NEW IMPRESSIONS
Chapter Fifteen

A whirl of laughter circled Rose's head, accompanied by the soft sound of champagne being poured and the strings of music that floated from the tent where the quartet was situated. She let out a deep breath and smiled as several cheerful guests passed her. She lifted her own glass to her lips, watching with delight as the photographer attempted to position Ruth and her sister beside a large potted plant. Rose's Aunt Sarah, who was almost ten years younger than Ruth, was powdering her face and trying to speak hurriedly with her husband at the same time. As she usually did with her younger sibling, Ruth appeared a little annoyed. Amused, Rose shook her head. She and Jack had already posed for their pictures, and really all that was left was a group photo, which they would line everyone up for in about five minutes.

Rose gasped as she felt a strong, warm hand take hold of her arm, and her champagne flute shuddered slightly from the sudden movement. Her heart jumped only once before she realized who was behind her, and then a brilliant smile met her lips. "Jack, what on earth are you doing?" Rose laughed as she turned to face him and followed helplessly as he led her to a secluded spot in the garden, hidden by a cluster of wisteria bushes. She watched as he grinned and checked each side of him once. He let go of her hands and reached for something in his front pocket, as Rose stood baffled. There was a sparkle of both mischief and excitement in his eyes, and his wide hands seemed to fumble as they produced a slim manila envelope.

"Jack? What is that?" Rose spoke rather loudly, forgetting that there must have been some reason for Jack to bring her to such an isolated place. She giggled and covered her mouth, "Sorry."

"Rose..." Jack pretended exasperation, but smiled and quickly leaned closer. Several branches rustled as he hurried to open the envelope. His heart was racing, jumping almost ahead of his mind. Any common sense in the world told him to wait on this, to make sure everything was final before he raised Rose's hopes too high. His wild inhibitions just won him over sometimes, and he didn't think that she minded that in the least. He spoke in a hushed whisper, not able to control the unabashed smile on his face. "I was going to wait and give this to you when I got the final word...after we got back from Hawaii, but I just couldn't wait. It's your gift Rose...read it."

Rose reached for the thin, stapled packet he offered her, a look of curiosity shining on her flushed cheeks. She stared at him for a moment, lost in the luminosity of his eyes and the love radiating from his face. Her pulse was quickened just being near him, feeling the warmth and the safety of his breath so close. She opened her mouth as if to speak, but instead looked down unto the fresh white pages in her hands. It was dim, as the sunlight was partially blocked by the foliage around them. But she could just make out the insignia of the real estate agency they'd used to look for houses last month, since Jack's lease on his townhouse would expire this winter. Still confused, Rose held her breath, straining her eyes to read. She looked up at Jack very suddenly, a look of recognition and happiness in her eyes. "Is this the one near that park Jack?"

He nodded, reaching to point at the document she still held. It was the preliminary paperwork for purchasing a house near the city. A house that Rose had absolutely fallen in love with a few weeks earlier. Jack knew she would be pleased, and he was completely satisfied with the look of wonder reading on her features.

Rose swallowed and smiled, blinking to try and collect her thoughts. Once she had, she glanced upwards to an expectant Jack. "I just can't believe this...I thought the price was too high...how..."

Jack laughed, moving his arm around her shoulders, and kissed her forehead gently. "I worked it out...as of yesterday, they were eager to sell. I think the owner was offered a job somewhere in the east...and she had to move fast.

So what do you think?"

Rose let a tiny squeal escape her lips and pulled him closer, realizing just what this meant. "Oh, Jack, it's wonderful...it's perfect..." She closed her eyes, visualizing the stone and brick split-level home they spoke of. It was set on a small hill in quiet neighborhood only minutes from her office, offering a clear view of the nearby park. There was a beautiful garden out back, as well as a paved courtyard that she adored. Rose could already imagine them living there--in fact, she had the moment she stepped inside--but then it had been out of their reach. Now, it looked as though her dream might come true. She turned her face, unable to control her joy as she kissed Jack repeatedly, whispering thank yous over and over.

*****

"They were just here a minute ago. Jack? Rose?" Seth scanned the reception area searching for the missing bride and groom. Knowing those two, Seth was not surprised that they had disappeared. But he had not expected them to take refuge from the party so soon. There was a muffled giggle a few feet away behind some flowering bushes. He turned quickly and with a closer look he saw a cloud of white that could be only one thing. Rose's veil. Seth cast his eyes upward, still in a state of disbelief that the quiet, unassuming Jack had turned into the kind of Romeo one only read about in romance novels. Apparently married life was already agreeing with his friend quite well.

As if speaking to himself he muttered a few well-chosen words that were sure to get the attention of the bride and groom. "Well, I am sure that the guests won't MIND going home without the wedding cake." He stood where he was and cleared his throat loudly, hoping that his friends would reappear. His patience was rewarded when a sheepish looking Jack and a blushing Rose stepped out from the protection of the bushes. "Hey, guys. You don't want to miss the best part do you?" Seth chuckled, thinking that this was a humorous payback to the day when Jack had stunned him with the discovery that he was dating Rose.

Jack grasped Rose's hand and faced his tormentor. "Okay, Townsend. We're even," he said, pulling a giggling Rose after him.

The gorgeous white confection stood in the middle of the patio. Decorated with white buttercream roses and a sugared wedding bell at the top, it clearly was the most beautiful cake that Rose had ever seen. This was the one detail that the caterers had been left to choose. Rose had only told them what she did not want. And if she had picked it herself, she could not have done a better job.

Rose glanced over at the photographer who was waiting to record the traditional cake cutting. She smiled at her mother who was beaming and at Aunt Helen who was pointing to something on the cake table. Rose wrinkled her forehead as she strained to her what the woman was saying.

"The cake knife, Rose. Every Dawson bride has used it. I wanted to surprise the two of you. You know, so you could carry on the tradition." Helen stood grinning from ear to ear. With a look on her face that reminded Rose very much of a mischievous Jack, she went on. "Maybe your children will use it too."

Rose could feel the flush on her face and she nodded happily to Aunt Helen. Children. She and Jack had talked about children. It was something that both of them wanted very much. And hopefully in about twenty-five years, she and Jack would be the proud parents of a bride or groom. Today, however, was their day and Rose was determined now to soak up the aura of happiness and love that surrounded Jack and herself. She felt goosebumps on her arm as Jack put his hand around her waist, reminding her that they still had a few duties to attend to as bride and groom. Before they knew it, these hours would be but a memory.

While the waitress was instructing Jack on where to make the first cut on the cake, Rose was momentarily fast-forwarding to their honeymoon and the special plans she had made to surprise Jack. A moonlight carriage ride, a sunset dinner on a catamaran and a picnic lunch at the hotel's secluded beach, reserved exclusively for the use of honeymooners. To be alone with Jack was an out of this world feeling, but in the romantic setting of Maui, it would truly be a trip to paradise.

"Ready, Rose?" Jack held out the elaborate silver knife that Aunt Helen had decorated with white ribbon and lilies of the valley. He looked down at his wife, now counting the seconds until he could have her all to himself. For a brief instant, the wedding picture of his parents floated before his eyes. He had finally come to terms with their untimely deaths and now felt that somehow they knew of his happiness and the love he shared with this remarkable woman.

"I'm ready." Slowly she slid her hand up his wrist and together they firmly cut down through the thick icing and moist cake. Quickly the waitress wedged a cake server under the piece and maneuvered it to a plate.

"You first, Jack." Rose fluttered her eyes seductively as she broke off small piece of the wedding cake. She held it up to his mouth, careful that her fingers were well coated with icing. Jack opened his mouth--a feat made difficult because he was laughing so hard. Somehow he managed to swallow his piece, then with a more serious expression on his face, took Rose's hand in his, winked at her and took a gentle lick of her frosting covered finger.

Rose's heart lurched at this intimate touch and fought hard to control the feelings of desire that he had ignited. Perhaps she had been a little too bold, but the guests applauded and laughed happily among themselves, as Rose and Jack were lost in their own little world.

"Your turn, Mrs. Dawson."

Jack's soft voice and the use of her new name almost sent Rose's knees buckling under her. She wondered if every bride felt this way on her wedding day, or if it was having Jack as the groom that sent her mind spinning wildly every time he spoke to her or touched her. Somehow, she felt sure it must be the later. No one could be as lucky as she was.

Obediently, she forced her mouth open. Her attention was not on the cake, but rather on Jack's eyes, which now matched the color of the blue Pacific they would soon be flying over. As if by the pure will of his look, she managed to swallow the chocolatey crumbs. Before she had time to think about anything else, she felt the warmth of his lips on hers and the pressure of his hands around her waist. His mouth broke away from hers and she tingled with excitement as he whispered in her ear.

"These people must think we are totally depraved, Rose. What do you think?"

She could feel his rapid breathing, thankful that there was only one more part of the reception left. Their wedding dance. Already she could hear the scraping of music stands and the flutter of sheet music.

"I believe, Jack Dawson, that they are probably insanely jealous. As to what I think?" She arched her head back and studied her handsome husband. "I think this is the best wedding I have ever been too." She traced his jaw with her finger thoughtfully. "And that I have the most wonderful husband in the world."

Only minutes later, Rose watched in slow motion as Jack engaged in a short conversation with the musicians under the tent. She saw him nod his head in affirmation and then give a thumbs up sign to the amused quartet. The violinist lifted his bow, and before she quite knew what was happening, Rose was in Jack's strong arms once again. Mystified, she took his hand as she moved closer to him, her heart pounding as she anticipated their very first dance together as husband and wife. Her senses were exploding with thick emotion, as she peered over Jack's solid shoulder to study the crowd that had gathered around them. The gentle scent of his cologne mingled with the bright, smiling faces--one of which was filled with immense pride. Rose made eye contact with her mother as the music slowly began. There was a slight movement of Ruth's chin, and then her lips silently formed one word from across the brick patio, meant only for her daughter.

"Congratulations."

Rose allowed her gaze to rest there only one split second, before her ears became aware of the tune being played. Jack had begged to pick the song for their wedding dance on his own, and even then he had refused to reveal the title of the one he had chosen. Now all Rose could do was smile to herself, closing her eyes and shaking her head slightly in disbelief and pure contentment. She knew now that nothing could ever be more perfect than this moment.

The soft chords of 'As Time Goes By' wafted through the garden, the familiar tune recognizable to probably everyone. Rose heard the whisperings and shufflings of their guests, but knew that no one--not even Ruth--would understand the special meaning that this classic song held for her and Jack. Rose took a deep breath, allowing all other noise to fade--until all she knew was the warmth of Jack's tight embrace and the music that meant so much to them.

Had it really been over a year ago when she had stolen her first real glance of Jack at the screening of Casablanca? With him, time held no meaning. She only hoped that it would stand still for them, so she could savor the feeling of this dance forever.

"Jack, it's perfect." She raised her head slightly to catch his eye, smiling at the adorable expression on his face. She ran her palm over his, her feet moving at their own silent will along with his. "Are you surprised?" His mouth moved to her ear, where his subtle whispers made her knees utterly weak. She grasped his shoulders, running her cheek along the collar of his suit. Rose found herself praying with all her might, that Jack's touch would always bring her this same pleasure and comfort. Somehow she was already assured that it would indeed.

"Not really. You always know what will be right." Rose spoke just as Jack tilted his face, forcing her head upwards so his lips could touch hers. She felt the world rapidly receding as they kissed, her heart beating in unison with the love she felt inside--oblivious to the gawking guests--many of whom were teary-eyed at this tender scene. When Jack's lips broke away from hers, she felt his body begin to move to the rhythm of the music. A barely audible chuckle escaped from him, "They're all watching us Rose."

Rose grinned and nodded, her green eyes shining like he had never seen before. "So let them. It's never stopped us before." Jack watched with affection as Rose reached to remove the confining veil from her head. She dropped the delicate item haphazardly at their feet, not caring where it landed. She allowed the tiny pins that had held her hair to fall along with it, and one quick flip of her shoulders revealed the loose mane of red that he was used to. She danced even closer to him, moving her hands to his back. Jack laughed heartily, barely able to answer her as he eagerly threaded his fingers through her glorious strands of copper.

"No, no it never has. You know Rose," he lifted his forehead as if he were about to say something important. He lowered his voice, and his words sounded slightly hoarse, as if they were caught inside his throat, "I never really thought I could be this happy."

Rose stared at him with a smile of wonder. She could feel a slight blush heating her face as she studied Jack. Just as she opened her mouth to speak, a loud and ominous clap of thunder echoed in the sky above them. Rose's face fell, but she noticed that Jack did not falter in the least. Even when she spotted the first telltale drops falling along his shoulder, he only smiled. She eyed him playfully, momentarily distracted from their dance as the tapping sounds of feet and the grumbles of frustrated guests hurried around them like a small herd of cattle. For just a moment, it seemed like the ending to their perfect wedding would actually turn into a disaster. The rain was really falling now, leaving streaks of water down Jack's face and her own. The potted plants and vines that decorated the patio were whipping violently in the increasing ocean wind. Saddened, she gently took Jack's hand, attempting to lead him under the awning where everyone else had sought refuge.

But he wouldn't move. Rose smiled again as Jack shook his head just once--as if to say that absolutely nothing could ruin this for them. And how could she even have believed that a few raindrops would stain such an amazing moment, such a beautiful day? Jack wouldn't hear of it.

"Nothing can spoil today Rose...nothing." He was yelling over the rain as he reached to run a hand through his dampened hair. Jack looked so alive and so...well, maybe there wasn't a word to describe it. With an exquisitely charming motion, he stretched his arm to twirl her once, his grin so contagious that she couldn't help but laugh. Somewhere behind her was the vague calling from Ruth--something about the dress ruining in the rain--but Rose was much too mesmerized to give it any thought. She was surprised to hear that the musicians were still playing, their instruments somewhat drowned by the constant motion of the shower.

Rose shook out her dripping hair, beaming wildly as the tepid water continued to beat down upon them. She felt Jack enclose her tightly into the circle of his arms. Despite the cool droplets and their soaked clothes, she somehow felt extremely warm. There was laughter, clapping, from behind, but all of her attention focused on Jack as his cheek ran along hers, sending goosebumps across her arms. She sighed, repeating his name again and again. Their lips found each other blindly, joining in what Rose was sure was the sweetest kiss they had ever shared. She closed her eyes and rested her head along his chest, content to hear the pounding of the rain and the lovely strains of music that seemed to prevail every few seconds. From nowhere came Jack's soft, husky voice in her ear, singing the words to the song they knew so well. And it was true--so true.

"And the world will always welcome lovers...as time...goes by..."

Epilogue
Stories