A ROSE BLOWING IN THE WIND
Epilogue
Two Years Later
Two years had passed since the
sinking of the Titanic and the birth of Jack’s daughter, Josephine. Two years
since Rose had moved in with Molly. Gone were the tears she had shed over the
loss of the only man she had ever loved. Now, every time she thought of Jack, a
smile came to her lips. On holidays and birthdays, Rose made sure to take
Josephine to Chippewa Falls to visit with George and Samantha and hear stories
about Jack’s childhood adventures. Rose was determined that Josephine would
know who her father was and what a wonderful man he had been.
Rose eventually did get in touch
with Ruth. Unfortunately, their relationship remained stormy. It was mainly
because of Ruth trying to regain the upper hand in her daughter’s life. Rose
wrote every now and again, but she refused to visit her mother in person
anymore.
"Rose." Molly stepped
up behind her friend. "You know that you don’t have to do this. You’re
welcome here as long as you like."
"I know, Molly. But it is
time for me to live up to that promise I made Jack. Josephine and I…well, we
need this. We need to be on our own for a while." Rose wiped away the
stray tears. It hard making the decision to leave the security of Molly’s
house. But it was the right thing to do. She had lived off of Molly long
enough. It was now time to move on. To become an independent woman. "We’ll
miss you."
"I’ll miss you, too,
darlin’. Don’t forget to write and let me know about your well-being."
Molly hugged the young woman just as the car that was to take Rose and
Josephine to the train station arrived.
"Good-bye, Molly." Josephine
reached up to hug her adopted grandmother as Rose gathered their bags.
"Bye-bye, Josie. Now,
remember, take good care of your mommy."
"I will." The little
girl nodded.
"Come, Josie. It’s time to
go." Rose took the girl’s hand. Tearfully, she looked at Molly one last
time. "Good-bye."
"Take care." Molly
watched as Rose and Josephine left the porch and rode off in the car.
"Take care of them, Jack." Molly watched the car disappear over the
horizon.
Two Years Later
Four years since the loss of Jack
and two years since the move to Santa Monica. Rose stared at the reflection in
the mirror. Her image was decked in white lace and silk. She made a beautiful
bride. She smiled as she looked outside the bedroom door to see Samantha and
George Dawson in the front row, sitting next to Molly. She found the groom,
Christopher Calvert, up front, awaiting her arrival.
Chris was a dream come true. Last
year, he had come into her life and given her the ability to love again,
something she had thought she’d never do again after the loss of Jack. Chris…he
was so understanding about Jack, and he was absolutely wonderful with
Josephine. She couldn’t ask for a better man. Of course, he wasn’t as wonderful
as Jack. To be honest, she didn’t think anyone could be that wonderful. But he
only came in second on the wonderful scale.
Now there was only one more thing
for Rose to do. It was time to let her first love, Jack, go. It was time to let
him rest in the peace he deserved. She wiped a tear from her eye as she sat at
the writing desk and began.
My Dearest Jack,
It has been four long years
since that wonderful/awful night. The night I both found and lost you. The love
of my life. The night I made the hardest promise that I ever had to make. It
took me a while, Jack. In fact…there was a time when I thought it was
impossible to keep such a promise. But thanks to Molly, our daughter, and you
yourself…I’m managing to do so now.
You probably already know
about Christopher. In fact, I do believe at times that you sent him to me.
Forcing me to keep another portion of that promise. Oh, Jack, he’s so much like
you. Yet, he’s so different. He’s taught me how to love again, and he’s great
with Josephine. He’s everything I could ever want…besides you, that is.
He’s why I’m writing this
letter, Jack. Today is Christopher’s and my wedding day. I am to become Mrs.
Christopher Calvert. This means it’s time to say good-bye to the past.
Jack…it’s time to let you go and continue on with the promise I made. I know
this isn’t truly good-bye. Like you said, it’ll never be good-bye. I know that
you, too, have a promise. When my time comes, you will be awaiting my arrival
in the first class saloon aboard our ship of dreams. Surprised that I remember
that promise? How could I forget? At times, it was all I had to hold onto. I’m
still going to tell Josephine about you, but I will no longer be mourning your
death. Instead, I’ll be celebrating your legacy by being the best person I can
be and by making each and every day count.
So good-bye, my darling Jack.
Rest in peace, and I shall see you when it’s my turn to board that ship of
dreams.
Love,
Rose Dawson
"Mommy?" Josephine
stuck her head through the door. "Are you ready?"
Rose smiled, getting to her feet.
As she moved towards her daughter, a breeze came in through the open window. It
was scented with the fragrance of charcoal and the ocean. She could almost hear
a soft good-bye in her ear. The breeze was gone as soon as it began. Jack had
said his good-bye.
"Yes, darling. I’m
ready." Rose smiled, following her daughter out the door. The future was
awaiting her, bright and full of love.
The End.