A/N My 3rd story! Hope you enjoy it. Not sure when I will be able to update since I have no set plot just bits and pieces. So, if any of you have ideas along the way feel free to share!

Houston, Texas 1856-

The heat was scorching and never ending it seemed. Some of the hottest temperatures I had ever lived through in my short 12 years. Momma had me in the kitchen to help with making jam and canning. Our harvest was abundant and she was hoping to bring in some extra cash at the market selling her jams.

I was standing at the worn down kitchen table screwing the caps on to the jars as Momma stood at her brand new top of the line stove Papa had bought her stirring the next batch of jam. She was so excited when Papa and Mr. Whitlock had brought that big stove in. I knew Papa had been saving money. I just didn't know what for.

"Isabella, go on outside and play with Jasper. You aren't any help if you're standing there daydreaming young lady" Momma said from behind me.

"I'm sorry Momma, I got this batch done. Are you sure you don't need me to help anymore" I asked.

"No baby, you go on out there. That boy has been peeking in the window for past half hour even though I've been shooing him off" Momma answered with a chuckle.

I quickly untied my apron and ran out of the house down to the creek where I knew Jasper would be waiting for me.

Breaking through the trees he's exactly where I though he would be. Shirtless and laying on the flat boulder in the creek. I quickly take off my shoes and rock hop my way to the boulder where I lay down beside him. I turn my head and admire the way his golden curls shine in the sunlight. I've always wished I had his golden hair instead of my auburn.

"I'm surprised you aren't off with James and the other boys down the way swimming" I say to him while closing my eyes and taking in the warm sunlight.

"Well, I was gonna go with them but when I said I was gonna wait for you to come too they starting ribbing me about waiting on a woman. They just don't understand you aren't like other girls" Jasper says.

"What do you mean by that" I ask angrily sitting up quickly.

"You know what I mean Bella. All of the other girls around here wouldn't be laying on a boulder in the middle of the creek. They would be worried about getting their dresses dirty or their hair messed up" he says with a smile showing the dimples in his cheeks.

I sigh knowing he's correct. Jasper is my one and only friend. Our parents had been friends since they were children and it carried over to us. It helped that we were born the same day him just hours before me.

"Momma is always saying I need to be a proper lady or I won't get any marriage offers in a few years. I told her I don't wanna get married." I whisper sadly while leaning over the boulder for a flat rock to skip.

"Yeah, I can't see you being married" Jasper jokingly says as he splashes me in the face.

I quickly shove him off the boulder causing him to land in the water with a huge splash. My laughter echoing off of the trees. Suddenly, my ankle is yanked and I'm in the water too.

"JASPER WHITLOCK! I'm gonna get you for that" I scream at him as he swims away.

Houston, Texas 1859

Sneaking away from Momma is not easy to do these days. She's always trying to stuff me into a dress and make Papa take us to town so she can parade me around to find me a husband. She says I'm at the marrying age now and have to put away my little girl tendencies and become a proper lady. Proper lady, psh.

Holding up my skirts I'm dashing through the trees to the creek where I sincerely hop Jasper is. I hadn't told him I was coming here today so there is a high chance he won't be there.

Finally making it I unlace my boots and make my way to the boulder. Laying down I close my eyes and let my mind drift.

"You know your Momma's gonna take that switch to you when you come home with mud on your stockings and skirt again Bella" I hear Jasper say right next to me making me jump and nearly topple off into the water if not for his strong arms encircling me.

He holds me for a moment our faces inches apart and my breasts pushing against his muscled chest. I stare into his brown eyes getting lost in the them. Before it fully registers to me he's leaning in his warm full lips pressing into mine.

My heart is hammering and butterflies erupt in my stomach. I had dreamed and wished for this for almost 2 years now and it's finally happening. He's finally realizing I'm a girl!

Jasper deepens the kiss his tongue sneaking out and running against the seam of my lips until I open my mouth. Then our tongues are battling for dominance.

He breaks the kiss and looks at me his eyes wide and questioning.

"I was wondering when you would finally get your head outta your ass and realize I had feelings for you Mr. Whitlock" I say playfully pushing him away gently.

"How long" Jasper asks looking confused.

"I've always had a soft spot for you Jasper. It's when puberty hit us that I took notice of you in this way" I answer.

"Well damn, you should have said something woman! I would have done that years ago!" He says with that smirk of his.

"I just did. Now, you need to tell my Papa so Momma will lay off me already" I say with a giggle as I hop off the boulder and make me way to the creek bank.

A/N PLEASE REVIEW! Also this will NOT be AH. Just the first few chapters. Any suggestions with how this should go please drop me a line with your ideas. Like I said, no set plot as of yet.