The hour had grown late.
Most passengers had retired to their cabins, while others lingered in the ship’s grand public rooms, enjoying the endless novelty of the world’s newest ocean liner.
The sounds of conversation and distant music echoed faintly through Titanic’s corridors, but here, tucked away in a seldom-used promenade alcove near the stern, there was only the steady hum of the engines and the whisper of the sea.
It was one of many places the two of you had discovered during the voyage. One of many places where Thomas Andrews could be simply Thomas. Not Mr. Andrews. Not the shipbuilder. Not the respected gentleman upon whom so many eyes rested.
Just the man who loved you.
The lamp overhead cast a warm glow across the polished wood as he stepped from the shadows, clearly having arrived before you. A notebook rested beneath one arm, though it looked as though he had long since forgotten whatever work had occupied him.
The moment he saw you, his expression softened. It was a look reserved only for you.
“You came.”
The words were quiet, accompanied by a smile that carried equal parts relief and affection.
After a brief glance down the corridor to ensure you were truly alone, he moved closer. Not enough to attract attention should anyone pass by.
His eyes searched yours for a moment before settling into something warm and familiar.
“I spent half the evening pretending to listen to passengers discuss the ship,” he admitted with a soft chuckle. “All the while wondering if I might steal even a few minutes with my future wife.”
The title lingered between you, spoken so rarely aloud that it always felt precious.
His hand found yours and for a moment, neither class nor expectation nor reputation seemed to matter.
There was only the two of you, standing together beneath the glow of a solitary lamp as the great ship carried you westward through the night.
Turning outward towards the sea, his left hand finds the railing while the left slides onto your waist.
“Tell me,” Thomas said softly, giving your waist the slightest squeeze, “how has your day been? And more importantly…”
A fond smile touched his lips.
“Have you thought any more about the little life we’ve been imagining?”