Last time on Come Hell or High Water: He had the biggest smile that I had seen in years on his face. In that moment we were together and I knew that no matter what we'd always be together. Come hell or high water we'd go through it together…
I have decided to continue this beautiful story I can't guarantee that I'll have them reunite in this story so lets see where this will take us!
Disclaimer: I don't own anything but the plot and the original characters. Stephanie Meyers owns the realm of Twilight!
Ever since we had talked in the saloon Jasper has made a point to call on us every day he was home. Peter was so happy that Jazz was spending time with him as well. Both Jasper and Peter were getting better acquainted as father and son. I have never seen my boy so happy. Nor have I ever seen him just as happy as he saw Jasper and I together when Jasper wasn't helping his family at home. Aunt Elizabeth always had a mischievous smile whenever she saw Jazz and I together now. She reassured me in private that she would help watch Peter when Jazz and I wanted a little alone time with a chaperone instead. I even called on his family one evening to explain that Pete had something to show him and he couldn't wait for tomorrow. They understood as Pete showed him enthusiastically. Then the day came where he had to go back to his camp. Orders were orders yet I was desperate to keep him with us for another day. He was adamant about doing his part and I knew that he'd be safe with every prayer that we prayed at night I knew he'd come back to us. We were all together when he had to say goodbye. We were bonding together as a big family and Mrs. Whitlock had fussed over us enough to last us a lifetime. She accidentally made Pete cry by overwhelming him. Then he explained in his watery voice. "Momma and I ain't ever had someone to fuss over us. I'm happy to be part of your family." That in turn made not only me cry but Mrs. Whitlock as well. I hugged my precious boy to me and whispered. "You are the sweetest child in the world darling." He beamed up at me through his tears. I helped him calm down and then Jazz took him in his arms and spoke to him softly yet lovingly. Peter beamed at him and hugged him tightly. Jazz put Peter down only for him to be hugged against Mrs. Whitlock. She declared that he'd never want for family again. Aunt Elizabeth and I looked at each other with happy smiles; a look of relief passed through us when we all seemed to be accepted into this loving family. Peter was taken into the house with Aunt Elizabeth so we could have a private moment together.
Jazz held out his arm and I giddily took it. We walked towards the barn and he untacked Ares a beautiful black stallion who only listened to Jazz and I and sometimes Peter. Jazz helped me get on Ares and then got on behind me. We rode toward the pasture that his parents had bought for him just this past week. When we stopped at the top of the slope with Ares. The pasture has a creek that runs a mile away from the end of the slope that we're standing on. Wildflowers clustered here and there and there were a few trees on the pasture as well. Jazz led me to the tree and suddenly dropped down on one knee. My eyes widened and I knew what he was going to do. My poor Jasper looked so nervous in this moment that I didn't have the heart to interrupt. He fumbled in his pockets for the ring. Then he found it and took it out. It was a beautiful silver band with three gems set in the band. It was perfect. I felt my lips turn into a tender smile as Jasper spoke. "Miss Masen, you and our son are my world…would you do the honor of marryin' me?" It was a simple question but I felt happy tears spring up in my eyes and I simply nodded. I felt my part of me wanting to shout for joy. Jasper smiled at me tenderly and put the ring on my left finger. He pulled me to him and kissed me tenderly. Once I was calm enough I spoke. "Major Jasper Whitlock you better come back to us. If you don't I will hunt you down and kill you myself!" He only laughed and pulled me closer. Not even an hour later we came back to the Whitlock house. When Aunt Elizabeth spotted my new accessory she squealed and the women surrounded me and Peter came and tackled me. All the while Jazz departed from us with a smile on his face heading off to his camp. I knew then and there that this is the way that it was supposed to be. I even thought back to his proposal and cried some more when I realized that he called Peter our son. Ours...not mine nor his but ours...Peter looked at me with concern as he saw me crying again. I laughed happily through my tears and hugged him.
Three months later…
We just got Jazz's letter two weeks ago and he said that he'd make it home today after evacuating Galveston. Peter was standing by the window waiting to see his Pa (he started calling him Pa every time he came to visit now). I was proud to say that he glowed with the knowledge that he had a father that loved us both. A father that should be here sometime today. "Peter." I called to him and put my hands on my hips. He looked at me guiltily with a sheepish smile on his face. "Yes Momma?" He answered. "You know your Father won't be here until later. So come wash up for lunch okay?" I spoke trying to get him to eat some lunch since he didn't have his breakfast. Aunt Elizabeth had laughed at his antics and told me. "I see that Jasper is good fer both of ya darlin' let tha' lad be." She admonished me gently. I reluctantly let Peter be for the morning. Looking down at my engagement ring I smiled softly. Jazz and I had planned on marrying after the war ended and he came home to stay but it didn't stop the worry every time he went back. Even Peter has had a hard time letting him go. We went about our business for the day and when night fell and I came home with Peter Aunt Elizabeth was sitting at the table with another Confederate soldier. My stomach hallowed out and fear gripped my heart. Peter didn't though and he yelled. "NO! H-He CAN'T BE DEAD! NO!" Peter tackled the soldier as the man looked at me with sorrow in his eyes. Aunt Elizabeth let out a broken sob before breaking down completely. I couldn't do or say anything so I just waited for the man to speak. "My condolences Miss. Major Whitlock has told every man he came across about you and his son. I felt it was my duty to bring you this letter since the Major and I were close." I heard Peter wail and beat the soldier against the chest as the soldier handed me the letter while trying to console…our son. I felt tears prick my eyes as I shakily opened the letter.
Dear Kara and Peter,
There is not a day go by that I don't think of you two. I pray every day to God that I return to you my darlin'. I had asked a fellow Major to deliver this to you if and when I passed or I didn't come back from the evacuation…don't cry long fer me darlin'. Keep the happy memories of us together not the sad ones. I have the utmost respect fer you my love and our son. Know that I love ya both…and that I never wanted to leave my little family behind. Give my love to Elizabeth, my family and Pete. I wish to the Highest that I come back instead of this letter an' sorrow. But if I don' come back and this letter comes in my place…well we both know what ya must do. Keep on livin' an' know when ya pass tha' I will be waiting fer ya. Forever an' always darlin'. I'll be waitin' by tha' doors tha' ya'll come through an' I'll do it with a smile and a kiss. This isn' goodbye forever it's a see ya later. So ya better come to me darlin' and ya better be full of stories ta tell me about everyone there.
I love you, Kara Annamarie…so don' cry only smile I'll be the angel watchin' over ya.
All my love,
Major Jasper Whitlock, your loving fiancée and Pa.
P.S. Pete ya better take care of yerself and yer Ma for me! Chin up bud an' I'll see ya in heav'n.
It was in his handwriting…his handwriting! "Oh Jasper…" I whispered brokenly and cried. I cried for the most wonderful man that came into our lives and changed it for the better. I cried for the man who stepped up to be the most wonderful fiancée and father in this world….
Okay… Read and review or just read. I'll hopefully see ya in the NHB world next time. Who knows I may see you in this one. –Ladyoflight