Well, nobody had gotten killed, Rose said. And I have to say, good thing you're a bad shot.
 

Cal chuckled and nodded. Good thing, Cal said. He sighed, still feeling uncomfortable.
 

Now, all I have to do is speak with Jack, and try to sort everything out, Cal said. I don't want him hating me forever.
 

Rose looked up at him. Ill get him for you, Rose said. And Ill make sure that hell listen to every word you say.
 

Cal nodded turned to face the stars. He looked up and sighed, as his hands were in his pockets, while Rose had gone in the restaurant, to retrieve Jack.
 

Rose walked towards Jack, whom had immediately gotten up from the minute he saw her come in, and stood beside him.
 

Jack, Cal Rose began.
 

What did he do? Jack asked, beginning to grow worried. If he had put a hand on you, is swear, Ill
 

Jack! Rose said, laughing. She placed both of her hands over his cheeks, forcing him to look down at her. Relax! Everything is fine. I'm fine, just like I said I would be. Now, I have spoken with Cal, and had made him promise not to cause any damage towards us, or to our children. He wants to have a word with you, and before you say anything, I want you to know that he has changed. Cal is not the same man that has shot at us. He's much different now. Please, Jack, Rose begged, as she held his hands in hers. End this controversy between you two. Forgive him. I have. And just because I have, does not mean that I'm in love with him, because I'm not. You're the one I'm in love with, and always will be. I offered him my friendship, and I'm sure you could do the same. Please, just end this, and lets just have a good time, while we can.
 

Jack looked down at her, and nodded his head slightly. He had listened to every word she said, and knew she was right. He cant stay angry forever as much as he hadn't wanted to forgive Cal and he knew that there had to be some good in the man. Jack pressed his lips on her forehead, as he held onto her shoulders.
 

Ill be right back, Jack said, as he began stepping away from her.
 

Just listen to what he has to say, Rose said, watching as he turned.
 

Jack smiled. I will, Jack said, before he walked towards the back of the restaurant, hands in his pockets, as he had gotten ready to confront Caledon Hockley.
 

Cal turned when he heard the door open, and relaxed when he had seen Jack. He rubbed the back of his head nervously, as he cleared his throat.
 

I assume this is one of the last things you'd want to do at the moment, Cal began. And I'm sure you're not willing to forgive me for what I have done, so
 

Jack held his hand out, to quiet him. I'm willing to end this tension between us, Jack said. And I'm sure that we could be friends. I know we've done this before, eight months ago, but I still feel angry towards what you have done to both Rose and myself. I could not help but just feel hatred towards you, but, I know I cant be angry at you for the rest of my life. Rose had been the one that has told me to forgive you the first time, and I'm sure she has done it again. She really wants me to forgive you, and if she does, then I'm willing to do so. Jack removed his hands from his pockets and looked into Cal's warm brown eyes. Cal, I forgive you for the night the ship sank. From the moment you have tried to win Rose, to the moment you have tried shooting at us. And I do hope, that we could become friends.
 

You really mean that, Dawson? Cal asked, a smile grazing his face. Not a smile of evil, but a smile of sincerity and kindness.
 

I mean it, Jack said. Hopefully this time, I wont feel suspicious around you, now that you're married.
 

Cal laughed and looked down at Jack. Ill have to say that you're married a beautiful, smart, caring, and loving woman. She's one of a kind, Jack, and I want you to take care of her and that child of yours that's developing inside her, Cal said.
 

I have, and I will, Jack said. And you should care for that new missus that you have. She looks as if she's in love with you.
 

She does, doesn't she? Cal asked, looking over at his new wife, who was smiling brightly at her parents, whom were talking with her. He then turned to Jack and nodded. Well, she must be wondering where I have gone to. Cal said, as he let out a sigh. He extended his hand as he smiled. Friends?
 

Jack smiled, and put his hand over his as he gave Cal a firm handshake. Friends, Jack said, with certainty.
 

Good, Cal said. Well, why don't we go back inside. Its getting pretty cold out here.
 

Jack chuckled and nodded. Common in this time of year, you know, Jack said, opening the door.
 

As it should be, Cal said, going through the entrance, as he had stepped into the restaurant, alongside Jack. Cal headed towards Rebecca, who had immediately looked up at him, with a smile on her face. So, sweet pea, how does it feel like to be a Hockley?
 

Rebecca smiled. Wonderful, She said. She was suddenly curious to what Cal had to say to Rose. So, what was it that you had to say to your ex-fiancé?
 

Her name is Rose, Rebecca, Cal said, not wanting her to call Rose his ex-fiancé as if she were a criminal. And I just had to tell her something that I have never gotten the chance to tell her before. Something that I should've said to her when I was engaged to her, but now that I'm married to you, there is no need to worry about the conversation that I have had with Rose. As of now, were going to live life to the fullest, and make each day count.
 

Rebecca smiled. Make each day count, She said. I like the sound of that.
 

A good man had once told me that, Cal said. And I'm willing to follow it.
 

Rebecca smiled and gazed into her husbands eyes. She found love shine in them, and was happy to have married him. She took his hand in his, as he sat down beside her, and watched as the guests had enjoyed themselves. Her eyes fell upon Jack and Rose, and smiled as she saw just how happy they were together and was then thankful to have met her. She looked up at Cal and gave him a loving kiss on his lips. She knew from that moment, that they were meant for each other just as Jack and Rose were meant for each other.

 

     ***

 

Champagne was poured into everyone's glass as the guests admired the newlywed couple. Jack smiled and got up, holding his champagne glass in his hand. He cleared his throat, to get everyone's attention, but finding that it hadn't worked, he took a fork and gently banged it against his glass, until he had gotten everyone's attention.
 

Thank you, Jack said, setting his fork down. Now, its the duty of the best man to give a toast to the newlyweds, and as I am the best man, I'm gonna fill in on that honor. Jack said, as he looked over at Cal. I know the groom, through my wife, Rose, here, and uh, lets just say that we haven't gotten along pretty well before today. Jack swung his hair away from his face, as he continued. But I have come to learn that Caledon Hockley isn't just a man who's rich and tall, and handsomehes a friend, a lover, and a devoted person. But before, I have never seen that. I always thought that he would continually be the madman, the possessive fiance, the jealous man, the man who wants everything to himself, but I was proven wrong. He's not a madman, he's not possessive, not jealous or at least I hope he's not and doesn't want everything to himself. He's a human being, who has found something, lost it, and had found something else. I'm sure with that, he could live his life to the fullest and make each day count. Good luck to you, Cal, and congratulations. Jack said, as he raised his glass, before taking a sip and seating himself down. He glanced over at Cal and Rebecca, and found that she had been looking at him with a smile, as she looked over at Cal, who had nodded his head and applauded, along with the other guests who have, after Jacks speech.
 

Rose was proud of Jack, and was glad that he had finally ended their quarrel that they have been sharing, and most of all, she was glad that Cal had found someone that was fit for him. It was her turn to give out a toast, so she got up, with much difficulty and smiled.
 

Well, Rose began. I knew Cal for about a year, maybe a bit more, but somewhere around that area, and I have to admit that I wasn't as happy as everyone thought Id be. I mean, I know he was the richest bachelor in Philadelphia and is handsome, tall, muscular everything a girl could ever want but he wasn't what I wanted. That's the one thing that brings me to be different from the other debutantes that could've had a chance with him. My mother used to say that I had my fathers wild spirit, and I have to admit, that I do. My husband even tells me that I have a free-spirited personality, and that's just what I am. I want adventure and I want to see the world. But with Cal as my fiancé, I could not live my dream. My dream is to be an actress, and I hope to fulfill that dream, once this little one is out of me, and is old enough to crawl. Rose said, stroking her abdomen. Rose then returned her gaze towards Cal and Rebecca. Now, I realize that Cal has indeed changed from the last time that I have known him, and he has turned into a true gentleman. A gentleman that shows respect towards others, not a gentleman whom everyone thinks that is perfect and charming, when he treats people disrespectfully. Caledon Hockley is a new man a new man with a wonderful wife, and a new life ahead of him. Good luck to you, Cal. Congratulations, and I hope that your love for Rebecca stays strong. Cheers. Rose raised her glass, as she took a small, sincere sip from her glass, knowing that she cant have a large amount of alcohol in her system, for she was a mother-to-be, pregnant with her first child. She sat down, as she placed a hand into Jacks, gripping onto it with pure love and care.
 

Everyone applauded, and within minutes, the guests were served with delicious, mouthwatering food, which had caused for Roses stomach to rumble. Once she had been served, she had begun to dig into the meal that was given to her, as if she hadn't eaten in a million years. Jack looked down at Rose, holding back a chuckle.
 

Rose, calm down, Jack said. The foods not gonna go anywhere. Relax, eat slowly.
 

Rose laughed and nodded her head. Forgive me, but I'm starving, Rose said, after she had swallowed her bite of the meal.
 

I could see that, Jack said, as he chewed on a piece of meat.
 

The two lovers had eaten their meal with pure enjoyment, as Rose had asked for another plate. Since she was eating for two, she figured that she should eat enough food that would fill up her appetite, as well as her child's appetite. There was a bowl of strawberries in the middle of the table, and Rose reached out for it, as she began to munch on them gracefully. She had a strange craving for them, and could not help but enjoy the sweet taste of the fruit. She watched as Jack looked at her with a smile that hinted laughter and amusement. He could not help but chuckle when Rose had slapped his hand, when he had tried to take one strawberry from the bowl.
 

My, guess you're very hungry, Jack said, raising his eyebrows.
 

Well, what do you expect? Rose asked, looking over at him, after she swallowed the fruit. I'm eating for two here, and I need to satisfy my hunger. Besides, I have a craving for strawberries, and just could not let them sit in the bowl, begging to be eaten.
 

Jack laughed and shook his head. Do what you will with the strawberries, Jack said. They're all yours. I wont even try to get one. But its amazing how pregnant woman could eat so much, even if they had eaten two plateful of food.
 

Jack Dawson, are you calling me fat? Rose asked, looking over at her husband, with one eyebrow raised.
 

No, no, Jack said, shaking his head. He placed a tender hand on her cheek, as his thumb stroked her skin. You're beautiful, Rose. Your beauty will last for a lifetime, I'm sure.
 

Rose smiled, and blushed. She picked up another strawberry, and sank her teeth into it, feeling her mouth fill with the sweetness of the berry.
 

But I'm not complaining, Jack said. You eat up. Its good for you, and for the baby. I want our baby to be born healthy and strong. Not weak and slim.
 

By the feel of it, Jack, its a strong baby, Rose said, rubbing her belly. This little person is kicking me as if it were kicking a persons bum.
 

Jack laughed and rested his hand upon hers, as he felt the firm kick from his unborn child. He then leaned closer and brought his lips towards her midsection, where he pressed them against her dress, as if he were kissing the baby itself.
 

Now, be good for your mommy, Jack said. She's been kind enough to carry you in there, so cut her some slack. And mommy's trying her best to feed you. So be patient, okay? Can you do that for me, little buddy?
 

Rose smiled as she watched Jack father her unborn child once again. I'm amazed at how quickly you have become attached to my stomach, Rose said, trying to hold back a giggle. I mean, before, you weren't as interested in my stomach. You were interested in my lips.
 

Ah, what can I say? Jack asked, playing along. I fall in love with a different part of your body everyday. Who knows? Tomorrow, I might be in love with your hands. Jack lifted her hand from her belly, and gave it a tender stroke, as he looked in her eyes. He brought it to his lips, and gave it a tender kiss. Maybe I should sketch your hands. They're very beautiful, and smooth, and just you. I could identify these hands anywhere. Jacks eyes gazed downward, as he drank in the way her hands appeared, as Rose rolled her eyes.
 

Oh, dear me, Rose murmured. He had now fallen in love with my hands. What's next? My hair?
 

You know what, Mrs. Dawson? Jack asked, looking up from his examination. I should just say that I'm in love with you. Every last inch of you, belongs to my heart. I love you from head to toe. Ill love you whether you're fat, skinny, short tall, curvaceous, big, small it really doesn't matter. What matters is, that were in love with each other, and that proves that were meant to be together. I could be in love with your hands, your stomach, your hair, but I know that Ill always be in love with you Rose Dawson.
 

Rose smiled and felt her body warm up from his soft, loving words. Now that's the Jack Dawson I married, Rose said, smiling, as she leaned in, planting a passionate kiss onto his lips.
 

Jack responded, and pushed his chair closer, as he placed his hand on the back of her neck, where he made their kiss deeper and more intense than the two could ever imagine. They soon began to grow oblivious to the world around them, as they were only aware of each other and their love for one another. Their kiss was proof to the world around them, that they were madly in love with each other, and would never be broken of their strong bond. The two, young lovers, had no care to the world around them, as they had been taken into another world. A world that they were welcomed into. A world of lovers, where everything was perfect, and everything was the way they wanted it to be. Hopefully, it would stay that way.

Chapter 43