THE CHIPPEWA FALLS DAWSONS
Chapter Twenty

Jack and Rose stood and looked around the living room of their house. It was hard to believe that it was finished! Tonight would be their first night staying here. Jack walked over to the fireplace and gazed up at the painting hanging there. He straightened it out, and stepped back to look at it. "What do you think, Rose?"

"It’s fine. Let’s go to bed."

The picture was a portrait Jack had done of his parents.

"Are you okay?"

"I’m fine. I’m just tired," Rose said, and turned to go and look out the window. She could see part of her mother’s little house. "How long before she has to live out there by herself?"

"I’m sure Elaine will stay this winter. They’re not getting married until spring."

Jack came up behind Rose and put his arms around her, his hands coming to rest on the swell of her belly. Rose brought her hand down to rest on top of his.

"Do you regret anything?"

"No. Not one thing."

"Me, either."

"Let’s go to bed."

"All right."

Jack and Rose turned and started up the stairs. At the bedroom door, Jack gently picked Rose up and carried her across the threshold. "Welcome home, Mrs. Dawson."

"Thank you, Mr. Dawson."

"Jack." And the closing of the door cut off the sound of their laughing.

The End.

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