JPOV

I pulled my black pickup truck into a spot near the largest of the three barns at Silver Swan Farm. I hopped out and entered the barn, hoping to find Charlie Swan. I was in serious need of a job and somewhere to board my horse, Major. He was a regal looking horse. A beautiful black gelding with four black socks and a star. (Gelding means a male horse that has been "fixed". Socks are when the horse has white on their legs.) He was staying at a friend's farm while I looked for a job, but they could only keep him for so long. I walked in and a saw someone's head behind the tail of a young looking mare. I heard a girl's voice coming from behind the horse.

"You'll perfect. Just like your mother." Her voice was like the chiming of bells and I couldn't help myself.

"I'm sure she appreciates your pep talk." I said, chuckling slightly. Her head snapped up and she walked around to the horse's shoulder. I got a good look at her. Beautifully wavy, brown hair framing her beautiful, slightly tanned, heart shaped face. She had a petite, muscular body with gorgeous curves, wonderfully displayed by her simple jeans and button down shirt ensemble.

"Can I help you?" she asked nicely. I was suddenly nervous.

"Um yes, I'm Jasper Whitlock. I was hoping to find Charlie Swan; I'm looking for a job."

"Bella Swan." She said, holding out her hand. Oh, so she was his daughter I'd heard about. She seemed nice; hopefully her father had the same kindness. I took her hand lightly in mine and felt a small pulse run all the way up my arm when I touched her.

"Good to meet you ma'am." I said, smiling.

"Nice to meet you too." She returned my smile, which just added more to her natural beauty. I finally got a good look at her eyes. Stunning pools of emerald green with flecks of golden brown in them. I let go of her hand.

"Well, my daddy's out for a little while, but you're welcome to stick around and wait." She smiled again and turned to finish getting her horse ready.

"I think I'll do that. Thanks." I waited for her to finish tacking up the young horse and followed her out to their large training ring. There were two guys waiting for her. One was older looking, but looked like one of those guys who thoroughly enjoyed his simple life. The other one looked about my age with huge muscles and a friendly face. They spoke to Bella for a minute and I saw the big guy glance in my direction. They helped Bella off and she started the horse at a brisk walk. I could tell the horse was still in the midst of being trained just by the inconsistency of her steps and the way her eyes continued to look around frantically. Bella maintained control of the young mare the entire time. She was a beautiful rider. She had that raw natural ability that tons of pros would kill for. Her movements were graceful and strong. When she was finished, I heard the older guy tell her to brush her up and put her in the fields with 'Dallas'. I figured that was another horse. I also heard how he called her 'Jelly Belly' and laughed a little to myself. She dismounted and walked out of the ring with the big guy. Not really knowing what to do, I followed them back into the barn. The big guy approached me and held out his hand.

"Hey man, Emmett McCarty." He said, looking friendly enough.

"Jasper Whitlock." I said, shaking his hand. He and Bella untacked the horse and put her out. I followed them towards the large farmhouse when we heard a truck on the gravel driveway and saw a large green pickup headed towards the house. And older man who looked about 40 stepped out and I figured he must be Charlie from his resemblance to Bella. He saw us and paused, waiting for Bella to come meet him. She grabbed my hand and pulled me along with her. She ran to her father and hugged him.

"Morning daddy. This is Jasper Whitlock. He's looking for a job." She said, indicating me. He looked around her and reached out to shook my hand with I took firmly, not showing fear.

"Nice to meet you young man." He said, sounding intimidating, but I could sense his friendliness beneath it.

"You too sir." I said with and even voice.

"Now, now, none of this 'sir' I'm Charlie." He said, smiling. I couldn't help but smile back. His smile was just as contagious as his daughter's. "So tell me about yourself."

"Well, I'm originally from a little town just outside of Dallas, but moved up here after high school. I was working at a farm a few towns over, but they went out of business after their son was severely hurt." Charlie nodded.

"So what kind of experience do you have?"

"Well, I've been riding since I could walk. I've done some competitions, mostly western style, but I've been taught English. I own a horse, Major who is being boarded at a friend's farm in the next town over. I'm good with horses; I have my own ways of calming them down. I'm also able to do handy work around here, and I'm generally good at getting along with people." I tried to explain myself without sounding to cocky, or too inexperienced. Charlie nodded once more and looked over my shoulder in a silent consulting with Bella and Emmett. Whatever they signaled him, he smiled and shook my hand once more.

"Welcome to Silver Swan Jasper." I smiled and shook his hand again.

"Thank you Charlie."

"It's no problem at all. I suppose you have your things with you?" I nodded; I'd pretty much been living out of my truck. "Alright, well I got some stuff to do here. Bells, Em, why don't you two take the trailer down to Jasper's friends place and pick up Major for him. When you get back, he can unpack. Emmett he'll be in the room next to yours." We all nodded and Charlie walked off into the house. Bella and Emmett led the way to one of their two-horse trailers and we hopped into the truck. Funnily enough, Bella drove while Emmett and I were squished nest to each other on the front bench seat. I told them the way to Peter and Charlotte's place which was only about an hour away. On the way, they told me about the everyday life of the farm. It sounded like a fun place to live and work. The other guys sounded laid back enough for me. Bella told me about her horses, Dallas and Dakota, while Emmett bragged that his own horse, Grizzly was the best. We'd already planned a race across the property tomorrow before we started our work. They both complimented me on Major when we picked him up. He was extremely well behaved, not one of those horses that are terrified of being in a trailer. On the way back, we joked and laughed, and they told me about Emmett's life with them. Bella's mother sounded like she'd been a wonderful woman. I could tell Bella held her kindness and her and Emmett seemed to have a fiercely strong relationship. I just hoped I'd fit in well at my new home.