Happy New Year to you all! I just want to take time to thank everyone who again has favorited this story or me. I truly appreciate the that you have the power to chose what you read and that you would chose me is simply amazing. As always, thanks to Mrs. Agget for her wonderful beta skills. Couldn't do it without her!

Disclaimer: I own nothing from Twilight, not the characters, not the locals or anything directly pertaining to Twilight and Ms. Meyers. I do however own the idea for this story and the direction it may take.

Warning: This story contains M/M romance between consenting adults. Please leave now if this is not your cup of tea or you are under the age of 18. There will be lemons in future chapters.

Chapter 6

JPOV

Jasper awoke when Edward's body started to jerk. He was talking in his sleep and thrashing his arms about. It was clear whatever Edward was dreaming was upsetting him. Jasper debated whether he should wake the man in his arms or just get away from him and let him work it out on his own. Jasper chose the latter and moved to the very edge of the bed to give Edward as much room as possible.

"I can't do that," Edward cried out. "I won't hurt him. I'm sorry, James. Please don't make me do this." Edward's words turned into sobs."Please, I'm begging you."

He continued to talk in his sleep a while longer. Then just as suddenly as it had begun, he settled into a stillness. Edward reached his hand back feeling the space left when Jasper had moved away from him.

"Should have known he'd leave," Edward mumbled, then shuddered. "I don't blame him." Edward rolled back to his side of the bed near the edge and wrapped himself into a tight ball. In the dim glow coming from the bathroom night light, Jasper could see Edward's body shake. He could hear him crying . The ache in Jasper's heart was causing raw emotions to flood his being.

"I'm so sorry, Jasper." Edward's final words tore an ever deeper gash and stole Jasper's breath.

The room finally grew quiet again and Jasper didn't start to breathe normally until he heard Edward's whimpers turn to soft snores. Stunned was the only word for how Jasper felt at that moment. Should he go or should he stay? He laid there until the morning light filtered through the curtains on the bedroom windows. He watched Edward for any more signs of distress. Though restless at times, he never cried out again.

Jasper had almost drifted off himself when he felt Edward's body roll in the bed and turn to face him. A soft smile graced Edward's lips and he called out Jasper's name. He was still asleep but seemed at peace. He rolled closer to Jasper and slipped his arm around Jasper's waist to draw him near. Jasper let himself be moved, realizing Edward was still asleep. Once their bodies touched, Edward sighed deeply and rolled until his back was nestled close to Jasper's chest. His deep snores lulled Jasper into the first sleep he'd really had during the night.

Sometime later, warm lips pressed against Jasper's cheek and then his neck and then moved to his shoulder. It tickled but not enough to cause him any discomfort. Fingers traced random patterns over the material of his boxers on his hips. It wasn't sexual, it was just comforting.

"Good morning," Edward breathed against his lips.

"Ungh," Jasper returned.

"Are you always this articulate in the morning?" Edward teased, his fingers now running up and down Jasper's arm.

"Nope."

Edward's laugh warmed Jasper from the inside and he was glad to hear the peaceful sound. Last nights dreams and the pain they had caused seemed to have been forgotten. Jasper wondered if he even remembered what had happened.

"Didn't you sleep well?" Edward asked, pulling away from Jasper's body just a little.

Jasper wasn't having that. He liked the feeling of Edward's warm body pressed against him. Waking up with someone in his arms was something Jasper thought he could grow to enjoy.

"You talk in your sleep."

Pushing away from Jasper and pulling the sheet up over his body, Edward began to ramble.

"I'm sorry. Did I say anything bad? I mean...I have nightmares sometimes but I don't remember anything like that from last night. I just remember feeling you near and sleeping soundly," Edward said as he went to climb from the bed.

"Wait." Jasper pulled Edward back to him and wrapped his arms around the shivering man.

"You were having a nightmare but eventually you settled down and we snuggled up together." Jasper rubbed his thumb across Edward's cheek. "It's okay. I'm here and I'm not going anywhere. A bad dream doesn't scare me. We can talk about it if you like."

"NO!" Edward pulled back and Jasper didn't hold him back this time..

"I don't remember what the dream was about and I don't want to either," Edward said as he stood then sat back down on the edge of the bed.

Jasper knew he was lying but he could also see that pushing Edward was not going to help so he let it go.

"Okay. How about we get dressed and get some breakfast or lunch," Jasper added, looking at the bedside clock. "It's nearly eleven."

Edward jumped from the bed this time, running his hands through his hair and pacing frantically in front of Jasper.

"Edward, hey, slow down man. What is it? What's wrong?" Jasper stood and stopped Edward's pacing by gripping his shoulders and turning him to face him. A phone started ringing in the living room. Jasper knew it wasn't his ringtone so it must have been Edward's phone.

"Shit!"

Edward ran to the living room, grabbed his pants where he'd left them the night before, and pulled his cell phone out of the pocket.

"Hello. Yes, I know. I remember. I overslept. Could we…" Edward paused and listened to whoever was on the phone and then continued. "Well, yes he is, but…" He turned to look at Jasper with a sort of helpless plea in his eyes. "I haven't asked." It was clear the other person on the phone was still speaking but Edward's eyes had never left Jasper's. He dropped the phone to his hip and started shaking his head no before he spoke.

"It's Car...my father. I was supposed to meet him for brunch this morning. I'm sorry. He wants to know if you would...well, it's crazy and I just need to tell him to forget it but I do have to go. I don't want to end this but you could stay here and maybe we could catch a movie later or…."

Jasper walked up to Edward, pulled him into his arms, and kissed him. Slow and tender slides of his lips across Edward's and a playful nip at the bottom one. When Edward relaxed into Jasper's embrace, Jasper pulled back far enough to kiss the tip of Edward's nose and his eyes. He was such a sweet guy but he had no idea when to shut up. Jasper chuckled.

"Edward, I'm starved. Do you not want me to go?" Jasper asked quietly.

"No, that's not it, but come on. Meeting my dad after the first date? Really, that shit only happens in the movies!" Edward face was scrunched up in embarrassment. "I don't want you to think I set this up."

Jasper was full on laughing now.

"Edward, there is no fucking way you could have set this up! This isn't the movies. I mean, unless your dad is a complete asshole, how bad could it be?" Jasper gave Edward's lips another quick kiss.

"That's just it. He is an asshole! Well, he was until yesterday. He's got some big news he wants to tell me and yeah, why would you want to get dragged into this?"

It was clear to Jasper that Edward was confused and, truth be told, Jasper didn't understand it much himself. But something in him said he should go, and he always followed his gut instinct. It was just part of who Jasper was. He'd learned that a long time ago. To trust himself. It was other people he had trouble trusting. He wanted to trust the adorable, confused, sweet man who was standing in his boxers having a discussion with Jasper while his father waited on the phone.

"Tell him we'll be there in...how long will it take us to get there?" Jasper asked.

"Thirty minutes, if we shower quickly." Edward blushed.

"Tell him we'll be there at noon," Jasper winked and added, "and we'll shower quickly."

Edward slowly raised the phone to his ear, staring at Jasper, and spoke to his father. His eyes never left Jasper's but he seemed calmer and his words came out steadier and stronger.

"We can be there by noon. Can you wait that long?" Edward shook his head to whatever was said on the other end of the line then pulled the phone away from his ear and pressed end.

"They'll wait."

"Good. Let's get showered."

Edward swallowed and Jasper could see his Adam's apple bob slightly. It wasn't as predominate as Jasper's, but still. That little motion let Jasper know Edward was picturing the same thing he was. Slick soapy bodies pressed together in a small environment. Hands rubbing, kneading flesh and raising goosebumps in their paths. Cocks filling, hardening, wanting, needing to be touched. Edward closed his eyes, groaned, then shook it from side to side as if trying to erase the vision he'd been having. Color flooded his cheeks and chest. His boxers began to tent. Jasper gasped at the sight before him. Edward opened his eyes; desire poured out of them. He smiled softly.

"You can go first. I don't think we'll be on time if we shower together. Not right now."

Jasper grabbed Edward roughly, nearly knocking the wind out of both of them as he pressed their chests together. A moan low in Edwards throat escaped as they opened their mouths to let their tongues do battle. This wasn't the tender, sweet kisses from before. This was...hunger. It went on and on. Finally, Jasper let Edward push him away. They would never make it out of the door if they didn't stop this now. Edward's voice was rough and gravelly when he spoke.

"NO! Not like this again. When we make love, I want to be in a bed and in no hurry to go anywhere for a very long time."

Jasper couldn't agree more and got a grip on the desire rushing through his veins like molten lava.

"I'll use the guest bath. You can use the one in my bedroom." Edward said and left Jasper standing in the middle of the living room, his cock standing up and throbbing. God, how was he going to get through brunch like this? Then he remembered: he was having it with Edward's father. Yeah, that helped. The cock was definitely deflating at that thought.

EPOV

The Waterford Hotel had a reputation of having one of the best Sunday brunches in all of Seattle. It was packed. Edward stood at the maitre'd stand with Jasper by his side and gave his name to the snobbish looking man attending it. Jasper's hand rested gently against the small of Edward's back and he thought he had never felt anything more comforting in his life. It was like Jasper was giving him a small amount of his strength for whatever it was Edward was about to face. There was something about seeing his father that made Edward revert to the little boy he was when his father had broken his heart.

In the car ride over to the hotel from Edward's apartment, he'd had just enough time to fill Jasper in on the relationship, or lack of said relationship, between Edward and Carlisle Cullen. It was the shortened version but Jasper seemed to be able to read between the lines and he was proving to be a very good friend just when Edward needed one.

Jasper was an incredibly good looking man and Edward could see men and women observing him as they followed the maitre'd through the throngs of tables and people to the table Carlisle Cullen had reserved at the back of the room. The table was next to a wide window that looked out over the Sound and Edward couldn't deny it was probably the best seat in the house. Carlisle stood as Edward and Jasper approached. Edward hadn't noticed the long brown haired woman sitting next to Carlisle until he got closer to the table. Bella Swan. He also noticed a tiny replica of Bella seated next to her at the table as well.

The little girl looked to be about six or maybe seven. Edward didn't have much knowledge of children so he was really guessing but he was having a hard time understanding what the hell was going on. Bella smiled at him warmly as he took his father's hand, shook it and introduced Jasper.

"Carlisle. Bella. This is Jasper Whitlock," Edward said and watched as his father did not hesitate to accept Jasper's hand in greeting.

"Edward," Bella spoke up from where she was still seated. "I'm so glad you agreed to meet us here today. This is my daughter, Alice." Bella smiled hugely at the little girl who looked up at Edward and smiled as well.

Edward's heart did a little flip thing as he studied the little girl. She looked so young, so innocent. He looked back at his father then to Bella and then to little Alice. He studied his father and saw the look of adoration on his face as he looked at little Alice and something in Edward's heart hurt. He didn't understand what was going on.

"Sit down, boys," Carlisle said as he retook his seat.

A waiter came by and asked Edward and Jasper for their drink orders.

"Would either of you gentleman like a Mimosa?"

"Yes," Edward spoke up quickly and under his breath he added, "and make it a double."

Jasper smiled and said yes also then leaned into Edward and whispered in his ear, "They don't come in doubles, you goof." Edward blushed.

"Well, it seems like you two are pretty familiar. Where did you meet?" Carlisle cleared his throat and spoke up.

"Actually, we met in college," Jasper answered. "But we just ran into each other again when Edward brought his car into my shop a couple of weeks ago."

Edward stared at Jasper and wondered how he did it? How could he be so incredibly self confident in front of total strangers.

Carlisle frowned slightly then said, "You're a mechanic?"

Edward could see the look and he knew his father was already judging Jasper before he'd even gotten to know anything about him.

"He owns the shop and yes, he is a very good mechanic," Edward answered hotly.

Jasper's hand reached under the table and grasped Edward's knee. He squeezed it gently then he searched until he found Edward's hand and held it for a moment. Edward turned to look at Jasper and saw the calm look in his eyes. It was what he needed.

The hotel's master chef came to the table at just that moment. He thanked Carlisle for coming in and asked if anyone would like a personal omelet or waffle this morning. Little Alice danced in her seat and asked if she could please have a waffle with strawberries. Everyone at the table laughed.

"Make sure you bring her extra whipped cream Jean," Carlisle said, beaming as he looked at Alice and Bella.

Edward watched the interaction and suddenly felt like he was a stranger watching a family from the outside. Watching this hurt, and it hurt bad. Carlisle had never looked at him at that. He'd never smiled at him like that. He jumped up from his seat, nearly knocking over the chair and made to run from the table.

"Edward!" Carlisle shouted.

Edward stopped but his heart didn't. It beat faster and faster. His breath was coming too fast as well. He could feel the panic attack coming on. The room was growing darker around the edges of his peripheral vision. A cold sweat was breaking out all over his body, making his clothes feel like they were sticking to his skin. He was shaking as if he'd just stepped into a deep freezer. In the back of his mind, he could hear voices but he wasn't sure what the words were. Then he felt Jasper's warm hands on his waist pulling him down, making him take a seat. That was good. Sitting was good. Then when he blacked out he wouldn't fall on the floor. Alice's face came into his mind and he regretted that he was probably frightening the little girl. He didn't want to frighten anyone. Jasper's voice kept calling him, urging him to come back to the present. He wanted to please that voice. That voiced cared about him.

"Edward, please son," another voice added to Jasper's. It couldn't be Carlisle. His father's voice sounded scared. Carlisle was never scared.

"Edward, listen to me. You are all right. I'm here," Jasper whispered in Edward's ear. His warm breath felt like a balm to Edward's shaken soul. "Please come back to me. It's safe. I won't let anyone hurt you."

Jasper. Jasper. Jasper. Edward knew he already needed Jasper and that was bad. It was too soon. It would only scare him away. Finally opening his eyes, Edward looked up to his right. His father's concerned face was looking down at him. Why would Carlisle be concerned? He didn't care if Edward lived or died. Turning his head, Edward saw Jasper's smile. It was radiant but there was moisture at the edges of his eyes. Why would Jasper be crying?

"Finally," Carlisle sighed loudly then said to someone behind him, "He's okay now. We'll take it from here."

"You okay to sit up?" Jasper asked quietly, looking relieved.

Oh hell, what have I done this time? Edward thought to himself.

Edward nodded and let Jasper help him to sit up. When he looked around, he realized that they were not in the hotel restaurant anymore. He was sitting on a couch of some sort in a sitting room. There were several other chairs and he could see the paramedics were standing at the door. Bella held Alice in her arms in one corner of the room and she was patting her back and whispering something to her. Alice was staring at me.

Jasper sat on the couch beside me. He was smiling but Edward could see the worry in his eyes as well. Carlisle stood with the paramedics and was talking with them, glancing over at Edward every so often.

"You passed out on us," Jasper said, taking Edward's hand. "Had us all scared for a moment there. Your dad, he had the staff call the paramedics just in case it was something serious. What happened, Edward?"

"Yes, what happened son?" Carlisle was now standing in front of Edward and Jasper. Jasper didn't remove his hand from Edward's.

"I was looking at you looking at Alice and it…" Edward wasn't sure how to explain what happened and he didn't want to say anything in front of Alice.

"Carlisle, I'm going to take Alice for a walk in the arboretum. Let me know if you need anything," Bella said, setting Alice down on the floor and taking her hand.

Carlisle walked to Bella and kissed her cheek, whispered something to Alice that made her smile, and then told Bella he'd find them in a few minutes. After they left, Carlisle closed the door on the room and looked at Edward and Jasper.

Edward knew this was when the shit was going to hit the fan. Bella wasn't here now to temper his father's outrage. He grasped Jasper hand and squeezed hard.

"Edward you scared all of us. I knew you'd had these attacks before, but I'd never...seen it happen," Carlisle pulled a chair up to face Edward. "Are you alright?"

Edward thought about it. Was he alright? What had triggered this attack? It had been years since he'd had one this bad. Damn it! He was a professional business man. He faced stress every damn day and most of it was from this man sitting across from him that he just didn't know any more. The anger from the past, the feelings of rejection, and the total loss of any family he would ever have came racing back at blinding speed. What gave Carlisle the right to start over? It was clear that's what was happening. Was he was getting a new wife and a new daughter to replace the old son he never wanted in the first place? The angrier he got the tighter he squeezed Jasper's hand. He didn't realize until Jasper wrenched his hand free that he had been causing him pain.

"Woah! Edward, that hurts! What is wrong?" Jasper said, shaking his hand and flexing his fingers.

"WRONG? I'll tell you what's wrong!" Edward shouted and glared at his father.

"He's happy! He's happy because he's got a new family! And isn't that convenient since he never wanted his old family anyway!" Edward was beyond angry and he could see Carlisle was beyond shocked. All he could think was good, I'm glad I can shock him.

Carlisle's voice was surprisingly calm as he spoke. "Edward, I'm sorry. I wanted to tell you about Bella and Alice but I just didn't know how. And now, well, I want to marry Bella. She insisted that I talk to you and tell you the truth about us." Carlisle looked at the floor and chuckled softly before his eyes rose to Edward's again. "In fact, she told me she wouldn't marry me unless you gave us your blessing."

Edward knew he was still in shock because there was no way he was hearing this.

"What the hell difference would my blessing make to her or especially to you? You don't give a damn about me. You never have," Edward said.

"What are you talking about?" Carlisle actually looked surprised at Edward's words.

"You told me yourself after Esme left that you never wanted me and if I'd never been born my mother would still be alive." Edward was crying now. He couldn't help it. Too many years, too much pain had built up and was now overflowing.

"Edward, I never," Carlisle started but Edward stopped him.

"You did," Edward's voice was small even to his own ears.

Carlisle got on his knees and looked at Edward.

"I loved your mother more than my own life. When she was killed, I felt like I died too. You are right - I blamed you. For too long, I blamed you and everyone around me and I wouldn't allow myself to stop grieving. I let the chasm between us grow over the years because I didn't know how to stop it. I stopped knowing how to love, Edward, when she died. It's not an excuse for the way I've treated you but maybe you can understand me a little better," Carlisle said, a sob in his voice. "I never meant for this to happen to us. But after so long, I didn't know how to stop it and I was too lost in my own self pity to try and change it."

"Then Bella walked into the office last spring," his voice changed as he continued. "She was so different and she didn't take any shit from me. It had been years since anyone had stood up to me. I ran into her one Saturday at the park near the house and she had Alice with her. I probably fell in love with Alice before I realized I was in love with Bella. She's so much like you were at that age."

Edward sat back and looked at his father. He couldn't have heard him right.

"You remember me at six or seven. How? You were never around. Esme was there then," Edward asked, a shiver in his voice.

"I remember more than you realize. You loved Esme more than me and it was hard to watch the two of you at times." Carlisle's eyes actually looked hurt. "I'd lost you too."

"I wanted to meet with you today so we could maybe start over," Carlisle stood and took his seat again. "Bella thinks we can. I told her not to get her hopes up. I'd done a lot of damage and I wasn't sure you would be able to forgive me or if you'd even want to." A soft knock at the door caused all eyes to watch it open and Bella and Alice walked in.

"Hi," Bella said as she walked over to stand beside Carlisle. Alice climbed up into Carlisle's lap and looked over at Edward.

"Hello," she said softly. "Are you better now?"

"Yes," Edward answered.

"That's nice. Mommy says you can be my big brother," Alice stated matter of factly. "I told her that was okay. I always wanted a sister but a brother is okay too."

"Alice," Bella laughed nervously at her daughter's words.

Edward smiled. He liked her. At her age, he'd wanted a sibling too.

"I guess everyone's missed brunch because of me. Sorry about that," Edward said as he stood and looked at the others in the room.

"It's alright. They still have our table if you feel like eating now," Bella said as she gathered Alice into her arms again. "There's still time."

"Time?" Edward asked.

"Time for everything," Bella smiled and took Carlisle's arm.

For the first time in years, he saw an honest heartfelt smile cross Carlisle Cullen's face as he looked first at Bella, then Alice, and back to Edward.

"There is time...if you want there to be."

Edward felt Jasper wrap an arm around his waist. He'd almost forgotten Jasper had stayed by his side through all of this. He wondered what Jasper thought and if he was still wanted to stay.

"I'm still hungry," Jasper answered Edward's unspoken question.

Edward followed his father and Bella out of the room with Jasper close behind. He wasn't sure where this was headed. Any of it. Not Carlisle and Bella. Not Jasper. But for the first time in a very long time, he wasn't scared about it. The five of them reseated themselves at the table and Jean showed up shortly, asking for their orders again. He also stated that he was very happy Edward was feeling better.

Alice got her waffle with extra strawberries and whipped cream. Jasper ordered a western omelet heavy on the jalapenos. Edward ordered an spinach and feta cheese omelet at which Jasper promptly made a gagging noise that made Alice giggle. The whole table broke out into laughter at the shocked look on Jean's face.

The omelets and waffles came and were devoured along with several trips to the buffet by all. They were just finishing up and getting ready to leave when a voice from the past invaded Edward's thoughts. Jasper had excused himself a moment before to go to the men's room.

"Well isn't this just cozy as all get out," James Archer's voice reached the table as he walked up.

He offered his hand to Carlisle.

"Mr. Cullen, nice to see you. Having a little tete with the family I see."

"We were just leaving. I'm sure we'll see you at the office tomorrow." Carlisle's coldness surprised everyone at the table. Everyone but Edward.

"Sure," James said and retracted his hand, stepping away so Carlisle could lead Bella and Alice away.

"Yeah, just like I told you...getting a fine piece of ass will melt a man's heart," James voice was guttural. Well actually Edward just thought it was gross.

"So, you never did tell me where you are getting your kicks these days, Eddie boy," James slurred the last couple of words. Edward realized he was drunk and it was barely two o'clock in the afternoon.

James leaned in close to Edward and touched his face. His breath was rank with the scent of cheap bourbon and Edward knew he had been right about the drinking.

"Take your hand off me," Edward said, pushing James' hand away and trying not to attract attention to them.

"Excuse me, but I believe the gentleman asked you not to touch him," Jasper's voice came from out of no where and it was harsh, almost like he was breathing fire.

"Oh hell, he's no gentleman...hey, it's you," James said as shuffled his feet and nearly fell on Edward.

"I don't believe I've had the displeasure of meeting you but if you'll excuse us, we need to be going," Jasper said, wrapping his hand around Edward's waist and leading him.

They didn't stop when James kept calling after them. They just kept walking. Kept walking out of the restaurant. Out of the hotel. All the way to the car. Once Jasper opened the door for Edward and closed it after he was seated, he walked to the other side and let himself in.

Jasper pulled the car back out into the traffic and Edward watched him as they drove. No words were spoken. Jasper said nothing and Edward was too afraid to try. He was afraid of what Jasper was thinking. He would have thought the same thing. A set up. It was too much of a coincidence that James happened to show up at the Waterford the same day they did. How was this happening?

The car stopped in front of Edward's condo but Jasper didn't turn it off. He wasn't coming in. Edward did not want to hear whatever it was that was coming. They both sat very still for what seemed like a very long time. Finally, Jasper sighed and spoke but he didn't look at Edward.

"I won't play this game. I can't."

Edward replied with the only words that would be fair to Jasper. He opened the door and said very softly before he got out:

"I know."

I know so sad and what an awful note to end on. Those of you who have been reading my stuff for a while know there's always a twist and maybe a little turn in my stories. So besides the bodily harm that so many have suggested for James, I'm open to suggestions from you the readers. Thanks so much for reading and reviewing!