All rights belong to SM. The errors belong to me.

A/N: Well I'm slowing the pace for this chapter so that we get a brief intro of our leading man, Jasper Cullen. I wanted to lay a bit of foundation before he gets his deliciousness to LA for this show. I wanted you all to see what his personal life consists of. He seems to be a hardworking, very considerate and generous man who is looking for love. Let's hope he finds it when he gets to LA.

Jasper's POV-The Leading Man

Success was a beautiful, yet humbling accomplishment. I didn't lust after it, but certainly worked hard for it. Today was successful. After a hectic week of meetings, time constraints and deadlines, and rugged hassling, Cullen & Platt came out with the victory flag before four o'clock on this gorgeous Friday evening. After all of the collaborating with CEO-level executives all week to develop and implement breakthrough business strategies for their companies, they'd finally accepted our proposal, and the fact that their acceptance came with a hefty payoff for us was a delightful bonus. Yes…success was indeed beautiful as were my plans to sit on my blessed assurance and do absolutely nothing this weekend. Other than having dinner with my parents tonight, I was looking forward to lounging around in my house and watching my 60 inch.

Since I was one of the original founders of Cullen & Platt, and shared partnership with my father and uncle, they'd named me CEO of the company. That meant long hours and several drinks when I got home. My older brother Emmett had dubbed me as "the snobby big boss man," but actually I was quite the opposite. I was extremely compassionate to my subordinates. I truly cared about them and while I was in charge, I led our Fortune 500 Company with an ethical and gracious hand. That didn't mean I couldn't be firm when I needed to, but I chose to treat everyone with dignity and respect. Although I had a keen business mind and believed in my personal motto that a 'job well done was a job done well,' the last thing I wanted to do was come across as a pompous, self-righteous prick who lived only to strike fear into the hearts of my subordinates.

I usually didn't bother with the nitty-gritty hiring and firing, but I pretty much ran the show at Cullen & Platt. I was in charge of setting strategy, company goals, and making the high end decisions. This came with huge responsibility, so I usually ended delegating many of my powers to my father and uncle. They rarely questioned my judgment, but when they did, they did so free of fear of retaliation. I was very sensitive to other people's emotions, and knew how to set people at ease so that they had no problems approaching me about something I was or wasn't doing.

I was a fair employer and never considered myself untouchable or having unchecked power. Although I was basically the top dog, I had to answer to our board of directors and the other two partners in the company. In short, I owned some power around here. It didn't own me, and more importantly, I loved my job.

Emmett had often accused me of flying around in my private jet or cruising in my sports car all day. He swore by God that the only work I did was twirling in my office chair as I sat staring at my amazing view of the city while daydreaming of vacationing somewhere. Yesterday he was accusing me of sloshing and not knowing my employees names. It was a good thing I knew the truth about my professional relationship with my cohorts and that Emmett would rather tease me than breathe. I knew everyone who worked for my company. From the top to the bottom, no one worked in my building without being introduced to me first.

Emmett's portrait of me was quite errant and stereotypical. In reality, many considered me to be a nice, down-to-earth guy, a far cry from lazy or crude. He'd pegged me with a reputation of living luxuriously, which I had to admit that while I did prefer nice things, I never behaved like I was better than anyone. To most people, I was just an average All-American guy. I enjoyed having fun and playing sports, mostly swimming and football, and sought out many outdoor activities.

Having been born and bred in Texas, I held my southern values to heart. Because of my charismatic personality, I'd always made deep tracks wherever I went on my personal life journey. In high school, I was valedictorian, student body president, homecoming king, and captain of our state championship swim team my senior year.

I graduated with honors from Harvard University, majoring in History and Literature, where I took interest in studying the Civil War and the Confederate army. After college I'd worked in the US Embassy in Mexico. While there I became fluent in Spanish as well as Portuguese. I later earned a MBA at Harvard Graduate School of Business.

During the summer, I'd worked as an analyst in the Office of Management and Budget in the Executive Office of the President of the United States. I loved to travel and be adventurous, which was probably why Emmett accused me of dazing off on a faraway island somewhere. I took regular vacations. It was good for my spirit.

I wasn't particularly a religious person, but I did believe in God and I believed that he must have really liked me for some reason. I was blessed. I was blessed with a wonderful, close knit family. I loved them dearly, especially my two little nephews. As a matter of fact, when I'd purchased my nine million dollar condo, I'd secured it with them in mind. They loved hanging out with me and I made sure that my home was spacious enough to accommodate all of us.

My family was important to me. We shared a strong bond, especially the men. These were bonds that had been linked to my beginnings and were guides to my future. When I was with my family, I felt loved and accepted—like I was a part of something. They valued and respected my opinion. When I came out to them several years ago, I just knew they would banish me forever. Instead they loved me and nothing changed. I was still very much an integral part of my family.

My roots took hold and grew with my family. I was molded within a unit, which prepared me for life's experiences, and how I reacted to those experiences. Values were taught to me at an early age and I have carried them throughout my life. The close family bonds were a safe harbor where I found refuge.

From trusting that someone will pick me up when I fell, as a toddler, to someone being there for me as I experienced the storms in life, the family bonds helped to instill my sense of trust and hope in the world. Rituals of bedtime stories, hugs, holidays and daily meals shared together, provided a sense of warmth, structure and safety. Those rituals and traditions; not only created memories and left a family legacy, but created my first path in life-a very positive path.

My spirit blossomed in my family unit. I had always had security and influence of strong family which was the ground work that was laid for my success today. It made me the man who I was today. It made me a better person. I loved people. Human nature was not a curse in my eyes. I accepted people and the flaws that came with them. People around here accused me of being too compassionate because I was that boss that gave you five chances before I had to let you go. I gave so much of myself to others more often than not. I volunteered at the local children's hospital and donated generous amounts of money because I believed in the sanctification and glorification of human life.

I loved children. I saw them as our inheritance—our legacies. I couldn't wait to become a father. When I was child, my father was my entire universe. He had always been a solid force in my life and I loved him dearly. My mother was no different. She was a strong pillar in my life. It was so amazing to know that I had been blessed with two very remarkable people as parents. When I came out and told them that I was gay, they looked at me as if they thought I was the one with a problem with my sexual orientation. I said "I'm gay", and my father literally said, "And?" Only to be followed by mother saying, "So what? I've always known." They were a great bunch to call family.

My family had always fostered healthy relationships. They made sure I grew up having a positive self-image so that I wouldn't isolate myself from my peers and that I wouldn't harbor any negative energy or anger or pain inside of me. They've protected my emotional well-being as well as my physical well-being and they still did. I think that they mostly did it because I was still single. There wasn't a day that went by that I didn't talk to both of my parents and my brother. My father and I worked out daily with Emmett and I went to my parents' every day after work to eat or to spend time with my mother. I even occasionally allowed her to drag me on shopping trips and just because I loved her, I always bought whatever she wanted.

I was close to everyone from my parents to my fourth cousin. We often had get-togethers just to hang out. I loved having them over to my bachelor pad or just going to my great aunt's house and sitting with her while she fed me stale cookies and sweet tea. In summary, I was an extremely blessed man.

My parents never worried about money because even though my father earned a lucrative salary as a partner, I made sure that they never had lack or need of anything. I did the same for Emmett and his family. He owned a gym and Rosalie own a spa/salon combo, so my company paid for memberships for every employee that wanted to join. They didn't have a lag in their business at all. In addition to this, I gave them generous gifts and made sure my nephews had trust funds and college funds as well. I was all about family and I didn't take the value of family bonds for granted. I could only hope that this feeling would intensify once I was married with my own husband and kids.

A real romantic, I wanted to be married. I wanted a husband that I could make feel special. I only wanted to propose once, be married once and live in a faithful family life, like my parents, who had a loving 24-year union. I had a clear vision of what my life would be like with that one special man. I thought I had this with Peter, but unfortunately that relationship didn't work out the way I wanted it to. I'd reached a point in my life where I just wanted to have a family of my own where I was a provider and a lover of a husband who would share children with me, who would in turn fill our home with love and laughter. I was eager to be a supportive husband that would encourage my husband to chase his dreams, as well as be someone who he could rely on to help him through good and bad times. Quite simply, I needed a best friend, and I would love a big family and to adopt a child along with having my own so I could pass along the values I was taught to them.

As I prepared to leave, my desk phone rang. I checked the caller ID and it read, "Dallas General Hospital Cancer Center." I answered on the second ring.

"Hello." I responded, straightening my desk. I was no stranger to the hospital and my presence there was always welcomed. I'd given them my desk number and my cell phone number so it was no surprised that they would be contacting me. "Cullen Consultants."

"Hi, Jasper. This is Kate Garrett calling from the Cancer Center over here at the hospital." Kate was very polite and formal, but I didn't know why. She and I had become quite acquainted since I'd been spending a lot of time there.

"Hi, Kate. How are you?" I asked.

"I'm doing well. Thank you. How are you?"

"Doing just fine. Very glad that this work day has come to a close."

"I hear you." She laughed. "It's certainly going to be a beautiful weekend. Well listen, I know you are trying to get out of there, so I won't hold you too long."

"It's quite alright."

"Well, little Talia has been itching to talk to you today. I tried explaining to her that you are a very busy man, but it's hard to get a six-year old to understand why her…let me see how to put this…her favorite story teller, bear snuggler, and boo-boo fixer can't speak to her."

I laughed. Talia was a regular patient at that children's ward of the hospital and I usually visited her whenever she was admitted there. I had seen her two days ago and I guess she must have started missing me. It was truly a delight to spend time with that little girl. She had such a beautiful spirit and I couldn't help but feel compassion and genuine love for her. She was precious and every time I was around her, I had a renewed perspective on life. She was a stage-four cancer patient, and that beautiful child made me want to live every day to the fullest. She'd taught me how to truly be thankful for life and health. That was why I had no qualms about spending so much of my free time with her.

Talia's parents did not object to me spending time with her since I was a verified volunteer of the hospital. They'd had problems paying all of the medical bills Talia was accruing for both inpatient and outpatient services. I was privy to this information because I was always around the hospital, so I'd obtained permission to set up a special medical fund for Talia so that every one of her bills and medications would be covered. Her parents never had to worry about that. I knew it was hard on Talia's father trying to work and care for her, and especially her mother who had to quit her job, so helping with the medical expenses helped alleviate some of that pressure.

This past Christmas I'd visited Talia in the hospital, and I noticed that the little family was celebrating their holiday in her room. It was so touching to see them surrounding their very ill young child. They were unaware that I was near and I'd overheard them discussing their personal bills. I immediately dismissed myself from their private affairs, but later discussed with the mother that I'd accidentally overheard and that I wanted to do something for them. She broke down when I told her that I wanted to pay off their mortgage. She just couldn't believe someone would be so generous to her family. They tried over and over to deny me this, but I insisted and they finally agreed to allow me to help them. They'd tried to repay me, but I wouldn't hear of it. Helping that beautiful family was the least I could do in return for all of the blessings that had been bestowed upon me.

"Well she can certainly talk to me any time she gets ready. I have dinner plans with my family at six-thirty, so let's see…" I looked down at my watch. "It's four-thirty now…so I'll see you in about thirty minutes."

"Oh, that's sounds great. I won't tell her until you get here so she will be surprised."

I laughed again. "Okay. I'll be there shortly."

"Okay. See you soon."

I finished gathering my belongings and headed out the door. I saw my father getting into the elevator and flagged him. He held it until I got there.

"Hey, son. I thought you would have been gone by now." He smiled and winked at me. My father was very handsome if I had to say so myself. He was fifty years old, but he looked like he was a forty-year old model. With that shimmering blonde hair and those liquid blue eyes, he could have easily passed for Zeus' younger brother. Mom didn't know it but he was the office eye candy with the ladies. He didn't give them a second glance, but he knew the women salivated over him. He made good use of that gym membership over at Emmett's and kept those muscles firm and chiseled. Maintaining that slender, athletic build was easy for him as he was a health freak and was always trying to get me to eat and drink something that was akin to dog shit and grass.

"Yeah, I just had to get it together. Then I got a call from the hospital. My special little patient has requested my presence." We laughed and the elevator opened. "It seems that I have a way with the ladies after all."

We strolled down to the parking garage. "Indeed. Well, I'm very excited that little girl has found friendship with you. What a treat." He beamed over at me.

"Thank you, Dad."

"No need for thanks, son. It is the truth." We reached our vehicles. "By the way; that was outstanding and brilliant work today. You have made this company very, very happy, but more importantly you made me proud."

That was my Dad. Always validating me. I loved him. "Thanks, Dad."

He hugged me. "I love you, son." His words were somewhat lost in my shoulder. He told me that every day. "More than you know."

We pulled back. "I love you too. I'm going to go see Talia and then I will meet you guys at the Roadhouse at six-thirty."

He nodded. "Sounds great. Oh and I should probably go ahead and warn you that your mother has invited Eleazar and Carmen." I shook my head in agreement. "Peter will be there."

My head rolled. I groaned in frustration. "Ah, damn."

"I know, son, but Jasper they are our friends. I know that you and Peter had some issues, but you guys are still friends right?"

"Yes, Dad, but…" My voice trailed off as I shook my head in disbelief.

"But what son?" He asked brushing lint off of my suit. I exhaled and hesitated. "Jasper, you know you can tell me anything. You know I'm a black hole. What you tell me stays with me."

I exhaled again. "Dad, it's just that I was so in love with Peter. When he left me for Marc, I was crushed. I've tried to maintain friendship with him, but because he was my first love it is very hard to sever those ties."

"Is he still with Marc?"

"As far as I know. I don't discuss his relationship status with him. I haven't talked to him in months. I just know that the last time we talked, he seemed like he was happy so I didn't bother trying to upset that love nest. I've accepted that Peter and I weren't meant to be anything more than friends. I've put those feelings away. It took me a while to get over him and to mend. He left me cold and brokenhearted, but I finally got to a place where I don't hate him for it anymore. I've forgiven him and I've moved on."

My father nodded. "Jasper, you still have feelings for him. I hear it in your voice."

I just stood there looking at him willing my eyes not to mist with tears. Dad observed my struggle and stroked my arm.

"Son, acknowledge that you have those feelings, confront them, and handle them properly. Otherwise, when your Mr. Right comes along, you will have difficulty forming and maintain a solid relationship. You said it yourself. Peter was your first love. Jasper you don't get over your first love any kind of way. Yes the two of you may go your way, but you will always love each other on some level."

He was right. I did love Peter. At one point I'd been so in love with him, I would have done anything for him. Loving Peter had been the most beautiful experience of my life. I was always optimistic when I was with him and I didn't think it was possible to love another person so much. The feelings I had for him were very difficult to describe. The best way I could even come close to explaining it was a subtle feeling that occurred in me when he looked at me like he was seeing me for the first time. His smell, the way his voice rose and fell when he talked and laughed, the whimsicalness of his words that made me want to hang on to every one of them…everything about this man had commanded my soul to love him. Our relationship had been beautiful. It wasn't just his physical appearance that attracted me to him, or that fact that he could make love to me in such a way that I would have to try to remember my name afterwards. That played a huge part in our relationship initially, but our love was more than physical. It was spiritual and emotional.

"You're right, Dad. It just hurts." He cupped the side of my face and I gently brushed his palm with my face. I could always count on my Dad. "I'm no longer in love with him, but I do have feelings for him. I mean…I care if he gets run over by a semi."

Dad chuckled. "Well I'm pretty convinced that he'll avoid a semi and be present tonight. So be prepared."

I groaned again. "Is he bringing Marc?"

"I have no idea."

"Oh, I'm sure that will just be the highlight of my coveted Friday evening bliss."

Dad laughed again, wagging his finger at me. "Oh, no, no, my dear son." I raised an eyebrow at him. "That won't be the highlight of your evening."

I'm sure he recognized that I was obviously confused by his statement. "Oh. And just what pray tell will be more entertaining than my Ex and possibly his lover showing up to have dinner with me?"

"Emmett."

I shrugged. "What about him."

"He will be there."

"Great. I want to see my little munchkins anyway." It was true. I hadn't seen the boys in a few days and I missed them.

"I don't think it will be so great once you find out what he's up." He looked apologetically at me. "I couldn't talk him out of it. I tried but you know your brother."

I grunted. "Dad? What did Emmett do?"

Dad put his stuff in the backseat and closed the door. He opened the door on the driver's side and put one leg in as if he was preparing to run for cover. Seeing the look on my face he climbed all the way in and locked the door. He cracked the window just enough so I could hear him but not reach inside to snatch him out of there when he told me what my brother had done.

"Dad?" I asked again. "What…did…that big beefcake do this time?"

Dad started the engine and put it in reverse. "Jasper, I'll allow him to fill you in tonight, but you will definitely want to be there when he tells you he's nominated you to be the next Bachelor on the ABC television show, and they will probably be calling you."

I saw red. "HE DID WHAT?"

Dad started moving in reverse. "See you tonight son."

"DAD!" He was almost completely out of the space now. "DAD! THAT IS NOT FUNNY!"

He drove off yelling. "See you at six-thirty! Love you!" All I heard was wheels burning a little rubber as he gave that slick Mercedes a slight punch of gas.

I just stood there watching him turn the corner and leave. "Well damn! What the hell?"

A/N: Well there you have it. A glimpse of Jasper personal life, his views on work, religion, family, money, and relationships. He's also been hurt by Peter ( ) Maybe he will find true love on the show.

I think Jasper is pissed. I love Carlisle for going ahead and telling him before they got to that restaurant. AN ex and a dumb ass brother…that ought to be an interesting dinner. I hope you enjoyed, if you did please review.

Next up: Emmett explains why he nominated Jasper…after Jasper tries to put his foot in his butt. Also what does Peter have to say? Is Marc with him? Stay tuned.