Chapter 3
A Love So Strong
Rose opened the door to reveal nothing but rows and rows of makeshift beds. Immediately, a nurse approached her with a clipboard. She looked tired and a bit cranky at the moment from such a short notice of so much work.
"May I help you?"
"Yes, I'm looking for a man named Jack Dawson. I've been told that he's in here."
Rose watched anxiously as the nurse scanned her clipboard muttering the name 'Dawson' as if to constantly refresh her memory. Towards the bottom of the clipboard, she stopped and read aloud. "Mr. Jack Dawson…bed 34. Right this way Miss."
"Thank you." Rose followed the nurse towards the far corner of the room. On motioning towards Jack, the nurse left to care for more patients. Rose watched as the nurse scurried about the room carrying supplies and tending to others. She brought her attention back to Jack as she quietly approached his bed. Lying comfortably snuggled in the many layers of blankets he had been given, Jack lay fast asleep. Rose smiled to herself as she watched him. He looked so adorable, his chest gently rising and falling with each breath.
Rose pulled up a nearby chair. She made herself comfortable as she gently brushed some stray blond strands off of Jack's face. Smiling to herself, she planted little kisses on his forehead as she continued to run her hands through his hair. She watched amused as Jack's lips curved slightly in his sleep. She reached down to hold Jack's hand and was relieved when she felt it squeeze hers slightly.
"Oh Rose…my sweet, sweet Rose." He whispered hoarsely. Her heart leaped as she watched his eyes slowly open in a struggle to see her. His lips were curved in the biggest smile he could manage as he looked at the only important thing in his life.
"Jack…I-" Rose was interrupted by Jack's fingers resting on her lips.
"Shh, it's all right. We're all right." Jack smiled as Rose gently kissed his fingertips. He brushed her cheek as his hand rested on her neck. "I believe a big thank-you is in order. The doctor's told me that I had gone unconscious last night, but you didn't give up on me. You brought me to a lifeboat and by doing so, saved my life. Thank you Rose…for not letting go."
Tears formed in the corners of Rose's eyes as she placed her hand on top of Jack's. "It wasn't anything that you haven't already done for me. You jump, I jump right?"
Jack smiled at the familiar saying. His voice was in a whisper and shined with nothing but pure love as he gently replied, "Right."
Rose smiled through her tears as she brought Jack into her arms. Immediately, she felt his warmth travel throughout her entire being. It felt so good to be able to hold him again, to feel his arms around her in a sign of love and admiration.
His breath tickled her ear gently as he spoke to her. "You know something Rose? I love you more than anything in the world, you know that?" He said as he gently pulled away from her, wiping away the tears off her face. She leaned into his face as she gently mumbled against his lips. "I love you too Jack." Jack closed the small space between them by planting his lips against Rose's.
Jack pulled away, leaving Rose with a questioning look on her face. He smiled as he watched relief sweep through Rose's body at the mere touch of his hand against her cheek. Just a few days ago I was worrying about how I was going to survive in New York, now I'm worrying about how I'm going to survive without Rose. I love her so much…I don't think I could spend a single day without her. We've only known each other for such a short time though…but it feels like I've known her all my life.
Jack took a deep breath before he spoke. He looked deep into Rose's eyes as if he were searching for some kind of sign, something that would tell him that everything was all right and that she felt the same way that he did. Nothing but pure love shined in her eyes. Jack felt that maybe it was really meant to be…maybe they were really meant to be. "Rose…I…" Jack stopped himself short as he tried to gather his thoughts. He closed his eyes briefly before taking yet another deep breath. "Funny how life works out, huh? I know just a couple of days ago, the only thing on my mind was going back home. Now, the only thing in my mind is you. What can I say? You mean everything to me Rose. I love you more than life itself and believe me, if it meant that I had to give up everything for you- even my life if that's what it came down to- believe me, I would give it up in an instant. I know that most people would say that it's not enough time to know it's love, but I for one can testify against that. I love you Rose. I can't imagine a single day without you. I…I know that I'll never be able to offer you as much as I wish I could, but I know that I can give you one thing Rose- my love. Rose…what I'm trying to say is…is well, I think it would be the biggest honor a man could get if you would be my wife. Will you marry me Rose?"
Tears were once again streaming down Rose's cheeks as she looked at Jack lovingly. Her voice was almost to a whisper as she spoke. "Oh Jack…you have no idea how much this means to me. You've touched my heart in more ways than one. Jack, you're the reason I'm even alive. My life's just not worth living without you. Just as I had given up all hope, here came my very own guardian angel, straight from heaven. So yes Jack, I will marry you…with all my heart."
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