December 24, 1917

Rose inspected herself carefully in the mirror. The last time she was dressed in such an elegant fashion was on the Titanic. Of course, she had worn elegant gowns in the moving pictures, but that was pretend. This moment, right now, was real life. Her long auburn hair was pulled up in a loose bun. Tiny curls that had not been secured framed her face. Emerald earrings dangled from her ears, a gift from Allan on their first Christmas together. Around her neck she wore a gold necklace with an emerald pendant. She could feel the silk fabric against her skin, almost as if it was caressing her. The gown fit Rose's curves as if it was her own skin. 'This is a bit too form fitting,' she thought shyly. They were having a Christmas party this evening, she, Eliza, and Molly. They had invited Willow their landlord to join in on the festivities, and Rose's dear friend Mary Pickford promised to stop by for eggnog. 'Maybe this dress is too much for the party,' Rose thought.

Leaning closely into the mirror, Rose examined every inch of her face. Her complexion was pale. She had painted her eyelids with just the faintest shade of pink; then carefully outlined each eye with charcoal. Adding just a touch of color to her cheeks, gave them the appearance of being out in the cold just a bit to long. It had been a long time since she resembled a porcelain doll. "I am surprised I remembered how to apply makeup," Rose said out loud to no one in particular.

Jack hovered close by in the corner. His eyes were all over her. She was beautiful. 'My beautiful Rose,' he thought, longing to take her in his arms.

Slowly she turned around. Rose was aware that even after she had sent him away, he never left her, not really. He had kept his distance as she had asked, but she still had felt his presence. They were one -- nothing would change that. "Merry Christmas, Jack," Rose whispered. It was the first time she had spoke to him since April.

"Rose," Jack said shocked. But before he could utter another word Eliza threw open the bedroom door and exclaimed, "Rose, we got packages from Allan and Brandon."

"I love you," Rose heard Jack say in her heart as she walked out into the living room to open the packages. She answered him back. "I love you, Jack Dawson, always."

"I told you boy'o. You didn't listen to me. You would have saved yourself a world of heartache," Tommy said, sliding his arm around Jack.

"I never doubted she loved me. I am just wondering if she will ever forgive me for not warning her," Jack replied sadly.