth would be saving him a seat, and he relaxed slightly when he realized that he still had a few minutes to find her. There was a muggy smell inside the marble lobby, with dozens of people milling around aimlessly. He caught a glimpse of blue and gold around one corner, where he knew the graduates themselves were lining up in their formation. He smiled, imagining Rose in that group, knowing how excited she must be right about now. Jack climbed the flight of stairs that took him to the first section of seats available to the public. He knew that Ruth would be close to the front, because she had gotten here so early. He scanned the crowd before him, and sure enough, only two rows away from the banister, was Ruth decked out in a mint green suit. She saw him in the same instant that he spotted her, and she lifted a hand in the air, a broad smile on her face.

Ruth stood in her place, carefully setting her camera bag on the floor beneath her chair.

She looked back to see Jack making his way to her, adjusting his tie slightly with one hand as he walked. In his other were a dozen roses, encompassed in white paper and ribbon.

He looked happy, she could see, but there was something else in his eyes.

Something she never thought she would see on Jack Dawson's face--and that was nervousness.

Any man would be anxious or out of sorts on the day they were to propose, but Jack carried it off better than anyone else would be able to. Like always, he was dressed sharply, this time in a crisp gray suit and navy blue tie. His blond hair looked lighter than usual, probably because he had just cut it, and the new short style made his face appear even more striking, if that was possible. And his chin sported a small goatee, obviously something he was experimenting with.

Ruth couldn't help but smile, her heart pounding with immense pride as she thought of her daughter and Jack. Rose had endured much in her short life, but she had triumphed as an intelligent and beautiful young woman, who in just a few minutes would accept her degree and head into the world. And now, she would be able to share her life with someone Ruth held great admiration for. After the disastrous divorce she herself had experienced, she had been reluctant to see her daughter enter into any serious relationship.

Until Jack changed her outlook completely, sweeping Rose off her feet with his gentle charm and endearing love. This amazing young man, who had overcome horrible tragedy and grief in his own life, now stood beside her. He looked around and smiled, letting out a sigh.

"So how are you holding up, Ruth? Haven't cried too much yet I hope," Jack chuckled and tried to calm his wild pulse. He studied Rose's refined mother, who had quite a thoughtful expression on her face. Her hair was swirled into a loose bun, and the green that she wore accented the color of her eyes, making her look younger than her years. For just a moment, Jack wondered what it would have felt like to have his own parents at his various graduations. Although no one could truly ever replace them, he felt lucky to have Ruth in his life, filling somewhat of a parental role. She treated him like no less than her own son now, and for that he was grateful. Ruth allowed a soft laugh to escape her, and she rested her hand on his arm, taking a deep breath.

"Not yet, Jack. But I'm glad you're here. I think that maybe later is when I'll really lose it," Ruth lifted her chin and watched the set of doors that the graduates were to appear from. The stage was set in the center of the auditorium, several members of the faculty seated nobly atop it. Potted plants and bright lights were everywhere, as well as gold wall hangings with the school insignia on them. Today, only the college of Liberal Arts would be graduating, the first of many ceremonies to take place this weekend.

"Oh, you'll be fine," Jack smiled warmly and draped his arm across her shoulder, giving Ruth a quick hug of reassurance. "So how was Rose this morning. Pretty excited?"

Ruth nodded, taking her seat as she saw many others around her doing so, and Jack followed suit. "Oh, yes. She called me at the hotel very early this morning, just a total mess. I had to try my best and calm her down. And then she said that she tried to call your house, and there was no answer. So of course she was worried about that..." Ruth looked a little exasperated, but there was a smile on her lips.

"I had to go by the jewelers...that's why I'm running late." Jack lifted his eyebrows and grinned, "But of course I couldn't tell her that."

Ruth nodded wisely and cupped her hand against her mouth, as if she were afraid Rose would somehow hear her. "Do you have the ring with you Jack?" She sat straight in her chair, watching him expectantly.

"Yes, right here," he patted the pocket of his jacket, where the tiny box was, "You'll see it later...I hope on Rose's finger." Jack widened his eyes in a look of worry, and Ruth immediately wished that she could give him some sign of encouragement.

"Don't worry, Jack," Ruth paused and met his gaze, "It's been difficult for me...not being able to tell her, I mean. Especially when I see that look in her eye. I'm pretty sure that she knows to expect this. And I'm absolutely positive that she'll be thrilled."

"Thank you, Ruth." Jack stared back at this woman, who seemed to have taken a complete 180-degree turn from the one he had met at the airport almost a year ago. He didn't see any of that rigid pain in her eyes that he had recognized during their first encounter. Now, many times he even saw a sparkle of excitement or fun in her face.

Rose was satisfied with the new relationship she had with her once stressful mother, and Jack loved being in both of their lives. Such a remarkable change in Ruth--from a lonely, almost angry woman, to the relaxed and sentimental one beside him--was something he felt a huge part of.

If Ruth Dewitt-Bukater could have such confidence in him, why couldn't he have it for himself? With so much clouding his head, he did not even notice when the long procession of royal blue started through the door across the arena. He felt Ruth nudge him, and startled, he immediately began scanning each person that appeared.

Strained chords of "Pomp and Circumstance" grew louder and louder as the graduates filed in.

From this distance their faces blended together, but both Ruth and Jack saw the telltale sheet of red curls at the same moment. And in that instant, he felt his heart leap forward.

Soothed by the thought of Rose so close, Jack found solace in watching her graceful moves as she found her seat among the other students. He felt the smooth petals of the roses in his hands, and very suddenly--things seemed too perfect, too wonderful, to think about anything but her.

***********

Rose felt trapped inside the large crowd that had formed on the floor of the auditorium.

Once the ceremony had ended, hundreds of people had joined the new graduates, shouting, running, and taking pictures. Flashes went off all around her, and Rose laughed, bringing a hand up to shield her face. The heat of bodies crushed together and the stuffiness of her thick robe flushed her cheeks and made it imperative to find her mother and Jack immediately. But in this mess, that seemed almost impossible. She sighed, pressing one palm to her face in an attempt to cool it, and searched the stands as best as she could, narrowing her eyes as she scrutinized each row. Her pounding heart made it difficult to concentrate, and she felt dizzy as she spotted a bundle of bright red roses, that seemed to be floating toward her. But that was crazy...wasn't it? She stood on her toes, lifting her chin to see above the throng of people. Much to her relief, she could just make out a head of blond hair coming toward her. "Jack!" Rose held her breath and waved with one hand, shouting his name above the din of jubilant voices. She pressed the leather-bound diploma to her chest and grinned, full of anticipation, and before she quite knew what was happening, the bouquet was in front of her. Jack's smiling face surfaced, and Ruth was not far behind, trying to squeeze her way through.

"Rose!" Jack quickly threw his arms around her, and Rose giggled as he lifted her feet from the ground and swung her around several times, not so easy of a task considering the swarm of people. Her arm went automatically around his shoulders, and when he set her down, his words were loud and excited. "Congratulations! Rose, I'm so proud of you...you look beautiful..." He pulled her tightly against him, moving his lips to her ear.

In a soft whisper, he sent shivers down her spine and her heart soaring, "I love you so much." Rose looked up at him. His eyes were dancing with happiness and contentment.

She smiled and leaned in for a quick kiss, just as Ruth appeared beside them.

"Rose, darling. It was just perfect. You looked wonderful." Ruth's greeting was certainly more reserved, but her gentle voice was sincere and a bit emotional. Rose tore herself from the depth of Jack's eyes and reached to embrace her mother. "Thank you Mother. I'm so glad you're here," Rose closed her eyes and reveled in this newfound closeness she felt toward her mother. Leaning back, she drew her hand across her forehead and tried to collect her thoughts. "So you could see me okay from where you were sitting?"

Ruth shook her head affirmatively and pointed out the seats that she and Jack had occupied. "Oh yes, dear. We had a good view of everything, especially when you were on the stage." Ruth smiled and gently took the degree from Rose's hands, opening it gingerly to read the gold lettering.

Jack glanced at the roses in her hands, which were now slightly smashed, and already wilting a little from the heat. He placed one hand on Rose's back and motioned toward them, "I don't think those things could handle all the excitement. They may be ruined," Jack chuckled.

"That's okay. I still love them..." Rose smiled and brought them to her nose, taking in their delicate scent. "Thank you..." She leaned against him, relaxing in his arms and she saw Ruth smiling tenderly at them. There were tears in the corner of her eyes, but Rose knew that they were now out of joy and not sadness.

"We should get out of this horrible crowd, Jack. Rose, do you mind if I take some more pictures? We need one of you and Jack of course, and we should try and find someone to take one of all three of us." Ruth spoke quickly, as if trying to hide the emotion in her voice. Jack nodded and began to lead them toward the nearest exit. He heard Rose take several deep breaths beside him.

"Rose, are you okay?" He pulled her close as they walked, Ruth busy preparing her camera and replacing some film.

Rose glanced up at him, unable to control the moisture in her eyes or the brilliant smile on her face. "I'm fine. Just...so much is happening so fast. This is like a dream." She studied his understanding face, admiring the wisdom and the strength there.

But if she wasn't mistaken, there was something else in his crystalline eyes--something she couldn't quite put her finger on. Rose swallowed and felt her mind literally whirling. She felt alive today, finally touching the end product of her long four years of school.

She now had a degree in journalism, a job this fall at a magazine based in San Francisco, and then of course there was Jack. It seemed that indeed all of her dreams were becoming a reality.

He had already promised her forever more than once, and now she could only wait for the question she was sure Jack would ask soon. So far, though, he had given no indication that she should expect it.

"I know what you mean, believe me." Jack rubbed his hand tenderly along her waist, using his other to quietly check the pocket of his jacket, just to make sure the ring was still safe and sound. He kissed her hair softly, trying to mask his rattling nerves.

Rose felt slightly confused by his response and his strangely shaking hands, but she quickly dismissed those thoughts.

"I think over here by this tree is good...Jack could you set these things down for me?"

Jack grinned down at Rose once more and then went to help Ruth. The wind was blowing fiercely in their faces, and Rose reached to swat some hair from her cheek.

Out of the corner of her eye, she spotted a familiar head of unruly brown hair across the courtyard.

Seth was standing on the steps of the Pavilion, about 100 feet away, talking to another faculty member. Rose bit her lip, hoping that she could get his attention somehow. But a few seconds later, his head turned and she could just make out a smile on his face as he noticed her. Rose raised her chin and waved, watching as Seth cupped his hands around his mouth.

"Rose! Congratulations!" He shouted exuberantly from the distance at which he stood, and it seemed that the man he was speaking with was a little taken aback. But Rose just shook her head, and beaming, she mouthed a silent "thank you".

"What are you doing Rose?" Jack appeared behind her, folding his arms around her waist.

"Oh, it's Seth," she pointed to him, but he had turned around, and now his back faced them. "He's in good spirits these days."

Jack nodded and watched his friend retreat down the tree-lined pathway that led to the staff parking lot. Seth had been through a lot this year, with his wife's pregnancy and the premature birth of their child. For a few weeks there, it had been uncertain whether the little boy would even make it, but now everything seemed to be fine.

"Yeah...he's happy."

Jack paused and took a deep breath, wanting so much for he and Rose to share that same happiness, for the rest of their lives. "He walked in the procession, didn't he?" Rose nodded, "He did, but I couldn't see him from where I was seated. By the way...why didn't you?"

Jack smiled, leaning in to kiss her cheek softly, and shrugged his shoulders, "I could see you better from the stands...I just wanted to experience it this way. And besides...we couldn't have left Ruth all alone up there." Jack's eyes were twinkling, but his mouth was twitching slightly, as if he wanted to say something more.

"I'm really glad she had you to sit with," Rose spoke quietly, glancing at her mother, who was just finishing focusing her complicated camera. "This morning, she seemed a little depressed...or maybe that's not the right word. I think she's afraid that now I'm going to move on...or have this completely new life that doesn't include her anymore." Rose moved closer in Jack's arms, sighing.

"She knows that won't happen Rose...she just needs some assurance that she has nothing to worry about. Don't think about that though...this is your day." Jack leaned back to look at her and winked, trying to lighten the mood. Rose laughed and brought her hand to his face.

"I know...but seriously Jack...you've helped her so much."

She smiled once more and turned around, directing her voice to Ruth. "Are you ready focus yet?"

"Oh yes." Ruth looked up, motioning with her head to the cypress tree that she had her lens angled toward. "I'll get one of two of you first...just stand right there and I think I can make it look perfect." Rose grabbed Jack's hand, leading him to the place Ruth had specified. She noticed a newfound gleam in her mother's eyes--she seemed content with that camera of hers, enjoying this very moment. The old Ruth would probably have doled this job out to a professional photographer, or at least not seemed so excited about such a task.

As Ruth was carefully instructing them how to stand, Rose noticed Jack's hand go to the front pocket of his suit jacket several times. When he saw her watching, he only offered one of his adorable and innocent glances. Rose raised an eyebrow and smiled, feeling that somehow, some way, today would be even more special than she had originally thought.

************

"Can you believe it?" Rose shook her head in disbelief, watching as her mother made her way to the car on the other side of the parking lot. Ruth climbed inside Rose's red Jeep, and in seconds, she had vanished into the Saturday afternoon traffic.

"Not really. But she deserves to have a life...right?" Jack draped his arm across Rose's shoulders and let out a gentle laugh. He squinted in the bright sun and cleared his throat, thinking back to the day's events. After posing for several pictures after the ceremony, the three of them had headed to a late lunch at La Petit Cafe, a fancy little restaurant that Rose adored. She had been cheerful and excited all through the meal, describing the many details of the graduation from her point of view--everything from the chaos backstage to the minute that her name had been called. And Jack had been grateful for that. Between Rose's eager explanations and Ruth's string of questions, he had not been forced to say much at all.

Which gave him time to prepare himself mentally for what was to come. And then Ruth had surprised both he and Rose with her sudden leave-taking. If he wasn't mistaken, Jack had seen her blush slightly as she quickly mentioned meeting an old college friend for coffee.

"I wonder who he is...I hope she'll be okay." Rose looked a little worried for a second, but once she saw Jack's amused expression, she couldn't help but giggle.

"I think she can handle herself...and who knows...maybe that's just what she needs." Jack grinned and began to lead Rose from the sidewalk.

"What?" Rose looked up at him, her eyebrows furrowing in confusion.

"A little romance?" Jack swallowed and tried to maintain the carefree mood of the day, pulling Rose gently against him as they strolled. He had thought his last comment would come off as a joke, but Rose seemed to be seriously pondering the notion.

She pushed several red curls behind her ear and nodded to herself.

"Maybe so...she's been so lonely for years...but enough talk about that."

Rose glanced around her, noticing that they were headed away from the busy street and toward a small alley that seemed to lead to some sort of building. "Where are we going, Jack?"

Jack quickly blinked, trying to appease his quickened pulse. The moment was getting closer and closer, and he couldn't stall anymore. When he'd spotted the Strybing Botanical Garden so close to the cafe where they'd eaten, it seemed like a great omen. It was the perfect place to present Rose with the ring--among the fragrant flowers and the secluded corners. He saw that Rose was looking at him curiously as he hesitated before speaking. His hands were shaking again, and he tightened his grip on her, hoping that somehow she would understand what was going on. "The...the garden through there--I've only been once, but I thought you'd like it. We could just spend a few minutes here..." He saw Rose's green eyes warming again, and she leaned her head close to his chest.

"Mmm...that's fine." Rose momentarily closed her eyes, lost in the serenity and the quiet around them. A gentle breeze was lapping through the trees and in her hair, causing it to bounce slightly against her neck. Warmth radiated from Jack, like always, and she fit perfectly into the incline of his shoulder as they walked. "You know what today is Rose, right?" Jack nudged her slightly, watching with great affection as she lifted her head and lowered her eyes in a question. He felt himself calming a bit, so close to Rose and her ever-present confidence. "A year ago today..."

Jack waited expectantly for the date to register in Rose's mind, and he could tell immediately just when it did. She placed a hand over her mouth, and her eyes were dancing with recognition.

"Our first date..." She whispered this softly, interrupted as Jack reached to open the metal gate that would lead them to the garden. But then his arm was around her again, and he shook his head affirmatively.

"Yep...hard to believe it's been a year, huh?" Jack gently put his free hand to her cheek, tracing a line down her jaw with his finger. Rose felt herself drawn into his magnetic eyes, as she heard the soft voice he used only with her. His delicate touch sent her heart racing and made her knees weak, even after a year together.

"It doesn't seem that long...it's been so amazing." Rose looked away for a second, as if to gather her thoughts, but turned back to Jack with a brilliant smile reinstated on her face.

"You were so nervous that night. I could tell...but so was I." That beautiful, teasing gleam was in her eyes now. Somehow Jack knew in his heart, that Rose wanted to be his wife. They had talked about forever so often that it seemed something already a vital part of their relationship. And now all he had to do was ask...but that was the part that made his palms sweat mercilessly. "I'm sorry Jack...I didn't even remember, with everything today."

"That's okay, Rose. I was just thinking about it earlier. And that's why I wanted to come here...it's kind of fitting, don't you think?" He let his arm slip from her shoulder and took her hand in his own. She nodded, breathing in the sweet smells of the wisteria and climbing roses that were hanging lazily from white trellises. The spacious garden was deserted except for them, and it did seem to remind her of that night in Jack's garden. Except instead of the moon and the darkness, the sky was a shining shade of blue and completely cloudless.

"Hmm...this is nice. But I still prefer your little garden, Jack. It's like our own private place." Her voice was soft and soothing, as she placed a comforting hand on his arm.

Looking up at her bright smile, Jack was sure that she knew he was nervous about something. He could never keep anything from her, for Rose had an uncanny ability to read his thoughts even before he could sort them out himself.

"Rose...why don't we sit down over here..." Jack took a deep breath, as his mind was racing with all the words he wanted say. He ignored the questioning expression on Rose's face and led her to an old-fashioned iron bench, with swirling, Victorian style patterns.

Rose smiled and sat down, sliding to make room for Jack to join her. He moved as if he were going to sit next to her, but then hesitated, sweeping down in on emotion. Still grasping her hand, Jack carefully fell down to his knees, bending one outward in front of him.

Rose could not help but giggle gently as she saw his movements. She reached to cover her mouth with her free hand, studying Jack's strange behavior. At first, it had looked as though he had stumbled and fallen, but he was staying where he was now, kneeling directly below her. "Jack...what in the world are you doing?" Her mouth opened in a laugh, and her eyes widened as Jack placed one finger over her lips to silence her. His face was serious, and he sighed before speaking. His hair, too short now to get in his way anymore, only rustled in the whipping wind.

"Shh..." He slowly let his hand fall back, "Rose, trust me." He saw her smile at his words, and he knew that there would never be a moment more perfect than this. Rose looked radiant and happy--her hair was flying like a halo, all around her shoulders, and the sleeveless blue dress she wore set off her porcelain skin beautifully.

"Moment of truth, Dawson. Your life is about to change for better or for worse," Jack thought to himself, bracing his heart one last time. It was now or never.

Rose had sobered, and her eyes were waiting patiently for him to speak.

"Rose, I saw this in an old, old movie once. And I've always wanted to do it." Rose grinned with delight at his words, seeing some of that familiar light and mischief in his blue eyes. But still, she didn't quite understand what he meant. Those same eyes were filled with such love, such hope, and she could even sense some anticipation on his part. It wasn't until she saw him reach inside his pocket that any of it registered.

In a split second, there was a deafening silence pounding on her ears, the air whirling uncontrollably, blurring her vision. It seemed to take hours for Jack to produce a small square box. Rose gasped silently, her hand moving to her chest. Jack's head darted up, and immediately she transferred to him a look of both understanding, and happiness.

She held her breath as Jack slowly opened the tiny box and it was only when its contents were finally visible to her did a sound escape from her throat. An almost noiseless shriek. Rose gripped Jack's shoulder to steady herself, not trusting herself to maintain her balance.

Her emotional equilibrium was off kilter too. She had expected Jack to propose sometime in the future, but not today and not with that ring.

"Oh my God, Jack. It's the ring we saw in Florence. How did you ever...oh, Jack." She let her finger flutter in front of him anxious now to see how it would look on her hand.

"Rose, just wait a minute." A smile crinkled around his eyes as he watched Rose's unabashed enthusiasm. "You've got to let me say my part. Remember?" he said, his golden voice rippling with laughter. He set the box on the bench next to her and took her hand firmly in his and looked steadily into her eyes, silently willing her not to look away.

Jack cleared his throat and let his mind tumble with all the fancy words he had thought of this morning. The vision of himself before the mirror this morning, rehearsing a formal speech, seemed totally out of place now. In the end he decided to just be himself. Rose would like it better that way. "Rose, since we met, you are all I have been able to think about. And when I look into my future I see only you with me." Her warm, understanding smile gave him the courage to go on. "So, Rose...I want you to be my wife, Rose. I...I want you to marry me. Say yes, Rose. I love you."

With tears of joy streaming down her face she tried to speak, but her answer came out a hoarse and almost inaudible "yes". Rose had always imagined how she would react if Jack ever proposed and she never dreamt that she would be shaking and practically speechless.

She thought that she would be jumping and screaming at the top of her lungs.

But the moment seemed so serious, so reverent, that the stillness around them seemed more appropriate. Poor Jack looked as nervous as she felt. Between the two of them there didn't seem to be a dry eye or steady hand.

She watched Jack, who with unaccustomed clumsiness, fumbled and then pulled the sparkling ring from its velvet cushion. Now she knew why his mind had seemed elsewhere at lunch and why he had been checking his jacket pocket all morning. Rose held out her hand and shivered with excitement as Jack slipped the ring onto her finger.

The small circle of silver slid smoothly onto the third finger of her left hand, impeded slightly by the clamminess of Jack's hand. When it was in place, he lifted her hand to his mouth, as he had done on their first date, and planted a tender kiss on her fingertips.

He looked at her with an unwavering stare that was filled with love.

"Jack," she whispered. "I love you, Jack. I never dreamed or imagined that this was going to happen now." With her free hand she wiped the moisture away from her eyes, overwhelmed by the electricity in his touch. Her heart was thudding and her pulse was pounding. Jack had totally blown her senses away today.

In one smooth motion, Jack slid onto the bench next to Rose and wrapped his arm around her, while still holding her hand. He leaned into her so that their cheeks were touching.

The smell of the perfume that she had used since they first met was like an intoxicant to him, that and the feel of her soft tendrils brushing against his face. Now that he had gotten over the actual proposal, he felt suddenly relieved and all he wanted to do was to hold and kiss Rose.

"You whispered your answer, Rose. But say it. Tell me again."

His warm breath tingled in her ear as he spoke. How on earth could he expect her to speak when she was almost paralyzed by his nearness?

"Tell me, Rose," he demanded, softly.

As she spoke the words he so desired, she felt Jack gather her tightly in his arms and pull her snugly against him. She buried her face in his neck as he kissed first her hair, her forehead and then forced her out of her hiding place. With the firm touch of his lips on hers, she felt a spiral of passion sweep through her, like she had never known before. All of it caused by the fact that she knew now that forever she and Jack would belong to each other.

When they reluctantly moved apart, Rose studied the face of the man she loved so much.

"Jack," she asked, gazing into his eyes that reflected the color of herring, "how did you get this ring? I was with you all the time."

Jack threw his head back and chuckled heartily, as he traced circles on her chin with his thumb. "Maybe you were so sick that you don't remember. But there was that one afternoon, the day before we left for home. You had that bad headache and you needed to lay down."

She stared at him in amazement, not really recalling too much of the afternoon. "I know you were there when I went to sleep and you were there when I woke up. I just thought, guessed that you had been there the whole time."

"Well, now you know. You do like it, don't you?" he asked earnestly. "I wanted you to be surprised."

Rose looked down at the ring and then up at Jack. "Like it? I love it, Jack. I…I just can't believe it." She looked thoughtful for a moment as if not wanting to break the mood of their happiness. "We'll need to tell Mother. She's sure to notice the ring and..."

"Don't worry, Rose. She already knows and she thinks it's wonderful. She said she is looking forward to seeing the ring. I didn't want anyone to see it before you."

She shook her head in disbelief. If anyone had told her a year ago that she would begetting engaged to someone like Jack and that her mother approved of everything, and that she would have this beautiful ring, she would have thought them mad.

Now besides her love for Jack, the only thing she felt was a sensation of total peace and satisfaction.

Jack grinned from ear to ear, sensing her happiness. He reached forward once again to kiss her, but was interrupted by the sounds of laughter coming towards them.

Approaching them was a group of about twenty people that appeared to be a wedding ensemble. In addition to the bride and groom, there was the bridal party, some assorted family members and friends and the photographer.

He stood quickly, pulling Rose up with him. "Popular place, huh?" He winked at her, knowing that they would always share the memory of these precious few moments in this beautiful garden. "Maybe we should do that, when we get married. Have some pictures right here?" Jack nodded his head in the direction of the bower they were just leaving.

Married. He had said the words, he had proposed, but to Rose everything sank in at last when he said the words 'married.' A wedding. They had to plan a wedding.

"Oh my God, Jack. Yes, that would be wonderful. But there's so much to do." She brushed the side of her head with her hand as Jack led her along back to his car. "It takes time to plan a wedding. And Mother will want..."

He smiled as Rose suddenly started rattling off all of the requirements for a wedding.

Much as he would have preferred to just take her away alone somewhere and get married privately, he knew he owed Ruth and Rose the honor of planning a wedding that every mother dreams of.

Rose blushed when the bridal party passed them, somehow feeling that the whole world suddenly knew their secret. She felt Jack's eyes on her and she glanced up at him from down-turned eyes. He had made this day so special for her. It was one that she would never forget. How could anyone be so lucky as to get a degree and an engagement ring in one day? But Jack had made it possible for her. She only hoped that she could make their wedding day as special for him. Wedding day.

"Jack, we need to pick a wedding date. There is so much to do. We have to get started right away." She pulled him to a stop under a beautiful flowering plum tree. As she studied the man before her, she was filled with a happiness that she wondered if any other people had ever felt. Surely only Jack and herself were capable of knowing a love as intense as theirs.

"A wedding date?" Jack seemed surprised for a moment that they had to settle that little detail right this minute. All he needed to do to convince himself of that necessity was to examine the inner excitement that was illuminating Rose's face. Of course they would pick a date. And Ruth would want to know as well. "What do you think would be good?" he asked, knowing that Rose would know better than he how much time it took to accomplish the many things involved in organizing a wedding.

She held his hands in hers and stepped back, leaning her head up towards the trees. "I'm thinking," she giggled. In her head she made some quick calculations and suddenly she had an answer for Jack. "How about the Saturday before Thanksgiving?"

Hoping that day would please him too.

Jack answered with a satisfied look in his eyes, that it would be a perfect time for a wedding. "I can take off the Monday and Tuesday of that week. That would give us eight days for a honeymoon. Not long enough for all the things I have planned, but..." Rose glowed with happiness at his response. Eyeing him seductively she asked just what he had planned.

Without warning, he pulled her into his arms so that her head rested comfortably against his shoulder. He bent his head against her softly curling hair, drinking in the smell of Rose and the garden around them. The warm afternoon breeze picked up sending a blizzard of light pink blossoms cascading around them. Laughingly he gently picked them out of Rose's hair, as she dusted his tanned face with delicate kisses.

"A perfect ending to our afternoon, wouldn't you say?" he said, his heart racing as he looked into her emerald eyes. There was a teasing expression that he could not quite understand. "Anything else about the wedding?"

Rose cocked her head to the side and stared at Jack with a smile on her face. She put her finger on the tiny goatee covering his chin. "Well," she began in a flirtatious tone of voice, "there is one condition to marrying you, after all."

Jack gulped and frowned at this unexpected turn of events. "What?" he asked, his mind spinning with confusion. He relaxed only slightly when he saw a brilliant smile on her face.

"That," she giggled, tapping the goatee. "That has to go before the wedding."

His heart started beating again when he realized what a small request she was making.

Jack pulled his hands down on his face so they stopped at his chin.

"Doesn't make me look like a famous artist?" he asked somewhat disappointedly.

The smile on Rose's face was brighter than the sun overhead, so overjoyed was she with the events of today. "Uh-uh. The only famous artist I want you to look like is you." Rose stood up on her tiptoes and kissed Jack soundly as another cascade of flowers showered them with their fragrant petals.

Chapter Thirteen
Stories