3

Gloria arrived on Jack’s doorstep the moment Jack had gotten dress and done eating breakfast. He groaned when her voice called for him to open up. That they had a wedding to plan. He had hoped to have a few hours of peace before having to deal with her. But obviously that wasn't going to happen.

“Gloria. Good morning,” Jack yawned, opening the door.

“Now that’s not the way to greet your fiancee darling.,” She pushed her way in. “we have a lot to discuss. Such as guest arrangements. Let’s see, there’s the Thomason’s and the Primwalls…and of course Mrs. Gleason. She’d die if she wasn’t invited to our wedding,” Gloria sat on the couch and began scribbling names down onto her pad. “And…”

“Gloria…wait…before you go any further we have to talk,” Jack sighed, wanting to get this out of the way. But it was like he didn’t say anything. Gloria kept on calling off peoples names and scribbling in her pad.

“Aunt Matilda and…”

“Gloria, will you please put that away,” Jack sighed, trying not to lose his temper. He hated it when she acted like he wasn’t even talking, and he wasn’t going to take it this time. This was too important.

“Oh and Cousin Grace and…Jack! What are you doing!” Gloria shrieked in anger as Jack plucked the pad out of her hand and threw it on the table. What has gotten into him? Was it that woman he was kissing last night? Well if it was she had news for him. He better be thankful she was so forgiving or the wedding would have been called off!

“I said we need to talk. About the wedding,” Jack crossed his arms, his blue eyes full of a determination that Gloria hasn’t seen since they were children. A determination she had thought he outgrew.

“We are talking about the wedding silly. The guestlist, now if you don’t mind, give me back the pad so we can continue.”

“What I want to talk about is not the guest list. It’s about the wedding itself. Gloria…how can I say this…,” Jack sighed. He really didn’t want to hurt her, but there was no alternative. He knew this was all his fault. He should never have agreed to marry her. If only he hadn’t been so heartbroken over Rose…he would have been more in his right mind and not have said yes to everything Gloria had said that night.

“Jack, what is it?” Gloria looked up at him in frustration. What he had to say had better be good. They were wasting precious time.

“I…I don’t love you Gloria. That’s why I’m calling off the wedding. I can not and will not marry someone I don’t love.”

“What?”

“Gloria, I’m sorry. I really never meant to hurt you. That was never my intention…”

“Oh. I get it…you’re having cold feet aren’t you?” Gloria smiled sweetly, getting to her feet. She placed a hand on Jack’s face and kissed him lightly.

“What?”

“Darling, this is completely normal for you to have cold feet. Maybe I’m moving too fast. Listen, I’ll handle the guestlist on my own. You just stay here and rest. I’ll be by later tonight and check up on you.”

“Gloria wait. This isn’t…”

“Good day darling. I’ll see you tonight. And don’t worry. By time Saturday rolls around, you’ll be fine,” Gloria waved as she picked up her pad and went out the door, blowing a kiss on the way out, leaving Jack standing in the middle of the living room, looking at the door in shock, wondering what had just happened.

He had just broken off the engagement and it was like he hadn’t even said anything. How was he going to get out of this mess he got himself into? Here he was engaged to a woman he didn’t love, and the woman he does love is expecting him to be free and clear by time she comes by. What was he going to do?

“Hey Jack! We’re here!” Nina just walked on in, followed by Rose who was extremely worried. Something was wrong. She could tell by the way the girl known as Gloria strolled past them, a big satisfied grin on her face.

“Hey,” Jack said, his voice flat with preoccupation.

“Hey? I drop by with the love of your life and all you have to say is hey?” Nina looked at her friend in disbelief. “We saw the dragon lady pass by. Was she coming from here?”

“Yeah.”

“Did you call off the wedding?”

Jack looked at Rose and sighed. “I tried to.”

“What do you mean you tried to. What happened Jack?” Nina asked, taking Gloria’s place on the couch.

“I told her that I didn’t love her and the wedding was off and she decided I was having cold feet! It was like I wasn’t even talking! What am I going to do?!” Jack collapsed in a chair and hid his face in his hands.

Nina narrowed her eyes in anger. Gloria had pushed Jack around for the last time. It was time for things to come to a head. “Let me handle her. I’ll make sure she gets the message.”

“Are you kidding? There is no way on God’s green earth I’m letting you handle this. She’ll think you’re just blowing hot air as always. I’ll be seeing her again tonight. I’m just going to have to be tough with her. Tell her the wedding is off and that’s all there was to it,” Jack glared at his friend.

“Jack…would it be better if I left?” Rose asked, taking his hand in hers. He looked into her eyes and his heart melted. She was so earnest and sincere. It was obvious that she’d do anything for him and vice versa.

“No Rose. It wouldn’t be better. I need you here,” Jack kissed her tenderly.

“Well excuse me Jack, but what’s the plan here? Either you just leave town with Rose without a word now. Or you let me tell her, or you stand up for yourself and tell her it’s off. Which is it going to be?” Nina crossed her arms, becoming very irritable.

“I’m going to tell her myself of course. I’m just going to have to be more insistent.,” Jack swallowed. “But in the mean time, Rose and I have some catching up to do so if you don’t mind…”

“Oh, you want me to leave? Is that it?” Nina smiled knowingly. “Well Jack, all you have to do is say so…”

“Nina leave. I want to be alone with Rose,” Jack laughed at the playfully annoyed expression on Nina’s face.

“Well! Fine! Be that way!” Nina giggled just as Gloria just opened the door and came into the room.

Gloria frowned as she saw Jack holding Rose’s hand and standing way to close to her. She crossed her arms and looked at Rose and Jack.

“May I ask why my fiancée is holding another woman’s hand?”

Nina opened her mouth but Jack spoke first. “Gloria, what are you doing here? I wasn’t expecting you back until tonight?’

“Well I decided that since the wedding is Saturday and we haven’t gone through the list of people you wanted to invite, now would be the best time. I’m sorry, but your friends here are going to have to leave.”

“Not a chance,” Nina crossed her arms.

“We’ll see you later Jack,” Rose forced a smile and grabbed Nina, who looked at Rose in shock, hand and dragged her out of the house.

“Well at least she has some brains,” Gloria mumbled glaring at the door.

“What did you say?” anger tinged Jack’s voice.

“You know, I was going to ignore the fact that I saw you kissing that girl last night, but it seems that a new understanding is called for. I will not tolerate cheating Jack. Such a thing is intolerable and I won’t stand for it..”

“What are you getting at here Gloria,” Jack turned his back on her, but she grabbed his shoulder and forced him to face her.

“You are not to see that girl again Jack. I understand Nina, because you grew up with her, but this Rose person…you are not to even talk to her. Is this in anyway unclear? I will not be made a fool of Jack.”

“The whole town may cower at your feet, Gloria, but I’m not. I will see Rose whenever and wherever I want. Just like you will see Jason whenever you want.”

“Jason’s different.”

Jack laughed. “I don’t see how? Just the other day I found you in his embrace. So explain that!”

“He was congratulating me on my wedding! That’s all! Tell me, why were you kissing Rose!”

“Because…”

“I don’t want to hear the reason Jack! You are simply not going to see that girl again. You are my fiancée, my husband by practice if not yet by law and you will honor me! In such a way that a husband should honor is wife.! Is that clear!”

Meanwhile, just outside beneath the open window, Nina and Rose stayed hiddened and listened to the argument. Her face pale with recognition, Rose motioned for Nina to follow her off the porch and together they head down the path. They’re almost to the house when Rose spoke again.

“She sounds just like my mother and ex-fiancee,” Rose stopped in her tracks. “On Titanic, my mother told me not to see Jack again and before that…what she just said to Jack…that was his very words. You are my wife, by practice if not yet by law and you will honor me the way a wife should honor her husband, is that any way unclear. My god! She’s a female Cal! We have to get Jack away from her! He had done the same for me!” Rose began to cry.

Nina hugged Rose, patting her back in comfort. “We’ll think of something. There has to be something that will make her leave Jack. But what? Let’s see, maybe we can say that you two really are having an affair.”

“For two days?” Rose asked. “That’s not enough time Nina.”

“How about if I tell her that me and Jack…”

“No! Absolutely not. Besides, Jack would only deny that. Wait a minute…I have just the thing…why didn’t I think of this before! Robbie!”

Nina frowned in confusion. “Who’s Robbie?”

“Follow me,” Rose grinned, her heart beating with hope and excitement. She pulled Nina all the ready to the boarding house and up to her room. She took the picture of her baby off the nightstand and gave it to Nina.

“Rose? Whose baby is this? He looks familiar,” Nina stared at the picture, wondering what this had to do with a plan to save Jack.

“Jack’s son, Robert Jack Dawson. I should have brought him with me, but he’s so young and needed stability. I was to come here to find out more about Jack so I could tell him how wonderful his father truly was. If only I knew that Jack was alive before I left.”

Nina opened her mouth in shock and looked even more closely at the baby who had a head full of blond curls and the brightest blue eyes she ever saw. He had Rose’s nose and cheekbones, but besides that, he was all Jack. “This changes everything. Rose…you have to tell Jack. Now. Today. Gloria will never insist on this marriage now. Not even out of spite.”

Rose grinned, happily. Robbie would never know how his very existence had saved their family.

“Rose,” Mrs. Spencer stuck her head into the room. “You have company. It’s a woman and she says you know her. She’s waiting in the setting room now.”

“Yes mam,” Rose swallowed, wondering who could possibly be waiting for her. Her mother? She practically stopped in her tracks at this. She wasn’t ready to confront her mother just yet. Not now and not without Jack.

“Rose what’s wrong?” Nina is behind her, she noticed how pale her friend had become.

“What…what if it’s my mother? Nina…I’m not ready to see her again. I’m still so angry…I’m not ready for a confrontation right now.”

“Would your mother know you were here?”

“No. Not unless Molly told her, but Molly promised…”

“Well then it can’t be here now can it? Now come. Let’s go see who this is waiting for you. And Rose, I promise, if it is your mother, I’ll stand right by you. I won’t leave you with her,” Nina reassured her new friend and together, they went into the setting room to find Molly holding a laughing Robbie in her lap.

Molly looked up from the baby and smiled. “Why look there Robbie my boy! It’s mommy! We’ve found her at last!” Molly held the baby up to see Rose. The baby giggle and held his arms out for Rose to take him. She immediately scooped the child up in her arms and hugged him tightly. “Oh Robbie! I’ve missed you so much!” She planted kisses all over his little face.

“He’s even more adorable in person,” Nina giggled, touching the baby’s tiny hand. “He has Jack’s smile too! Look mom! Doesn’t he look like Jack?”

“I suppose,” Mrs. Spencer shrugged. She too noticed the resemblance. Is this girl and baby any relation to the Dawsons?

“I’ll go get Jack over here. It’s time to meet his son,” Nina whispered in Rose’s ear who readily nodded, still absorbed, playing with the baby. “Hurry. I think it’s getting near his nap time.”

Nina nodded and darted out of the house.

“What was that about?” Molly smiled.

“Oh Molly I have so much to tell you. I swear you won’t believe me.”

“Well then set and tell me darling. It’s been quite boring on that express train over here so I’m in the mood for a good story.”

So as they waited for Nina to return with Jack, Rose told Molly of finding Jack alive and well and the new trial that’s facing their relationship.

4

Nina rushed into the house to find that Jack had went up to his room. Without even thinking twice, she ran up the stairs to find her friend angrily stuffing his clothes into a duffle bag, a look of determination set on his face.

“Jack? What’s going on?” Nina watched him, her mind not able to comprehend what she was seeing as of yet.

“I’m getting out of here Nina. Gloria won’t listen to reason, so what I’m going to do is pick up Rose and head out for the horizon. We’re going to Santa Monica. Just like we talked about on Titanic. We’re leaving Chippewa Falls and we’re leaving today!”

Nina stammered, she had never seen her friend this irritated. Gloria for once had pushed all the wrong buttons with Jack. “J-Jack…listen…before you leave, there’s someone you must meet. They’re back at the boarding house.”

“Nina, I have no time to meet anymore of your new friends. I have to take Rose and leave before Gloria comes back tonight. We had a bad fight and we’ll have a worse one if I’m still here. I don’t want Rose in middle of that. Do you understand?”

Nina nodded. “You know I do. And I’m rooting for you two. I really am. But it’s really important that you meet this boy. Besides, it’s not out of your way or anything. You’ll have to go to the boarding house to pick up Rose anyway.”

Jack sighed, “Ok. Fine. But this better be quick. I am not in a hurry to see Gloria again anytime soon.”

Nina only smiled and helped Jack finish packing. Together, they locked up the Dawson place. She watched her friend take one more wistful look at the house. She knew he was sorry to have to leave once again. Maybe someday he’ll return and bring his family with him. But for now, it was going to be impossible to stay in Chippewa Falls. Especially with Gloria on the rampage.

By the time Nina and Jack got back, Robbie was still cooing in Rose’s arms and Molly was telling Rose about her trip. All conversation stopped when Jack and Rose stepped into the room.

“Why Glory be! Why it is you! Jack Dawson you are a sight for sore eyes!” Molly stood and embraced the young man she had took under her wing a little over a year ago.

“Hello Molly,” Jack hugged the woman tightly, surprised to see her here in Chippewa Falls. This was the last place he thought he’d meet her again.

“Rose told me all about how you survived and what’s this about you being engaged to a female version of Rosebud’s ex? Rose says that she’s a real piece of work.”

Jack blushed. “That about says it all. I don’t know how I let myself get involved with her. I guess that’s what grief does to you.”

“I understand more than you know,” Molly patted his arm. “now, there’s someone here that Rosie and I both want ya to meet,” Molly got up and took Robbie from Rose. She gently handed him to a very confused Jack. The baby just smiled and giggled at the new stranger in his life.

“Oh how adorable. Is he your grandson?” Jack grinned, making funny faces to make the baby giggle.

“No Jack,” Rose shook her head nervously. So far Robbie and Jack were getting along great.

“Well then who does he belong to?”

“Us. He belongs to us,” Rose swallowed nervously as Jack looked up at her, confusion in his gaze.

“What do you mean he belongs to us?” Jack asked.

“Jack…meet your son. Robert Jack Dawson. I call him Robbie for short,” Rose blurted

“D-Did you say what I think you just said?” Jack swallowed, his eyes wide in shock.

Rose tearfully nodded, afraid that Jack was going to be angry with her for not telling him about Robbie from the start. “He’s our son Jack. Mine and yours. He was conceived that night in the Renault. I’m sorry Jack. I’m sorry I didn’t tell you right away, but I was so shocked that you were engaged and…”

“Shhh,” Jack hugged her with his free hand. “Don’t be sorry. You have nothing to be sorry for. I’m the one who’s sorry. I should have looked harder for you Rose. Not only were you alone but pregnant…what kind of person am I?”

Rose placed a finger on his lips, stopping him from going any further. “You’re the person I love. Who saved me not only from myself, but from the gilded cage I was locked in. And Robbie,” She took the baby’s hand in hers. “Robbie was a gift. He kept me company until it was time to come find you.”

“I love him. I love you…the both of you,” Jack kissed Rose before going back to admiring his son.

“So what are we going to do now?” Rose asked, curiously.

Jack lit up. “Pack your things Rose. We’re leaving, today. We’re getting out of Chippewa Falls once and for all. I mean…if that’s what you want…”

“Of course it’s what I want. I’ll go anywhere with you. Just as long as we’re together.”

Molly and Nina smiled at one another, touched by the scene before them. None of them were prepared for Gloria barging in, calling for Nina’s mother. She had relatives coming in for the wedding and wanted to make sure there were rooms available.

She stops in her tracks as she sees Jack with arm holding Robbie and the other one holding Rose. “What’s going on here!” She angrily slams the door, causing Robbie to whimper at the loud noise.

“Can you lower your voice,” Jack glared at his ex-fiancee.

“No I will not lower my voice! I want to know what you are doing with her after we had our discussion this morning!”

“You mean the yelling match?” Nina asked.

“Nina please, stay out of this,” Jack didn’t bother looking at his friend, he was busy glaring at Gloria. He was hoping to avoid a confrontation, but now that was impossible.

“Yes stay out of this Nina,” Gloria glared at her old nemesis then turned her glare on her new nemesis. “And you, stay away from my fiancée.”

“Don’t you dare talk to Rose like that,” Jack didn’t give Rose a chance to answer. As far as he was concerned, Rose had nothing to do with this. “This is between you and me. You leave her alone.”

“She has everything to do with this.”

“No it has to do with the fact that I don’t want to marry you! I never did! You just don’t take no for an answer, but this time you have no choice. This wedding is off!”

“No it isn’t.”

“Yes it is. It’s off and I’m taking Rose and our son and leaving town for good! I’ve tried to be nice about this, but you gave me no other choice.”

“I’m not accepting this. This is unacceptable!”

“You have no choice Gloria. Jack will be leaving with me and our son and there’s nothing you can do about it,” Rose glared at her rival. She was really getting tired of this girl. She was just like her mother. Couldn’t take no for a answer. She didn’t expect what happened next. None of them were.

Gloria flew into a rage. Screaming she attacked Rose, at first pushing the other girl away from Jack and then trying to hit her, but Rose was too quick and landed a sucker punch to Gloria’s left eye. Gloria was balling her fist when Molly got in between the girls and glared at Gloria and winced. Rose had belted her a good one. The skin around Gloria’s left eye was turning purple.

“That is enough! No more!” The older woman yelled over Robbie’s terrified wails. The child was terrified to see the mean lady trying to hurt his mother.

“Can’t you tell there’s a child in the room?” Molly glared at Gloria since she was the one that started the fight. Gloria just glanced in Jack’s direction who was trying to calm the quiet baby down. “Now you have til the count of five to leave and not return or I’m calling the police.”

Gloria glared at Jack and then at Rose. “you think you’ve won don’t you? You think I’ll just leave and you can have my fiancée without a fight. Well you have another thing coming. This isn’t over. Not by a long shot.”

“I believe Mrs. Brown said to leave and not come back,” Nina grabbed Gloria by the neck and pushed her out the door, slamming the door in her face. “Good riddance.”

“That child was serious,” Molly stared at the closed door. “Rose darling, I think it’s best that you go pack your things right now. We’re leaving this town and returning to Denver. Tonight if possible.”

“I’ll help,” Jack placed a hand on her shoulder.

“No I will. That’s proper,” Nina smiled at her friend, following Rose upstairs, leaving Jack alone with Molly and their son.

“Here’s a schedule of the train arrival and departures right here,” Mrs. Spencer handed Rose a folded piece of paper.

“Why thank you,” Molly nodded before walking off to the far corner. She wanted to give Jack some quality time with his son.

“So you’re a father now Jack,” Mrs. Spencer smiled and shook her head. “Who would have thought.”

“I know. I still can’t believe he’s mine. I mean, he’s so perfect,” Jack grinned up at the woman, unconditional love for his son shining in his eyes.

“I won’t ask about how he came about and why you weren’t with that girl from the start. I have a feeling it’s a long story. But I just want to say I’m as pleased as punch that you won’t be marrying that Gloria. She was never good enough for you. You needed someone like yourself. Freespirited, kind, and loving. And I do understand why you’re taking your family and leaving town. The rest of the town will understand too. Gloria’s family is very powerful here in town and she’ll make sure you won’t get a moment’s peace.”

“Thank you,” Jack tearfully hugged the woman he had thought of as a second mother.

“Well bad news kids. The next train out of Eau Claire to Denver doesn’t leave until tomorrow evening. It looks like we’re stuck here for another evening.”

“That’s ok,” Rose stood at top of the stairs, her bags in hand. “What’s one more night.”

Jack looked at Rose standing at top of the stairs and he knew he wouldn’t be able to go on without her becoming his wife for very long. He needed them to be an official family. Rose, himself, and Robbie. “Let’s get married.”

“What?” Rose looked at Jack as if he had grown two heads.

“Let’s get married. Right away. As soon as possible. I can’t live without you Rose. The past year is proof of that. I want us to be a real family. Please Rose, marry me?”

Tears streamed from her eyes. She had never thought she’d hear those words from Jack, and when she found out he was alive after all…she never thought of marriage. In fact, marriage used to be something she dreaded. It used to be the final nail in her coffin before Titanic. But now…with the groom being Jack, she couldn’t think of anything better.

“Ok. Yes. I will marry you,” She wiped away her tears as Jack handed Robbie to Molly and went to sweep Rose off her feet in a joyful hug.

“Jack put me down,” Rose laughed as he spun her around.

“You’ve just made me the happiest man alive,” Jack set her on her feet and kissed her forehead. “So when do you want to do it?”
“Tomorrow morning in Eau Claire. Before we leave. I want to officially be Mrs. Rose Dawson before returning to Denver. “Nina…I know we haven’t known each other for long, but you’re my first real friend here and I was wondering…would you be my bridesmaid?”

Nina’s mouth dropped open in shock. She wasn’t expecting to be included in the wedding. Gloria had made it a point of cutting her out. But now, here Rose was, offering her a prime spot. “Of course. Of course I’ll be your bridesmaid.”

“And I’ll give the bride away,” Molly grinned.

“Jack, you’ll need a best man,” Rose gasped.

“Robbie here can do that,” Jack laughed.

“Just make sure he doesn’t eat the rings,” Molly laughed. The rest of the day and evening was full of joy and laughter as everyone got ready for Jack’s and Rose’s small nuptials the next morning.

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