CHAPTER SIXTEEN
The next morning, Rose sets out on the part of the beach just outside the beach house and caressed her stomach as she closed her eyes. She sighed contently as she felt the warmth of her husband settling behind her.
"I was wondering when you’d join me," Rose leaned back into his arms.
"I couldn’t stay away," He kissed the top of her head and watched the sunrise.
"It’s so beautiful."
"One of the first things that took my breath away about Santa Monica," Jack hugged her tightly. "I love you Rosie."
"I love you more Jack," Rose smiled.
"I want to bring our baby here," Jack looked at her. "I want him to know the beauty of a californian sunset."
"Well now that the beachhouse is ours, that shouldn’t be a problem."
"Molly sure is generous," Jack sighed. "I don’t know how we’re going to repay her for all of this."
"By being happy and in love. That’s all she wants for us," Rose smiles up into her husband’s eyes and sighs deeply when he leaned in for a passionate kiss.
*
Later that day, Rose is again inside the art supply shop she went to Yesterday. She had spotted some ready to paint pictures that she wanted to buy. She wanted to do something artistic for Jack, but knowing that she didn’t have a bit of talent, painting a already drawn portrait was the next best thing.
"Hello again," The same salesgirl smiled over at Rose.
"Oh hello," Rose smiled.
"May I help you?" Julia can’t help but be curious about this elegant lady that Jack loved. What was it about her that drawed him in?
"I was in here yesterday and I had seen these ready to paint portraits. I would like to purchase a couple and some paints also please," Rose smiled gratefully.
"Of course. Follow me," Julia led Rose into the center to fhe store. "Here we have the mona lisa. The Eiffel tower. A flower vase on a table…all kinds. Just take you pick."
"Thank you," Rose nodded, looking at the portraits, trying to make up her mind which one she liked best.
"So Rose…how do you like Santa Monica so far?"
"Oh I love it. I sat out on the beach this morning watching the sunrise…a beautiful sight. My husband and I want to bring our baby back here someday."
"Aren’t you moving here?"
"Later on probably. Right now we’re on our honeymoon," Rose blushed. She definitely wasn’t used to talking about such things.
"So you’re newlyweds?"
"Practically. We got married some months ago. We’ve just got to taking this trip."
"Oh," Julia nodded.
"Julia! The orders are here!" A gruff voice called from the back.
"Hold your horses! I’m coming!" Julia called to her brother. "If you’ll excuse me a moment. Just look around and pick out what you want and wait at the counter. I’ll be back with you in a moment."
"Take your time. I’m in no hurry," Rose smiled as Julia disappeared into the back. Rose looked at the available pictures trying to make up her mind. She gasps in surprise at the feel of arms wrapping around her waist.
"Up up a little bit higher," a tender voice sang into her ear.
"Oh my the moon is on fire," Rose giggled. "What are you doing here?"
"I needed some charcoal so I came to pick some up. Imagine my surprise when I discover my wife here looking among ready made portraits."
"I wanted to paint something for you," Rose sighed. "The sunrise inspired me. Oh Jack, I wish I could draw like you. You make things come to life."
"You make me come to life," Jack snuzzled her neck.
"I’m sorry it took…" Julia left off as she comes out with her brother dragging behind.
"Why look who it is. Jack Dawson and his lovely wife," Nathan smiled.
"You know each other?" Rose curiously looked between her husband and the salesgirl.
"Rose, this is Julia," Jack nodded.
"Oh. Yes, I remember. Jack’s told me about you," Rose nodded.
"Julia, this is my wife Rose."
"I know…I mean…we’ve spoken," Julia stammered, talk about a tense situation.
"Lovely wife you have there Jack," Nathan complimented, knowing how awkward his sister must be feeling at the moment.
"So how have you been?" Jack asked.
"The same as when you left," Julia
swallowed. "Father still controls everything."
"oh," Was all Jack said, as if he already knew that to
be true. "That’s what I thought."
"You do have a lovely wife Jack. I can tell just by the way she talks that you two are deeply in love. I wish you the best," Julia smiled sincerely. She still loved Jack dearly, but was happy to see him so happy, even if it was with someone else. "You deserve all the happiness in the world."
"Thank you Julia," Jack warmly smiled. "That means a lot to the both of us."
"Julia! Nathan! What’s taking you so long!" Ron enters the store. He stops in his tracks when he sees Jack and Rose. "So Jack Dawson has returned to grace us with his company once again I see."
"Just taking my wife on our long awaited honeymoon," Jack forced a smile. "Rose this is Nathan and Julia’s father Ron. Ron this is my wife Rose."
"Wife eh? So you did give up on my daughter after all," Ron nodded.
"Jack why don’t you and Rose come to dinner tonight? Rose must be tired from all the activities you two have been up to?" Julia offered, ignoring the glare from her father.
"uh…Rose?" Jack looked at her, wanting to make her as comfortable as possible.
"I can’t see why not," Rose shrugged. "Sure. We’d love to dine with your family tonight."
"Grand. I guess I better go home and prepare dinner. See you tonight Jack and Rose," Julia darted out the door.
"I guess I better go look for something decent to wear," Rose swallowed. "Coming Jack?"
"I’ll be there in a minute sweetie. I still have to get that charcoal for my sketches. We don’t want the folks in New York thinking we forgot about them," Jack smiled.
"Certainly not.," Rose smiled.
"Classy dame you’ve got there Jack," Nathan shook his head in disbelief. "How did a poor guy like you get a woman like that."
"Luck. Pure and simple luck," Jack laughed.
"Just as long as Julia’s off limits," Ron snorted, ringing up Jack’s purchase and placing it in a bag.
"Just as long as Julia knows that Jack’s off limits," Rose placed a posessive hand on Jack’s shoulder shocking all the men in the room. Ron suddenly laughs.
"Oh I like her Jack. She has spunk! You
better hang on to that one!"
"Oh I intend to," Jack laughed.
"See you tonight," Nathan nods, following his father out the door.
"Was that necessary?" Jack stared at his wife, trying not to laugh.
"It was getting too intense. I knew that would lighten the atmosphere," Rose shrugged. "Besides, I meant it. As long as she understands that you’re no longer available," Rose wrapped her arms around Jack’s neck and pulled him into a heated kiss.
"Oh I’m sure that’s not a problem," Jack gulped in air as they broke away from each other.
"Come on. Let’s get ready for tonight," Rose smiled, pulling Jack out
of the store.