TOMORROW'S APRIL
Chapter Fifteen
A Perfect Picture
The quiet surprised her- as she walked down the
cramped hallway. Emily and Betsy behind her, Rose stepped softly in the plush
carpeting, her footsteps not even audible. The silence was penetrated only by
the lonely chords of the piano in the chapel, still quite a ways around the
corner. Rose held her breath, picking up her speed, and soon she placed her
hand on the white marble wall, right next to the doors that would lead her down
the aisle.
She turned, breathless, to find her two
bridesmaids staring at her in what appeared to be awe. She smiled, her
nervousness causing her heart to pound mercilessly in her ears, making it hard
to hear what Betsy was saying. "Rose, Mr. Carlson said we should go ahead
and....it's time I think."
Rose nodded, straightening her stance. She
stepped back, allowing her two friends to line up in front, and her hands
immediately flew to her hair. The veil was slightly warm, and she felt she
might faint at any moment, with everything her mind was suddenly processing.
For a moment, the room seemed to spin around her, and she placed a palm to her
face, feeling slightly dizzy. Her thoughts spoke the same syllable over and
over. "Jack..." She whispered once more under her breath, watching
as, in almost slow motion, Betsy reached for the ornate golden handle. Emily
turned once more, offering a reassuring smile. Rose's breath quickened and the
next thing she knew, the narrow white aisle stretched before her.
The pianist quickly changed course, into a
soft piece Rose had never heard before. The mint-colored skirt of Emily's dress
seemed to move, leaving a rather wide gap to fill. Slowly, Rose took one step,
looking around the room for the very first time. Light streamed in through the
stained glass windows, drenching the entire space in glowing color. The flowers
Jack had ordered- white and pink roses, were scattered perfectly over the
polished wood. Seated near the front were about twenty guests, all with their
heads and eyes turned toward her. Immediately she caught the warm gaze of Mr.
Carlson, and almost imperceptibly, he winked, smiling wonderfully. His grin
suddenly reminded her of just what she was here to do, and in a second's flash,
her eyes traveled the short distance to Jack, who stood next to the pastor. His
hands were joined in front of him, and his perpetually casual stance, brought a
brilliant smile to her own lips. Rose breathed deeply, hoping that she could
contain her wildly beating heart. She continued, watching as his gaze pulled
her safely home.
His eyes met hers straight on, nodding only
to Rose, his face breaking into a wide smile. In those eyes, she knew- was
everything she would ever need. He was so handsome, seeming so calm and
collected, standing there in his tuxedo. Even from where she slowly made her
way, the sparkle in his blue eyes was evident. But she was sure she saw a
muscle in his neck moving, and in an instant, relief swept over her. Jack was
nervous too- of that she was sure.
There was no aisle left, and only two small
steps separated her from the future she had always dreamed for. Betsy and Emily
looked on in anticipation, standing to her left. Breathing the beautiful scent
of the lilacs she held in her hands, Rose's eyes shone brightly in the light of
several candles placed near the alter. Her red hair, radiant and shining,
seemed only to be magnified by them. Looking down, she saw Jack's familiar hand
leave his other, reaching for hers. His fingers curled slightly as they moved,
gracing hers ever so softly. Rose shivered with joy, watching as her feet slid
up the smooth surface, toward him. She heard Pastor Williams clear his throat,
and soon she was aware only of Jack's warmth, and the words being read, that
would unite them forever.
*****************
"Beautiful ceremony, Mr. Dawson."
Bill Townsend's petite wife made her way towards Jack, offering her hand. He
smiled, bending slightly to thank her. He was quite full from the meal he had
just finished, and his head was spinning from the many handshakes and
conversations. After the ceremony, the party had gathered at Tavern on the
Green, where Jack had secured a room for the very simple reception. The tables
were lined in such a way, that left ample space in the center for a little
dancing. The arched ceilings were lined with white linen, and gorgeous crystal
donned every table. A small string quartet inhabited the corner, now sounding
rather tired and playing a soft waltz. Everything was perfect, it seemed. Now
all he needed was his wife by his side. Rose had been making the rounds as
well, being introduced to his circle of friends for the first time. The society
girl had never left her, he knew, and she moved across the floor so gracefully,
so full of life.
He spotted her mane of red curls, talking to
the Dunn's, an older couple Jack knew through Bill. Her back was turned to him,
and she held a delicate goblet of white wine in her hand. On her finger, the
newly placed gold wedding band shone in the overhead lights. She looked so
beautiful- her porcelain skin outlined by the cream of her dress. He smiled to
himself, touching his own ring before he began a brisk walk, nodding to those
he passed. As he approached her, the couple moved to the left, heading towards
the center floor. Rose, sensing him, turned and smiled, her face lighting up as
brightly as the sun. Moving closer, Jack's hands came around her waist. She
looked up at him, touching her forehead to his chin, and her free hand rested
on his shoulder.
"So how's my wife?" His tender
voice was muffled as he kissed the top of her head, breathing in the scent of
her hair. Rose leaned back slightly to look him in the eye, her cheeks bright
and vibrant. Jack searched her face, seeing only pure joy, and swallowed,
thanking God for all that had transpired.
"I think I may be the happiest person on
earth." She sighed, running her thumb over the collar of his jacket.
"Jack...this is perfect, everything is perfect. I can't believe....that
we're married..." A few tears sprung to her eyes as she spoke, and
instinctively his hand came up to wipe them away.
"Rose...I never thought this would be
possible. But now that we're here, I can't imagine ever living without you. I
want you to know that." His voice was deep, but still so soothing, and
Rose bit her lip, searching his eyes. There was so much truth in them, so much
emotion. After all they had been through together, this day seemed like some
kind of glorious miracle. And when she thought of the wonderful news she had to
share with him, she found it incredibly difficult to control herself. Embracing
him as tightly as she could, with the wine glass still in her hand, she took a
deep breath.
"I feel the same way Jack. All that I
experienced in California, all that I've done, is because of you. But it
just..."
"Wasn't the same?" Jack finished
for her, running his hand over her neck softly. She felt the familiar rush of
electricity go through her as his words molded to her own, closing her eyes to
his warm touch.
"Precisely." She gazed up at him,
smiling once again, and brought her lips to his, kissing him softly. She felt
her heart leap inside her chest, and after just a moment's hesitancy, she moved
her mouth to his ear. "Jack there's something I have to tell....."
Her whispered voice was interrupted by the clink of a fork to a glass, and she
turned to see Bill Townsend standing atop a chair, trying to catch everyone's
attention. She heard Jack sigh against her cheek, and a little laugh escaped
him.
"I guess we better go over there."
He kissed her forehead, taking her free hand. "We'll be alone soon."
She only nodded, and resolved that she would try again later, when there were
not so many distractions.
The small crowd had gathered around Bill, and
he lifted his goblet with his right hand, raising his dark eyebrows for
everyone's undivided attention. He cleared his throat, looking around for a
moment; his small stature forgotten by the height at which he stood.
"Jack, Rose. Come on, make your way to the front."
Rose ducked her head, blushing slightly as
Jack lead her several steps. He helped Bill down, and then reached for his own
glass, on the nearby table. He glanced at Rose, winking handsomely as Bill
prepared to make his speech, as was the duty of the best man. "Now most of
us have known Jack here for quite a while," Bill turned to his best
friend, a suddenly serious expression on his face, "but until now, we
haven't had the pleasure of knowing Rose.....I must say, that ever since he
returned from Europe, Jack has been a different man." Jack looked down as
his friend spoke, pulling Rose closer to him, "Not only is there a spirit
in him now that I've never witnessed before, but for once....he's finally
acting his age!" Bill chuckled to himself, amusing the miniature crowd.
Jack put up one hand, laughing himself. Shaking Bill's shoulder good naturedly,
he shook his head back and forth.
"Gee, thanks." He smiled and
watched as Rose tried to control herself. One hand was covering her mouth, and
even though she was trying to hide it, the amusement in her eyes was clear.
"Well, like I was saying...." Bill
grinned and lifted his glass once more, "Like I was saying- there's only
one explanation for all of these changes in our good 'ole Jack. And she's
standing right next to him. So this is to Mr. and Mrs. Dawson. I wish them the
best always, as I'm sure you all do!" He clinked his glass to several
guests around him, caught up in the moment of his speech. Jack turned to his
wife, pressing his glass lightly to her own. Rose looked up, an unmistakable
spark in her green eyes. He leaned down, bringing his lips to her ear.
"You know, he's right." He
whispered this ever so lightly, tickling Rose's ear with his breath. She
sighed, basking in the happiness she felt within her heart. Looking around at
the friendly faces- she saw expressions wide with smiles, making the rounds
with cheerful toasts. She brought her hand to Jack's face, brushing his cheek
lightly, and not necessarily caring what anyone thought, kissed him deeply,
pulling him closer. It wasn't until she was aware of Bill's hand tapping Jack's
back that she resurfaced, opening her eyes to discover each and every one of
their wedding guests staring at the passionate embrace.
"So I suppose you do want to say
something, Jack?" Bill appeared smug, and Jack's face was turning a deep
red. He cleared his throat, backing away from Rose slightly, and nodded toward
his listeners.
"Yes, actually." He took the place
in the center of the space, pulling a beaming Rose with him. He had thought
continually about this for the past few days, picking his brain for just the
right thing to say. Something that would not only officially introduce Rose
into his life, and to his friends, but that would convey just how special his
feelings for her were. Nothing extremely personal- he would save those thoughts
for just her, but still- words that Rose would never forget.
But as this day had drifted by magically,
Jack had realized that he could rely only on his heart- not some stuffy speech
written before he had experienced the wonder of his actual wedding day. One
look at Rose's lovely face gave him all the inspiration he needed, and for just
one second, his mind seemed to drift back to the very first days aboard
Titanic.
Jack cleared his throat and smiled. Squeezing
Rose's hand, he finally spoke. "I know a lot of us here are artists. In
fact, in one way or another....we all are." He paused, tilting his head in
thought. "An artist always knows when he has created a true masterpiece.
Not just something that looks beautiful, but something that has its own
soul....its own raw truth. And it may just be one moment in time, or....."
he looked directly at Rose, "it may last forever. I think the most
beautiful picture....is like a memory. If it's a true, honest, and real
masterpiece, then it becomes etched unto the mind."
Jack watched as his audience nodded in
agreement. The faces of his friends, his co-workers, all intently watching his
own. His heart beat quickly, echoing the rhythm of what he was really trying to
say. "Just imagine painting.....or sketching the most perfect, the most
amazing picture. Making a memory that surpasses everything.....And savoring it.
Thinking selfishly that it will always be there." Rose watched as his eyes
gleamed with what appeared were tears. Of course, only she really understand
the full meaning of his sentiments. She rubbed her hand along his back
soothingly, silently urging him to go on. His lifted his head and suddenly his
voice contained his usual exuberant strength. "Just imagine that
perfection.....being snatched away from you. In an instant- all the hope you
held, gone. And then suddenly, there is only existence....Not living, but just
life. Day by day, minute by minute. I suppose Bill here always noticed that in
me...as I'm sure many of you did. But miraculously, one starry night.......my
chance was returned."
Jack held Rose closely, motioning with his
head toward her, and lifted his glass. "And suddenly my perfect hope, my
perfect picture....I had it again. Rose and I have witnessed love taken by
fate, and returned in just the same way. I won't take your time by explaining exactly
what I mean. But I want to ask you to raise your glasses once more...to toast
my perfect picture--the extraordinary woman by my side. This is to Rose, and
our future. But most of all, our love."
Jack heard Rose sigh beside him, and as their
guests clapped and cheered, he looked down at her. Her eyes were large and
glistening, focused on only him. Her hand came to his face, and his met it,
covering the softness of her skin.
"Are you okay Rose?" Jack searched
her face carefully, wanting so much to know that she had liked what he said. A
smile came to her lips, and in an instant, his question seemed to answer
itself.
"Jack I didn't know....I mean...."
She discovered the words to describe what she felt, difficult to find. A slight
blush came to her cheeks as she recalled the night he had been speaking of. A
private memory only they shared- The blue of his eyes penetrated her own, and
feeling suddenly weak, Rose placed her head on his chest, wrapping her arms
around him. By now it seemed their small reception had spread out once again.
She heard bits and pieces of conversation floating around her head- still the
sounds of a few glasses being hit together. In the corner of her eye she
spotted Mr. Carlson, and his animated face as he talked to several others at his
table. A few minutes had passed, before she realized that she still had not
said anything.
"Jack that was the most....that was
beautiful." She lifted her head and gazed at him firmly and strongly.
"I'd never thought of it in that way....but now I know that we have so
many more memories to create. So many more pictures to sketch." Her
sincere and genuine eyes roved his face.
"Oh Rose. I didn't think it was possible
to love someone this much...." His mouth came to meet hers, almost
urgently, and soon he was convinced that only a kiss could show Rose just how
much he would treasure this day forever.
At her sides, his hands met her own, and
slowly she broke the embrace, leading him in wonder towards the dance floor. In
the back of her mind, she knew the time to tell him was soon- but for now, a
dance would suit her just fine. The music was soft and inviting- and oblivious
to anything around them, the couple made their way. Jack gazed at her
curiously, until he realized, strangely, that they had not even danced together
today yet. He smiled, with a look both of recollection and of anticipation.
"Care to dance?" He nodded
playfully, bowing slightly to her. She only giggled, pulling him toward her.
"How did you know?"