Prologue

Denver, a week or so later.

''She certainly wriggles.'' Molly laughed, holding onto the precious bundle. A pair of beautiful blue eyes watched the strange face before her.

''Yes, she did when I carried her.'' She glanced to Jack, sadly. He hadn't experienced any of that. His blue eyes watched her contently.

''She will be getting comfortable.'' Jack smiled.

Molly sighed heavily, taking a careful seat in the sitting room of her home. The last time she had been at a table with the two of them, it had been at dinner on the Titanic. Their eyes were filled with something which Molly couldn't quite put her finger on. ''You know when I gave my address to you, Jack. I meant if you needed shelter, food or financial assistance. When I read the letter you sent me, I didn't quite know what to do...''

Jack bowed his head. He knew it had been a lot to ask, but she had been his only hope. ''I will never ask for money.''

''I know, son. Which is why, I knew I would do what I could.''

''Thank you. From the bottom of my heart.'' Jack told her sincerely. He stroked his daughters fine, fair hair as she laid quietly beneath the blanket which they had purchased for her before leaving on the first train out of Philadelphia. ''We must leave soon. To make some kind of a home for Elizabeth,'' he glanced to Rose, who watched with tears lining her eyes, ''and for Rose.''

Molly sensed there was something between the two of them. Something unsaid. ''Well, stay as long as you need. The crib arrived this morning, made especially for Little Lizzie, with her own clothes and necessities.''

Rose's hand raised to her mouth. ''Oh, Molly-'' Her kindness these past couple of days had been something which she had never experienced before in her life. Since arriving here just a few days before she had felt more at home than she had done in years even in a strange city whilst adjusting to life as a Mother.

''Now, before you start. It is a present from one Mother, to a new Mother. God knows how much stuff you need. The tinier the person, the more mess they make.'' Her familiar cackle pierced the air. ''I know just how it feels to be that lost, to be raising a new mouth without any idea of what it entails.''

''Yet my own Mother seems to object to anything I said about my daughter. I knew from the beginning just how precious she would be.''

''Well, your Mother isn't worth a damn. Keep your head up through this. Once everything has died down in the newspapers, she will come clawing back at you. Mark my words.'' She watched Rose intently. ''Which is why I would rather you stay here, just a while longer, where I can keep my eyes on you to make sure nothing happens.''

Jack smiled. Rose sat up straighter, as though strength had been injected into her body. ''How could I ever thank you.''

Molly shook her head. ''I have one request.''

''Anything.''

She glanced between Jack, to Rose and then Elizabeth who had fallen asleep. ''This kid will be out for a while. Why don't you leave her here with me and go take a walk around the garden? It's a lovely day and, I suspect you two have a lot to talk about.''

Okayy...

I know this isn't the typical happy style ending which I usually do but I just wanted it to be focused on the story rather than happy fluffy stuff but...if anyone is interested. I could write something about their conversation in the garden...and what happened to Cal once his story went out.

Other than that, thanks for reading.