ROMANOV AUTUMN
Chapter Thirty-Seven

Over the next couple of months, Jack and Alyiah settled into their new routine quite nicely. Jack found work in the kitchens relaxing--he was getting quite good, too, and allowed Alyiah nights of rest while he took over meals. His art at the Chippewa Herald flourished, which gained him a promotion around Thanksgiving.

Olivia and Esther came over for the holiday, which Jack and Alyiah prepared for together.

Everyone enjoyed themselves, even though it was clear Esther's health was worsening as time went on. Alyiah became close with Olivia, and the two were giggling like schoolgirls. While everything seemed happy with the Dawsons on the outside, on the inside they were struggling a bit emotionally.

Alyiah still wasn't pregnant, even after several attempts. Jack had to admit she was being a trooper about the whole situation, and pampered her ballet students as though they were her own daughters.

"Hope isn't completely lost, Jack," Esther promised her foster son as they sat together in front of the fireplace while the women gabbed over knitting.

By Christmastime, Alyiah's ballet class was ready for their recital. On stage, the little girls danced brilliantly and without flaw to a miniaturized version of The Nutcracker. Alyiah stood watching from backstage, her face curved into a noticeably sad smile.

After the performance, Jack brought Alyiah home just as it started to snow.

"It's so beautiful, isn't it, Jack? I love how snow just makes everything else peaceful and quiet."

He nodded, tightening his grip on the horse's reins. "Alyiah, we will have another baby. This is just a rough patch, sweetheart."

She hugged him, hoping that was true.

Christmas was an enjoyable time for both of them--quiet, with a small exchange of gifts. Olivia and Esther came over again for dinner, and sang carols played by Alyiah at the small piano. It was out of tune, belonging to Jack's mother at one time long ago.

When 1902 approached, Jack promised Alyiah there would be hope for them yet. The year was a pleasant one--Harry and Bridget came from California by train and stayed with them in Wisconsin for two weeks. Bridget was pregnant with their first child, and her stomach was becoming just large enough to be noticeable. Alyiah tried her best not to appear jealous, but it was clear from her silence...at least to Jack, who knew her behavior in social situations normally.

"We have missed you, Jack," Bridget said, reaching for his arm as they had a picnic by the lake. The late spring weather was beautiful--just warm enough but not uncomfortably hot. Of course, due to the heavy clouds of pollen floating around, the outdoor excursions ended sooner than preferred due to Jack's increasing sneezing fits.

"Me, too," he replied. "It's great to have you...you're welcome anytime."

Harry grinned. "I hope you'll come to California for a visit," he said. "It’s not quite the same without you."

Jack chuckled, lacing his fingers through Alyiah's, and caused her to smile. He leaned over to kiss her cheek; even though they'd been married for a full year now, he still felt the same fire for her as when they first fell in love. Harry remembered how awkward Jack had been around Bridget when she tried to woo him three years before...he had definitely grown up.

Jack was sorry to see his friends go when the two weeks drew to a close, pleased to see Alyiah had gotten along well with them despite her feelings about Bridget's pregnancy.

"They work in the moving pictures? How exciting a life that must be," Alyiah said while Jack helped her collect vegetables from their garden. Every time he went outside, he saw the remains of the barn that took his parent's lives. Alyiah suggested clearing the rubble, but he couldn't bring himself to touch any of it.

"It was pretty interesting," he agreed. "It just wasn't for me." He held the door with one hand so he could get them inside, and they put the vegetables in the storeroom. "Are you all right?" he asked when he saw how pale her face had become, and she nodded.

"Of course, darling," she replied. "It's just hot." She wrapped her arms around him, kissing his lips tenderly.

"Maybe you should rest, then," he suggested. "I don't want you collapsing on me." He was tired from being at the hotel all day, but he enjoyed having these few hours of precious time with his wife.

As the year continued, Alyiah taught ballet on a regular basis, boasting about how wonderful the recital was coming along for the Easter holiday. Alyiah's classes became quite popular after the first segment, and especially once the parents learned of her prestigious background.

"You'll come, won't you, Jack?" she asked, and he grinned.

"Of course I'll be there," he replied. "What kind of a silly question is that?"

Alyiah laughed. "Well, you are very busy working both jobs," she admitted, and he embraced her strongly.

"Never too busy for you," he whispered into her ear. In fact, Jack came to watch the rehearsals on occasion during his lunch hour, smiling as Alyiah attempted to straighten a little girl’s slouch. It was hard to believe she had begun this way, so young. The Easter performance turned out to be Swan Lake, and received standing ovations every night.

When Christmas of 1902 arrived, an invitation was sent to the Dawsons from Mr. Rockefeller, along with a pair of opera tickets.

"Isn't it wonderful?" Alyiah breathed as she twirled around the parlor. "Oh, I've always dreamt of going to the opera! I never had the time in Paris. Oh, Jack, do say we may accept!" She peered hopefully into his eyes, sending him into laughter.

"Of course we may go," he replied as she threw her arms around him. "I already spoke with my boss, who is allowing me the time off."

Alyiah pressed her lips against his. "Thank you," she replied. "Merci."

Alyiah sat down on the couch and stared ahead. "Oh, dear," she sighed. "I am not sure what to wear. I am afraid my dresses are not exactly appropriate."

Jack stroked her curls. "Alyiah, you will look beautiful in anything," he promised, and she smiled at him.

As the holidays grew closer, Alyiah began to feel a bit more helpless regarding her situation and children. They were strolling through the backyard after supper one night, and when the cold became too unbearable, Jack lit a fire in the fireplace so they could cuddle on the couch.

"I am starting to feel a little helpless," Alyiah began as she curled up on his lap. "We've been trying so hard to have a child, and...why isn't anything happening?"

Jack sighed, peering into the flames. "I don't know," he admitted. "We just have to keep trying...I'm not going to give up, Alyiah. I don't want you to do so, either."

She wet her lips. "But Bridget was pregnant, and I didn't...I'm sorry I was icy towards her, but it isn't fair."

Jack planted a kiss on top of her head. "She knows you didn't mean it," he promised. "And we will get lucky someday."

Alyiah smiled. "I've always liked the name Macena for a girl," she spoke after a few moments of silence.

Jack blinked. "Any particular reason?" he asked, for he'd personally been thinking towards traditional American names--Mary, Elizabeth, Sarah. He mentioned this to Alyiah, who chuckled.

"I don't understand it either, but for some reason it's been floating around in my head. I'm not even sure where I would have heard it. Besides, I've always wanted something unique for my child...there are too many Elizabeths and Sarahs in the world. I have two Sarahs in my ballet class alone."

Jack smiled and gently pinched her cheek. "Well, in either case, our son or daughter will absolutely be unique. Each child is, in their own way."

Alyiah laced her fingers through his and placed his hand on her leg. "I know," she replied. "I'm sorry, Jack. I'm just frustrated."

He touched her cheek. "I love you," he said. "So much, Alyiah. And we will have a child...when we're least expecting it."

Alyiah hugged him again, the heat of the fire making her feel sleepy.

The week of Christmas, Alyiah and Jack made preparations to travel to New York. It was snowing rather hard, which made the drive to the train station a bit unnerving. He left the carriage with Olivia and Esther, grateful for the warmth of the train once they entered.

"You are cold?" Alyiah laughed as he rubbed his arms briskly once he sat down.

"It may not be as cold as you're used to in Russia, but we come close," he replied, putting his hands against her neck. She squealed, batting him away, and giggled when he attempted to tickle her. He eventually silenced her with a kiss, which she more than happily accepted.

"We're going to have a wonderful time," she breathed once they sat in the normal fashion.

"I know it," he agreed.

They arrived in New York around eleven that night, and Mr. Rockefeller had their bed ready when they arrived, along with hot tea and cookies.

"Take these up with you...I know it has been a long day," he suggested, and Jack thanked the old man, while Margarita helped them with their luggage.

"How are things in your home?" she asked, and Jack admitted he missed the thick Spanish accent. The time he had spent with Mr. Rockefeller had been a very happy one, though nothing compared to how wonderful his life was now.

"Wonderful, thank you," he replied. "Alyiah and I are settling into things pretty smoothly."

Margarita laughed. "I knew you would," she said. "You just had to find the right person to settle down with." She winked as Alyiah entered the guestroom first, the moonlight making her face glow silver.

"Thank you," he chuckled.

"Good night, my skinny one," Margarita teased, and pinched his side, which got a giggle from Alyiah.

"You're just evil." Jack laughed and Margarita merely smiled as she swept out of the room. He turned around and hoisted Alyiah into the air, spinning her around. "I see how it is," he teased as she demanded he put her down.

"Jack Dawson!" she squealed as he sat her on the edge of the bed. She gazed into his eyes, which were blue as an ocean--she felt as though she could drown in them.

"We have a long day ahead of us," he announced, unbuttoning her cloak. "We should get to sleep soon."

Alyiah yawned as she rummaged through her trunks, pulling out her nightgown. Jack frowned when he realized how thin she was...the corsets she wore shaped her figure to a painful-looking size. It was actually a bit frightening to imagine a woman of her physique giving birth to a child.

"What is it?" Alyiah asked, turning around, and Jack shook his head.

"Nothing, honey," he promised, and she put her hands on her hips.

"You're staring," she pointed out, and he smiled.

"That's only because you're so beautiful," he explained, and she raised her eyebrows.

"Don't torture me like that," she whined as he moved forward to kiss her. "We can't do anything here...it would be disrespectful."

Jack chuckled. "Unfortunately," he replied as she sipped from her tea mug, gazing around the comfortable room. He joined her with his own mug, humming to an old waltz.

"Will we ever return to Russia?" Alyiah asked, and he turned.

"Someday," he assured her. "We'll bring little Macena to visit her grandparents."

Alyiah laughed with delight as she kissed him yet again. "You must promise," she begged, and he placed his hand over his heart. "Macena Marie Dawson. I wish I knew why I keep thinking of that name!"

Jack looked at the ceiling. "It might provide a sign somewhere," he answered. "Now, I think we should get some sleep. It's already midnight." He took the plate and mugs, setting them on the nightstand. Alyiah climbed into the bed with her husband, feeling safe whenever he was nearby. She watched as he came in, clasping her hand in his.

"Good night," she whispered before succumbing to sleep.

Chapter Thirty-Eight
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