A/N: Hi Everyone! Well, I guess it's pretty clear that my 2016 New Year's resolution failed, big time. I didn't update at all in 2016, which was pretty much unthinkable and inexcusable. I know being an avid reader of fanfictions, I HATE when authors say that they will update and never do. As I seem to have become one of these authors, I am truly sorry. I am in college now and it consumes most of my time. However, no matter what time constraints and writer's block will do to me, I am determined to finish this story for you guys, for the characters, and for myself. Thank you to my loyal readers and thank you to all who read and reviewed my last chapter. You guys keep me coming back and reaffirm my determination to become a better writer (and updater). Please excuse any grammar errors. After you read the chapter, why not leave a review? They only take a moment of your time and really help me to become a better writer. Well, enough about me. Let's begin again...Chapter 12! :)

Disclaimer: If I owned anything besides Anne, I would be going to the Oscars as Leo's date and not some college student who has to study to survive Economics.

This chapter is dedicated to my lovely reviewer...TeenQueen661! Your comment made me smile! I also think Tommy's pretty dashing and lovable and I enjoy exploring his character in more depth. I hope you enjoy the chapter!-C.M. Singer :)

Chapter 12

I found myself sprinting through a field of wildflowers. The smell of spring ignited my senses, reminding me of the times when I was a little girl and chasing my brother through the meadow. Of course, I would never catch him, but it did not deterred me. I convinced myself that one day he would have to grow weary from all of his running and slow down long enough for me to pounce on him. When I did, I knew I would finally have an accomplishment I could hold above his head.

As my bare feet hit the earth and touched a mixture of soft grass and trampled wildflowers, I began to see something in the distance. My vision was blurred, but nevertheless, I kept striding towards it. As the sun greeted the earth in the sky and the cool zephyr streamed across my face, I pressed myself to continue. I soon realized that although I felt like I had been running for hours, I was no closer to the setting than I was when I started. My chest heaved and burned from the constant gulps of air I forced it to take. Just when I considered the thought of giving up, something jumped on top of me and knocked me to the ground.

For a brief moment, I thought it was Tommy, but weight of the person seemed to be much lighter than a grown man. I instantly knew it was a child and prepared to engage in laughter with Mary or Edith, only to turn right-side up and see a face I hadn't seen in months.

"Hi Anne!" the voice giggled. The golden sun's ray stung my eyes, blurring my vision. I surmised that the child on top of me had a round face and a head full of chestnut curls pinned back with a blue ribbon. Thoughts and memories flooded my mind until I registered who the mysterious girl was.

"Cora?"

Cora leaned upward as she scanned her surroundings. "Well it took you long enough," she replied. "I didn't think I was ever going to catch you! You're very fast."

"Yes, I suppose I am," I laughed before immediately wrapping Cora into my arms. For a moment, a brief moment, I just wanted it to feel her warmth, hear her heartbeat, and admire her smile once more. It wasn't long before Cora helped herself up and let me regain my footing.

Standing up, I could see her more clearly now. She was dressed in a pallid white dress, tied with blue sash. A matching blue ribbon in her hair danced amidst the wind and her soft curls. Her rosy cheeks formed a massive grin.

"Dance with me!" she begged, pulling my arms towards her petite frame.

"Cora," I sighed. "Do you remember why you danced with Jack, while I sat out most of the dances?"

"Because Uncle Jack needed a girl?"

"Well...yes," I replied. "That is true. But the main reason I sat out was because I am a terrible dancer."

Cora shook her head, "You are not!"

"Well I think I am."

"Please, Miss Anne!" Cora begged. "I would dance with Uncle Jack, but he's got a new best girl. There's no one else I would rather dance with."

Reluctantly, I began shuffling my feet and spinning my arms. Cora twirled in every direction as sounds of joy escaped her mouth. Her priceless smile reminded me of how much I had missed her. All of the memories came pouring back into my heart. It only took seconds for me to understand.

This wasn't real.

Cora had died on the Titanic. A life full of joy, endless laughter, and promise had been dashed to thousands of pieces in less than 3 hours. Never again would she beg me to dance with her. Never again would she be Jack's little muse. Never again would she race the other 3rd Class children around the General Room. It would never be again because she was gone.

My nostrils didn't smell fresh wildflowers anymore. Instead, they registered the smell of bacon permeating the room. My eyes fluttered open to see Tommy's side of the bed empty. A faint noise of bacon crackling in a frying pan could be heard from the other side of the door. As my arms stretched and my smile greeted the morning sun, I heard Tommy yelp in pain. Immediately, I quickly threw on my robe and rushed into the kitchen to find Tommy huddled over the counter nursing his thumb.

"Are you going to keep this up?" I asked. "Injuring yourself and falling ill, just to get my attention?"

"Is it working?" Tommy grinned before wincing in pain.

"Here, let me help with that," I responded. I sauntered across the room and swiftly guided my husband to the water-pump at the sink before I began pumping water across his burned thumb.

As the cool water rushed over his thumb, his pain began to fade. Tommy turned towards me and greeted my lips with a morning kiss. "That's what I've been missing. That's the cure-all medicine right there!"

"You wish," I smiled. I left Tommy to bandage his thumb as I scooted over to the stove and assured that Tommy's bacon wasn't burning. As I carefully moved the pan over and placed the bacon strips onto a plate, Tommy grabbed two mugs and a pot of coffee and placed them on the kitchen table.

For the past month, we had lived a simple life. After the wedding, William helped Tommy and I purchase a home just outside the edge of town. It was a small, but quaint cottage. While it only had 3 rooms, Tommy and I had made plans to expand it and add more rooms when we would have children. Going to Chicago (Tommy's original plan when he boarded the Titanic) was not out of the question. However, Tommy and I agreed we needed some time to rest and heal. From sickness, injuries, to near-death experiences, we had been through many trials together in our first couple of months. Tommy told me the peaceful Irish countryside had always seemed to calm him, so we decided to stay in Upstate New York, for now. Working for William's company, Tommy earned a fair salary and being close to friends encouraged us to try living the country life.

Although I enjoyed the peaceful setting and the general splendor, being in the countryside was something I was unfamiliar with. Living in London, I was always in the middle of the excitement of the high society. At nighttime, I would have been attending balls and cotillions, meeting new men, and becoming acquainted with the rich folk with their loads of gossip. The New York countryside was a quiet living I had not experienced since I was a child. My days in the high society had come and gone. I was now cooking my own food, washing my own clothes, and learning how to keep a home. But as I glanced at Tommy, the way his hazel eyes shined made me realize that this was the life I wanted.

"Do you want some bacon?" Tommy asked as I set the plate in front of him. If there was one thing Tommy loved almost as much as his Irish beer, it was his bacon.

"No, thank you," I replied as I handed him a fork and pulled out my chair to sit down. "I think I'll just have some coffee and a biscuit."

"No one makes better biscuits than you, lass."

My mouth dropped open. "Thomas Ryan! You are cruel!" I smirked as I gave him a hard nudge. "I know you are just trying to stay on my good side."

Although I appreciated Tommy's attempt to sugarcoat, we both knew that my biscuits were almost inedible. With practice, I had managed to progress from charring the biscuits to overcooking them enough to make them hard. Still, if you crumbled the biscuits up into small pieces they weren't too bad.

"Anne! I am insulted that you would think I would do such a thing!" Tommy laughed, placing a kiss on my cheek. The touch of his lips on my cheek made me giggle. There are some who would say love fades as a marriage progresses, but so far, Tommy and I had been proving them wrong.

"You know I could make you some biscuits if you would like," Tommy offered as he leaned back and took a sip from his mug of coffee. Surprisingly, I discovered Tommy actually knew how to cook. Given that he grew up on a farm, I suppose I should not have been surprised. Nevertheless, I had decided that I would be in charge of cooking and keeping the home while Tommy worked to provide. Although, most nights we either silently complained about my cooking or Tommy ended up preparing the meal.

"No, no," I declared. "Someone has to eat the biscuits before they spoil and go to waste."

"I don't think those biscuits are going to spoil…"

"Oh shut up," I grinned as my eyes rolled.

We enjoyed the rest of our meal in a tranquil setting. Tommy enjoyed his bacon and read the newspaper while I nibbled on an overcooked biscuit. It was not long before our brief sojourn ended with a knock at the door.

I promptly rose from my seat and opened the door. In front of me was one of my favorite people.

"Good morning, Anne!" Jack smiled as he tipped his hat. Jack tried to cover up the persona of the poor penniless artist I hd come to know by wearing a suit and tie. Though it was a decent attempt, the hat he wore could not hide Jack's mass of cowlicked hair.

"Good morning, Jack!" I replied.

"I'll be ready in a minute, Jack," Tommy called as he went into the bedroom to grab his hat and jacket. Jack nodded his head as we both watched him disappear behind the door. I quickly turned back around.

"Honestly Jack, do you have to kidnap my husband? Doesn't he deserve one day to not be your slave?"

"I'm not the one you should be talking to," Jack chuckled. "If you want your husband home, you'll have to pay the ransom or talk to William. Besides, you get your husband to yourself on Sundays."

"But those are the days you and Rose come to visit."

"What?" Jack gasped as he faked being surprised. He snapped his fingers as he answered, "Then I guess you'll just have to share him with me."

"Never," I winked. "He's all mine."

"Would you two stop your bickering? I can hear you from the bedroom!"
"It's all Anne's fault," Jack replied.

"Yeah, yeah, it's always Anne's fault," Tommy mocked, before slapping Jack on the back. "Get outside, you rascal! Let me say goodbye to my wife in peace."

Jack stubbornly obeyed and chuckled as he went outside into the warm summer air. Tommy watched him leave before staring at me.

"Did I ever mention how lucky I am to be your husband?"

"Only as many times as possible," I answered as I straightened his jacket. I gently took the hat from Tommy's hands and carefully situated it on top of his golden brown curls. It was amazing how much the hat that Mr. Abbott had given him resembled the one that he wore on the Titanic."There, you're all set."

"Not quite yet," Tommy replied before he placed his lips upon mine.

It's amazing how much passion we can share in only a few seconds. Tommy held my neck as his lips tenderly danced against mine. It was a battle my lips always seemed to fight, but never cared if they lost.

"Hello! I'm waiting!" Jack hollered. "Maybe it's just me, but I sure don't want to get fired for being late to work."

"I'm coming, I'm coming," Tommy answered. "Goodbye, Anne."

"Goodbye, Tommy," I grinned. We exchanged one more quick kiss before Tommy grabbed his bag and hustled out the door. From the porch I watched Tommy and Jack amble towards town.

After relaxing on the porch and finishing my coffee, I proceeded to get ready for the day. Since I was not planning on going anywhere, I donned a green calico with a complimenting ivory apron. When I finished pinning my hair into a bun, I sauntered into the kitchen and was greeted by the sound of birds chirping outside the window. Soap suds covered my tendrils as I began to scrub the dirt and grime from the breakfast dishes.

As my hands wiped back and forth, my mind wandered away to thoughts of growing up in England. I thought about how appalled my mother would be if she witnessed my transformation. I had gone from living in a household full of servants who waited on me hand and knee to scrubbing dirt and grease off of my own plates. While I enjoyed every moment of my newlywed life, there were times when I missed my home. I missed my formal dresses, my comfortable shoes, my expensive jewelry, my enormous library of books, and my friends. But most of all, I missed seeing my brother, Charles, and his family. Playing with Mary and Edith reminded me of the times when I used to tease and horseplay with my own nieces and nephew.

Although our relationship was often strained by our financial woes and Charles' demanding work schedule, something deep inside me always knew that Charles cared for me. Perhaps I realized this most when Charles offered to be my escort to my first cotillion when I was twelve. Even though I constantly stepped on his toes, Charles never wavered in giving me a smile. I hated knowing that I had caused him and my mother unnecessary grief by not establishing contact with them. There had been several times when I had considered it, especially now that Cal knew I was alive, but Tommy and I had discussed the possible consequences that would arise. We agreed that it was best if we remained silent and let the publicity of the Titanic disaster fade. Tommy suspected that Cal may still be looking for Jack and I, causing all of us to take precautions. Knowing what Cal and his money were capable of, William advised the four of us to use pseudonyms. At work, Tommy and Jack went by the last names, Horner and Cameron, while Rose and I used those names when we took our strolls around town. By using false names, it would be more difficult for private investigators to locate us.

My thoughts of my former life and family were interrupted by a knock on the door. My head turned towards the door with confusion. I was not expecting any visitors today and it was far too early for Tommy to be coming home from work. I dried my hands on a spare rag and straightened my apron before opening the door.

In front of me, was a Rose who was unlike any I had ever seen. She looked absolutely disheveled. Tears lined the brims of her emerald eyes as she stared into mine. "Rose, are you alright?"

"I'm sorry to intrude, Anne," Rose sniffled. "But…. I have….I've been feeling really sick. I don't...I don't what's wrong with me. I can't keep any food down and keep feeling nauseous. I don't know what to do."

"Well come inside," I urged.

My mind was spinning as I tried to find an explanation for Rose's strange symptoms. I ushered Rose over to lay on the armoire as I pumped a glass of water and offered it along with a handkerchief to her. Rose's fiery curls hung tangled in her face as her porcelain skin seemed to be deathly pale. It was unusual to find that her golden smile was nowhere to be found. She seemed to have been living a nightmare.

"Now, tell me, when did these symptoms start?"

"A few days ago," Rose replied.

"Does Jack know about it?"

"No, I…" Rose held her hand to her mouth and raced out the door. In seconds, my eardrums registered the sounds of Rose vomiting and heaving.

I quickly dipped a rag into the glass of water and dashed outside to place it on Rose's forehead. It was something I had done many times when Tommy was sick with scarlet fever. My heart ached to watch Rose suffer like this. For the next few minutes, Rose dry heaved and vomited until all of the contents in her stomach were on the ground and tears began streaming down her face.

"I...I'm so sorry, Anne. I'll clean it up… and I'll…"

"No," I interrupted. "It's fine."

"I...I just...I don't what's wrong with me…" Rose sobbed.

"Shhh! Shhh!" I whispered. "It's alright. Just come back inside with me and lie down."

I guided Rose back to the armoire and helped her down. I quickly sauntered into the bedroom and grabbed my bonnet and change purse before returning to the living area.

"I'm going to fetch the town doctor," I declared. "Just lie down and rest. I will be right back. I promise."

I closed the door of the cottage and ambled at a fast-pace to the center of town. The summer morning's heat beat down upon me as the cool air brushed across my skin. My legs ached as I kept pushing forward to the center of town.

Unlike London, which was full of an assortment of people nearly everyday, the center of town was quite peaceful. A few people strolled along the sidewalks as wagons full of trade goods passed by. I enjoyed coming here to visit Rose and Jack. After our wedding, they had rented a small one-room apartment above the tailor's shop, right near the middle of main street. On days when I wasn't busy cleaning the house, I would often go on long strolls with Rose as we soaked in the summer air and browsed through the different stores and establishments.

However, now was not the time to enjoy window shopping. I hurried over to the doctor's office near the middle of main street. The bell above the door chimed as I brushed the dust of my dress and wiped my feet at the doormat.

"Dr. Landau?" I called.

"Why hello there, Anne!" he greeted me from his desk. I glared at the pile of papers scattered across his desk and examination table, hinting at the fact that he must have been trying to catch up on paperwork.

I knew Dr. Landau probably better than I would have liked to. His grey eyes and dark features had become quite familiar to me over the period of time when Tommy was ill. During Tommy's illness he was the only person permitted into the mansion and the only human contact I had besides Tommy and William for weeks. Although I had started going by Mrs. Horner, Dr. Landau never ceased to greet me by my first name.

"Hi Dr. Landau," I smiled. "You seem to be busy."

"Oh, not too busy for a visit from my favorite patient," he answered.

"You told Tommy he was your favorite patient," I reminded him. "Tommy will be so disappointed to see that he has been dethroned."

"Well, I'll let you in on a little secret," he laughed. "I tell that to all of my patients!" We both chuckled as Dr. Landau set down his stack of papers. "Now, what can I do for you?"

"Well, my friend, Rose, is at my house feeling quite ill."
"What are her symptoms?"

"Um, she told me that she's been experiencing nausea and vomiting the past couple of days."

"And this just started a couple of days ago?" he asked, trying to gather as much information as he could.

"That's what she said."

Dr. Landau quickly gathered his belongings and pointed me to the door. "Well, let's go see if we can't figure out how to help your friend."

It wasn't long before Dr. Landau and I reached the cottage and opened the door to find Rose resting and looking even more miserable than when I had left her.

"Rose, you know Dr. Landau." I uttered before seeing Rose wince in pain. "Are you still not feeling any better?"

"No," Rose replied. "And that is what is strange. Normally, I start feeling better around this time of day, at least, I have been."

"Well, Miss Rose, let's see if I can help you," Dr. Landau exclaimed. He proceeded to set his bag on the floor next to him and opened it up to reveal his equipment. As he grabbed his stethoscope, he peered up at me and whispered, "Anne, would you mind stepping outside for a moment?"

"Why?" I asked, puzzled.

"Dr. Landau, she can stay here," Rose interjected. "I don't mind."
"I'm sure you don't, Miss Rose," Dr. Landau acknowledged. "But I think I know what is causing your symptoms. However, I'll need to confirm by examining you more closely and I think it's best for Anne to wait outside." Dr. Landau turned around and faced me. "Don't worry, I'll call you back in when we are finished."

Despite my confusion and reservations, I obeyed Dr. Landau's orders and closed the door. Standing on the porch, I thought about my dream with Cora and how real it had seemed to be. How I wished her life would not have ended so soon. Had she lived, I thought about what a beautiful bride she would have become, what a mother she would be, and how she would have looked the night she met her one true dancing partner. But those days would never come. Her life ended on April 15th 1912. It was a beautiful life that would never have another beginning.

The door opened to reveal Dr. Landau walking out. My frame immediately straightened and my heart was filled with a slight feeling of anxiousness, waiting to hear his diagnosis. I hoped whatever Dr. Landau discovered would be curable.

"I am prescribing an elixir to help with the nausea. She can pick it up at the General Store later. She needs plenty of rest and should not overexert herself."

"But, Dr. Landau, what's wrong with her?" I asked, amazed that he had not addressed her diagnosis yet.

Dr. Landau started to speak, but stopped himself. "I think I'll let Rose tell you herself." I started to protest when Dr. Landau continued, "I told Rose I would stop by in a few days. For now, just make sure she gets some rest."

Before I could say more, Dr. Landau tipped his hat and began the short trek back to town. Despite my objections, I brushed off Dr. Landau's quick exit as an excuse to get back to his paperwork. I quickly opened the door and found Rose staring into the distance.

"Rose?" I called to her. Oddly, Rose did not respond and seemed to not have heard me. "Rose!"

"What?" she answered, bringing herself back to reality.

"What's wrong? You look like you've seen a ghost." Even though she could hear me, she still was not giving me an answer, leaving me to resort to questions. "What did the doctor say? Is it bad? Look Rose, whatever it is, I'm sure you'll be better soon."

"No I won't," she whispered, still not looking at me.

"Oh don't be so pessimistic! Look, I just want to know that you're alright. So tell me, when do you think you'll feel better?"

Rose's eyes darted toward me. With tears in her eyes, she gave me an answer that would shake me to my core. It was one that would change all of our lives. Cora Cartmell's life may have ended on the Titanic, but a new life was apparently already beginning. With a sigh, Rose replied,

"Seven months. Dr. Landau told me that I'm pregnant."

A/N: Duh Duh Da! Well, there you have it folks! Chapter 12 is complete! I'll have to admit, I enjoyed writing again and hoped you liked the result. The next chapter will have Jack's reaction to the news. What do you think he'll say? Also, you may have noticed I did not give a name to the town. That's because I have no clue what to call it. I've never been to New York, so I've decided to leave it up to you guys! Tell me what you think the town should be named and I'll announce the winner in the next update! As always, please leave a review. I really do help me and I love reading all of them. Also, don't forget to favorite and/or follow this story if you haven't already. I have some big plans coming and you're not going to want to miss it! I will do my best to update soon (really, I mean it this time). Until then!-C.M. Singer:)