"Tell me." Jack put his arm around Roses shoulders. "Did you have a good time?"

"It was the best year of my life."

Jack kissed the top of her head. "Mine too. But you know something?"

"What?"

"I was a little disappointed."

"Why?" Rose asked baffled.

"People always say how beautiful the world is. But looking at you everything pales in comparison."

Rose blushed and kissed Jacks neck. When she looked over the crowd she gasped. "Jack there they are!"

Jack smiled. He watched Rose run into Maggie's arms. The two women embraced tightly and were talking so rapidly he couldn't make out a word. He walked to Brain and gave him a hug. The two men watched there wives who were crying and laughing at the same time.

"I missed you so much." Rose said.

"I missed you more." Maggie hugged her again. "Come on let's go home a made a feast. So you better be hungry. And you can tell me all about the things you didn't put in your letters." She stopped and looked at Rose. "Oh God. It's been a whole year. I'm so glad you're home."

The four friends went home and spent the entire evening catching up. Jack and Rose gave them all the presents they had bought and stayed up until five a.m. They were all amazed to find that no matter how much time had passed or how many oceans were in between them nothing had changed. They were still as close as ever.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * *

1916 proved to be an eventful year. In January one of the costume girls quit the theater. After days of persuasion Rose persuaded Erik to hire her. She was so excited she could barely contain herself. When she began her job the first thing she was asked to do was sow Tim's costume. Rose had always been friendly with him but now that she was working with him she found him to be even more charming and they grew closer. She would often eat lunch with him and Jack. And Jack was happy that if he was busy Rose would have someone to eat with. Tim was always more than willing to spend time with Rose when she was alone.

Rose read that in March, Ivy Hockley gave birth to a son Edward Nathan Hockley. She was happy that he had the son he always wanted but she was leery that there would be another Hockley man in the world.

In June, Jean took ill as did Anita her understudy. Erik was ready to cancel the opening of the companies interpretation of "Romeo & Juliet." However, Rose spoke up and said she knew the play by heart. She also fit in to Jeans costume. So on Wednesday, June 7, 1916, Tim Calvert and Rose Dawson starred as the doomed lovers. It opened to rave reviews. Critics praised the passionate, beautiful, new comer. They were equally amazed with the longing that Calvert projected. "He actually seems to be in love with her." One critic stated. The Backstage Players had a new member and Rose was it.

This was all exciting but the biggest news of the year was yet to come.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * *

August, 1916

Rose stared at Maggie and Brian. She and Jack had gotten home from work about an hour ago. Now all four were sitting in the downstairs living room. Rose was baffled by Maggie and Brian's behavior. Brian was running his fingers through Maggie's hair. She was smiling brightly at him. They were normally affectionate but never this much. Jack was equally curious.

"Is there something you wanted to tell us?" Rose asked.

Maggie and Brian smiled at one another. "Should we?" Brian asked.

Maggie nodded and turned to Rose and Jack. "Brian and I are going to have a baby."

Roses jaw dropped. She was silent for a moment. Then she screamed. "That's wonderful!" She jumped out of her seat and gave Maggie a hug. "I'm so happy for you! Oh this is fantastic!"

Maggie beamed. "Rose, Jack. Brian and I decided we want you two to be the godparents."

"Of course. We would love too." Jack smiled.

Rose sat down next to Maggie. "This will be so exciting."

Maggie giggled. "I know. We have to get baby clothes and toys. Brian will make the furniture. I can't wait."

Brian moved over to where Jack was sitting. He turned to his best friend. "This will change a lot of things."

"For the better." Jack said without missing a beat. He smiled at Brian. "You'll be a wonderful father."

"I hope so. I have a lot to live up to. My father and Maggie's father were incredible men."

Jack put his hand on Brian's shoulder. "You're an incredible man too."

Brian smiled. "Thank you." He got up walked over to the window and looked out at the street. "I can't wait."