TEARS IN HEAVEN
Chapter Thirteen
August 12, 2005
"So, what are you and Jack doing for
your anniversary?" Fabrizio asked, as he helped Rose move the last box
into the kids' new playroom.
Rose wiped a curl out of her face and ran her
hand over her stomach. She was six months along now, and happier then ever. For
the first time since their first anniversary, she and Jack would be together.
"My brother's going to take the kids. We're just going to spend the day at
home, I guess. He hasn't really said anything. But I'm sure he has something
planned."
Fabrizio shook his head. "He's been
going crazy. I never imagined any guy, let alone him, go so crazy over his
wedding anniversary. He sure loves you."
Rose smiled. "He's always been like
that. Anniversaries, birthdays...he always plans something special. And every
year it's more extravagant than the last."
"He's pretty excited about having
another baby, huh?"
"Yeah. He wants to be involved in every
aspect of their lives. It hurt him so much to miss the early stuff of Josh and
the twins' lives."
"So this was his idea?"
"Yep."
"What are you two yapping about down
here?" Jack asked, coming down the stairs.
Rose smiled and kissed him lightly. "Oh,
nothing. Just discussing our plans to run away together."
Jack shook his head. "I should've known.
And so close to our anniversary. How will I ever explain this to people?"
Fabrizio rolled his eyes. "In that case,
she's all yours. No offense."
Rose smiled as Jack's arms came around her.
"None taken. You guys get some work done. I'll go get dinner started. You
staying tonight, Fabri?"
"Yeah. Count me in."
"Okay. I'll call you when its
done." And with that, she disappeared up the stairs.
*****
After dinner, Jack walked Fabrizio outside
while Rose finished giving the kids their baths. "Is everything set for
this weekend?"
Fabrizio nodded. "Yeah. You're sure
she'll agree with this?"
"I know Rose. She's going to love this.
Did Ruth get the cake and everything settled?"
"Yeah. She needs you to get the figurine
or whatever. The after party is set. Have you talked to the church guy?"
"Yep. He'll be here on Thursday. Rose
will know by then, so it'll all work."
"All right. Well, I'm going to get
going. Ma's expecting me."
"I'll see you tomorrow, then."
"Later, Jack."
"Bye, Fabri."
August 14, 2005
"Come on, Rosie. It's time to get
up..." Jack whispered, poking her side. Rose grumbled and pulled the
blanket over her head. "Rosie," he sang, pulling the blanket off her
head.
Rose opened one eye and glared at him.
"What could you possibly want at this ungodly hour?"
Jack chuckled. "Ungodly hour? It's
almost one in the afternoon."
"Why didn't you say so!" Rose
exclaimed, sitting up.
Jack rolled his eyes and leaned in for a
kiss. Rose deepened it, moaning when he pushed her back down on the bed. It was
some time before Jack pulled back, laughing. "I think baby Dawson is
wishing us a happy anniversary."
Rose sighed. "Baby Dawson kept Mommy
Dawson up half the night with its incessant kicking."
Jack moved behind her and started massaging
her shoulders. "You complain and complain, but we all know you love being
pregnant."
Rose smiled. "I do. I just don't enjoy
being kept up all night. You know me. I need my sleep."
"Or you turn into the Wicked Witch of
the West."
Rose slugged Jack in the shoulder.
"Watch it, mister. You're riding on a fine line."
Jack grinned and laid his head on her
shoulder. "Why don't you go shower? I'll make you some breakfast."
"You're too good to me," Rose said,
kissing him and then heading into the bathroom.
*****
A few hours later, the two were relaxing in
the living room, watching some random romantic comedy on TV. Rose sighed
happily and looked up at her husband. He smiled down at her and glanced at the
clock. "Hey, I want to give you your gift now."
"Jack, you give me too much."
"Nonsense. Besides, it's our
anniversary. Stay here. I'll be right back."
"All right."
Jack got up, went down to his studio, and
came back with a few wrapped boxes. He sat down on the floor and helped Rose
down next to him. "Open this one first."
Rose took the box from him and shook it
curiously. "What is it?"
Jack shook his head. "Just open
it."
Rose grinned and ripped the paper off it.
Inside the box was a gorgeous white cashmere sweater she had been wanting for
months. She looked up at him excitedly. "I can't believe you
remembered!"
Jack grinned. "I remember everything you
say. And I saw the look on your face when you saw it."
Rose threw her arms around him. "Thank
you."
"There's more. Here."
Rose opened the next box to reveal a simple
gold chain with a diamond shaped JR intertwined hanging from it. "Oh,
Jack..." Rose gasped, taking it out of the box. "This must've cost a
fortune."
"You deserve millions, Rosie. I'd pay
anything to make you happy."
"You don't have to. You're the only
thing that can do that."
Jack gave her a goofy grin. "I got one
more thing." Standing, he helped her up. "Sit on the couch."
Rose eyed him suspiciously. "What are
you doing?"
Flashing her a sheepish smile, he took her
hand and reached into his back pocket. Then he knelt down in front of Rose, who
had a mystified look on her face and trying not to laugh at the same time.
"Rose...four years ago I asked you to be
my wife, and you made me the happiest guy in the world by agreeing to do so.
Today, it's been exactly four years since you became an official part of me. We
both know that we've gone through hell since then, so I'm asking you to do it
again. Rose, will you marry me?"
Rose's mouth dropped open. "Are you
serious?"
Jack nodded and opened the box he was
holding. A gold ring with a small diamond resided there. "We deserve it,
Rosie. Today will always be our anniversary, but I want us to renew our vows.
The past three years, we've had to push those vows to the extreme. We owe it to
ourselves to do this."
Rose broke into a huge smile and embraced
him. "Of course I will."
Jack grinned. "Whew. This weekend, us,
our kids, and two hundred of our closest friends will meet us at Saint Joe's.
Then we'll make our way over to Sam and Helga's for our reception. Then next
weekend, my grandmother will take the kids while we go spend four
days--alone--in Hawaii."
Rose's eyes grew wide. "Wow...you
planned all that?"
"Yeah. I had a little help from
everyone, though. Your mom had your dress copied so you'll have something to
wear. We're doing the whole deal. All our friends and family are coming in
Wednesday and Thursday."
Rose shook her had. "You're amazing, you
know that?"
"Why don't you come here and let me show
you just how amazing I really am?" Jack teased.
Rose rolled her eyes and allowed herself to
drown in his love.