36

Christmas day had arrived and both Molly and Bill were invited to join the festivities, much to Bill’s delight and Ruth’s dismay. The more she watched Bill with their daughter, the more she regretted her lies. She was going to be lucky if Rose even talked to her again.

The tension between Jack and Weaver was growing by the hour now, as Jack noticed more and more of Weaver’s ignoring Rose’s presence in the Dawson family. Again, the only reason he hasn’t said anything was because he had told Rose he’d get along with his family. He was determined to make this Christmas a happy one for his love. One way or another, but after Christmas, Jack planned to have words with his uncle.

Jolene and Richie remained in one area the whole time due to the fact that Jolene was over her due date. She could go into labor any day now.

Everyone were now in the living room, opening their gifts. Rose shyly gave her gift to Jack who was delighted to find she had purchased him a state of the art art supply kit. It had everything, paper, paints, pencils, charcoals, everything he needed.

"Thank you sweetie," Jack tenderly kissed his wife. "I really needed this. Here you go," He handed her a small box. Her eyes lit up a the sight of a butterfly comb to hold her hair in place. It was almost identical to the one she had on Titanic.

"Oh Jack! I love it," tears appeared in her eyes. "It’s just like the one I lost…"

"I know. You came to mind when I saw it," Jack nodded.

"I brought the young couple of here this bottle set," Weaver walked over to Jolene and Richie. "They’re going to need it. Those Dawson babies can be a handful. In fact what are you naming the new little guy?"

Rose saw the flash of hurt in Jack’s eyes as Weaver gave Richie and Jolene all the attention, as if they were the only ones having a baby. She wished she could take that pain away. But all she can do is squeeze his hand supportively and try to divert his attention away.

"This reminds me of my days as a girl," Ruth smiled with memories. "We’d always have this big tree in the sitting room. Even when Albert was alive. You remember don’t you Rose? This certainly differs from that."

"Well I’m sorry if our accommodations aren’t to your liking Mrs. Dewitt Bukater, but this is how we Dawson’s do it," Weaver glared at the other woman.

"Uncle Weaver, that is enough," Jack interrupted. "You have no right to speak to Rose’s mother that way."

"No need? I say there is! Her and her daughter come into this family and act like they’re better than we are!" Weaver crossed his arms.

"That’s not true," anger burned in Jack’s voice. He’s done had all he was going to take. He hated doing this on the holidays but something had to be said.

"Weaver, Jack please. This is Christmas day. We should be getting along," Nancy tried to interrupt the confrontation, but nothing could stop what was already started.

"You know, I’m sick of your attitude towards my wife! I haven’t said anything until now because I promised Rose I’d get along with you, but I’m not even gonna try to ignore it this time! You will apolagize to both Rose and her mother right now!"

"Jack please…," Rose’s voice was pleading, but somehow she knew he wouldn’t listen this time.

"Apologize for what? Recognizing a whore when I see her?" Weaver’s gaze fell on Rose whose mouth opens in shock at the accusation. Jack’s face filled with fury, but it was someone else’s fist that connected with Weaver’s jaw.

All eyes were on Bill who’s face was also scrowled up with fury. "Don’t you ever talk to my daughter that way again!"

The room then fell deathly silent. All faces turned from anger to shock, all except for Bill and Ruth. Both were filled with disbelief and dismay.

"What did you say?" Rose’s voice was strangely low.

Bill took a deep breath. He hadn’t meant to reveal the truth the way he did, but it happened and there was nothing he could do about it.

"Rose I can explain…!" Ruth got stood up, but a look from Rose stopped her in her tracks.

"I’m sorry Rose. I didn’t mean for you to find out like this. But I am your father. I just found out last night."

"My God...," Rose looked at her mother, pain and distrust in her eyes. "How…how could you lie to me like that?"

"Rose you have to understand…at the time, my parents had plans for me…they wanted me to marry Albert Bukater and they were forcing the issue. Bill was poor, not a real cent to his name…who would you have chosen?"

"I think that’s obvious mother," Rose stood from her seat.

"That’s only because you inherited your father’s wild nature. If you had my temperament as an obedient lady you would have ended up with Cal. Believe me. You don’t think things through Rose. That’s your problem. It’s always in the moment with you."

"Well mother, at least my child will know who it’s father is," Rose glared, trying to ignore the slight pain that was shooting through her at the moment.

"You knew who your father was Rose. You loved Albert…"

"Yes I did! He was a good father, but I would have preferred to know who my real father was! Especially after daddy died! Do you know what that did to me having him die like that and having no one on my side!?!"

"Rose darling calm down," Molly tried to calm the situation to no avail.

"Are you happy now? I thought we had agreed to wait," Ruth glared at Bill who only bowed his head.

Rose was about to say something else, but only turned into a scream of pain as a stronger pain gripped her abdomen. Her arms went around her stomach, her eyes were wide and frightened. It was too soon to have the baby. This couldn’t be happening.

"Rose!" Jack gripped her arms.

"The baby," Rose gasped through the pain. "J-Jack it’s too soon…"

"Oh god," Jack voice was just as frightened. "Dad…"

"I’ll go for the Doctor now. Just get her upstairs and as comfortable as possible," Charles was instantly on his feet.

"Come on Rose," Jack scooped his wife up in his arms and started for the stairs.

"We better go up with them," Molly gets up to follow. She hoped and prayed that Rose and her baby were going to be ok. It’d be a shame if the young couple lost their first child.

One hour later…

Jack stood outside with the doctor and Molly Brown while Rose was resting from her frightening ordeal in the room.

"Well doctor, what’s the diagnosis?" Molly asked.

"Both mother and child are fine. It was just the uterus expanding to accommodate the growth of the baby. It’s very frightening when you’re under stress especially."

"Whew," Jack sighed. "That’s a relief."

"I suggest you take the young mother somewhere she can relax and be away from what ever is putting her under such duress and tension. By the way, this house seems to be full of it. I won’t bill you for this visit Mr. Dawson. I like helping young newly expectant parents out once in a while."

"Thank you doctor," Jack smiled as the doctor head downstairs.

"Well that settles that. Rose needs peace and a atmosphere void of stress…you know Jack…The doc’s right. This house is swimming in tension. Especially after that scene in the setting room," Molly crossed her arms.

"What do you suggest I do Molly?"

"Why don’t you two come stay with me in Denver for a while. Get away from all the tension of this house, at least until the baby’s born. I have servants that can weigh on Rose hand and foot and you’ll have more time for your drawings. Denver is especially gorgeous in the winter…"

"Molly…I would but I can’t…my father needs the help and he’ll have to get someone to replace me," Jack sighed helplessly.

"…Well…I tell you what. Allow me to take Rose back with me. You can join her as soon as your pa finds a replacement. Which shouldn’t be too hard with all the strapping young men I’ve seen walking around this town."

"Molly…I don’t know…Rose…she’s not going to want to go without me. We’ve never been separated since our marriage. "

"I know that sweetstuff, but surely it won’t be for long. You’ll be by her side again before you know it. Jack…you know this is for the best. Even with Ruth gone, it’ll still be full of tension because of your oh so loving Uncle."

Jack sighed in defeat. He knew Molly was right. He just hated the thought of being separated from Rose for so long. He wished there was a way that he could go with her, but he just couldn’t leave his father in a lurch like that. "I’ll talk to her. Thank you Molly. For everything."

Molly only smiled in response as Jack turned and disappeared into the room to talk to his wife.

Rose layed on her back, staring up at the ceiling. She was relieved that the baby was ok, but was in shock at the revelation that Bill was her father, not Albert Bukater. How could her mother be so callous as to let her believe that Albert was her father, all for the sake of money?

"Rosie?" Jack entered the room, his voice was full of love and concern. "How are you feeling? Anymore pain?"
"None. I’m just still in shock. Bill is my father."

"I know. Pretty wild huh?"

Rose nodded, turning her attention from the ceiling to Jack. "So did the doctor tell you my diagnosis?"
"Yeah. Too much stress. That’s what I’ve come to talk to you about. The doctor seems to think you need to live in a atmosphere where there’s no stress and tension. And let’s admit, this house has been full of that ever since Thanksgiving."

"Yes it has," Rose nodded her agreement.

"I’ve been talking to Molly Rose. And we both think it’s a good idea if you go back to Denver with her. That way you’ll get plenty of rest, plus I have it on very good authority that Denver is gorgeous at this time of year."

Rose smiled. To leave this house, and not to have to deal with Weaver Dawson anymore or the task of getting to know her true father just yet was a dream come true. "That’s a grand idea. When do we leave?"

"Well…you’ll be leaving tomorrow afternoon with Molly. I’ll be joining you just as soon as my father finds someone to take my place."

"What? You mean you want me to go without you? No Jack. No."

"Rose it’ll only be for a little while. I’ll be joining you as soon as I can," Jack sighed. He knew it was going to be a task to get Rose to agree to this arrangement. "It’ll be like we never were apart."

"No Jack. I don’t want to be away from you even for a minute."
"I know sweetie, but this is for the best. Think about the baby Rose. It was telling both of us something."

"Then tell your Uncle to leave!"

"And your mother and Bill?"

Rose sighed. "But I need you Jack."

"I need you too honey. But I need for both you and our child to be healthy most of all and if that means spending a couple of weeks away from you, well then I’m willing to do that. Besides, you’ll love it up at Molly’s. You haven’t been on a good shopping spree for a while. Plus think of all the friends you’ll be making."

Rose sighed in defeat. She knew there was no convincing Jack to let her stay. "Fine Jack. You win. I’ll go to Denver with Molly. But hurry up to join me ok? If your father doesn’t find anyone after a month, you have to come anyway. Promise me that much?"
Jack laughed. " Ok Rosie. I’ll be joining you in one month. ," Jack pulled her into a comforting hug. "You’re going to love it up there Rose. You won’t even have time to miss me."

"That’s what you think," Rose wiped away a stray tear. "So when do I leave?"

"Tomorrow afternoon. Don’t worry about packing your things. I’ll have Jacklyn and Molly help you with that," he kissed the top of her head and pulled away. "I better go down and let everyone know what’s going on. "

Jack is about to go out the door when she called out to him. "Yes sweetie?"

"I love you Jack."

Jack’s heart melted. How he was going to miss hearing those words everyday. "I love you too. Now get some sleep. You’re going to have a long day tomorrow."

Rose smiled as he closed the door. She drifted off into a dream of her and Jack playing their child next to the Santa Monica ocean. All three are happy to be together and that was how she wanted them to really be.

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