CHAPTER EIGHTEEN

It’s six months later, Jack is sitting on the porch sketching a portriat of Rose and their daughter when Susan comes running onto the porch, fear in her eyes. Rose immediately goes to her.

"Oh Rose, it’s horrible," Susan collapses on the porch. Concerned, Rose hands Rebecca to Jack and goes to her friend.

"Susan, what’s wrong what happened?" Rose asked. "Is this Cal’s doing? Did he hurt you some how?"

"It’s not Cal Rose," Susan shakes her head. "It’s his father. He has just called Cal to tell him that he’ll be arriving in Chippewa Falls in a couple of days to help him close up that business deal that’s kept him down here for so long."

"Oh my," Rose’s hand flies to her mouth.

"He wants to see what’s taking his son so long to return to Philadelphia," Susan sobbed. "Oh Rose. What am I going to do?"

Rose looks at Jack, but he shrugs his shoulders helplessly. He didn’t know what advice to give except for Susan to just be herself when she met Mr. Hockley, but by Rose had told him so far, that wasn’t a very good idea.

"Don’t worry Susan. We’ll come up with something," Rose squeezes her friend’s shoulder. "We’ll knock Nathan Hockley’s socks off.

Susan had to smile. She had never heard Rose say such a thing before. Jack must finally be rubbing off on her.

"What are we going to do?" Susan asked curiously.

That’s when an idea comes to Jack, right out of the blue as he watches Rose. In observing her around the house and drawing her portrait, she was always the proper lady, no matter what she was doing. In fact, he had once thought to himself that a couple of the girls in Chippewa Falls could learn a thing or two from her. That was it. Susan could learn from Rose. "I have an idea. Why don’t Rose here teach ya all about being a proper Philadelphian society girl."

"What?" Both Rose and Susan turns to Jack.

"Rose can teach you how to be a high society lady. She knows all the ins and outs of how to impress the crème of the crème of high society. What do you have to lose?"

"My idenity," Susan crosses her arms.

"I won’t let that happen," Rose speaks up. She likes Jack’s idea. It was fantastic and was sure to work in order to win over Nathan Hockley. "Susan…don’t you see? It’s the perfect way to win Nathan Hockley over. Let him see that even though you may not come from money, you’re still a lady worthy of his son."

"You teach me that? Come on Rose, you obviously wasn’t right for Cal. I mean…you ran off…with a stranger for goodness sake."

"But I didn’t do that at the time Nathan Hockley met me. In fact, I overheard him tell my mother that I was the perfect bride for his son. And by time I’m done with you…you’re be the perfect bride too."

"…I don’t know…" Susan shifts from one foot to another. "What if Cal doesn’t like what I’m doing? I mean, he fell in love with a small town girl, not a high society girl from Philadelphia."

"Listen, talk it over with him when you get back to the house and call me and let me know. We’ll go from there," Rose smiled reassuringly.

"Rose…thank you. I really don’t know what I would’ve done if you haven’t been here to talk to me. I’ll run this past Cal and see what he says. I’ll keep in touch."

"Okay," Rose nods, hugging her friend one more time before she disappears down the dirt path.

"So Rose, do you really think it’d work?" Jack asked, getting to his feet.

"Of course. Why wouldn’t it? Besides, it’s better than nothing. At least this way she’ll have a fighting chance. You know, she’s about my size, I’m going to let her borrow that dress I brought in New York. That should complete the effect," Rose smiles, already heading for the door.

"Rose! Wait! We have to finish the drawing!" Jack called, but Rose was already out of earshot. "Well Becky, looks like we’ll have to finish that portrait later. Come, let’s go help mommy." Jack follows Rose into the house.

Two days later

It’s the day of arrival for Nathan Hockley. Susan stands in front of Rose’s full length mirror, studying her image. She sighs. She didn’t look herself at all. She looked like one of those society girls she hated so much. She was wearing Rose’s purple dress with the lace shawl and her hair was swept up in a cascade of curls.

"You look great Susan," Rose appears behind her

"I do?"

"Susan, I know you’re not thrilled about this and I don’t blame you. But just remember why you’re doing it? To keep Mr. Hockley from dragging Cal back to Philadelphia."

"You still don’t trust him not to hurt me do you Rose?" Susan turns to her friend.

"It’s not that Susan. It’s just that…Cal was never very good at standing up to his father. This at least will make it easier for him," rose sighed, placing her hand on Susan’s shoulder. "Don’t worry. Everything will be ok. It has to be."

Susan just nods as the baby begins to cry just as Jack enters the room.

"Don’t worry Jack, I’ll get her," Rose quickly exits.

"You look nice," Jack smiles, crossing his arms. "Rose did a good job."

"I’m glad you approve," Susan replied sarcastically. "I don’t know if I can do this Jack. I look at myself in the mirror and I just feel disgusted. I look like a swell Jack! What’s next?"

"You’ll begin acting like one in a hour or two when Cal’s dad gets here." Jack takes a seat on the bed. "I did the same thing…sort of."

"You did? How?"

"I brought a suit and tie and wore that to my first meeting with Rose’s mother," Jack replied. "But since I wasn’t the rich Caledon Hockley, she wasn’t too happy to meet me."

"Oh great."

"But it’ll be different with you Susan. I mean, rose and I we were under different circumstances than you are now. We got married on the ship while you two are just dating."

"That still won’t stop him from kicking me out of Cal’s life," Susan begins to sob.

His heart going out to his friend, Jack goes to her and comforts her. "Shhh Susan. Don’t cry. You’ll ruin your make-up."

For some reason, coming from Jack, that comment was really funny. Susan had no choice but to burst out in laughter. Both her and Jack laughed and laughed until there’s a slight knock at the door.

"I’ll get that," Rose peeks her head through the door with six month old Rebecca in her arms.

"Wait for us!" Jack called, curious who could be at their door that early in the day. Both Rose and Jack gasp when they open the door to Ruth Dewitt Bukater.

"Mother," Rose stammered, her eyes opened in surprise. "What are you doing here?"

"I came here with Nathan Hockley to collect his son and thought I should come over to see if Caledon had succeeded in talking some sense into you," Ruth crosses her arms and stares at her daughter in displeasure. "But I see he has failed. You still insist on living like some…ordinary girl!"

"Mother, if you have come here to insult me and my family you can leave!" Rose points out the door. "I did not ask for you to come here. You showed up on your own."

"I thought I could help Caledon by coming here and talking to you again. That maybe you’ve come to your senses after living the lower class life style. Well have you Rose? Have you?" Ruth asked, then she spots Susan gaping at her at the top of the stairs. Suddenly her smile turns into a gracious smile. "And who may I ask is this young lady? From high society of course," Ruth pushes her way past Rose. "Hello, let me introduce myself. I am Mrs. Ruth Dewitt Bukater. Rose’s mother. I’m very pleased to see my daughter has been associating with someone of substance after all. I do hope you’ve been a good influence on her…maybe talk her into returning back to her position in Philadelphia."

"Mother, this is Susan Swallens. She’s a member of the most richest families here in Chippewa Falls," Rose introduces her. "She’s the youngest member of the founding daughters, plus she’s attended Vassar…one of the finest unversities in the U.S."

"Oh my, what a resume," Ruth touches her chest. "I’m sure your mother is very proud."

Susan nods and looks at Rose questioningly. Rose just nods, singling that this was a chance to test her knowledge on being a society girl. "I’m very pleased to meet you Mrs. Dewitt Bukater," Susan nods.

"How did you and my daughter come to meet?"

"Oh it’s quite a story mother. You see, I was in the market shopping for some groceries when I got dizzy and fainted. Well Susan’s driver came to my aid and brought me to Susan’s residence, where she nursed me back to health. We began talking and were thrilled to learn we had so much in common. We became fast friends soon after."

"Oh I see. Well I’m glad to see that my daughter had made one fine choice after making such a bad one earlier."

"Mother…" Rose said warningly.

"Here Rose, I’ll take Rebecca back upstairs. It’s time for her morning nap," Jack takes the smiling baby. Ruth notices her for the first time and gasps.

"Rose…who’s baby is that?"

"Don’t be stupid mother. She’s mine. I had her six months ago. Her name is Rebecca," Rose crosses her arms after Jack had taken the baby, but he doesn’t make a move towards the stairs…just in case Ruth wanted to see more of her granddaughter. He wasn’t going to deny her that.

"Oh," Ruth nods. "She’s beautiful Rose. Except for the blond hair and blue eyes, she’s the very image of you when you were that age."

"Thank you mother."

"Would you like to hold her?" Jack asked, ignoring the sharp look Rose threw his way.

Ruth stammers "I’m not used to babies. It’s been so long since I held one…"

"That’s alright. It comes to you the minute they’re in your arms," Jack suddenly pushes the baby into Ruth’s arms.

"Wait…I’m…I’m…totally in love with this child," Ruth relaxes as the baby giggles at her, her blue eyes shining in delight, as if she has a joke only she understood. "What a adorable baby."

Rose stares at Ruth in shock. She had never seen her mother react like this before.

"Oh Rose…she’s gorgeous. You must be very proud," Ruth is now absorbed in the baby.

"I am mother," Rose nods.

"Why don’t you set down Mrs. Dewitt Bukater. I’m sure your feet are tired from the long walk up that path," Jack leads her to the loveseat.

"Jack, why don’t you go ahead and escort Susan home. I’m sure she’s wanted there at this time," Rose replied.

Jack looks up at Rose and nods. She walks to the door with Susan and whispers. "Seeing that my mother has come here with Mr. Hockley, he must be at the house by now. Listen, you did great just then. Just keep it up and even use the background story I just gave you. And don’t worry. Everything will be fine."

"Thank you Rose. And good luck with your mother," Susan hugs her friend and then her and Jack leave. Leaving Rose alone with Ruth.

"You really like her mother?" Rose asked, referring to the baby.

"She’s the most beautiful baby in the world. Look at those blue eyes. Have you ever seen anything like them in the world?"

"Yes. Her father. She has Jack’s eyes," Rose sighed. "And his hair color. But she’ll have my curls and smile."

"Rose…what can I say to you?" Ruth turns to her daughter. "When you showed up on my doorstep, married to someone other than Cal, I was so angry I felt like strangling you. But as time went by I began to wonder what you were doing and were you happy. I tried to tell myself that I didn’t care. That you had made your bed and now you were going to sleep in it. But my curiousity had gotten the best of me. I had to see how you were coming along."

"Well I’m coming along fine mother."

"Are you really Rose? I mean think about it. You’re a housewife now, stuck with a baby. I mean don’t get me wrong, she’s a lovely baby, but you were never prepped for this lifestyle. "

"Maybe not mother, but I’m getting better everyday. In fact, compared to where I was last year, I’ve improved a great deal!"

"I just wanted the best for you Rose. That’s all," Ruth bows her head.

"I do have the best mother. Jack’s the best husband I could ever ask for. And I’m more happy being a wife and mother to Jack and Rebecca than I ever would be a society girl married to Caledon Hockley."

Ruth nods in understanding. So even if I beg you to come back to Cal, it wouldn’t work."

Rose just shakes her head. "Besides mother, even if I did change my mind, I doubt Cal would have me back. He’s in love with someone else. With Susan."

"You mean that girl?"

Rose nods. "They’re very close and truly love each other."
"Well…we’ll see what Nathan has to say about that. If he doesn’t like her…well she can forget it. I mean, her background is impressive, but she’s still obviously new money and Nathan’s not one to accept new money. That girl has a lot to live up to."

"Well Susan’s on her way," Jack grins coming into the room and senses the tension in the room. "Is there anything wrong?"

"No darling," Rose takes the baby from Ruth. "We were just talking about Cal and his father and his father’s disdain for new money."

"Oh," Jack simply replied, not wanting to get any deeper into the conversation.

Nathan Hockley paces the floor, running his hand through his dark hair that was just beginning to thin. Cal sits, cowering before the towering man.

"So tell me Caledon, why can’t I see the paperwork from this business deal that you supposedly have going? Give me one good reason!" Nathan steams. "I have every right to see the paperwork that involves my business!"

"Father please," Cal cowers.

"Cal, I’ve returned!" Susan enters the room, remembering all the tips Rose had given her.

"Susan," Cal gets to his feet.

"And who’s this?!" Nathan booms once again.

"Father, this is Susan Swallens. She’s the business I wanted to wrap up," Cal takes her hand. "She’s my new fiance."

"Fiance? Whatever happened to Ruth’s daughter?! You were supposed to come here and get her back and then return to Philadelphia."
"Well father…Rose isn’t as suitable as we thought. She’s much too wild. She refused to do as she was told, she wanders off without permission, she smokes when she gets the chance…and she’s opinionated…nothing like the Hockley women at all," Cal explains. "Plus, she’s penniless. Ruth must have told you about their situation."

Nathan’s face turns red with extreme anger. "No she hasn’t told me about their situation! Where did you hear this?!"

"From Rose herself. Ruth was counting on our marriage so she could be saved from poverty. She forced Rose to agree to the relationship. That’s why Rose ran away. She didn’t love me and didn’t want the marriage."

"I’m going to have a long talk with that woman!" Nathan boomed. "How dare she think she could come into my family penniless! She had me believeing she was well off! That her daughter had a bountiful dowry!"

"That poor girl," Susan shakes her head. "How horrid to have a mother so desparate for money that she’d sell her off to the highest bidder."

"I know pumpkin, but there’s nothing we can do for her now. All that’s between herself and her mother."

"I was just over there. I must say when I left, things were very tense between them. I just hope that baby doesn’t get caught in the crossfire," Susan raises her hand to her throat.

"Baby?" Nathan asks.

"Don’t worry father. The child is not mine. You see Rose fell in love with another man in southampton and had married him instead…the child is his."

"Oh yes, the poor boy Ruth was raving about," Nathan nods.

"But enough about Rose father. I want to introduce you to Susan Swallens. My new fiancee," Cal places a arm around her shoulder.

"Susan who?" Nathan turns his cold eyes on Susan, who resists the urge to cringe away.

"Swallens," She offers her hand. "My family’s the oldest family here in chippewa Falls…we’re also one of the richest."

"Funny. I keep tabs on all the rich families in the country and I’ve never heard of you," Nathan glares at her suspiciously. The fancy clothes and posture wasn’t fooling him any. He always prided himself on spotting new money or imposters from afar. This girl was definitely an imposter or maybe she was new money. But she obviously wasn’t suitable enough for his son.

"We just came into our fortune a couple of years ago," Susan begins to stammer.

"Oh really?" Nathan suspiciously asked. "And what fortune is that?"

Susan steps closer to Cal as she rakes her brain for something, anything. But it was of no use. She couldn’t come up with anything. She sighs in defeat. She knew the charade was over before it could even begin. Nathan Hockley knew she was an imposter, just by the way he was glaring at her. It was best that she came out with the truth before she ended up embarrassing herself.

Stepping away from Cal she turns to him. "I’m sorry Cal. I just can’t do it. I can’t pretend to be something I’m not. Not even for you," She turns to Nathan Hockley, his beady black eyes boring into her. "Mr. Hockley…I have a confession. I’m not a rich society girl. I’m just a poor girl who helps her mother run this boarding house. I’m not some society dame who went to finishing school and belong to all those prestigious clubs. I’m just a small town girl with nothing but what you see here. But I do love Cal and he loves me and for the first time he knows how to show his feelings. And I can give him the love and support that he needs."

"Caledon…get your things we are leaving," Nathan growled, turning to his son.

"Father…"

"Say nothing. We’ll discuss this on the way home. Now pack your things!"

Cal looked from Susan, to his father, and back again. He didn’t know what he should do. He didn’t want to leave Susan, but he knew the consequences of disobeying his father was dire. Oh why couldn’t Susan just pretend to be new money or something. His father would’ve still disapproved, but he wouldn’t stop Cal from seeing Susan again.

"What are you going to do?" Susan asked, her eyes showing no emotion.

"Let me try to talk to him alone," Cal said. "I’ll try to change his mind."
Susan nods in understanding. "I’ll be at Rose’s. Stop by and let me know."

Cal nods watching her leave.

"How dare that girl think I’ll let her in my family! That she could pretend to be high society and marry my son!" Nathan paces the floor. "And what are you doing associating with her?! You were to come here, collect you fiancée Rose! And Come back to Philadelphia! Not start some torrid affair with gutter trash!"

"She’s not gutter trash father. She is the woman I love," Caledon straightens his posture.

"Love?! Marriage and love have nothing to do with each other! Marriage is a business deal and marrying that girl is bad business!"
Caledon laughed. All fear of his father was indeed long gone. It fled the moment he called Susan gutter trash. "Business? And marrying the penniless Rose Dewitt Bukater was good business? Hah!"

"Mind your manners Caledon."

"No father, you mind yours! I am not a little boy any more and for the first time I’m not afraid of you! You know, I did love Rose, but your teachings and advice caused me to lose her! But now I’ve found Susan and this time I’m not going to allow you to ruin this for me like you ruined my relationship with Rose!" Cal turns on his father. "How dare you come in here insulting her like that! You have no right!"

"I have every right Caledon! I’m still the head of this family and your father and what I say goes and I say you go upstairs pack your things and don’t even think of this girl! When we get to Philadelphia I’ll hold a gala and I’ll choose the girl to be Mrs. Caledon Hockley!"

"Think again father! You will not be choosing my bride for me nor anything else ever again! I’m finished with you and that blasted company! I’m staying here in Chippewa Falls and I’m going to make Susan Swallens my wife! Whether you like it or not!"

"Well then be prepared to be cut off! You will not see one thin cent of the Hockley money. You are no longer my son!" Nathan stands toe to toe with his son and angrily glares at him.

"Fine with me. Now I suggest you leave and take Mrs. Dewitt Bukater with you. Rose doesn’t need that woman here to make her life miserable too!"

Nathan just glares one more time at his son then storms out of the house and out of Cal’s life forever.

Rose is setting on her porch, comforting a distraught Susan. Both women were sure that Cal was going to obey his father and go back to Philadelphia. Rose didn’t even expect him to come say good bye.

"I’m sorry Rose. I’m sorry I wasn’t able to pull it off. I tried, but I think he saw through me and there wasn’t any use of trying to pretend anymore," Susan wipes away her tears.

"It’s okay Susan. I should have known Nathan Hockley couldn’t be fooled that easily. Besides, you did the right thing. You shouldn’t have to pretend to be something you’re not for nobody and if Cal doesn’t appreciate that…he can go jump off a bridge," Rose squeezes her friends shoulder. "Besides, maybe he’s not the one. Maybe you’re destined to be with someone like Jack."

Susan is about to open her mouth to say something when she spots Cal walking up the dirt path. Both girls stand and stare at him in disbelief.

"I can’t believe it," Rose breathed as he walks up on the porch.

"Me either," Susan confessed. "You came to say good-bye?"

"Of course not. I told my father that he either accepted us or he didn’t, but I wasn’t leaving Philadelphia without you," Cal takes Susan into his arms.

"What did he say to that?" Rose asked, her curioustiy getting the best of her.

"Oh he disowned me," Cal said matter-of-factly.

"And you decided to remain with me?" Susan asked incrediously. She knew Cal had changed but not this much. She was in shock.

"Of course dearest. Money can buy you a lot of things, but if losing Rose hadn’t taught me anything else it taught me this…money can’t buy you love and never will."

"What can I say Cal? I’m proud of you," Rose shakes her head in amusement. "You must have been taking lessons from Jack on how to be a decent human being."

"Well, observing how one acts has helped some, but Susan’s love is what gave me the strength to stand up to the great Nathan Hockley," Cal laughed.

"What’s the big joke here?" Jack asked, coming out with Rebecca in his arms.

"Cal stood up to his father for once," Rose comes over to Jack and kisses him.

"Really?"

"I’m now just as poor as the rest of you," Cal grinned.

"Well good for you Cal," Jack smiles and nods in approval.

"What?!" Ruth emerges from the house. "Cal’s poor? How did this happen?"

"Father disowned me Mrs. Dewitt Bukater. He wanted me to leave Susan but I refused."

"But why would he want to leave Susan. She’s rich," Ruth looks the girl up and down.

"Uh…mother, no she’s not. She’s poor. You see, we were just putting you to a test to see if she could pull off being a society girl," Rose explained.

"You mean you never went to vassar?" Ruth asked, disappointment in her eyes.

"Sorry Mrs. Dewitt Bukater. I never even heard of Vassar until Rose mentioned it," Susan smiled sheepishly.

"And now Caledon’s poor too," Ruth shakes her head. "Well, let me go catch up with Nathan before he leaves."

"He’s already gone," Caledon replied. "He left as soon as I told him my decision."

"What? But he never came by to collect me," Ruth eyes grew wide.

"I told him about you being penniless and forcing Rose to marry me. Let’s just say he was less than pleased," Caledon goes back to gazing into Susan’s eyes.

Ruth turns on Rose. "You see what you’ve done!"

"What did I do mother?" Rose asked.

"Just like your father! You know he was selfish too! Him and his women never gave a second thought to his family!"

"How dare you speak about my father like that. He was a great man!"

"A great man? Indeed! He didn’t even really want you Rose! That’s why he left us. He didn’t die he left and took his money with him! That’s why we’re broke!"

"You’re lying," Rose shakes her head, backing away from her mother. "Daddy would never leave me. Not like that."

"Oh yes he did. He left because of you…because you were too much responsibility and wouldn’t leave him alone!" Ruth advances towards Rose. "It’s your fault! If you weren’t born I would still be living in the lap of luxery and if it wasn’t for your selfishness I would still have a chance at it."

"Shut up," Rose begins to sob.

"Ralph Dewitt Bukater hated being a father…especially to a girl and resented it that you weren’t a boy so he left!"

"Shut up!"

"In fact he even suggested we leave you on a stranger’s doorstep but I wouldn’t have it but yet he’s your favorite…he was him you always ran too when he didn’t want anything to do with you!" Ruth’s voice had hit a high pitch.

"That’s enough!" Jack steps inbetween Ruth and Rose after handing Rebecca to Susan. "I think it’s time for you to leave!"

"What?" Ruth asked, her anger turning into confusion. Jack had always be polite and quiet. She had never seen him angry before, but he was now.

"No one comes into my house talking to my wife like that and I’m not going to have you doing it either! I don’t care if you are her mother now get off my property and never come back! If you do I’ll call the police and you can spend a couple of days in jail!" Jack points down the dirt path.

"Where will I stay?" Ruth’s voice is now a mere squeak. She was no longer the frightening creature that had been spitting fire at Rose. She was now a scared little mouse seeking shelter from Jack’s anger.

"That’s not our concern," Jack said. "I don’t care where you stay, you just can’t stay here. Now leave."

"Rose," Ruth looks but sees that her daughter had disappeared into the house. She had obviously went too far. She had lost the only family she had left.

"I think you better leave now Ruth," Cal came up behind Ruth. "You’ve done enough damage."

"But I have no where to go," Ruth turns to Cal.

"You can stay at my mother’s boarding house for a couple of days until you can get tickets back to Philadelphia," Susan speaks up. "It’s just a couple of miles down the road there. Wait for a couple of minutes and Cal and I will take you," Susan speaks up, ignoring the sharp look Cal threw her way.

Ruth just nods and begins down the path.

"I want her out of Chippewa Falls as soon as possible," Jack looks at Susan. If you buy her a ticket out of here…I’ll pay you back as soon as possible."

"I’ll buy the ticket," Cal nods. "And you don’t have to pay me back, it’ll be my pleasure. It’s the least I could do for you two."

"Thanks Cal," Jack said, taking his daughter away from Susan. "We really appreciate this."

Cal just nods. "Tell Rose we said bye."

"I will," Jack watches them leave.

Sighing he went up and put Rebecca into her baby bed and went to check on Rose who was just setting on the bed staring into space.

"Rose?" Jack sets next to her places a strong arm around her shoulders. "Do you want to talk about it?"

"She’s lying Jack. She just has to be. Daddy loved me. He wouldn’t have just upped and left like that. Would he?"

"Rose…"

"True I never saw him sick. I didn’t see his body either, but that’s because I was just a child. He wouldn’t just up and leave like she said. I mean we did everything together. We went camping, we played sports…we…" Rose began to sob as she realized that what she had thought was love and affection really was reluctance. Her father had never even told her he loved her, nor had he shown any kind of normal affection towards her. Realizing this she began to sob. What her mother had said could have been correct. Her mother could have told her that he had died just to protect her.

"Oh Rose don’t cry. It’s alright," Jack holds her tightly, stroking her hair and rocking her like she was a child.

"He didn’t love me did he Jack? He never did," Rose sobs.

"I’m sure he did Rose. Your mother was lying. She had to be. You were probably your father’s pride and joy," Jack soothes her and strokes her hair, but nothing he said did any good. A half hour later, Rose had cried herself to sleep. Jack lifts her up in his arms and lays her on the bed. After covering her up he goes downstairs and starts dinner.

One hour later Rose wakes up to a dark room and the delicious smell of a cooking roast. Jack must be cooking dinner. Yawning she gets out of bed and creeps into the nursery and looks down at her cooing baby. Looking down at the baby girl, Rose began to think of Jack’s mother. What kind of mother was she? Would she had liked Rose? Would she have loved Rose like her own mother should have? At that last thought Rose bursts into tears again. She had never before felt so alone. Leaving the nursery, Rose goes back into her room and lays back down and lets the tears flow. She’s about to drift back to sleep when Jack enters with a plate full of food.

"I brought you dinner," Jack smiled, setting next to her.

"I not really hungry," Rose wipes away a stray tear.

"Oh come on Rosie. You have to eat something. Keep your strength up. Please Rose…for me…for Becky. Eat," Jack scoops up some mash potatoes with a fork and holds it up in front of Rose. "I’ll even feed you if that’s what you want."

Rose had to stifle a laugh at how he said that. His eyes were pleading with her, his smile enticed her…she had no choice but to give in. Jack happily grinned as she accepts his offer. One hour later they were finished and she was safely cuddled in his arms.

"Feel better?" Jack asked, kissing the top of her head.

"A little," Rose smiled. "How could I not feel better when you hold me in your arms like this. I love you so much Jack."

"I love you too Rose. I’ll love you forever."

"Jack…about what my mother said…"

"Rose…"

"I need to check it out Jack. I have to find out if what she said was true cause if I don’t…I don’t think I can ever be truly happy," Rose sighed.

"What if you find out it’s true?" Jack asked. "Are you ready to deal with that?"

"Yes. Of course. At least I’ll know and I can put it behind me. Jack, to be truthful, all I ever need is your love. As long as I have you and Becky, I’ll be fine. I don’t need him if he doesn’t want me. I don’t want him."

"Ok. Fine rose. If that’s what you want I’ll stand behind you all the way and I’ll be here for you. I promise," Jack tightens his hold on her. "I’ll talk to Cal about it tomorrow. Have him give us the name of that private detective of his."

"Thank you Jack," Rose looks up at her husband and kisses him passionately. "This means everything to me."

"I know," Jack smiles.

They stay locked in the embrace til both fall asleep, ready for whatever life throws at them next.

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