ANOTHER CHANCE
Chapter Thirteen
Christmas 1912
Rose sat reflecting
on what had happened over the past eight months. She enjoyed her work. Cal was
a decent employer and landlord. He had decided to deduct the rent directly from
her pay, so she wouldn't have to bother paying him every month. And he had been
known to slip the occasional bonus into her paycheck. She hated to admit it,
but she actually liked him. It was like Caledon Hockley had died and another,
better man stood in his place.
He came in.
"Merry Christmas." He held out a box. "For you."
She opened it
slowly. Inside was a dress. It was identical to the one she had worn when she
had been flying.
"Thank you. It
brings back memories."
"Good
ones?"
"The best
memories I've ever had." A sharp pain ripped through Rose's stomach. She
knew exactly what it was. "Cal, the baby's coming!"
"Dear God,
I've got to get you to a hospital!"
He took her to the
car, guiding her with his hand. He sped to the hospital. He brought Rose to the
front desk.
"This lady is
having a baby!"
Rose was strapped
to a gurney. "Can I accompany her?" Cal asked.
The receptionist
appeared indecisive. "He can come," Rose said, gritting her teeth.
Rose was laid down on a bed in the delivery room. Her head was swimming. She
heard people telling her to push, but they sounded distant. Then she saw Jack.
"Rose, come
on. You can do it."
She didn't doubt
Jack, but everything was fading away.
Then she heard Cal's
voice. "Rose, I know I've done a lot of things that I shouldn't have.
Hitting you. Framing Jack. Don't leave, Rose." He started crying.
"Give me another chance. I love you."
She was fully aware
now. He loved her. That's why he had helped her so much. That's why he was here
now.
"I love you.
You have another chance." She sat up slightly and gave him a soft kiss.
Two hours later,
Jack Michael and Rose Nicole Dawson came into the world.