28
Rose stood in the doorway, watching the Lakeworths step out of their new Renault town car. Rose stiffled down the pang of jealousy when she noticed how lovely Kimberly looked. She wasn’t heavy with child, nor nauseaus most of the time. Jack was sure to notice this.
Thinking of Jack, Rose glanced into the kitchen where Jack and Jacklyn sat talking about their childhood, or rather, Jacklyn was talking about their childhood and Jack just sat there trying to remember.
"Kimberly! My you do look lovely," Nancy greeted their guests. "You do to Brandon."
"Thank you Mrs. Nancy," Kimberly smiled. "We both thank you for your offer. I just hope I’m able to help Jack."
"That makes two of us," Rose joined her mother in law.
"Rose, you look lovely," Brandon nodded.
"Thank you Mr. Lakesworth," Rose gratefully smiled, her confidence being boosted a little.
"So where’s Jack? I’d like to reintroduce myself," Kimberly nervously smiled. She knew Rose didn’t like her and didn’t really want to go through with this, so she wanted to make this as quick and hopefully painless as possible.
"In the kitchen with Jacklyn. Come, follow me," Nancy beckoned for the younger woman to follow her. As soon as the women were out of ear shot, Brandon grabbed Rose’s arm.
"Have you completely lost your mind?" He asked.
"No. I just want to help Jack get all his memory back. Believe me, I don’t like this anymore than you do. But I’m willing to do this for Jack."
"Even if you lose him in the end?"
"Listen Mr. Lakesworth, I have faith in my husband’s love for me. It’s still there, even though he doesn’t have his memory back. He won’t leave me for Kimberly. But even if he did…getting him well is worth the risk."
"You’re a strong woman Mrs. Dawson."
Rose smiled half-heartedly. "You’d be surprised," Rose followed the women into the kitchen. Her heart sinks as she saw Jack standing and talking with Kimberly as if nothing’s happened. "I take it you remember Kimberly."
"Yeah. But she was a lot younger the last time I saw her," Jack glanced at his wife.
"And this is her husband. Brandon Lakesworth," Rose cleared her throat. "They’re here to see if seeing Kimberly will help you retrieve the rest of your memory."
"Do you think it’ll help?" Jack looked questionably at Rose. She knew then that he trusted her opinion and if she said so he wouldn’t go through with it, but she did want his memory back so she was willing to go ahead with the plan.
"I think it may help. Jacklyn has a pretty good theory and it may just work," Rose smiled, taking her husband’s hand. "Take a walk around town with Kimberly and see if your memory returns. If it doesn’t…we’ll think of something else."
Jack smiled and pulled Rose into a tender kiss. "Have I told you how much I love you?"
Rose nodded. "All the time."
"Well I guess the kids better be off," Nancy got to her feet. "Mr. Lakesworth, how would you like some coffee and cake?"
"That would be nice Mrs. Dawson," Brandon nodded. This was going to be a long and interesting wait.
"Rose here can keep you company," Nancy nodded, disappearing into the kitchen.
"Take care of him," Rose looked at Kimberly.
"I promise," Kimberly nodded, understanding Rose’s concern. For a whole month they had thought Jack was dead and it had nearly destroyed her as well as Rose, and to learn that Jack was alive even though his memory was gone was a sure relief. Tentatively, she took Jack’s hand, who by the way was still engrossed in his wife. "Come on Jack. Let’s get started."
"I’ll be back," Jack reassured Rose before following Kimberly out the door.
"I hope you know what you’re doing," Brandon again sighed.
"So do I Mr. Lakesworth. So do I," Rose wistfully sighed, hoping that she was still the one Jack loved when he returned.