Erik smiled at Rose. She had come down to the theater to visit everyone. She was watching the rehearsal. The actors agreed they missed having Rose with them but of course since she pregnant there was nothing she could do. Erik watched her. He felt so sorry for her. She was all alone. He knew it must have been killing her to see Maggie and Brian so happy with their son.

Rehearsal was over and Tim, Erik, and Rose were having a friendly conversation. It somehow came up that Tims apartment building was being fumigated. He was going to stay in a hotel for the night.

"Tim, why don't you come stay with me for the night?" Rose asked.

"Oh, no. I couldn't."

"No, you should. You can sleep on the couch. It's a very comfortable couch, I've slept on it. Or you could take the bed and I'll sleep on the couch."

"Rose I really couldn't. It's to much of a hassle. Especially with you in your state."

Rose really wanted him to come stay over. She was very close to him. It would be nice to have someone to talk to. She had Maggie and Brian, but she wanted to talk to someone else. And Tim had been so kind to her all these months she felt like she needed to pay him back. "Tim, please come. It's only one night and it wouldn't bother me at all."

Tim sighed. "Ok. And you're right it's only for a night."

Rose smiled. "Good."

"How are you doing?" Erik asked Rose.

"Fine. I'm doing good."

"Are you sure."

Rose nodded. "Yes, Don't worry about me Erik. I'm all right. And soon the baby will be here and I'll be even better."

The three of them kept talking. Finally Rose and Tim decided to leave. Rose kissed Erik good-bye. Tim haled a taxi. He didn't think she should walk. When they arrived home Maggie and Brian were happy to see Tim.

"Tim! What brings you here?" Maggie asked.

"My apartment it being fumigated. And Rose insisted I stay with her for the night."

Brian smiled. "Lucky you. I'd pick her apartment over a hotel any day. That couch it pretty comfortable."

"Oh you've slept on it?" Tim asked curiously.

"Maggie and I used to live up there. I often found myself sleeping on it."

Tim laughed. "I see."

Rose smiled. "Well, I'm going to make some dinner." She turned and headed up the stairs.

"I'll help." Tim followed her.

In the kitchen Rose started to roast a chicken. "Tim can you get me that plate?"

"Sure." He picked up the plate and bent down to give it to her. His face came close to his and a wave of heat came over him. He quickly gave it to her and moved away. Tim sat down at the table. This is exactly why he didn't want to stay over. How could he control himself?

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

The next morning Rose woke up. She saw Tim was till sleeping on the couch so she decided to make breakfast. She got out eggs, bacon, and items to make pancakes.

Before Tim opened his eyes he could smell the rich odors of food being prepared. He sat up. From the couch he could see Rose if she was by the far cabinet. She would pass by every so often. He closed his eyes. Last night he dreamed of her. He couldn't believe he was actually in her apartment. They had stayed up late last night. He had told her stories of his childhood in Cedar Rapids. She laughed and laughed at his jokes. Tim laid down and stared blankly at the ceiling. His feelings were eating him up inside. Jack was one of his best friends. But Rose...Rose was it. He wanted to be with her. And now she was pregnant. That killed him. The worst thing was that no matter how much had cared about Jack apart of him didn't want him to come back from the war at all.

Tim walked into the kitchen. "That smells delicious." He smiled charmingly.

"Hey! You woke up just in time. Sit down, sit down." She set down a plate in front of him.

Tim smiled and took a bite. "Oh, this is incredible. I haven't had a home made breakfast since I moved to New York. This is heaven."

She blushed. "Thank you. It's been so long since I had to cook for anyone, I was wondering if I could still do it." She looked down at her plate.

Tim was silent for a moment. "Have you heard from Jack?"

"Yes, a few weeks ago. I wrote him back so I should get another letter soon."

"That's great." He tried to sound as happy as possible.

"Tim can I ask you a question?"

"Anything."

"How come you aren't fighting?"

"My leg. I hurt it in collage. So I'm in no condition to defend our country. I would have gladly gone, but they rejected me." He shrugged.

"Oh. How did you hurt it?"

"You're going to laugh."

"No, I promise I won't." Rose smiled.

"Ok but it's silly......It was during a rehearsal for "Taming of the Shrew" and I was chasing the girl who played Kate around the stage. And I don't know what happened but I slipped and fell into the orchestra pit. unto the instruments. I broke my leg and it never healed right."

Rose giggled. "Into the orchestras pit?"

"Yep." He smiled. "I told you it was silly. I usually lie and say it was a football injury."

Rose smiled. They ate breakfast and then Tim said he had to go. He thanked Rose for her generosity and told her they should get together sometime. She agreed. Tim left. As he walked towards the theater he thought about Rose. "I can't go on like this." He muttered to himself as he walked into rehearsals.

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

"Rose, you got a letter from Jack." Maggie knocked on her friends door.

"Hold on." Rose opened the door. She took the letter. "Do you want to come in?"

"No, I have to go give Andrew a bath."

"Ok, talk to you later." Rose shut the door and began to read the letter.

My Sweet Rose,

I wish I had happy news for you. But things are just getting worse over here. A man died in my arms two days ago. I never thought I would be experiencing the kind of horrific tragedy like the kind Titanic caused. This is almost as bad...almost. I think Titanic was worse because you were there. And you were in danger. I just wanted to keep you safe.

The only thing that gets me through the day is the knowledge that I'll be coming home to you and our baby. I can't wait to see you. I remember our wedding night. You were asleep and you looked so beautiful and peaceful. I said to myself that image would keep me warm on a cold night. It has. I think of that night and others like it constantly for comfort.

Please, no matter how bad this letter seems remember I'm coming back. I know now more than ever that I am. I swear it. I promise you. Remember that promise. I love. I love you. I don't have time to write more but you know how deep my love for is. Nothing will ever come between us again. Not even another war. If there is another one (God forbid) I won't go. When I come home I'm taking you into my arms and I'm never letting go. My lips will never leave yours again. We're going to make every day count. You, me, and the baby. I'll be home. I love you. Never let go.

Eternally Yours, Jack

Rose wiped tears from her eyes. Things didn't sound good at all, but she believed him. He was going to come home. "Please, please God. Let him come home to me and the baby. Please. We need him. Please..."