Disclaimer: Not mine

Chapter 2

Jasper waited with bated breath for her answer, praying she would say yes. This was not how he had ever imagined asking for her hand, he had expected to have to ask her Father for the chance to Court her and then eventually offer marriage. He had been terrified when he'd received his Mother's letter, telling him of first Joseph and then Florence's deaths, he had waited in fear for a letter telling him of more deaths, but it had never come. Receiving the promotion to Captain had felt like nothing while he waited for news. It had been a relief to receive Bella's letter, even though it was full of grief.

Bella was shocked, she had always hoped… it felt wrong for Jasper be unable to ask her Father or even her Mother. This was what she had always wanted though. "Of course I'll marry you," she smiled, trying not to cry and he grinned, leaping up and then lifting her to spin her around.

"You've made me the happiest man in Texas," he promised when he stopped, lifting her hand to kiss the back. "I'm just sorry it's so rushed."

She blinked. "You mean now?"

He smiled and gently brushed back a stray strand of hair from her face. "There's no telling when I'll next get leave, or when the war will end. We all thought it would be done by now when it began."

Bella nodded in understanding, leaning into his touch. A lot of young women were marry quickly now, worried about being left without a husband. She had nothing prepared for marriage, her trousseau had barely even been thought of before her Mother died and she hadn't really worked on it since. Thanks to the blockades there was no cloth to make the traditional contents. There was one set of sheets and a few towels in it, no dresses or bedding.

"Father has agreed to sign over some of the land to me, if you want to leave this place for Anna, or we can live here if that is what you'd prefer."

Bella smiled and looped her arm in his. "I need to stay here for Anna, beyond that can be decided when you come home for good." She would not even consider the alternative and he nodded.

"Conscription is beginning to include those who have been excluded before, including preachers. Father managed to get hold of the only one left, he'll be at the house tomorrow. Mother said she will help you with preparing, she'll come tonight."

Bella laughed, "I guess my answer was obvious?"

"They said so," he admitted as Anna came out, looking between them, knowing something was going on.

"Jasper and I are getting married tomorrow," Bella told her sister who shouted in excitement and rushed to hug them.

"I'm so happy for you!"

Jasper smiled and then picked up his hat. "I should go, Mother will be here soon." He ruffled Anna's hair and she pouted, she was too old for that now! He took Bella's hand but then hesitated before moving in and kissing her chastely on the lips. "I will see you tomorrow," he promised before walking away.

Bella watched him go and then turned to Anna who hugged her again. "Are you alright with this Anna?" she asked softly, and Anna smiled, clasping her hands.

"I am so happy for you Bella. I always wanted you to marry Jasper and now you can. I know Father wasn't going to let you and I miss him and Mother, but now you get to be happy. Now come on, we need to find something for you to wear!" she pulled her inside to go through her wardrobe. Bella had kept some of her Mother's things, but much had been given to those less fortunate. If she had several days she could easily rework something but with the wedding tomorrow only the most basic of alterations could be made.

Not long after, Elizabeth and Grace joined them, and they chose one of Florence's best dresses to work with. The deep blue colour looked lovely on Bella and they were soon sewing away while Bella worked at removing lace from another gown to put on what was to be her wedding dress, no one trusted her to actually sew. Eventually they sent her to bed to rest while they continued working.

When Bella woke the next morning they headed over to the Whitlock farm, Elizabeth shooing the men outside before beginning to cook. They may not have everything they had before the war, but she was still determined they would have a wedding meal to be proud of. She smiled when she heard the girls giggling as they worked on Bella's hair. She had prayed for this day since she had first seen how Jasper looked at Bella once they were old enough for such things. She just wished Bella's parents were here to see her, that Jasper would not be going back to war… she shook off her thoughts and went to check on the girls, watching from the doorway as they chatted and giggled, getting ready for the wedding.

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Jasper paced the barn, unable to help it. Today was his wedding day! A day he had begun believing would never come and yet now here it was. He was nervous, excited, worried…. And then a gentle hand gripped his shoulder and he turned to see his Father smiling at him.

"Relax son, Isabella loves you," Robert assured his son. He'd been so relieved when Jasper had ridden up to the farm yesterday. He had not expected to see his son again until the war ended, had feared even then they would never see him again. Knowing he'd been escorting evacuees made it obvious what was going to happen soon, and it scared him to think of his son in an actual battle. "I am proud of you," he whispered, choking up and Jasper smiled shyly at him. It was easy to forget just how young his son was, barely eighteen, a man, a solider but still his little boy.

"Am I doing the right thing?"

"Jasper?"

"Marrying her, I don't want to hurt her," Jasper hung his head. "I might not come home, she could be a widow within days," he whispered, and Robert held him by his shoulders.

"There is no point borrowing trouble son. You love her and she loves her, right now, that is what you need to focus on. Yes…you could die in this war, but you could die on the farm too, an accident, disease…what matters is what you do with the time you have."

Jasper nodded slowly and then they turned as a throat was cleared to see Grace waiting, dressed in her best dress. "Time?"

"We're ready!" She called and then quickly went back to the house.

Jasper nodded at his Father and they left the barn, walking to the clear area beneath a large tree behind the house where the Preacher was waiting with those who could be gathered with little warning. He took his place before the man who smiled at him, and then he heard Grace on the piano. His Mother left the house to stand by his Father, smiling at them both. It felt like a century before Bella and Anna emerged onto the back porch, Bella carrying a bouquet of wild flowers and smiling shyly as they approached. Anna kissed her cheek and handed her over to Jasper before stepping back to stand with the others. The vows passed in a blur and finally it was over, and they were being ushered in to eat. Jasper still couldn't believe Bella was now his wife, Mrs. Whitlock.

Finally, they were in the buggy and he was driving back to the Swan property, Anna was staying with his parents for the night. He was nervous, his Father had spoken with him on what to do and how to treat her, and he just wished they had more time. But he would have to leave tomorrow in order to return to camp in the time expected. He helped her down and then quickly settled the horse for the night before going inside the house. He hesitated by the lamps downstairs were dark. He put his hat on the peg and took his boots off, before heading upstairs, somewhere he'd never been before. He went to the only door showing light and found Bella sitting on the edge of the bed inside, carefully unpinning her hair. This had been her parents room, theirs now, since Bella's room was too small for two.

Jasper stepped closer and gently helped remove the pins, freeing her beautiful dark hair to tumble down her back. She looked up at him, smiling shyly and he smiled back, why was he nervous? Bella was his best friend, he loved her. He took a deep breath and reached out to unfasten her dress and she let him even as she slipped out of her shoes.

Bella was sort of terrified, but she hoped he couldn't see that. No man had seen her before, but he was her husband, it was his right. Her Mother had spoken of her duty when she was younger, had explained that it would hurt at first. She was scared but she also wanted to please him. She hesitated but then raised her hand to his shirt and he didn't stop her, so she unbuttoned his shirt.

They slowly undressed each other, both too nervous to rush things. Eventually he lay her down on the bed, both naked, utterly fascinated by her body. "You are beautiful," he whispered, and she blushed, fighting the urge to cover herself. It did hurt but Jasper did his best to make it enjoyable for her and she could see that. She hoped that maybe it would feel better the next time. It felt strange going to sleep with an arm around her waist and a body pressed into her back but eventually she did fall asleep.

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Jasper leant up on his elbow, staring down at his sleeping love. The sun was just rising, and he knew he needed to wash up and get a move on, but he didn't want to move. He had waited for this day ever since he had realised what he felt for her. He had never planned to marry her during the war, but he had been unable to wait any longer, not when it seemed the war would last forever. He knew he had caused her discomfort last night and he hated that but there was nothing he could do about it. He leant over and kissed her cheek before forcing himself from the bed, going to where his bag had been delivered while they had been at the farm, slipping into the small room between the bedrooms that held a wooden tub and a wash stand. He dressed in his uniform and then went in to look at her again, hesitation. Should he wake her or let her sleep and leave a note? In the end he wrote a note and left it on his pillow before slipping away, unable to face saying goodbye.

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Bella woke slowly, feeling a little sore but also nice and warm. She rolled over and then opened her eyes to find the other side of the bed empty. She sat up, hair falling down her shoulders and then she saw the note. She picked it up and read it, smiling sadly. Jasper was gone, back to the war. Maybe it was best he had left without waking her. She got up and set to work filling the tub, soaking in the hot water to relieve aching muscles, before dressing and making breakfast. This was not how she had imagined her wedding being, but she was still happy to be Jasper's wife.

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Jasper watched the men work at their drills. No one was happy about the withdrawal but there was nothing that could be done for now. There was talk of retaking the city but for now it was just talk. The men were more excited about the rumours of some being allowed home for Christmas. He knew he wouldn't be among them, he'd just been promoted to Major, he'd also been home just last month, and he had no children. He had received some congratulations on his wedding which had been nice.

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Bella laughed as David pouted at Grace who finally gave in and handed him his stocking. The gifts were small, handmade items, but they were all appreciated. The Swan home had been closed up and they had moved into the Whitlock farm, it was safer than two females living alone. Cattle had been going missing as well as other goods that could be carried away and Robert was worried about what such men might do to his daughter-in-law and her sister. Anna loved living with them although Bella missed her independence.

Eventually she got up to help Elizabeth with Christmas dinner only to suddenly bolt for the privy. Elizabeth followed and moved to support her as she was ill. She put her hand against Bella's forehead, worried. "You don't appear to have a fever."

"I was sick the last two days," she admitted quietly, and Elizabeth's eyes widened.

"Bella…" was it possible? She knelt down and wrapped her arms around the younger woman. "Do you think you might be with child?" she asked gently, and Bella paled.

"Is…is that possible after only one night?" she asked softly, and Elizabeth nodded.

"Come, wash your face and then go lie down for a while," she offered, and Bella nodded.

She came back out for the dinner although she didn't each much. Elizabeth watched her closely for the next few days and became as sure as possible that Bella would be giving them a grandchild this year.

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Jasper opened the letter and began reading it only to stare in shock. A baby? So soon? And when he couldn't be there for her? He felt sick with worry for Bella, but he knew his Mother and their sisters would do everything possible to help her. He was glad Bella and Anna had moved in with his family, it was safer. He was going to be a Father! A smile spread across his lips, a baby!

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Once sure the group was safely settled and he rode fast out of Houston, heading for the farm. He pulled up outside the house and dismounted, tying his horse up. He couldn't even stay the night, but he had to see her. He quickly opened the door to the house and removed his hat. "Mother? Bella?" he called out and then he heard feet running, Anna and Grace rushing into the entrance.

"Jasper!" he was soon being hugged by his sister and sister-in-law and he hugged them back. "You're back?"

"No, I can't stay long. Where is everyone?"

"You mean Bella?" Grace asked with a grin.

"She was tired, so she was sent back to bed," Anna answered, showing him which room and he nodded before slipping inside. He watched Bella sleep, she looked a little pale to him, but he could see no physical sign of their child. It had only been three months, perhaps it took longer for there to be obvious signs? He hadn't paid much attention to his Mother's pregnancies. He sat on the edge of the bed and reached out to gently brush some stray hair off her face, causing her to stir. She blinked sleepily at him and then her eyes widened as she realised what she was seeing.

"Jasper"

"Hello wife," he smiled and kissed her softly.

"You're home?" she sat up and he steadied her.

"No, I was escorting some civilians who didn't evacuate last time. I can't even stay the night, but I had to see you," he answered, wishing he had more time. Who knew when he would next be able to come? Would she have their child without him there?

"You have time for a bath and meal surely?"

Jasper hesitated before nodding, he hadn't had a proper bath since their wedding, making do with what cleanish water could be found in camp. "Alright," he agreed.

Bella smiled and got up. "Go bathe then, I'll do what I can to clean your uniform while you do and then we can eat and talk."

Jasper nodded, kissing her again before heading out only to find the wooden tub already filled with hot water. He stripped off and piled his uniform outside the door before getting in to finally get clean again.

While he did that, Bella and Grace worked on his uniform, replacing his shirt totally with one that had been made to send to the soldiers anyway. They couldn't wash anything, it wouldn't dry in time, so they took it outside to air and beat it to remove as much dirt as possible. While they did that, Anna cooked a hot, filling meal, setting the table for the two of them. they could eat elsewhere to give them privacy. She just hoped their parents would return before Jasper had to leave.

Jasper emerged to find a new shirt and cleaner clothes in generally, so he redressed in his uniform and joined Bella for a meal. "Have you been in much discomfort?"

"It is normal to feel a bit ill in the early months. I am grateful for your Mother's help," she admitted.

"I wish I could be here to help," he reached for her hand and she took his.

"I hope the war ends before the birth."

"When will the baby come?"

"Around July. Do you have any names in mind?"

"I hadn't even thought about it," he thought about it. "I think, perhaps, Florence, for a girl?"

Bella smiled and nodded, touched that he would want their daughter to be named for her Mother.

"I will have to think more for a boy, I will write you my ideas," he promised. They talked quietly and then the door opened as they were finishing, and his parents walked in. They were very happy to see him, proud he had been promoted again, to Major, although sad that he could not stay. All too soon he was leaving the house to mount his horse, hugging Bella again before saying goodbye to everyone.

Bella watched him ride away in the gathering gloom, swaying slightly on her feet and Robert steadied her but she couldn't take her eyes off her husband, a sudden, sick feeling saying she would never see him again. She shook her head, no, she would not give in to those thoughts. Jasper would come home, and they would raise their baby together.

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Jasper was almost back to Galveston when he spotted three figures in the falling darkness. He rode towards them and realised they were women, they must have been separated from the others, or maybe they had decided to stay at first and only now decided to leave the city. He rode up and dismounted, politely bowing to them. "May I escort you ladies to safety?" he offered.

One of the women seemed to take a deep breath, smiling at him. "Lovely. And an officer."

"You'd better do it, Maria. I can never stop once I've started," the second said, confusing him.

The third walked towards him and something screamed at him to run but he couldn't move, mesmerised by her presence. "What's your name, soldier?" she asked, and he swallowed.

"Major Jasper Whitlock, Ma'am," he remained polite, no matter how confused and wary he was becoming.

She smiled at him, standing right in front of him now. "I hope you survive. You maybe of a great use to me," she purred and leant in as if to kiss him and he jerked back but then she grabbed his shoulder, holding him in place somehow. And then there was pain unlike anything he had ever felt before as something sharp sliced into his throat before beginning to burn. He was unaware of being moved, taken to their base as the fire consumed him.

TBC….