6
The next two hours weren’t very fun for Jack. Molly and Rose had dragged him to every department store in New York City shopping for both himself and Rose. Jack had properly refurnished his wardrobe and even went out to buy a couple of suits for not only his wedding but any other function that may come up. Rose took far longer to shop for. She had brought a number of simple dresses ranging in colors from lavender to white and matching acessories. She had brought herself a make up kitt and some hats. Both her and Jack had gone off by themselves to buy their wedding gifts. Finally they were done and were setting down to dinner.
"So you two, be up bright and early because we run down to the justice of the peace. We want to get you two hitched as soon as possible," Molly wagged a finger.
"Aman to that," Jack smiled at his fiancee. "I can’t wait to see the look on everyone’s face back home when they see Rose."
"Is that all I am to you Jack?" Rose asked, half-teasing. "A trophy to sport around to your friends?"
"Of course not sweetie. You’re the love of my life. I’m just saying, everyone’s going to want to know the beautiful lady I had found."
"He’s a sweetheart Rose. You better not let go of him," Molly laughed.
"So tell me Jack…how many girls am I going to have to beat off with a stick?" Rose giggled. "You must have been a heart breaker in Chippewa Falls."
Jack shrugged. "As far as I could tell, every girl in town had a crush on my friend Matt. He was the real heartbreaker. He had the looks, the brains, the brawn. All I had was the artistic talent at the time. You can say I was a late developer."
"Well then I’m glad. That means I won’t have any old girlfriends to contend with," Rose laughed.
"Why Rose, I didn’t know you were the jealous type," Molly chuckled.
"Neither did I before Jack came into my life. Now…I’d do anything to hang on to him."
"Well you won’t have to try very hard. I’m going to make it very clear that my heart belongs to you only," Jack smiled and tenderly kissed her.
"How sweet," Molly cooed.
"Well we better get to eating. I don’t know about you two, but I’m starved," Rose giggled, picking up the menu.
*
Two hours later Rose and Jack return to the hotel rooms and begin packing for their trip out of town the next day.
"Rose…do you plan on getting in contact with your mother after we’re married?" Jack asked, folding up his jacket.
Rose looked at him and shook her head. "I never want to see that woman again Jack."
"But she’s your mother Rose. You can’t go through life never talking to her again. She thinks you’re dead…that must be pretty devastating for her."
"Well she should have thought of that before she decided to sell me to Caledon Hockley. Perhaps Cal will take care of her…I don’t know and I don’t care."
"I understand. But maybe someday when you’re not feeling as hurt…maybe you’ll contact her to at least let her know that you’re alive and well and happy."
Rose just shrugged. "Why are you bringing this up now?"
"Because I lost my mother when I needed her the most. I just don’t want to see you throw it all away like that. That’s all."
"Jack…your mother was probably loving and caring and listened to you. She probably did things with you and was a real mother. Mine on the other hand totally ignored me when I was a child. It was my father that paid me the most attention. She would have nothing to do with me until I was thirteen years old, where she could try to groom me into another version of herself. Which as you know didn’t fully work. Ruth was never a real mom to me, She was a general. Commanding me to do things her way. And now that I’m free of her…I don’t miss her at all."
Jack nodded in understanding. "I understand Rose. And believe me, whatever you decide, I’ll stand behind you one hundred percent."
Rose smiled and went into his arms. "Thank you. Your support means everything to me."
Jack smiled and pulled her into a kiss that turned into another trip to the stars for the pair. Their last night in New York was definitely a memorable one.