CHANCE ENCOUNTER
Chapter Six

The fresh, crisp smell of the opened suitcase flowed through the room, and Rose glanced around her, making sure she was really alone for a few minutes. Somehow she had managed to convince Agnes that she had gone downstairs for coffee, and had only been gone about fifteen minutes. Surprisingly, the older woman had readily believed her, with only a briefly suspicious glare, probably because she has just been waking up. Now Agnes was in the bathroom, and would probably be for the next half-hour.

Rose stifled a giggle as she thought about all she had managed to do this morning, without being caught. But then again, she realized, she was an adult, capable of leaving and returning at any time she pleased. It just seemed so strange, after hovering under the Calverts for six months. Going to Cedar Rapids...that had been the initial mistake. But what baffled her so much was that if she hadn't been here, in Chicago, at that museum, would she have still found Jack again?

"It doesn't matter, Rose. He's here now." She whispered softly to herself, smiling, and walked over to the closet, where several of her dresses hung. Her thoughts ran to all the future now held. Finally, she would be able to return to her existence with Jack. One full of excitement and unpredictability. She felt the tendency to throw everything she needed in the case, quickly and brashly. But since she had hours until Jack would come along, Rose decided to take her time. Maxwell was obviously out for the morning, and she might as well use this time wisely.

She tucked several strands of hair behind her ears, as she leaned down to open the heavy drawers of the cherry wood dresser. She would take everything she had brought for this trip- after all, they had only planned to stay a week. There was so much she would be leaving in her little room back in Cedar Rapids. Her photographs, her books; all the memories of her life in California. So much she would love to be able to share with Jack.

Under the light of the vanity, she cupped her makeup and perfume in her hands, searching for something to put it all in. She turned around, hearing a rustle at the door. She immediately dropped the contents of her hands unto the bed, her mouth opening slightly as if to say something. But words were hard to find. Standing stiffly and sternly in the doorway was Maxwell Calvert, his lips set in a firm line. Rose felt her heart tense with nervousness, and she took several hesitant steps toward him. Swallowing, she finally spoke. "Maxwell...I thought you were out. I..."

But he held his hand up, motioning for her silence. He eyed the open suitcase on the bed, already half full, and Rose's belongings spread all over the dresser and nightstand. He cleared his throat, pretending to glance at his pocket watch. He then watched Rose's anxious expression, and if he was seeing right, there was a little fear in there as well. He relaxed, feeling guilty for making her uncomfortable, and inclined his head towards her packing.

"Going somewhere?" He chuckled lightly, but the serious look in his eye told Rose that his remark was anything but a joke. The lines in his face told of his age, but also of his wisdom. She stepped toward the door, closing her eyes once for strength.

"I think....I think we need to talk. I know we do." Rose nodded to herself, waiting for his reaction. His eyes were clouded over, but their true sincerity shone through. Still, that look was always present- the look that made her feel as if she were almost inferior, or naive. She saw an almost imperceptible motion of his chin, as if he was confirming something he already knew. Always the disciplined gentleman, Maxwell waited for Rose to exit the room first, following her. He saw her shoulders shaking slightly, and like so many times before, the inclination that she kept something so deeply inside her was surfacing. There had always been a certain mystery about Rose Dawson- something that made her special. And until now, something that had made her sad. Somehow Maxwell knew that had changed. His gaze ran to her hand, which now seemed rather bare. Remembering for just a second what should be there, he paused. Rose counted the ticks of a nearby clock, praying furtively that all this would be resolved in just a few minutes. She glanced up at Maxwell with determination, and with just a hint of apology in her soft voice, she started walking. "This way?"

Her red curls billowed as she turned into the sitting rooms, and gracefully, she checked to make sure he was still close behind. And then there was only the click of the door as it shut slowly.

Maxwell crossed the room and stood with his back to her, pretending that his interest lie with the traffic on the street below, instead of with the woman in the room with him. Inside, he knew just where Rose was going, and who she was going with. Indeed, he had always known that she would never really be a part of him. For even had their marriage taken place, they would be like two planets each circling their own solar system with little more than a last name connecting them. He had first befriended her, then proposed and now in a few short weeks, they were to marry. Rose was intelligent and lovely and he now silently berated himself, for perhaps if he had given her more credit for the former, they would have had a better chance at a real relationship. Maybe if he had not been so formal, so conscious of the fact that he was older. He shook his head. Too late. She was going. He should have suspected it since that afternoon at the museum.

Maxwell cleared his throat and slowly turned to face Rose. She looked so fragile in her light summer dress, but he suspected, no, he knew, that inside Rose had a steely resilience to get through what life put in front of her. Somewhere she had faced something awful. And it had something to do with that Jack fellow. Of that he was sure. Her whole demeanor had changed the instant she had seen him. Friends she had told him. He would like to think so, but the look that day from Jack gave Maxwell all the information he needed. A look that told Maxwell that he was treading on his territory. A look that said Rose was his. He had just not wanted to face the facts.

“Rose?” Maxwell hated to make this seem like the inquisition. “Would you like to explain things to me? About where you are going?” He spoke in a soft voice. After all he was not really angry with the girl, just surprised that it really all over between them. “It’s something to do with that boy, isn’t it.”

Rose grimaced as Maxwell used the words “that boy.” Her mother had said that. “I don’t want you to see that boy again.” Just one of the many scathing remarks her mother had made concerning Jack. She was not going to tolerate it again.

“You mean Jack?” said Rose, with a touch of frost in her voice?

Maxwell nodded. He motioned to Rose to sit on the sofa and he sat there next to her. “Rose, I’m not angry. I just need to know. Were you going to leave and not tell me?" Gently he prodded her for information.

“Maxwell? Are you in there?” Aggie pushed open the door of the sitting room. “Aha, there she is,” she said pointing to Rose. “She’s trying to leave, you know. Probably has your watch and money packed all ready.” She gave Rose an accusing look.

Maxwell stood up and walked over to his sister. “Aggie, shut up.”

Aggie’s glasses toppled off her nose. “You can’t talk to your older sister like that.” Her shrill voice was rising in pitch with every word she said.

He took her by the shoulders and pushed her back into the bedroom. “I can and I will.”

Rose bit her lip, suppressing a smile. She had never seen Maxwell challenge his sister before.

“Rose and I are having a private conversation and you are not invited. Do you understand? I do not want to be interrupted.”

Aggie turned just as Maxwell pulled the door firmly shut. “You mark my……” Her words were lost behind the closed door.

“I’m sorry Rose. I’m afraid that Aggie has not been very good for our relationship. What were you saying?” he asked in a kindly tone.

Rose looked at her hands, busy twisting a hanky. She drew in a deep breath. “No, Maxwell. I was going to tell you. I’m not going for a little while and I thought you were out. I…I’m sorry it has to be this way. But I can’t live a lie.” Bravely she raised her eyes to meet his. The strength of what she felt for Jack gave her the conviction to go on. “I love Jack. I’ve always loved him.” She dragged the hanky across the corner of her eye.

Maxwell was now truly confused. If she had always loved him, why had they been apart. Why had Rose been alone in California? “Did he leave you for someone else once?” Maxwell could not contain his curiosity. And if that was the kind of person this Jack was, maybe he should be protecting Rose. He felt his heart twist as he watched Rose bury her head in her hands, her story coming out in muffled sobs.

“Oh God, I hate talking about this again. I thought it was over.” She sniffled and tried to compose herself. But just thinking the word Titanic sent shivers of ice through her blood.

“Rose? What is it? What could possibly be that bad?” Maxwell’s experience in life had been boring and safe. He had never taken any chances and had never suffered even a sprained ankle. He could not imagine Rose experiencing anything that would cause her to be this upset.

Rose lifted her head and rubbed her fists in her eyes. “Jack and I fell in love a long time ago. It’s a long story, Maxwell. I won’t go into all the details, but Jack and I were on the Titanic.” She stopped when she heard Maxwell’s gasp.

Aggie stood with her chest heaving as she leaned against the sitting room door. A low snarl escaped for her throat. In her mind she saw red. The red hair of Miss Rose Dawson. How dare he. How dare her brother challenge her authority and give favor instead to that floozy of a woman.

She had warned him from day one to beware of her. An actress, who was passing herself off as some sort of cultured society girl. It made Aggie want to cringe whenever Miss Rose put on her hoity-toity airs. “Yes, thank you Maxwell. You’re welcome Maxwell.” Phooey. Maybe she was a good actress, because she sure enough gave an imitation of someone who had been raised in society. But with hair like that, and Aggie was sure it was not her real color, she surely was too worldly for genteel people.

Maxwell had ignored all her admonitions to give Rose up. He seemed determined to introduce her to everyone in Cedar Rapids. As if that was not enough, he proposed to the girl and they were going to get married.

“She is certainly not the kind of sister in law I would want.” Aggie slammed one fist into the other. She had come into the bedroom where Rose had her open suitcase. “Now, now that she has used my brother, has been accepted in polite company, now she is going to dump him. And for what? Some hooligan she met at a museum?” As far as Aggie was concerned they deserved each other. Now she and Maxwell would look like fools when they returned home without Miss Dawson in tow and no wedding taking place.

There was a thump in the distance. It sounded like a door. Aggie looked around to see if someone had entered the bedroom. There wasn’t anybody there. The sound must have come from the sitting room where Rose and Maxwell were ensconced. Aggie had come into this room to check Rose’s suitcase. She wouldn’t put it past the girl to “accidentally” pack some valuable of Max’s. Her curiosity got the best of her. Aggie went back to the sitting room door and opened it a crack. There as chummy as two little lovebirds were Max and Rose eating sandwiches and drinking tea.

“Maxwell, I want to thank you for everything. I know you spent money on me, made plans with me. And you have been so kind about understanding.” Rose daintily lifted her teacup and took a sip. “It just wasn’t meant to be.”

Maxwell gave Rose a look that reminded Aggie of a moonstruck cow. “Oh, don’t worry Rose. I do understand, about Jack. I am only sorry that the two of you had to endure so much then and suffer through these years.”

Aggie closed the door and tiptoed back to the bedroom. She was sickened at how Miss Dawson had led Maxwell around like a fool. And now, she had him apologizing to her. As far as Rose suffering, hadn’t she, Maxwell’s sister suffered enough humiliation this last hour?

"Humph.” Aggie snorted and put her hand on the open suitcase. Rose had put a few carefully folded garments inside. On the bed there was a pile of underthings and two pairs of shoes still waiting to be packed. “A shoe. Perfect. Under the lining in a shoe. That is probably where she hid some money.”

Whether Aggie heard the tearing sound of the silk ripping or Rose’s gasp, she could not be sure. But there was no doubt about the voice that came from behind her.

“My things! What are you doing?” shouted Rose.

In a matter of seconds, Maxwell was in the room. “What is going on here, Aggie? What are you doing with Rose’s clothes.”

Aggie stood up tall, sure that as soon as she pulled back the lining of the shoe, she would have made her point. “You’ll see, Maxwell. I think she was trying to rob you blind.”

Rose backed away from the woman and covered her mouth with her hand. Maxwell saw the tears forming in the corner of her eyes. His sister had overstepped the role of chaperone now. And she was going to pay. “Aggie, how dare you accuse Rose. You are the one who is acting like a thief now. Going through her things like that.”

Aggie’s lower lip stuck out like a shelf and her eyes narrowed. "Maxwell, if I told you once…”

He put his hand over her mouth. “Yes and you have told me most things too often. The wrong things.” Maxwell pulled a bill from his pocket and held it in front of Aggie. “Listen to me. You have interfered with Rose and myself for months now and I am not going to have anymore of it. Here is twenty dollars. I want to you pack, get a taxi to the railway station and be on the evening train for Cedar Rapids. Is that understood?” He stood firmly planted in front of Aggie. Slowly he released her mouth so she could speak.

“Maxwell, you are being unfair. She is the one who…”

“Aggie that is quite enough. And when I get home, after I finish my business here, I will no longer be living in the same house as you. I will take the apartment over my store.” He lifted his arm and pointed in the direction of the closet. “Now get going Aggie. Get your things and go home.”

Aggie moved across the room, giving Max and Rose a dagger filled glance. “Humph.” She snorted again, knowing that she had no choice. This was a Max she had never seen before and she was not quite sure how to handle him. Perhaps she should humor him. When he got back home without the floozy, he’d be putty in her hands again.

Rose had her head bowed and watched this scene play out from her downcast eyes. Maybe Max would have been a different person had he not succumbed to the authority of his sister. The man she saw now seemed unafraid of Aggie. She saw a more confident person. If nothing else had come of their relationship, maybe he had at least seen how conniving his sister was. Rose was glad that he had found some self respect for himself.

"Thank you, Maxwell. For everything.” Rose opened her pocket and handed him the ring in full view of Aggie. “It was lovely. I’m sorry.”

“Let’s not dwell on it Rose.” He pulled his watch out from his pocket. Maxwell gave Rose a bittersweet smile. “You better finish packing. Didn’t you say that Jack was coming at four? It’s three now.”

Rose nodded her head. She took a few steps toward Max and looked up at him. Much to his surprise, she kissed him on the cheek and quickly moved away. With her back turned, pretending to concentrate on her packing, she said in a soft voice, "You’re a good person, Maxwell. I wish you all the best in the world.”

She nodded to herself after she felt him leave, knowing that one day, he would find the right person.

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

Rose tapped her fingers on the edges of the chair, the rhythm against the wood beating right along with her heart. She was sure that the rush she felt was pure excitement. The worry and guilt were gone- for good now. Maxwell had been so understanding, so patient as she had finally uncovered the secret of her past and revealed the identity of Jack Dawson.

Rose found it hard not to smile, and bit her lips as if to control them from forming a grin. At her feet sat her suitcase; all she would be bringing into her new life. And that in itself seemed magical and adventuresome. At last she would be not only free, but with Jack. And she could ask for nothing more.

She smoothed her skirt, eyeing the clock in the corner. 3:45. And she was sure Jack would be early- somehow she knew that he would be just as anxious as she was. As if on cue, a light knock sounded on the door by which she sat. Rose heard Maxwell's footsteps coming from the sitting room, and she jumped up, wanting so much to see Jack's face.

She flew almost childishly to the door, turning the handle just as Jack's hand was poised to knock again. A gust of the warm air in the hallway hit her face, and suddenly he was looking at her expectantly. She smiled brightly, hoping to transmit to him that all had gone well. He caught her gaze, licking his bottom lip as he studied Rose with a grin on his face. In her face he saw only joy.

Her cheeks were full of color, and her glorious hair bounced freely about her shoulders as she stepped back, motioning silently for Jack to come in. But still her eyes never left his. Jack instinctively placed his hands in his pockets, feeling his palms sweat slightly. He had been incredibly nervous on the elevator ride up, but now- seeing Rose, he knew that everything would be fine.

"Maxwell's coming I think." She whispered this to him, reaching to pull Jack closer to where she stood. She moved one of her feet over the oriental rug, watching as the older man's shadow loomed closer. Jack nodded, smiling encouragingly, and cleared his throat for the inevitably uncomfortable greeting about to take place.

"Jack, nice to see you again." His deep voice rang surprisingly cheerfully through the room, and Maxwell offered his hand just as he entered. Jack nodded again, this time to Maxwell, and stepped forward for a handshake. He was almost scared to look the elder in the eye, but eventually found the courage. And in those eyes he saw a contentment he had not expected. A kindness that confused him greatly, but that caused a huge wave of relief to wash over his entire body. Maybe this would not be so difficult.

"A more pleasant atmosphere than that stuffy museum I suppose." Maxwell smiled, watching the young couple with a careful eye. Each, he noticed, seem to have the same look in their eyes. One of anxiousness, hope- and maybe even a little too much wisdom for their young ages. He studied Jack again- without the harsh assumptions that had disturbed his perceptions in the museum. He certainly could see why Rose adored him so. He was strikingly handsome, almost in some sort of rustic sense, and his eyes seemed so honest. But in a way, they looked slightly out of place. Like a two pieces, from two separate puzzles- his eyes seemed much too knowing and strong for such a young man. But at least now, he knew what must cause that.

"Yes, sir, Mr. Calvert." Jack smiled nervously, stepping back toward Rose. So what came next? What was he supposed to say.

"Jack, Rose has explained some things. I hope you don't mind." Maxwell's voice was sympathetic, but in no way demeaning, "I'm happy for you both."

Jack stared at the man, for the first time really viewing him as anything else but Rose's fiancé. The words seemed sincere, not fake at all. Maybe he really did understand, and possibly, this Mr. Calvert was quite the opposite of Cal. In fact, of this Jack was sure.

"Thank you," Jack responded, "I want to apologize for just barging in like this. I never...never thought something like this would happen. Could happen." Jack felt himself babbling, and stopped just in time to see a little laughter in Maxwell Calvert's eyes. Rose, who had been watching this scene play out in front of her, could only smile as she watched Jack at a loss for words. Something she had never seen.

"Don't worry son." Maxwell began to walk forward. Jack shook his head back and forth, taking Rose's hand in his own. She looked up at him, sending a look of amusement, and of approval.

Maxwell approached Rose's things, turning to talk again. His voice took on that polite tone once more, and he motioned to the suitcase. "Do you have everything you need?"

Rose thought a moment before nodding, feeling suddenly that in just a few minutes, the Calverts, and this chapter of her life, would be only a memory. "Yes, I think so." She nodded, tightening her grip on Jack's hand.

"Okay then. I'll just need to get an address. To send the trunk." Maxwell raised his eyebrows, looking from Jack to Rose. And she saw that Jack appeared slightly confused.

"Maxwell is going to send some of the things I have in Cedar Rapids." She eyed him, letting Jack know that there was a story to be told later. He caught her gaze and nodded, a little gleam of curiosity in his eyes.

"I'll write it out for you. I just need a pen..." Jack dropped Rose's hand, feeling in his pockets for something to write with. Maxwell followed suit, but neither could produce anything.

"I'll just get some paper from the other room." Maxwell turned and walked toward the doorway, and as soon as he was out of earshot, Jack wrapped his arms loosely around Rose's waist, motioning with his head.

"So where's this infamous sister?"

Rose couldn't help but giggle, and leaned up to whisper in his ear. "Maxwell finally stood up to her. He's sending her home today...she's in such a tiff." Rose threw her head back, "Oh, she was hysterical when she found out. I thought her face was going to catch on fire. I'm just glad to be rid of her."

Jack nodded, chuckling lightly, and playfully pulled Rose to him, planting a soft kiss on her lips. Rose closed her eyes, oblivious to the fact that Agnes herself, was observing them.

Only a shuffle brought her back to reality. Assuming the sound was Maxwell returning with the paper and pen, she backed away from Jack. She felt his hand on her back, and knew that he was trying to signal something. Straightening, she saw just what was causing the apprehensive look on Jack's face.

"So this is the Jack we've been hearing so much about..." Agnes' voice was tense and shrill, and she fidgeted with her hands, which clasped a hairbrush. Her hair was still wet and loose, and she appeared as though she had dressed quickly. Never before had Rose seen her so out of sorts. Usually, Aggie was the image of propriety, but now even the buttons at the top of her dress were undone. Rose found it hard not to giggle, and pressed her face against Jack's chest.

"Agnes, what is this all about? I told you to pack!" Max looked at her annoyingly, handing Jack what he had retrieved, and folded his arms across his chest. "Agnes, this is none of your business. I'd like you to leave please."

Aggie put one fist at her side, the other hand waving the same brush wildly. "I'm warning you, I'm warning you...she'll...she'll.." But her insult was not completed. Jack pulled Rose even closer, watching wide-eyed as Maxwell covered his sister's face with his hand. Through his fingers, her muffled voice sounded like a broken record, and Rose burst out laughing, followed immediately by Maxwell himself.

And he surprised even himself, with the next words out of his mouth. "Agnes, I would also suggest you button your dress up." Her face turned beet red at his comment, and the veins in Aggie's forehead seemed to bulge.

Jack's mouth opened, and his lips seemed to turn into a silent laugh. The three stood there for just a second, making eye contact- seemingly sharing their amusement. But soon Maxwell started backing Aggie into her room, readying himself to shut the door. But just before the heavy oak panel was closed, Aggie's voice was a clear as day.

"She'll wrap you around her dainty little finger, just like..."

Maxwell shook his head back and forth, pausing for just a moment, wondering just why he had never done this before. Why he had always blindly followed his bitter and cold sister. He turned around just in time to catch a rather tender moment between Jack and Rose. It seemed that Jack had certainly found Aggie's last comment useful.

"You've already done that, Rose." He whispered to her softly, obviously unaware that Maxwell was listening as well. Rose blushed at this, lowering her head, hiding slightly behind his chest. Maxwell turned back awkwardly. He never had any doubt that the love these two shared was special. This only confirmed the truth he had always known. That Rose was not his, and would never be, and now he knew just who she did belong to.

He cleared his throat, raising his eyebrows. "I'm sorry about that. I'm sure Rose has informed you about my sister? She can be rather opinionated at times, to put it mildly."

Jack nodded, smiling, and quickly jotted down his address in New York. He looked it over, and then promptly handed it to the older man.

"Rose, I'll have that in the mail as soon as I return to Cedar Rapids. You two better be going before Agnes starts up again. And if you two are ever in that area, please, stop by. You'll always be welcome." Maxwell smiled, walking them to the door. Rose looked down as she gathered her belongings, her hands shaking wildly. But then she felt the familiar warmth of Jack's palm against her own, and knew instinctively that this was right.

"Thank you Maxwell." Rose acknowledged him once more, reaching for the handle of the door. Despite his generous offer, somehow, she knew she would never again see Maxwell Calvert. She only hoped that he would find a way to be happy. Jack nodded once more, helping Rose with the heavy door, and took her suitcase in his free hand.

Within seconds, it was over, and Maxwell's wistful eyes were the last thing Rose saw in that room.

A metallic click was the sound Rose heard that separated her forever from the solemn and staid world of Maxwell and Aggie Calvert and placed her on the brink of a fresh and exciting life with Jack. Their muffled footsteps in the thick carpeting seemed to echo in the now silent corridor. Only a few more feet and they would be at the junction of the hallway that led to the elevators. Rose spotted the mirror where she had stopped this morning. Was it only eight or so hours since she had peered at herself on the way to meet Jack? Such a short time since she had consciously removed Maxwell's ring? She looked over at Jack. His handsome profile had a look of determination. Almost as if he wanted to get away from here as fast as possible.

“Jack?” Rose tugged at his hand, wanting him to stop for a moment.

He turned, giving her a quizzical look. “What?” He did not understand why she wanted to stop here. They were almost to the elevators. He wanted her out of this place, wanted to make her his own as soon as possible.

“Jack, look at us.” They had paused in front of the large gold framed mirror. Rose had dropped Jack’s hand and leaned against the table under the huge glass piece. Jack turned and saw their reflections. He sensed that Rose wanted something. He wondered if this mirror held some significance to her. Jack quietly placed her suitcase on the floor next to him and moved in behind her. He saw her studying herself in the mirror. Her face broke out into a smile as he put his hands around her waist. “Jack, tell me what you see?”

Jack took a deep breath and tightened his grasp on her. He rested his chin on her shoulder and looked piercingly at the couple he saw. “I see a beautiful woman.” He felt a tiny movement as her eyes fluttered. “And I see a poor pathetic guy who is so in love with this woman that he can’t think straight.”

“Oh, Jack” she murmured, leaning back against him.

“And I see two people who have waited for each other a long time, not understanding why they were alone. Not ever believing they would see each other again.” Jack moved his head so his mouth was even with her ears. He felt the goosebumps on her skin rise as he whispered to her.

“Jack, it feels so delicious when you do that.” Rose curved her shoulders, shivering with anticipation. Her eyes widened seeing the deep contentment on both of their faces. “Do you see anything else?”

He paused for a minute, a thoughtful expression in his eyes. “Yeah, yeah. I do.” He moved his hands lower on her abdomen. “In the future I see a family with maybe one or two babies. And the woman will still be beautiful and the man will be so hopelessly in love with her that it will be hard for him to get a thing done.”

Rose turned her face backward, searching for his mouth. A tiny groan escaped her as she found what she sought. She felt the pressure of Jack’s lips, the warmth of his breath. Slowly she turned in his arms, grasping for support as his kiss made her feel lightheaded. When their lips parted, she saw Jack looking down at her, his eyes smoky with desire. She wondered now how she had ever been able to go on without his strong presence beside her.

“Ready Rose? Ready for our life to begin?” Jack let his hands slide off of her and reached down for her suitcase. He took hold of her hand again and led her towards the elevator.

“Jack, let’s go and make all those things you talked about come true. I’m ready.” She lifted her chin, gripped Jack’s hand tightly and followed him into the elevator.

As the elevator operator pushed the button marked Lobby, Rose put her hand up to her mouth, as if she had suddenly thought of something. “Jack?” She looked up at him with a questioning look.

“Mmm?” He glanced down and saw the confused expression in her eyes.

“Where are your things? Are we going to get them? What are we going to do now?”

Jack gave her a comforting smile and squeezed her hand. “Don’t worry. My cases are already in storage at the train station.”

She cocked her head at an angle and lifted her eyebrows. “The station?”

He nodded, grinning as he revealed his plan. “Yes, Rose. That is how a person gets to New York. By train.” The elevator gave a ding and the door opened. Ahead of them he could see the busy lobby with people bustling in all directions. He pulled her gently out of the elevator. “That is where we are going now. To catch the evening train to New York. By this time tomorrow, you’ll be Mrs. Dawson.”

Her eyes widened with surprise and happiness. So Jack had planned all this out when he had been away from her in the last few hours. Things were happening faster than she expected.

Jack saw her hesitate for a moment. “Isn’t that alright?”

Much to his surprise and to the shock of several passersby in the lobby, Rose reached up and kissed Jack. “Very alright. Let the journey begin.” She ran her fingers through the hair at the back of his neck and blinked her eyes seductively. Jack held himself a bit straighter, proud of the woman at his side. Together they walked out of the hotel oblivious to everyone around them, alone in their world of love.

Epilogue
Stories