FOR ALL ETERNITY
Chapter Eight
"Good morning, my love," whispered
Rose, as Jack slowly stretched and opened his eyes. "Welcome to the
beginning of your first day of your new life, Mr. Dawson. Did you sleep
well?"
"What a lovely sight to wake up
to!" murmured Jack, stretching some more. "You’re in a good mood this
morning. Did something happen last night that I wasn’t aware of, Mrs.
Dawson?"
"Nothing that should concern you, Mr.
Dawson. I received a visit from my love last night. That’s all," teased
Rose, quite successfully keeping a straight face.
"Is that all? For your sake, I hope it
wasn’t the captain. I saw how he was watching you yesterday! Personally, I
think Mr. Ismay would have been a far better choice for you," laughed
Jack. He was happy that they could tease each other like this, knowing that the
only people in their lives would be each other.
"Well, if you actually want to know who
it was, it was my beautiful star gazer. He is so magnificent. I can’t think of
any better word to use! He was so kind and gentle, yet you taught me new things
all the time. You took me to new galaxies that I never knew existed. You
crowned me Queen of the Stars, and for all this, I thank you."
"Rose, thank you. Being your king will
always make my night of star gazing as beautiful as you are." Jack leaned
over to gently kiss her on the lips, when there came a sharp tap on the door.
Rose sat up quickly, dragging the sheets with her to keep herself covered. She
glanced over at the door, and then back at Jack.
"Yes? Who is it?" called out Jack.
He climbed out of bed and put on one of the robes that was left for Rose and
himself. Slowly, he walked towards the door.
"I’m sorry to worry you, Jack, but I was
wondering if I could speak to you and Rose, please." Ruth’s clear voice
carried through the door. She had waited as long as she could, knowing the
feeling of waking up next to her new husband the next morning, but time was
running out now.
On hearing her mother’s voice, Rose quickly
climbed out of bed and donned the robe Jack was holding out for her. They
looked at each other with concern in their eyes. Hopefully, no more trouble had
been caused. Rose slowly nodded her head, indicating to Jack that he could open
the door. Quickly, he strode back towards the door.
"Mrs. DeWitt Bukater. Good morning. Did
you rest well?" Jack asked politely as he opened the door, allowing Ruth
access to the room. His mother-in-law glided in and stopped just short of Rose
before turning back towards Jack.
"Yes. Thank you, Jack. Please call me
Ruth from now on. We’re family now." Turning to glance at Rose, she
continued, "I’m sorry to intrude like this, but I just wanted to let you
know that New York Harbor is in sight. We’ll probably dock in just under an
hour. Would you like to join me on deck to watch our approach?"
"I though this moment would never arrive!
Finally, solid ground again! What do you think, Jack. Should we join the others
and watch our approach?" Rose inquired of her new husband.
"Sure! We’ll be up as soon as we’re
ready." Jack then led Ruth back to the door, so that he and Rose could get
dressed and prepare to go up on deck. "We’ll see you in a little bit,
Ruth."
Once the door was closed behind Ruth, the
newlyweds both went about their business, in preparation to leave the ship.
Each was lost in their own thoughts on how destiny intervened in their lives,
and brought them together.
I can’t believe that it was a mere six
days ago that I boarded the Titanic, and felt like I was being dragged back to
America in chains. Now, look at me--I’m married to the greatest man on earth,
and Mother and I have reconciled our differences. I can’t wait to show the
world my new husband! My new husband! Who would have known that just that
thought, those many days previous, would have turned my insides cold, unlike it
does now! Rose giggled at her
thought, breaking the silence in the room. Jack glanced her way, and flashed
his brilliant smile. No words were exchanged.
Well, she’s obviously thinking good
thoughts! I am so grateful that that one officer came back to save us. If it
was not for him, I would never have been fortunate enough to hear that sweet,
melodious sound again. I’ve got to find that officer, and thank him properly!
Oh, Rose. My sweet, darling Rose. Do you know how happy you have made me? When
I was asked about my rootless existence, I answered that I was content with the
air in my lungs and a few blank sheets, but I forgot something. My life was not
complete until you came in. We may have a physical rootless existence, but deep
down, with you by my side, we’ll never be rootless again.
"Jack," Rose began, breaking the
silence once more. "Are you ready to go above? I can’t wait to feel solid
ground again. Not that being on a ship with you is not good enough. Well…you
know what I mean!" laughed Rose nervously, not quite knowing how Jack
would respond.
"Rose, my dear, I’m content being
anywhere, as long as I’m with you. Let’s go find Ruth and the others. Maybe
Fabri and Tommy got lucky last night, too." Jack grinned his wicked smile
towards Rose, causing her to blush like crazy.