LOVE THAT NEVER FADES
Chapter Forty-Two

December 18, 1912

Rose smoothed the lavender maternity dress that she had chosen to wear on this day. The skirt of the dress fell to the floor. Her abdomen had gotten bigger in the last month that had passed. She was already in her eighth month of pregnancy, leaving her with only one month until she would bring her child into the world. It was Cal’s wedding day, and Rose was the matron of honor. Rose’s curls were pulled back in a French twist, which had been done by her mother. Several strands had fallen free from its tight hold. A touch of makeup was on her face, as well as her favorite perfume. Rose could hardly believe that she was attending the wedding after what Cal had done to herself and Jack eight months ago. However, she had believed that their tension had ended, and hoped that it would stay that way. Rose heard a knock on the door, and she turned.

"Come in," Rose called, facing the full-length mirror and stroking her stomach. She heard the door open, footsteps echoing in the room. Rose twisted her head and smiled, seeing Jack dressed in a black suit, a red rose in his lapel.

"You ready?" Jack asked, not taking his eyes off of her.

"Sure am," Rose said, waddling towards the dresser, retrieving her purse, and going towards Jack, who blocked her and wrapped her in his arms.

"Hmm…" Jack hummed, looking at his wife. "You seem to grow more beautiful every day that has passed since the moment I laid eyes on you…"

Rose smiled, smelling the hint of cologne that he had sprayed on himself.

"And you seem to grow more and more handsome since the day I laid eyes on you," Rose said, pressing her fingers against his firm chest.

"I guess we’ve both changed," Jack said, holding Rose close to him.

"But you’re still the same Jack I married," Rose said, smiling.

Jack smiled and pressed his lips against her forehead. "Let’s go before we’re late," Jack said, holding out his arm. He had the same look he had eight months ago, when he had been dressed in the tuxedo Molly had lent him for dinner.

Rose looked at him and smiled, putting her hand on his arm while Jack had led her out of the room and out of the apartment. When they had left the building, Rose saw a carriage with two beautiful white horses. A man was seated in the driver’s seat. Rose’s eyes twinkled, looking at Jack.

"Jack, what’s this?" Rose asked, resting her hands on her belly.

"Well, I figured that it would be more romantic if we rode in a carriage instead of in a car," Jack said. "Besides, I want to be old-fashioned here."

Rose smiled, looking at the carriage. "Well, I guess Mr. Jack Dawson has turned into Mr. Romance," Rose said.

"Guess so," Jack said. "Anything to please my beautiful, pregnant wife."

Rose smiled, giggling softly. "Well, what are we waiting for?" Rose asked, leading the way. "We’re going to be late."

Jack chuckled and waved to the driver before he helped Rose into the carriage, then hopped in, sitting beside her. When Jack had closed the door, the carriage began moving, swaying back and forth over the bumps in the pavement. Jack held Rose’s hand in his, looking into her eyes.

"Hopefully this will go as planned," Jack said over the sound of the horse’s shoes banging on the hard pavement while the driver directed them towards the church. "You never know when Cal might go back to his old self…"

"I’m sure it will," Rose said. "He can’t do anything to me now. I’m married to you, for one, and I’m expecting. Besides, he has a beautiful fiancée who will soon become the famous Mrs. Hockley and live the rest of her life with him. Hopefully he won’t treat her the way he treated me throughout the months that I was with him."

"Hmm…" Jack said, looking out the window and watching as they passed house after house. "I’m still worried about what he’s gonna do to you, whether he’s gonna marry that girl or not. After what he did to us before, it’s still hard to forgive him. Even though I said I did, it’s still there. It’s still fresh, and sometimes I wonder why in the world we are a part of this wedding. Shouldn’t we just stay away from him and live our lives the way we want to?"

Rose took his hand in both of hers and caressed it with her thumbs. "Jack, everything will be fine. I promise," Rose said. She lifted their hands, and gently pressed her lips against his rough skin. "Nothing will ever come between us."

"Got that right," Jack said, smiling. He faced forward, noticing that they were only a few blocks away from the church. "We’re almost there…"

"Relax, Jack," Rose said, rubbing his arm. "You’re acting as if we’re going to a funeral. It’s just a wedding, Jack."

"Yeah," Jack said. "A wedding for the man who nearly killed us on the ship." Jack’s voice was harsh but calm. He sighed, facing Rose. "Look, it’s still hard for me to find it in my heart to fully forgive him. I guess I should say that I partially forgave him in Santa Monica. But not fully. I’m still angry at him, and I still think that he should stay away from us. I believe that he’s just putting up an act, just so he can get you instead."

"Are you saying that he’s pretending he’s getting married so he can get me?" Rose asked, hardly believing what Jack was saying. "Look, even if it is so, he isn’t going to get me. No one is going to win my heart but you, Jack. All right? Please understand that. Caledon Hockley is getting married, but not to me. He’s marrying Rebecca Stevenson. It said so in the newspaper this morning. Look, I’m not going anywhere. I’ll be by your side the whole time. All right? Let’s just get this wedding over and done with so we can go home. All right? Please, Jack. That’s all I’m asking of you. Don’t cause any trouble tonight. I’m not as happy as I sound about going to this wedding, so you have nothing to worry about. Now, come on." Rose realized that the carriage had stopped. "We have a wedding to attend."

Jack nodded and stepped out of the carriage, reaching his arms out to help Rose out as well. When she was beside him, he took her hand in his and looked at the large church. Breathing in, he led Rose towards the front entrance, where they heard soft murmuring in the hall. The bridesmaids were there, dressed in a purplish pink, while the ushers were dressed in suits. The bridesmaids all had their hair up in buns, matching ribbons holding their hair together. The ushers had light pink roses in their lapels, their hair slicked back. Jack’s hair was the way Rose liked it—over his face. Jack swung his hair from his eyes, clearing his throat.

"Guess I should go inside, huh?" Jack asked, realizing that he should be standing beside Cal.

"Guess so," Rose said, looking at him.

"Are you gonna be all right?" Jack asked, looking at her with concerned, worried eyes.

Rose laughed and nodded her head. "Jack, I’ll be fine, really," Rose said. "Listen. Just go on in there and stay calm. Nothing’s going to happen to me. Now go…" Rose gave Jack a gentle push, as if she didn’t want him to be near her. "I’ll see you later."

Jack nodded. "But not before I give you a kiss…" Jack said.

Rose smiled. "Very well, then," Rose said, getting ready to be kissed.

Rose felt Jack’s lips press against hers. When he pulled away, he left her breathless. He smiled at her, caressed her cheek, kissed her forehead, and waved, hurriedly going towards the door that would take him to the back of the church and towards the altar. Rose stood in the spot that Jack had left her and shook her head. She looked around at the bridesmaids and realized that Rebecca was nowhere to be found. She caught a glimpse of a wooden door that was to the side of the hall, and Rose made her way towards it. She pushed the door open and was faced by another door. This time, she gave the door a firm knock, calling out Rebecca’s name. When she heard a response, Rose opened the door and stepped in. There, she found Rebecca in her enormous, elegant gown, with a train that was about ten feet long. The veil was as long as the train of the dress, and she had elegant white gloves on. Rose swallowed, realizing that this could’ve been her if she hadn’t met Jack. The bodice of the dress was decorated with beads and lace, and the sleeves were silk. The low-cut front exposed her chest, but not much. Her blonde hair was pulled back in a neatly made twist, several strands framing her face. Makeup decorated her skin, and she smelled of rosewater. Her soft bluish eyes shone, looking at Rose.

"Well, what do you think?" Rebecca asked, looking at her gown. "Do I look like a Hockley-to-be?"

Rose stepped closer, her lips curving into a smile. "Well, I have to admit, you do," Rose said. "You look beautiful."

"Why, thank you," Rebecca said, smiling. "You’re not bad yourself…only lavender doesn’t suit you. It’s not really your color."

Rose looked at her dress, crossing her arms. "I happen to like this dress," Rose said, swallowing. "Besides, I wasn’t too fond of the colors that you chose for the bridesmaids, so I decided to go for a different color."

"Whatever you say," Rebecca said. She stepped closer to Rose, the sound of her clicking shoes ringing in Rose’s ears. "Look, I’ll warn you now. You stay away from my fiancé before something bad happens."

"I beg your pardon!" Rose said, shocked at what she had just heard. "I’m nowhere near interested in your fiancé to begin with, and never was! I’m happily married to Jack Dawson, so you need not worry about Cal and I." Her heart pounded in her chest as she looked over at Rebecca. "When I was Cal’s fiancée, I wasn’t as happy as you are, and I wasn’t looking forward to marrying him. But you seem to like him, or maybe even love him, but that’s just you, and I’m glad you do. You’ll probably live a happy life."

"I’ll live a perfect life," Rebecca said. "Cal is everything I’m looking for in a man."

"And I respect that," Rose said. "Now, let’s get going before you miss your cue." Rose walked towards the door, pulling it open and turning to face Rebecca.

"Do just one thing for me," Rebecca said, walking towards Rose.

"What?" Rose asked.

"Don’t go anywhere near him," Rebecca warned. "I’m serious. All he’s been talking about over the past eight months was Rose this, Rose that. And I’m sure he’ll do anything to get you back. So I’m trying to give you a warning and to save your marriage to Jack. Just stay away from Caledon Hockley."

"You don’t need to tell me twice," Rose said, composing herself as she watched her leave the room. Rose left the room, getting ready and standing in front of Rebecca. The bridesmaids were already walking down the aisle. Rose was given a bouquet of white roses, and she gripped it, breathing in, and stepped forward. She didn’t like Rebecca’s attitude. Why would she think that Rose wanted to go back to Cal? She wasn’t in love with him, nor had she ever been. She was in love with Jack, and he was the only person she would ever love. Pushing those thoughts out of her head, she looked straight ahead, beginning to walk down the aisle and holding the bouquet over her middle. She felt her baby give a firm kick, which only made her smile. As she reached the middle aisle, she looked at Jack, who was looking at her with love and care. He winked at her and gave her a reassuring smile. Rose smiled back and stepped to the side, as the bride was about to walk down the aisle.

She didn’t notice that Cal was looking at her with lust in his eyes until she turned her head towards him. She pressed her lips together and didn’t return the expression. She showed no interest to Cal, nor did she show that she loved him. Instead, she just looked at Rebecca, who was walking down the aisle with her father. As Rebecca reached Cal, her father gave her a kiss on the cheek and handed her to Cal, who smiled at him and nodded. They turned to the minister as the ceremony began.

"We are gathered here today to unite this couple in holy matrimony," the minister said, holding the prayer book against his chest. "If any of the people here feel that these two shouldn’t marry, speak now or forever hold your peace…"

Rose looked at them and felt the urge to say something. To say something that would reassure Rebecca that she wouldn’t take Cal away from her. Rose gripped the bouquet, breathing in.

"I have something to say," Rose said, looking at Rebecca, who looked at her with wide eyes. She also noticed that Cal turned her way, and Jack gazed at her with a perplexed expression. "I don’t object to this marriage. I just have something to say to the bride that has to be heard by her and by everyone in here."

"Go on," the minister said calmly.

"Rebecca," Rose said, looking her way. "There is no way that I’m going to take Cal away from you. I’m not in love with him. You should know that. He should know that…" Rose looked at Cal. "The only man that I’m in love with, and always will be, is Jack. Rebecca, Cal was not the one I chose. I was in an arranged engagement. What you have, or at least I hope you have, is something with love and care. My advice to you is never to marry for money. Marry for what your heart tells you. Now, if that’s the case, then go on and marry him. You two are made for each other. But if you think that I’m about to risk my marriage to Jack by running to Cal, you’re mistaken. He’s not for me. He never was. Do you understand now? I’m not trying to take him away from you. You make it seem as if I am, but I’m not. I have my own husband, and I love him. So, don’t assume that I’m taking Cal away from you. He’s probably just trying to find a way to forgive himself. He’s not going to win me. Not now, not ever."

Rebecca looked at Rose with a sincere smile. She gave her head a slight nod before turning her attention to the minister. Cal looked at Rose, a small smile on his face. His eyes showed a hint of gloominess, but not something that would stop the wedding. He faced the minister as well, the ceremony continuing. Rose looked at Jack and gave him a smile as he winked at her. Rose watched the ceremony go on as planned. In minutes, Rebecca Stevenson had become Rebecca Stevenson Hockley. Rose applauded, along with the other guests, as she watched the newlyweds walk down the aisle after they had shared their first kiss as husband and wife. Rose walked over to Jack and put her hand under his elbow as they, too, walked down the aisle, heading towards the reception. Rose looked at Jack and couldn’t help but feel glad that she had been engaged to Cal. If she hadn’t been engaged to him in the first place, they would never have set foot on the Titanic, and she wouldn’t have met Jack. She believed that one misery could lead to one miracle, and sure enough, a miracle had occurred the minute Rose had laid eyes on Jack and knew that she had fallen in love. Jack and Rose got back into the carriage, which took them to the restaurant that would host the reception, where something occurred that neither thought ever would.

*****

"I would like to introduce to you, for the first time ever, Mr. and Mrs. Caledon Hockley!" one of the ushers announced, clapping his hands along with the rest of the guests when the newlyweds stepped into the restaurant.

Rebecca’s arm was linked with Cal’s, a bright smile on her face. She had removed the veil, a tiara now on her head. She waved to the guests, her large diamond engagement ring glistening in the light. Cal waved as well, a sincere smile on his face.

Jack and Rose sat at a table near the table where the newlyweds would sit and applauded along with the others. Jack had a small smile on his face, gazing at the couple who walked through the middle of the room, smiling at the guests. Jack slipped his hand into Rose’s in a firm but loving grip. He breathed in and looked at his wife as she smiled. He leaned in and gave her a tender kiss. Jack heard a tune begin, and he looked over at Cal and Rebecca, who were sharing their first dance. Jack smiled and got up, holding out his hand.

"Would you care to dance?" Jack asked, looking at her.

Rose smiled and put her purse on the table, slipping her hand into his and getting up. "Why, certainly," Rose said. "Anything for the man I love."

Jack smiled and led her towards the middle of the dance floor, putting his hands on her waist and beginning to sway back and forth. Rose’s arms were around his neck, her stomach pressed against his own when he felt a firm kick from the baby. Jack smiled and put his chin over her head as they danced.

Rose looked over Jack’s shoulder, finding Cal looking at her as he danced with Rebecca. Rose quickly looked into Jack’s eyes and kept them there, smiling. Moments later, the tune ended, and Rose led Jack back towards the table they sat at, while Cal led Rebecca towards their table. She noticed that Cal was bending over, whispering something into Rebecca’s ear, causing her to look at Rose and nod. Cal kissed her on her forehead, heading towards Rose’s table. She sat up straight, putting a hand over her belly and holding Jack’s hand tightly.

"Cal is coming over here," Rose said, her eyes never leaving Cal’s.

Jack followed Rose’s gaze and realized that he was. Jack swallowed and sat up straighter, holding Rose’s hand. He saw that Cal had stopped in front of them.

"Well, it’s nice of you two to come," Cal said calmly, looking at them, a small smile on his face.

"Mmm-hmm," Jack said, standing up. He looked at Rose, who stood up as well, but with some difficulty.

Cal looked at her midsection. "You’re very…pregnant…"

Rose gave him a calm smile and nodded. "Yes, I am," Rose said. "Eight months, to be exact."

"Oh," Cal said, nodding his head. "Congratulations."

"Thank you," Rose said. "The same goes for you."

"Thank you," Cal said. He sighed, looking at Rose nervously. "I was wondering if I could talk to you…" Cal felt Jack’s eyes bore into him. He looked over at him. "In private."

"Cal, whatever you’re gonna say to her can be said in front of me," Jack said, putting an arm around Rose’s shoulders.

"I’ll only be a minute," Cal reassured Jack. "Please…I just need to say something to her."

Jack looked at Rose, wondering what he should do. He looked at Cal, then back at Rose.

"Jack, I’ll be fine," Rose said. "I’ll be back in a minute…"

"Are you sure?" Jack asked, suddenly growing worried.

"Yes, I’m sure," Rose said.

Jack sighed and looked at Cal. "Okay, but only a minute. Nothing more," Jack warned.

"Nothing more," Cal said, nodding his head.

"Okay," Jack said. "I’ll be waiting." Jack kissed her and let her go. Jack slipped his hand into his pocket nervously, sitting down and feeling his leg twitch with anxiety. Jack swallowed and took a cigarette from his pocket, pulling out a match and lighting it. He took a long drag and let the smoke out from his nose. He stared in the direction that Cal had taken Rose, and only wished that she was beside him right at the moment.

*****

Rose hugged herself, following Cal towards the patio. The night sky was decorated with stars. Rose closed her eyes and breathed in the fresh air, feeling the skirt of her dress flutter in the chill wind. Rose felt a strange feeling in the pit of her stomach, looking at Cal.

"All right, Cal," Rose said, really wanting to be in Jack’s arms. "What is it that you wanted to tell me?"

"I love you, Rose," Cal said, finally having the ability to get it out of him. "I love you."

Rose looked at him, perplexed. Her arms were folded against her chest as she stood about a foot and a half away from him.

"What?" Rose asked, not believing what she had heard. "Cal?"

"I love you, Rose," Cal repeated. He sighed, running his fingers through his dark hair. "I have from the moment you left me."

"Cal, I…I don’t know what to say," Rose said, looking at him, not believing that this was actually happening.

Cal stepped closer, caressing her cheek. "Please say you love me as well," Cal said, his eyes becoming soft and sincere.

Rose looked at him with wide, perplexed eyes. She stepped away from him and shook her head. "I’m sorry, Cal, but…I don’t love you," Rose said. "I never have…"

"Please," Cal begged. "Just say that you love me."

Rose shook her head once more and hugged her stomach. "I’m sorry…I just don’t. I can’t love you. I’m married, Cal. I’m married and I’m pregnant."

Cal sighed. "If it weren’t for him in the first place, I would’ve been married to you right now," Cal pointed out.

"And I would’ve been miserable, Cal," Rose said, raising her voice. "Don’t you understand, Cal? I’m not in love with you. I never will be." Rose looked inside. "You’re married now, Cal. Please don’t hurt Rebecca just because you had last minute feelings for me."

"Rose," Cal said, looking at her. "Please…just say that you love me."

"Cal, I can’t say it if I don’t mean it," Rose said. "I don’t love you. I never have, and I never will. I’m sorry, Cal, but you’ve lost, and Jack has won. Maybe if you had treated me with more respect and showed me your feelings before, when we were engaged, I would’ve thought differently, but that’s not the case now. I’m happily married to Jack, and I’m expecting a child." Rose looked into the restaurant, then back at Cal. "Rebecca is a wonderful woman, Cal. Give her a chance and maybe you’ll love her the way you’re supposed to love her. Don’t disappoint her, please. I promised her that nothing would go on between us, and I’m willing to keep that promise. Cal, you’re a sweet man when you want to be, but other times, you…tend to be possessive, and sometimes abusive. I can’t risk my marriage to Jack. I love him too much to do that. Cal, please understand that we were not meant to be. We never were. Even from the day you met me."

"Rose, I’m sorry for the way I treated you. I really am," Cal said, trying to win her heart.

"Cal, it’s not working," Rose said, sighing. "I was depressed when I met you. My father died on my sixteenth birthday, and on that same day, you proposed. I didn’t even know you. I didn’t know anything about you. I only accepted because my mother wanted me to do so. But as the months progressed, I came to learn that you weren’t the perfect gentleman everyone thought you to be."

Cal sighed. "I regret every moment that I made your life miserable," Cal said. "Every moment that I laid a hand on you. I regret it. I was just scared that you would run away from me." Cal looked down and swallowed. "But seems to me that I have pushed you away instead."

"Cal, I can give you one thing," Rose said. "One thing both of us can share if you promise me something."

Cal just looked at her and nodded his head.

"I will give you my friendship if you promise not to cause any harm to Jack and myself, or to our children, and to promise me that you will stay with Rebecca for as long as you both shall live on this earth," Rose said. "So, will you?"

Cal stood there, pondering what Rose had said to him. He turned his head, facing the restaurant and seeing Rebecca showing her rings to her bridesmaids, suddenly realizing that, deep down inside his heart, he did love Rebecca. He nodded his head and looked at Rose.

"I promise you that I won’t cause any harm to you, Jack, or any relation of the Dawsons, and I promise you that I’ll be with Rebecca for all eternity," Cal said. "I’m a changed man, Rose. I have been from the moment that I realized what I lost."

Rose’s smile grew, knowing that Cal had just made a promise and that he was going to keep it, for she saw the way his eyes had shone when he had said the words. She reached out to him and put a tender hand on his shoulder.

"I’m sure you are a changed man, Cal," Rose said. "You’re not the Caledon Hockley I knew aboard the Titanic. You’re the Caledon Hockley who has just married the woman he loves and has confessed his feelings to his ex-fiancée." Rose stepped closer. "Cal, I’m sure that we can become the best of friends, and maybe we can convince Jack that you’re not the same old Cal who shot at us while the ship was sinking…"

Cal closed his eyes when he heard the last sentence spoken. "I’m terribly sorry about that," Cal said. "I don’t know what I was thinking at that time, and I truly hope that you’ll forgive me."

"Well, nobody got killed," Rose said. "And I have to say it’s a good thing you’re a bad shot."

Cal chuckled and nodded. "A good thing," Cal said. He sighed, still feeling uncomfortable. "Now all I have to do is speak with Jack and try to sort everything out," Cal said. "I don’t want him hating me forever."

Rose looked at him. "I’ll get him for you," Rose said. "And I’ll make sure that he listens to every word you say."

Cal nodded, turning his face towards the stars. He looked up and sighed, his hands in his pockets, while Rose went into the restaurant to retrieve Jack.

Rose walked towards Jack, who had gotten up the minute he saw her come in, standing beside her.

"Jack, Cal—" Rose began.

"What did he do?" Jack asked, beginning to grow worried. "If he put a hand on you, I swear, I’ll—"

"Jack!" Rose said, laughing. She put her hands on his cheeks, forcing him to look at her. "Relax! Everything is fine. I’m fine, just like I said I would be. Now, I have spoken with Cal, and made him promise not to cause any harm to us or to our children. He wants to have a word with you, and before you say anything, I want you to know that he has changed. Cal is not the same man that shot at us. He’s much different now. Please, Jack." Rose held his hands in hers. "End this feud between you two. Forgive him. I have. And just because I have does not mean that I’m in love with him, because I’m not. You’re the one I’m in love with, and always will be. I offered him my friendship, and I’m sure you can do the same. Please, end this, and let’s have a good time, while we can."

Jack looked at her and nodded his head slightly. He listened to every word she said, and knew she was right. He couldn’t stay angry forever—as much as he didn’t want to forgive Cal—and he knew that there had to be some good in the man. Jack pressed his lips against her forehead, holding onto her shoulders.

"I’ll be right back," Jack said, stepping away from her.

"Just listen to what he has to say," Rose said, watching as he turned.

Jack smiled. "I will," Jack said, walking towards the back of the restaurant, hands in his pockets, getting ready to confront Caledon Hockley.

*****

Cal turned when he heard the door open, and relaxed when he saw Jack. He rubbed the back of his head nervously, clearing his throat.

"I assume this is one of the last things you want to do at the moment," Cal began. "And I’m sure you’re not willing to forgive me for what I have done, so—"

Jack held his hand out to quiet him. "I’m willing to end this tension between us," Jack said. "And I’m sure that we can be friends. I know we did this before, eight months ago, but I still feel angry about what you did to Rose and myself. I can’t help but feel hatred towards you, but I know I can’t be angry at you for the rest of my life. Rose had been the one that has told me to forgive you the first time, and I’m sure she has done it again. She really wants me to forgive you, and if she does, then I’m willing to do so." Jack removed his hands from his pockets and looked into Cal’s warm brown eyes. "Cal, I forgive you for the night the ship sank. From the moment you tried to win Rose to the moment you tried shooting us. And I do hope that we can become friends."

"You really mean that, Jack?" Cal asked, a smile crossing his face. Not a smile of evil, but a smile of sincerity and kindness.

"I mean it," Jack said. "Hopefully this time I won’t feel suspicious around you, now that you’re married."

Cal laughed and looked at Jack. "I have to say that you’re married a beautiful, smart, caring, and loving woman. She’s one of a kind, Jack, and I want you to take care of her—and that child of yours that’s developing inside her," Cal said.

"I have, and I will," Jack said. "And you should care for that new missus you have. She looks as if she’s in love with you."

"She does, doesn’t she?" Cal asked, looking at his new wife, who was smiling brightly at her parents, who were talking to her.

He turned to Jack and nodded. "Well, she must be wondering where I have gone," Cal said, sighing. He extended his hand, smiling. "Friends?"

Jack smiled and put his hand over his as he gave Cal a firm handshake. "Friends," Jack said with certainty.

"Good," Cal said. "Well, why don’t we go back inside? It’s getting pretty cold out here."

Jack chuckled and nodded. "Common at this time of year, you know," Jack said, opening the door.

"As it should be," Cal said, going through the entrance and stepping into the restaurant alongside Jack. Cal headed towards Rebecca, who immediately looked at him, a smile on her face. "So, sweetpea, how does it feel to be a Hockley?"

Rebecca smiled. "Wonderful," she said. She was suddenly curious about what Cal had had to say to Rose. "So, what was it that you had to say to your ex-fiancée?"

"Her name is Rose, Rebecca," Cal said, not wanting her to call Rose his ex-fiancée as if she were a criminal. "And I just had to tell her something that I have never gotten the chance to tell her before. Something that I should’ve said to her when I was engaged to her, but now that I’m married to you, there is no need to worry about the conversation that I have had with Rose. As of now, we’re going to live life to the fullest, and make each day count."

Rebecca smiled. "Make each day count," she said. "I like the sound of that."

"A good man once told me that," Cal said. "And I’m willing to follow it."

Rebecca smiled and gazed into her husband’s eyes. She found love shining in them, and was happy to have married him. She took his hand in hers as he sat down beside her, watching the guests enjoy themselves. Her eyes fell upon Jack and Rose, and she smiled when she saw how happy they were together and was thankful to have met Rose. She looked at Cal and gave him a loving kiss on the lips. She knew from that moment that they were meant for each other—just as Jack and Rose were meant for each other.

*****

Champagne was poured into everyone’s glass, the guests admiring the newlyweds. Jack smiled and got up, holding his champagne glass in his hand. He cleared his throat to get everyone’s attention, but finding that it hadn’t worked, he took a fork and gently banged it against his glass until he had gotten everyone’s attention.

"Thank you," Jack said, setting his fork down. "Now, it’s the duty of the best man to give a toast to the newlyweds, and as I am the best man, I’m gonna fill in on that honor." Jack looked at Cal. "I know the groom through my wife, Rose, here, and…uh…let’s just say that we haven’t gotten along well before today." Jack swung his hair away from his face, continuing. "But I have come to learn that Caledon Hockley isn’t just a man who’s rich, tall, and handsome—he’s a friend and a devoted person. But I never saw that before. I always thought that he would continually be the madman, the possessive fiancé, the jealous man, the man who wanted everything for himself, but I was proven wrong. He’s not a madman, he’s not possessive, not jealous—or at least I hope he’s not—and doesn’t want everything for himself. He’s a human being who found something, lost it, and found something else. I’m sure that he can live his life to the fullest and make each day count. Good luck to you, Cal, and congratulations." Jack raised his glass before taking a sip and sitting down. He looked at Cal and Rebecca, and saw that she was looking at him with a smile. She looked at Cal, who had nodded his head and applauded, along with the guests after Jack’s speech.

Rose was proud of Jack, and was glad that he had finally ended his quarrel with Cal, and most of all, she was glad that Cal had found someone that was fit for him. It was her turn to give a toast, so she got up with much difficulty and smiled.

"Well," Rose began. "I knew Cal for about a year, maybe a bit more, but somewhere around that time, and I have to admit that I wasn’t as happy as everyone thought I’d be. I mean, I know he was the richest bachelor in Philadelphia and is handsome, tall—everything a girl could ever want—but he wasn’t what I wanted. That’s the one thing that makes me different from the other debutantes that had a chance with him. My mother used to say that I had my father’s wild spirit, and I have to admit that I do. My husband even tells me that I have a free-spirited personality, and that’s just what I am. I want adventure and I want to see the world. But with Cal as my fiancé, I couldn’t live my dream. My dream is to be an actress, and I hope to fulfill that dream once this little one is out of me and is old enough to crawl." Rose stroked her abdomen. She returned her gaze to Cal and Rebecca. "Now, I realize that Cal has indeed changed from the time that I knew him, and he has turned into a true gentleman. A gentleman that shows respect towards others, not a gentleman who everyone thinks is perfect and charming when he treats people disrespectfully. Caledon Hockley is a new man—a new man with a wonderful wife and a new life ahead of him. Good luck to you, Cal. Congratulations, and I hope that your love for Rebecca stays strong. Cheers." Rose raised her glass, taking a small sip from her glass. She sat down, putting her hand into Jack’s, gripping it with pure love and care.

Everyone applauded, and in minutes, the guests were served delicious, mouthwatering food, which caused Rose’s stomach to rumble. Once she had been served, she began to dig into the meal that had been given to her as if she hadn’t eaten in a million years. Jack looked at Rose, holding back a chuckle.

"Rose, calm down," Jack said. "The food’s not gonna go anywhere. Relax. Eat slowly."

Rose laughed and nodded her head. "Forgive me, but I’m starving," Rose said after she swallowed a bite of the food.

"I can see that," Jack said, chewing on a piece of meat.

The two lovers ate their meals with pure enjoyment, and Rose asked for another plate. Since she was eating for two, she figured that she should eat enough food to fill her stomach, as well as her child’s stomach. There was a bowl of strawberries in the middle of the table, and Rose reached for it, eating them gracefully. She had a strange craving for them, and couldn’t help but enjoy the sweet taste of the fruit. She watched Jack look at her with a smile that hinted at laughter and amusement. He couldn’t help but chuckle when Rose slapped his hand when he had tried to take one strawberry from the bowl.

"My, I guess you’re very hungry," Jack said, raising his eyebrows.

"Well, what do you expect?" Rose asked, looking at him after she swallowed the fruit. "I’m eating for two here, and I need to satisfy my hunger. Besides, I have a craving for strawberries, and just can’t let them sit in the bowl begging to be eaten."

Jack laughed and shook his head. "Do what you will with the strawberries," Jack said. "They’re all yours. I won’t even try to get one. But it’s amazing how pregnant woman can eat so much, even if they have eaten two platefuls of food."

"Jack Dawson, are you calling me fat?" Rose asked, looking at her husband, one eyebrow raised.

"No, no," Jack said, shaking his head. He put a tender hand on her cheek, his thumb stroking her skin. "You’re beautiful, Rose. Your beauty will last for a lifetime, I’m sure."

Rose smiled and blushed. She picked up another strawberry and sank her teeth into it, feeling her mouth fill with the sweetness of the berry.

"But I’m not complaining," Jack said. "You eat up. It’s good for you and for the baby. I want our baby to be born healthy and strong. Not weak and thin."

"By the feel of it, Jack, it’s a strong baby," Rose said, rubbing her belly. "This little person is kicking me as if it were kicking a person’s backside."

Jack laughed and rested his hand on hers, feeling the firm kick from his unborn child. He leaned closer and pressed both hands against her midsection as if he were touching the baby itself.

"Now, be good for your mommy," Jack said. "She’s been kind enough to carry you in there, so cut her some slack. And Mommy’s trying her best to feed you. So be patient, okay? Can you do that for me, little one?"

Rose smiled, watching Jack talk to her unborn child once again. "I’m amazed at how quickly you have become attached to my stomach," Rose said, trying to hold back a giggle. "I mean, before you weren’t as interested in my stomach. You were interested in my lips."

"Ah…what can I say?" Jack asked, playing along. "I fall in love with a different part of your body every day. Who knows? Tomorrow, I might be in love with your hands." Jack lifted her hand from her belly and gave it a tender stroke, looking into her eyes. He brought it to his lips and gave it a tender kiss. "Maybe I should sketch your hands. They’re very beautiful and smooth, and…just you. I can identify these hands anywhere." Jack’s eyes gazed downward, drinking in the way her hands appeared. Rose rolled her eyes.

"Oh, dear me," Rose murmured. "He has fallen in love with my hands. What’s next? My hair?"

"You know what, Mrs. Dawson?" Jack asked, looking up from his examination. "I should just say that I’m in love with you. Every last inch of you belongs to my heart. I love you from head to toe. I’ll love you whether you’re fat, skinny, short, tall, curvaceous, big, small—it really doesn’t matter. What matters is that we’re in love with each other, and that proves that we’re meant to be together. I could be in love with your hands, your stomach, your hair, but I know that I’ll always be in love with you—Rose Dawson."

Rose smiled and felt her body warm from his soft, loving words. "Now that’s the Jack Dawson I married," Rose said, smiling and leaning in, kissing his lips.

Jack responded and pushed his chair closer. They began to grow oblivious to the world around them, only aware of each other and their love for one another. Their kiss was proof to the world around them that they were madly in love with each other and would never be broken from their strong bond. The two young lovers had no care for the world around them. They had been taken into another world. A world that they were welcome in. A world of lovers, where everything was perfect and everything was the way they wanted it to be. Hopefully, it would stay that way.

Chapter Forty-Three
Stories