LOVE THAT NEVER FADES
Chapter Forty-Five

January 14, 1913

New Year’s Day went by quickly, and before anyone knew it, Rose was through her ninth month. The doctor said that she was due any day now, and her belly had grown bigger since Christmas. Jack was out at work, while Rose was lying on the couch, fanning herself. Her feet were swollen, and her back felt like someone was ripping her bones apart. This had been going on since the day before, and Rose wondered when the feeling would go away.

Getting up, she waddled over to the kitchen. Suddenly, the pain hit her. She pressed her hand to her stomach, hunching over and gripping the doorframe. She closed her eyes and breathed out. A few minutes later, the pain struck her again.

"Ah!" Rose screamed at the painful contraction. Her eyes suddenly widened, realizing that today was the day she would give birth to her first child. "Oh, God…Jack…"

Rose looked at the front door. She began walking, keeping her hand on her middle. She struggled, opening the door and banging on Annie’s door.

"Annie!" Rose cried, gritting her teeth against the pain. "Annie, please open the door!"

Seconds later, the door opened, revealing Annie, who was dressed in a simple blue dress.

"My God, Rose, what’s wrong?" Annie asked.

"The baby…it’s coming!" Rose cried, breathing in and out in an attempt to push away the pain.

"Oh, my God!" Annie said, suddenly growing nervous. "What should I do?"

"Get my mother…tell her to get Jack, please!" Rose cried.

"Okay," Annie said, about to leave, but stopped. "But first, I’ll get you to bed."

Rose nodded her head and allowed Annie to take her to her bedroom, changing into her nightgown, laying down on the bed, and propping pillows behind her.

"Are you comfortable?" Annie asked, looking at Rose.

Rose nodded her head, gripping the sheet.

"I’m fine," Rose said. "Just get Jack here quickly!"

"Okay…" Annie said, rushing out of the room and going to get Rose’s mother, who was happy to hear the news that she would be a grandmother soon and rushed to get Jack. Annie went down to get Michael, who was shaving. "Mike, get the doctor. Rose is in labor."

"Oh, shit!" Michael said, rushing inside and cleaning his face off, then going out of his apartment and slamming his door shut. "I’ll be right back with the doctor!"

Michael ran out of the building and went to get the doctor, who was three blocks away from their building.

Annie ran up the stairs to tend to Rose, who suddenly screamed while having a contraction.

"How far apart are the contractions?" Annie asked, going towards Rose.

"So far, five minutes," Rose answered, breathing irregularly.

"Don’t worry. Jack is going to be here pretty soon," Annie said. "And so will the doctor. I sent Mike to get him."

"Oh, Annie, what would I do without you?" Rose asked, looking at her, a soft smile on her face.

A few minutes later, she heard the door bang open.

"Rose!" she heard Jack’s voice call. "Rose, where are you?"

"I’m in here, Jack!" Rose called from the bedroom. She saw Jack standing in the doorframe, his hair disheveled.

Jack rushed to her side, not realizing that Annie was there, and took hold of Rose’s hand.

"How are you feeling?" Jack asked, looking into Rose’s eyes.

"Fine," Rose said. "But the contractions—" Another rush of pain ran through her, and she gripped Jack’s hand tightly. She screamed in agony, leaning her head back. "Oh, God, get this baby out of me!"

Jack gritted his teeth against the pain in his hand, but he ignored it, for Rose needed him. He looked at her enlarged stomach and realized that soon he would become a father.

Suddenly, they heard Mike’s voice in the parlor.

"Rose?" Michael called. "The doctor’s here!"

"In the bedroom, Michael," Rose called, breathing in and out.

Soon, Dr. Thompson entered the bedroom, a medical bag in his hand. Her mother also stepped in.

"Oh, Rose, I can’t believe I’m going to be a grandmother," Ruth said, smiling, tears shining in her eyes.

Rose gave her mother a soft smile, holding Jack’s hand.

"All right. I’m going to ask everyone to leave the room, please," the doctor said. "Including you…" He looked at Jack.

"No!" Rose called, not letting go of Jack’s hand. "He’s staying here."

"It’s not allowed, Mrs. Dawson," Dr. Thompson said.

Rose clenched her teeth angrily, glaring at the doctor.

"I don’t care about your fucking rules. All right, Dr. Thompson?" Rose said, the pain getting to her. "Jack is staying with me, and that is final! He’s not going anywhere!"

Jack was surprised to hear such language coming from his wife’s mouth, but looked at the doctor, pleading to be allowed to stay.

"All right," Dr. Thompson said, sighing. "But the rest of you…out!"

The others left the room, giving Rose a final look. They closed the door behind them and waited in the parlor.

"All right, Mrs. Dawson," Dr. Thompson said, examining her. "You’re dilated three centimeters."

"Is that good?" Rose asked, looking at him.

"It’s normal," Dr. Thompson said. "But it will take hours to actually give birth to your child."

"Hours?" Rose asked, a worried expression on her face. "Oh, God, Jack…" Rose gripped his hand, feeling a contraction hit her again.

"Shh," Jack said, smoothing her curls. "I’m here…everything will be all right."

Rose nodded her head, breathing out.

*****

Hours passed. It was four o’clock in the afternoon, and Rose’s contractions becoming closer together. Jack sat by her side, holding her hand and allowing her to tighten her grip around his hand whenever she had a contraction. Dr. Thompson examined her again, and said that she was almost there. Now her contractions were a minute apart, and soon she would bring her child in the world. However, the pain was getting to her.

"Everything’s fine now, Rose," Jack said. "Almost there."

"That’s easy for you to say," Rose said, glaring angrily at Jack. "You don’t have to go through the pain. You just have your pleasure and lovemaking, and…"

Rose screamed, another contraction gripping her. She gripped Jack’s hand tightly, looking at him.

"I’m sorry, Jack," Rose said, looking at Jack apologetically. "I’m really sorry. I didn’t mean what I said…"

"I know," Jack said, his voice calm. "It’s okay."

"All right, Mrs. Dawson," Dr. Thompson said. "You’re ready to bring your child into the world."

Rose nodded her head, getting ready. She looked at Jack, her face drenched with sweat and her curls plastered to her head.

"I love you, Jack," Rose said, smiling softly. "I always will."

"All right, Mrs. Dawson," Dr. Thompson said, positioning himself. "When I count to three, push. All right?"

Rose nodded her head, closing her eyes. Her hand gripped Jack’s as she saw a vision of her father in her mind.

"One…"

Rose breathed heavily, looking at Jack, a nervous expression on her face. In minutes, her baby would be born.

"Two…"

Oh, God…one more second, and the baby is going to be born, Rose thought, clenching her teeth.

"Three…push!" Dr. Thompson said.

Rose gathered all the strength in her body and pushed, screaming. She felt the baby push its way out of her.

"Good," Dr. Thompson said. "I see the head."

Jack looked at Rose, a gentle smile on his face. Tears shone in his eyes as he gripped Rose’s hand lovingly.

"All right. Give me one last push," Dr. Thompson said, holding out his hands to catch the baby.

Rose cried out, not wanting the bear the pain again.

"I can’t…it hurts," Rose cried, tears sliding down her cheeks.

"Rose, you can do this," Jack said, stroking the back of her hand lovingly. "C’mon. You can do this. You’re strong. I know you are."

"I can’t," Rose said, shaking her head and crying.

"Look," Jack said, pushing himself closer to her. "All my life, I never dreamed that I would fall in love with a girl like you. Nor did I ever dream of becoming a father. Now I know that that fiery spirit is still alive inside you. I know you’re strong enough to bring this baby into this world. Now, trust me on this, you’re going to be a mother, and I’m going to be a father. Believe in yourself."

Rose nodded her head. "I…trust…you…" Rose said between breaths.

"Good. Now, c’mon," Jack said. "Bring this baby into the world."

Rose nodded her head, gathered her strength, and pushed. She screamed and gripped Jack’s hand tightly, feeling the baby slide from her body. Seconds later, she heard a baby’s cry. Rose felt tears sliding down her cheeks as she looked at Jack. A small smile came over her lips when she saw that Jack was crying, too.

"You did it…" Jack said, smiling and leaning over, pressing his lips against hers numerous times. "You did it…" Jack pulled Rose into a hug, feeling his tears slide down his cheeks.

Dr. Thompson smiled, looking at the new parents.

"You have a healthy baby boy," Dr. Thompson said. "With a strong set of lungs, might I add."

Rose looked at him and smiled. Her body was drenched with sweat and she sighed with exhaustion.

"Would you like to cut the umbilical cord?" Dr. Thompson asked, handing Jack the scissors.

Jack took the scissors and cut the cord, the doctor cleaning his son up and wrapping him in a light blue blanket. Dr. Thompson handed him his son, taking care of Rose.

Jack looked at his son, tears shining in his eyes. He had light blonde hair and round cheeks. Seconds later, he opened his eyes, revealing a deep shade of blue. Jack’s hands held his son carefully, smiling at him.

"You’re my son," Jack whispered. He looked at Rose and smiled brightly, walking to her and handing her the baby. He sat on the edge of the bed, gazing at his son. "He’s beautiful, Rose."

"Yes, he is," Rose said, smiling at her child. "He got his looks from you."

"Yeah, but I’m sure he has your personality and your smile," Jack said, looking at Rose. He gave her a gentle kiss, wrapping his arm around her.

"What are you going to name him?" Dr. Thompson asked, pulling out a birth certificate.

Rose smiled and looked at her son. "William John Dawson," Rose answered.

Dr. Thompson nodded his head, wrote the baby’s name, and signed the certificate.

Jack looked at Rose with loving eyes. John was his father’s name, and having Rose give his son John as a middle name meant more to him than anything. He pressed his forehead against hers, smiling at her.

"We’re parents," Jack whispered, gazing at his son. He smiled. "Hey, baby…I’m your dad. We’re going to be the best of friends. I can tell. I’ll teach you everything there is to know. And maybe you will learn how to draw, just like me. What do you say, huh?"

Jack extended a forefinger, feeling his son grasp it tightly. Jack smiled, letting his thumb graze William’s small fingers gently.

"That’s my boy," Jack said, smiling, tears filling his eyes.

His son, William, looked like an angel. It was as if he had been pulled down from heaven and given to them. They had been blessed with a wonderful child, a child who would be loved and cared for. Jack gave Rose a single glance and found that she was sound asleep from exhaustion. Jack leaned down, gave Rose’s forehead a gentle kiss, and pulled the covers over her with his free hand. William stretched out his arm and gave a soft cry, then whimpered. Jack rocked him back and forth and hummed to him. He looked at the doctor, who was packing things up, ready to leave.

"How is she?" Jack asked, looking over his shoulder and seeing his angel fast asleep.

"She’s doing fine," Dr. Thompson replied. "Just don’t have her doing much work this week. She deserves the rest."

"I’ll keep that in mind, doctor," Jack said. "Thank you so much."

Dr. Thompson smiled. "No problem," he said. "And congratulations. I’m sure William here will be a fine, handsome man when he grows up."

Jack smiled. "I hope so." He looked at his son, who looked at him with sleepy eyes. "Thanks again, doctor. I really appreciate it."

"Like I said before, no problem," Dr. Thompson said. "It’s my job to bring babies into the world. Well, I guess I’ll see you in a week. I’m going to come over to see how she’s doing and how the baby’s doing. All right?"

"Not a problem at all, Dr. Thompson," Jack said.

"Good-bye, Mr. Dawson," Dr. Thompson said.

"It’s Jack," Jack corrected. "Just call me Jack."

"All right…Jack," Dr. Thompson said. "Well, I have to go. I have another patient who needs me in an hour. Have a nice day, Jack."

"I will. Bye," Jack said, leading him to the door, opening it, and letting the doctor go through the parlor, where everyone stood up.

Dr. Thompson smiled at them, then left the apartment. Jack, however, was still behind the door in the bedroom, taking a small peek into the parlor. He noticed that Fabrizio and Angelina had arrived, as well. Jack looked at his son, smiled sweetly at him, then decided to go into the parlor to show him off to the guests.

As Jack appeared in the parlor, the guests looked at him, then looked at the bundle in his arms and gasped quietly. Ruth was the first to come towards him.

"Is…is this him?" Ruth asked, looking at Jack, tears filling her eyes. "This is my grandson?"

Jack smiled and nodded. "Yes, it is, Ruth," Jack said. "His name is William John Dawson—named after his respected grandfathers."

Ruth put a hand over her mouth, looking at Jack, then back at her grandson.

"W-William?" Ruth muttered. "Oh…how I miss him…that’s sweet of you to name him after my deceased husband…"

"It wasn’t my doing," Jack corrected. "It was all Rose’s idea, and she honored my father, too. My father’s name was John Dawson, and it made me remember all the good times I had with him. Now, I’ll have a part of him with my son always."

"Do you mind if I hold him?" Ruth asked, looking at Jack. "It’s been a while since I held a baby."

Jack nodded, carefully put William in Ruth’s arms, and smiled, putting one hand in his pocket and the other over his son’s thin blonde hair.

"Hello…I’m your grandmother, Ruth," Ruth said. "I promise to love you the best I can, my darling William, just as I did your grandfather. Oh, how he would’ve loved you. I wish he were here to hold you in his arms and spoil you rotten."

A single tear slid down Ruth’s cheek, gazing at her grandson, who stretched his arm and pressed it against her chest. Ruth laughed softly, seeing her grandson’s blue eyes gazing at her.

"He has your eyes, Jack," Ruth commented. "So intense and beautiful. I could look into them all day."

"Thanks," Jack said, looking at his son.

"He’s beautiful, Jack," Ruth complimented. "You and Rose have done a great job."

Jack felt a blush appear on his cheeks and he smiled sheepishly. Jack slid his other hand into his pocket and looked at his son, who was slowly beginning to fall asleep.

"Here," Ruth said, handing him back to Jack. "He’s such an angel."

"Of course," Jack said. "Just like his mother."

"Where is Rose, by the way?" Ruth asked.

"Asleep in the bedroom," Jack said. "You can see her if you like."

"I’ll be right back," Ruth said, putting a gentle hand on his arm before heading to her daughter’s bedroom.

"Lui è bello bambino, Jack," Fabrizio commented, looking at the new member of the Dawson family. "Looks just like ‘a you…"

Jack smiled and put a gentle hand on Fabrizio’s shoulder. "Thanks, Fabri," Jack said. "If it weren’t for you, I would not be here with Rose right now."

"Sì, you would have," Fabrizio said.

"No, I would not," Jack said. "I would’ve left Rose alone as she asked, and I would never have had the chance to tell her I loved her—and I love her still."

"She looked for you down below decks," Fabrizio said. "When ‘a she wore the beautiful dress…with shawl, I think…but she look for you, and went to you. Remember that."

"She looked for me?" Jack asked. "I didn’t know that."

"She went down to me and ask me where you were," Fabrizio told him. "She look like she really want to parlare con tu."

"Fate brought us together and kept us together," Jack said.

"Like we Italians say, amore is not logical…it is just there to bring due persone together. Helga—she died—but I still love her—and I love Angelina. I will always miss Helga, even if we no understand our language. So, you and la bella Rosa has a wonderful, unique love…e tu e bella Rosa will last forever."

Jack smiled. "I just want to say thanks for being there for me when I needed you the most—and thanks for being here with me as you are now. I really appreciate everything you have done for me."

"Prego, but, I must thank you, too," Fabrizio added. "Grazie, Jack. Grazie. Thank you for bringing me to l’America. Like you promised."

"Remember, Fabri, the Dawsons never break their promises, and if I make a promise, I’m gonna keep my word and make it happen," Jack said. He remembered the promise he had made to himself when he had bought the house in Santa Monica. "Speaking of promises, I promised Rose that we would be moving to Santa Monica, and it just so happens that I bought a house in Santa Monica, and I also promised myself that once the baby was born, we were gonna be moving there, so…"

"You’re not going to be living here anymore?" Annie asked, tears filling her eyes.

Jack shook his head sadly. "Rose loves Santa Monica, and I promised her that we’d move there when we were on our honeymoon, and so, now that I have bought the house, we’re going to move there next week."

"Oh, Jack," Annie said. "I’m going to miss you. And Rose."

"We’ll write," Jack said. He looked at his son. "And I’m sure you want to hold my son."

"If you would not mind," Annie said, hope shining in her eyes.

"Sure," Jack said, handing William carefully to Annie. "Watch the head…"

"Oh, he’s beautiful, Jack," Annie said. "Makes me wish that I could be a mother."

"Maybe someday you will," Jack said, looking at her, then at Michael, who stood in front of the coffee table, hands in his pockets.

Annie followed his gaze and blushed. She looked at William and smiled.

"Hi, Willy," Annie said, admiring the new nickname she gave him. "I’m your Aunt Annabelle, but you can call me Aunt Annie, of course."

Jack chuckled softly, watching Annie treat his son as if he could talk.

"He is bello, Jack," Angelina said, her voice soft and sweet. "You are a great father…and a great person. Good luck on your trip to Santa Monica…"

Jack smiled. "Thanks, Angelina," he said, putting a gentle hand on her shoulder. "I’m sure you and Fabri will have the same thing Rose and I have…"

Angelina smiled and gazed into Jack’s eyes. "Grazie…"

Jack looked at Fabrizio, who smiled at him.

"Tu sono un bene amico," Fabrizio said.

"So are you," Jack said.

Fabrizio smiled, then reached in his pocket, where he pulled out a handkerchief, skillfully wiped the sweat from his forehead, and clutched the fabric.

"Hearing la bella Rosa scream like ‘a that made me feel nervous," Fabrizio commented, sighing and putting the handkerchief back in his pocket.

"Well, me and Angelina have to go," Fabrizio said. "I’ll see you later, Jack."

"Okay, Fabri," Jack said, giving him a brief hug. "See you around."

"Sì," Fabrizio said, smiling. "Ciao, Jack. Congratulazioni, Jack."

Jack nodded and waved to his best friend, watching him take Angelina by the hand before heading to the apartment door and opening it, then disappearing into the hallway.

Jack turned to Annie, who was rocking back and forth slowly, William whimpering in her arms. Jack smiled, then walked towards her, ready to take his son.

"Thanks for letting me hold him, Jack," Annie said. "He’s wonderful."

"Thanks," Jack said, carefully holding his son, who looked as if he were about to cry. He looked at Annie, his blue eyes shining with happiness. "Thanks for being here for Rose. I don’t know what I would’ve done if she had been left alone during the birth…"

"It’s not a problem, Jack," Annie said. "Really."

Jack smiled and looked at his son, covering him with the blue blanket.

"I have to go," Annie said. "See you later, Jack."

"Okay," Jack said. "Thanks for coming."

"No problem," Annie said.

Jack nodded and watched as Annie left the apartment, leaving Michael in the parlor.

"So, you’re a father now, huh?" Michael asked, walking towards him. "What does it feel like?"

"Wonderful, scary, responsible…" Jack said. "I’m glad to be a father, though. I have this feeling in my heart that makes me just want to shout out to the world that this little creature is my son. And I thought that I would never become a father…"

"Why did you think that?" Michael asked, looking at Jack, brow raised.

"Well, before I met Rose, I was on my own," Jack said. "And during my journey, I never thought to meet a girl like Rose, nor have I ever thought of marrying her or anyone like her. She means so much to me that if, God forbid, something happened to her, I’d be crushed. I love her, Mike. Probably more than I should, but I can’t help myself. She’s my wife—and the mother of my new son. I don’t know what I’d do without Rose."

"Well, Jack, you have her with you, and you have a healthy son," Michael said, patting his shoulder. "I’ll leave you three alone. I gotta head off anyway. My mother’s visiting later, and I don’t want her to show up when I’m not there."

Jack laughed and nodded his head, understanding. "Thanks for everything, Mike."

"Not a problem," Michael said, smiling at him before he left the apartment, leaving Jack and his son alone in the parlor.

Jack looked at his son, who scrunched up his face and wailed sharply. His tiny clenched fists moved around as he kicked his feet. His eyes were squeezed shut, his mouth forming a wide O as he cried.

"Shh," Jack said, rocking back and forth. "Everything’s okay, baby. I know you’re hungry, but Mommy’s asleep now…shh…"

Despite his comforting words, William wailed loudly. Jack chuckled, headed towards the bedroom door, opening it and stepping inside, surprised to find that Rose was sitting upright, pillows propped behind her.

Jack looked at William and smiled.

"See what you did?" Jack said, as if he were accusing his son of waking Rose up. "You woke Mommy up."

Rose laughed, her flushed face brightening. "Don’t blame him for waking me, Jack. He’s hungry."

Jack looked at Rose and smiled.

"Okay, baby, you have your wish," Jack said, walking towards Rose and gently putting William in her arms. Jack ran his hands gently over his son’s thin blonde hair and smiled.

He watched Rose expose one enlarged breast, his son latching onto it, drinking the milk provided by his mother. He smiled, turning to his mother-in-law, who looked at him with loving eyes.

"Congratulations, Jack," Ruth said. "You have a wonderful son."

"Thank you," Jack said. He looked at Rose, seeing that she was smiling sweetly at William.

"Well, I’d better get going," Ruth said. "I’m sure Rose deserves a well-earned rest, and I would only be in the way."

"No, you would not be—" Jack began.

"Hush now," Ruth said, holding out her hand. "I know these things—I gave birth to Rose, and I remember feeling exhausted, so don’t you dare think that I won’t be in the way. If I stay, I’ll just keep Rose up. She deserves a rest. It’s a good thing I took the day off from work, though."

Jack smiled. "Okay, Mom. Thanks," Jack said.

"All right, Jack. I’ll visit later," Ruth said, running a hand over Jack’s cheek before she looked at Rose, waved, and left the apartment.

Jack stood there, both hands in his pockets, sighing. He looked over his shoulder and smiled. Rose looked like a professional. It was as if she had been a mother many times before. He walked towards her, pulled out a chair, and sat beside her, smiling at his newborn son.

The next room was the nursery. Jack had bought a crib, a rocking chair, and other things needed for the baby, and had put them in the guest room with Fabrizio and Michael’s help. Jack could not help but smile, thinking that within a week, they’d be going to Santa Monica again. He looked at Rose and ran his hand gently over her curls, which were a bit damp with sweat, but he didn’t mind.

Rose looked at Jack and smiled sweetly, nursing her son. Having given birth for the first time made Rose feel as if she had accomplished a hard task. Of course, it was painful giving birth, but it was also worth it. She would give birth to Jack’s children many times. She also knew that William would not be the last child she would give birth to. She knew that there would be many more children after him, and Rose did not mind bearing them. She had done it now. She could do it again.

"Rose," Jack murmured, sitting quietly beside her.

"Hmm?" Rose asked, looking up.

"Uh…remember on Christmas, when I told you that I had bought a house in Santa Monica?" Jack asked.

"Yes," Rose said, turning her attention back to her son, who was still nursing.

"Well," Jack said, running his fingers through his hair. "I promised myself that once the baby was born, we’d move, and I was thinking that next week we’ll be able to finally move to Santa Monica."

"That soon?" Rose asked, her eyebrows raised.

"Well, yeah," Jack said. "I don’t wanna wait, Rose. I think it’s best that we move as soon as possible, and I’ll give it until next Saturday, so we can start packing then."

Rose nodded her head and smiled brightly.

"All right," Rose said. She looked at her son and pressed her lips gently against his forehead. "You’re already a half hour old, my little one. You’re already growing right before my eyes."

Jack smiled at the sight and got up. "I’m gonna go out for awhile, okay?"

Rose looked at him, holding William close.

"How long will you be gone?" Rose asked, looking at her son.

"Just for a bit," Jack said. "I’m gonna go to the gallery and quit my job there. That way I’ll be with you for the next week before we move."

"I love you," Rose murmured, looking at him.

Jack smiled. "I love you, too."

With that, Jack left the bedroom and closed the door behind him before he left the apartment building, heading to the gallery.

Chapter Forty-Six
Stories