A New Beginning

Chapter 51: Proposal

Chapter 51: Proposal

"Rose, don't eat too much, you don't want to be sick on the train," Emma says.

Rose rolls her eyes and sticks her tongue out at Emma. For the past week or so, she's been craving unusual things, including pickles, watermelon, peanut butter, salt water taffy and mayonnaise on toast. She had Jack go out and pick up these unusual ingredients and she ate continuously through the day. Fortunately, her morning sickness was less and less noticeable, allowing Rose to focus on Sybil.

Rose takes a pickle from the plate she prepared for herself for lunch and swirls it in peanut butter before taking a big bite. These cravings were unusual

"When my mom was pregnant with Sybil, she craved grapefruit, strawberries, and chocolate," Emma says, packing some lunch for the two on their trip. "They say when you crave sweet things, like sugar and spice, you're having a girl. Salty and tangy means a boy. You Rose, seem to be craving both."

"Maybe that means a boy and a girl," Peter says, lugging Rose's suitcase down the stairs followed by Jack.

Jack puts his suitcase and down and goes over to Rose, kissing her. "Boy or girl doesn't matter to me," Jack smiles. "As long as it's healthy and happy."

"That was what my father said about Sybil," Emma adds, finishing up the sandwiches. "That is the most important thing, the other stuff is old wives' tales." She swallows hard, thinking in her mind, Sybil may have been healthy, but her mother had not been. She shakes the thoughts from her head.

Rose smiles once and finishes another pickle.

"What time does the train leave?" Peter asks.

"One-thirty," Jack answers. "One train to Santa Monica, California."

Rose smiles again, so excited about what was to come. She and Jack were fulfilling their promise they made on the Titanic to go Santa Monica and ride a roller-coaster till they threw up, drinking cheap beer and learning to ride a horse like a man. Rose, of course, knew that her pregnancy complicated these things, but they would still have a wonderful time.

Jack had the ring he had purchased two weeks ago in his pocket. His second paycheck and some of his painting money helped pay for a beautiful silver band with a .50 cut diamond, surrounded by two small sapphire stones. It was small but very beautiful. He couldn't wait to see it on her finger. He had it in a small blue velvet box and it was his anchor in his pocket, keep him from floating away.

He hoped that Rose was oblivious to his intentions and that they were merely going on a trip, but Rose knew deep down that something big was going to happen. Her heart beat in anticipation and excitement.

"Okay," Emma says. "Let's get going."

"Just let me get some more art supplies," Rose says and goes upstairs. "I really want to try some painting." She's wearing a lovely lavender sundress that swishes every time she moves. Her stomach was slightly protruding with the growth of the new life inside her and Jack knew she was glowing, she was the most beautiful woman he had ever seen and he definitely wanted to marry her.

Peter and Jack bring the bags out to the car.

"Nervous?" Peter asks, noticing Jack's quieter demeanour.

"Is it that obvious?" Jack asks.

"Just give her a wonderful time and tell her that you love her," Peter says. "Just act as normally as possible."

"But how will I know when I should...you know..."

"You'll just know. The moment will feel so perfect, everything will just slow down, just for that moment. When I proposed to Emma, it was just so perfect. I was nervous as ever, but when we were on the beach, walking hand in hand along the water. I knew she loved sunsets and the beach and when I saw the look of love in her eyes, I just knew. When the sun reflected off the diamond, the glow in her eyes and with that smile, I knew she was going to be my wife."