EPILOGUE
Two years later…
Two years had passed since the sinking of Titanic and the birth of Jack’s daughter Josephine. Two years since Rose had moved in with Molly. Gone are the tears she had shed over the loss of the only man she had ever loved. Now everytime she thought of Jack, a smile came to her lips. Oh holidays and birthdays, Rose made sure to take Josephine to Chippewa Falls to visit with George and Samantha and hear stories about Jack’s childhood adventures. Rose was determined that Josephine knew who her father was and what a wonderful man he had been.
Rose eventually did get in touch with Ruth. Unfortunately, their relationship remained stormy. It was mainly because of Ruth trying to regain the upperhand in her daughter’s life. Rose wrote every now and again, but she refused to visit her mother in person anymore.
"Rose," Molly stepped up behind her friend. "You know that you don’t have to do this. You’re welcomed here as long as you like."
"I know Molly. But it is time for
me to live up to that promise I made Jack. Josephine and
I…well we need this. We need to be on our own for a
while," Rose wiped away the stray tears. It hard making the
decision to leave the security of Molly’s house. But it was
the right thing to do. She had lived off Molly long enough. It
was now time to move on. To become an independent woman.
"We’ll miss you."
"I’ll miss you too darlin’. Don’t forget to
write and let me know of your well-being," Molly hugged the
young woman just as the car that was to take Rose and Josephine
to the trainstation arrived.
"Good-by Molly," Josephine reached up to hug her adopted grandmother as Rose gathered their bags.
"Bye bye Josie. Now remember, take good care of your mommy."
"I will," the little girl nodded.
"Come Josie. It’s time to go," Rose took the girl’s hand. Tearfully she looked at Molly one last time. "Good-bye."
"Take care," Molly watched as Rose and Josephine left the porch and drove off in the car. "Take care of them Jack," Molly watched the car disappear into the horizon.
~*~
2 years later…
Four years since the loss of Jack and two years since the move to Santa Monica. Rose stared at the reflection in the mirror. Her image was decked in white lace and silk. She made a beautiful bride. She smiled as she looked outside the bedroom door to see Samanth and George Dawson in the front row, setting next to Molly. She found the groom Christopher Calvert, up front, awaiting her arrival.
Chris was a dream come true. Last year he had came into her life and gave her the ability to love again, something she had thought she’d never do again after the loss of Jack. Chris…he was so understanding about Jack and he was absolutely wonderful with Josephine. She couldn’t ask for a better man. Of course he wasn’t as wonderful as Jack, to be honest, she didn’t think anyone could be that wonderful. But he only came in second on the wonderful scale.
Now there was only one more thing for Rose to do. It was time to let her first love, Jack go. It was time to let him rest in the peace he deserved. She wiped a tear from her eye as she sat at the writing desk and began:
My dearest Jack,
It has been four long years since that wonder/awful night. The night I had both found and lost you. The love of my life. The night I had made the hardest promise that I ever had to make. It took me a while Jack. In fact…there was a time when I thought it was impossible to keep such a promise. But thanks to Molly, our daughter, and you yourself…I’m managing to do so now.
You probably already know about Christopher. In fact, I do believe at times that you sent him to me. Forcing me to keep another portion of that promise. Oh Jack, he’s is so much like you. Yet, he’s so different. He’s taught me how to love again and he’s great with Josephine. He’s everything I could ever want…besides you that is.
He’s why I’m writing this letter Jack. Today is my and Christopher’s wedding day. I am to become Mrs. Christopher Calvert. This means it’s time to say good-bye to the past. Jack…it’s time to let you go and continue on with the promise I had made. I know this isn’t truly good-bye. Like you said, it’ll never be good-bye. I know that you too have a promise. When my time comes you will be awaiting my arrival in the first class saloon aboard our ship of dreams. Surprise that I remembered that promise? How could I forget? At times, it was all I had to hold on to. I’m still going to tell Josephine about you, but I will no longer be mourning your death. Instead, I’ll be celebrating your legacy by being the best person I can be and by making each and everyday count.
So good-bye my darling Jack. Rest in peace and I shall see you when it’s my turn to board that ship of dreams.
Love
Rose Dawson
"Mommy?" Josephine stuck her
head through the door. "Are you ready?"
Rose smiled, getting to her feet. As she moved towards her
daughter, a breeze came in through the open window. It was
scented with the fragrance of charcoal and the ocean. She could
almost hear a soft good-bye in her ear. The breeze was gone as
soon as it began. Jack had said his good-bye.
"Yes darling. I’m ready," Rose smiled, following her daughter out the door. The future was awaiting her, bright and full of love.
THE END