A/N: The usual applies-big thanks to luckyj525 and MDealsWithIt for all their pre-reading with this story. They both rock:)
Disclaimer: I still own nothing. Stephenie Meyer owns Twilight and Mat Kearney owns "All I Need". I'm just borrowing both.
"The walls are shaking, I hear them sound the alarm
Glass is breaking so don't let go of my arm
Grab your bags and a picture of where we met
All that we'll leave behind and all that's left…"
Lucy's birthday was in August and as it drew closer, she became more and more excited. Jasper had an idea for the perfect present and so one night after the girls had gone to bed, Jasper found Alice on the deck, drawing, and he sank into the chair next to her. Alice didn't look up at first, her concentration fully focused on the paper in front of her as she made sure, even strokes with the pencil.
Since James's visit, Jasper and Alice had slipped back into their own little world. But Jasper was still uneasy, knowing what James was expecting him to do. He had debated with himself for days about whether he should tell Alice what James wanted. Finally, Jasper had decided against telling her. Right now, she didn't need to know. He didn't want to drag Alice further into this mess. She hadn't told him anything useful anyway so Jasper was hoping that by the end of the summer, he could go back to DC and tell James Alice knew nothing.
Jasper felt his heart wrench when he thought about the end of the summer, however. He didn't want to leave Alice and the girls behind but he knew he would have to; as much as he wanted them to be, they weren't his family. Alice hummed softly, the sound drawing Jasper back to the present and he smiled at Alice.
"I have a question for you," he announced.
Alice looked up at Jasper and grinned. "What is it?" she asked.
"I want to get Lucy a puppy for her birthday since that's all she's talked about all summer," Jasper said. "But I'm not stupid enough to get her a puppy without her mother's permission."
Alice laughed. "A puppy?" she asked. "You really want to get her a puppy?"
Jasper nodded. "It'd be great, don't you think? And that's what she really wants and I have a friend whose dog just had puppies and well, it's perfect," Jasper said in a rush.
"I suppose a puppy would be okay," Alice said with a nod. "I think we can handle a puppy."
"Really?" Jasper asked, his eyes growing wide.
"God, you look like Lucy when she gets excited," Alice said laughing. "Yes, really."
"Perfect," Jasper said, leaning back in the chair. "This is going to be the best birthday ever."
Alice laughed again. "I'm going to head back to DC tomorrow night," Jasper said. "But I'll be back early on Lucy's birthday," Jasper told her, thinking through plans for obtaining Lucy's puppy.
"Jasper, you don't have to do this you know," Alice told him, looking up at Jasper.
"I know. I want to," Jasper answered. "I kind of like your kids, remember?"
"Hmm, me too," Alice sad with a laugh before Jasper hopped up.
"I'm going to go make a call," he said. "Thanks Alice."
Alice nodded and watched as Jasper hurried off, thinking about how different he was now from the man who had walked towards her at the lake that day back in June.
The next afternoon, Jasper packed a small bag and got ready to drive back to DC for the night to pick up the puppy. He was whistling to himself and he was startled when he turned around to find Lucy in the doorway to his bedroom.
"Lucy, what's up?" Jasper asked, taking in her sad eyes.
"Do you have to go?" Lucy asked, sniffling a little.
"Hey," Jasper said softly, scooping Lucy into his arms. "I'll be back tomorrow morning before you wake up," Jasper told her. "You won't even miss me."
Lucy sniffed again and wiped at her eyes. "You promise?" she asked. "Tomorrow's my birthday."
"I know," Jasper said. "I promise—I wouldn't miss it for the world."
Lucy nodded against his shirt and Jasper picked up his bag, carrying them both to the kitchen where Alice was starting dinner. "You sure you don't want to stay and eat?" Alice asked.
"Thanks," Jasper said. "But I should get going. I can grab something on the way."
Alice nodded and watched as Lucy clung tighter to Jasper. "Luc, honey, let Jasper go," Alice said.
Reluctantly, Lucy released him and allowed Jasper to set her down. "I'll be back before you know it, okay?" Jasper told her again.
Lucy nodded and Jasper bent down to whisper. "And I'm bringing you a wonderful birthday gift."
Lucy smiled and nodded again. "Bye Jasper," she said, kissing his cheek.
"See you later," Jasper told her with a wink, straightening and looking at Alice. " Bye Alice," he said.
"Bye Jasper," Alice answered, and Jasper grinned slightly at the look of sadness that passed through Alice's eyes as she said goodbye to him. Jasper gave Lucy one last hug and then walked out the front door. Norah was sitting on the porch reading but she put her book down when Jasper came out the door.
"You know our dad promises her he'll be somewhere or do something all the time and he never does," Norah said, looking up at Jasper.
"I know," Jasper answered, sitting down next to Norah. "You can trust me though," he said. "I promise I will be back here tomorrow morning with the most amazing birthday present your sister has ever gotten."
Norah's lips twitched. "Pinky swear?" she asked, holding up her pinky.
Jasper laughed and locked his pinky with Norah's much smaller one. "Pinky swear," he said. Standing up, Jasper ruffled Norah's dark hair. "See you tomorrow," Jasper told her.
"See you tomorrow," Norah repeated and waved as Jasper got in his car and drove away.
It was early evening when Jasper pulled into the driveway of his friend Peter's house just outside the city. He got out of the car and headed to the front door knocking softly. It had been a long time since he had been here and he had a momentary feeling of guilt for shutting out so many people from his life, including one of his best friends.
A young woman with red hair opened the door and grinned when she saw Jasper. "Hi Jasper," she said, hugging him tightly.
"Hey Charlotte," Jasper answered hugging her back and smiling a little as well.
"Is that Jasper?" a booming voice called from inside the house. "About time he stopped by," the voice continued as Peter came into view.
"Hi Peter," Jasper said as Peter shook his hand.
"Good to see you Hale," Peter said, looking Jasper up and down. "Hey Char, I think Jasper is smiling," Peter said, glancing over at his wife. "What is the world coming to?"
Charlotte laughed. "He does look pretty happy," she agreed. "Things must be good Jasper?" she asked, leading him into the house and closing the door behind them. "You still working for James Brandon?"
"Yes, things are good and yes, I'm still working for James," Jasper answered, following Charlotte and Peter to the kitchen where Charlotte offered him coffee.
"Something's different about you," Peter said. After a brief pause, he grinned. "Who is she?" Peter asked.
"What?" Jasper asked, startled by the question. "No one," he said quickly. "I mean, there's no one."
"Right," Peter said in a skeptical tone. "Who's the puppy for then?"
Jasper smiled. "Lucy," he answered. "James's youngest daughter."
"His daughter?" Charlotte asked. "Why are you getting a puppy for his daughter?"
"Why does a man like James Brandon have a daughter is the better question," Peter muttered under his breath. Charlotte shot him a glare and Peter sighed. "Sorry," he said.
"Lucy's birthday is tomorrow and she really wants a puppy," Jasper answered with a shrug. Peter and Charlotte exchanged a glance and Jasper said, "James sent me to spend the summer with his family because he's been concerned about their safety and well, I'm kind of attached to his kids now."
Charlotte smiled knowingly. "Isn't his wife that pretty little thing from the Christmas party?" she asked.
"Alice?" Jasper said. "Um, I don't know, is Alice pretty?" he mumbled.
"Like you don't know," Peter said. "You better be careful Jasper," he said, his voice turning slightly grave. "You shouldn't mess with someone like James."
"I know," Jasper said. "Nothing's going on with Alice and I," Jasper said. "We're friends, I think, and I've actually been enjoying the summer. It's nice to have a break from everything in the city. That's it."
"Jasper," Peter said. "I know James Brandon and I know he didn't send you out there because he's concerned about his wife's safety."
Jasper looked away from Peter who stepped closer to him. "I also know that James is in over his head lately," Peter said. "He's pissing off the wrong people, getting nervous, trying to cover his ass."
Still, Jasper said nothing. "I've also heard that Alice knows something. That she could ruin him if she wanted," Peter put his hand on Jasper's shoulder. "Don't tell me that's not why you're out there."
Jasper sighed. He should have known Peter would have it all figured out. Peter had been working in DC for a long time, mostly doing Secret Service work and he was well known and well respected. He was the kind of guy people trusted, the kind of guy who knew things.
"James wants me to be his personal spy or something," Jasper finally admitted, his shoulders sagging. "He wants me to use Alice, find out what she knows and report back to him. But I can't do it," Jasper muttered. "I can't do that to her."
Charlotte made a sympathetic sound in her throat and Peter rubbed his hand over his face. "Jasper, what have you gotten yourself into?" Peter asked.
"What have I gotten myself into?" Jasper repeated, his voice rising. "James is the one manipulating his wife and somehow I got caught in the middle. I didn't ask for this you know."
"I know," Peter said. "It's just, people are talking Jasper, about the two of you up there all alone all summer. Everyone knows James has never been faithful. What better way to get back at him than seducing the bodyguard? I'm just telling you to be careful, okay? You don't really know Alice."
"I know her," Jasper said, his voice low and angry at Peter's not so subtle hints that Alice may in fact be using him. "Alice and I are none of your business," Jasper told him.
"Jasper, I'm your friend," Peter said. "I just don't want you to get caught up in anything that could hurt you."
"I never wanted to go in the first place and now he's got me digging for information and I hate it. I hate lying to Alice," Jasper said.
"She doesn't know why you're really there?" Charlotte asked, refilling Jasper's coffee mug.
Jasper shook his head. "Of course not," he said. "She doesn't need to be involved in this any more than she already is. But I'm not telling James anything. I won't hurt Alice like that," Jasper said firmly. "He doesn't deserve her."
Charlotte reached for Jasper's hand and squeezed it lightly. "You like her," she said softly.
Jasper nodded. "I do," he admitted. "She's perfect and her daughters, well, I never thought I'd want that," Jasper said.
Charlotte squeezed his hand again but Peter looked grave. "Jasper," he started to say.
"I know, Peter," Jasper said, nodding once. "I know what I'm doing. Nothing can happen between Alice and I."
Peter nodded but still looked skeptical. "So are you going to show me these puppies or not?" Jasper asked.
"Right, right, come on," Peter said, leading him towards the backyard.
"They're so cute, Jasper," Charlotte gushed, happy to change to the subject. "I want to keep them all of course but Peter won't let me."
Peter rolled his eyes and opened the door to the shed in the back yard. A large chocolate lab lay on a dog bed surrounded by squirming little puppies.
"They're about four weeks old now," Peter said. "The lighter one and the one with the short tail are already spoken for but other than that, you can have your pick."
Jasper sat down and watched the puppies for a moment. Mostly they were disinterested in him and continued playing with each other but one stumbled over to him and licked at his hand.
"Hey little guy," Jasper said softly, scooping him up and settling him in his lap. "I kind of like you," Jasper said laughing when the puppy licked his face.
"I think I want him," Jasper said, looking up at Peter and Charlotte.
"He's all yours then," Peter said as Jasper stood up with the puppy snuggled close to his chest.
Jasper insisted on paying Peter something for the puppy even though Peter tried to brush him off. Finally, they settled on an amount they could both agree on and Jasper gathered his things.
Charlotte smiled as she hugged Jasper and stroked the puppy. "Lucy will love him," she told Jasper.
"I hope so," Jasper said, grinning as well.
"Don't go so long without coming to see us next time, Jasper," Charlotte said. "We do miss you."
"I'll come see you again soon," Japer said. "Thanks for your help with this."
"Any time," Peter told him. "And remember, be careful with James, Jasper," Peter said.
"I will," Jasper told his friend, waving once more before he got back into his car. Jasper set the puppy in the seat next to him and he eagerly crawled back over into Jasper's lap.
Jasper laughed and drove to the pet store, stopping briefly to pick up a few supplies before driving back to his apartment. Jasper thought about just going back to Alice and the girls that night but he knew that was ridiculous. It was already getting late and he could just as easily get up early and drive back in the morning like he had originally planned.
Still, the thought of spending the night alone in his crappy little apartment depressed Jasper. He pulled into the parking garage and into the spot reserved for him and glanced over at the puppy. "Well at least I have you, huh little guy," Jasper said, reaching over and scooping the puppy up.
Jasper got out of the car and carried his things upstairs to his apartment, which he hadn't been inside of in nearly there months. Jasper glanced around and groaned a little. The apartment was simple, bare, cold. Jasper put the puppy down and he ran around the living room, sniffing at everything in sight before settling on Jasper's couch.
It was quiet and still in the apartment as Jasper flipped a few lights on, wondering what to do with himself. He missed the sound of little girls laughing as they got ready for bed and he missed having Alice to sit outside with as the sun dropped below the horizon. The house at the lake was more of a home than Jasper's apartment ever had been.
The puppy whined a little and Jasper clicked the leash he had just bought onto the small collar, taking him out and walking around for a bit. When Jasper came back inside and got ready for bed, he couldn't resist letting the puppy crawl into bed with him where they both fell fast asleep.
Early the next morning, Jasper parked his car in Alice's driveway and glanced over at the puppy fast asleep in the seat next to him. He had excitedly watched out the window for the first half hour or so and then had passed out on the seat.
Smiling Jasper picked him up and carried him to the garage. He grabbed the blanket they had used on the Forth of July and made a makeshift bed for the puppy in the corner, filling a bowl with water and placing it next to him.
"I'll be back soon," he said as the puppy licked at his face before Jasper set him down in the bed and headed up towards the house.
He made coffee and sat down with the paper just like he did every morning and it wasn't long before Alice appeared in the doorway. "You're back," Alice said, grinning at him.
"Told you I'd be back before you even got up," Jasper told her, pushing a mug full of coffee towards her.
"How was DC?" Alice asked.
"Short and sweet," Jasper replied.
"Did you get the puppy?" Alice asked.
Jasper nodded. "I want to see him," Alice said excitedly.
Jasper glanced at the clock and deciding that they had a little time before the girls would be up, he took Alice's hand and led her to the garage. They entered through the side door and instantly the little puppy came running over to them, stumbling slightly over his too big paws.
"Ohh," Alice said, bending down and picking him up. "He's so cute," Alice gushed, grinning as he licked at her face.
"He's a chocolate lab," Jasper said, petting the puppy as well. "He'll get pretty big but he should be gentle. He'll be great with the girls."
"Aww," Alice said. "He's quite possibly the cutest thing ever," Alice said, kissing the puppy.
Jasper laughed. "We should go back up before the girls wake up. I want it to be a surprise."
"Okay," Alice said with a small sigh as she put the puppy back in his little bed. Jasper took her hand again and he didn't even think twice when she kept her hand entwined with his for the short walk back to the house. They had only just got back to the kitchen when there were footsteps on the stairs and Lucy and Norah appeared in the door.
"Jasper!" Lucy yelled happily, leaping into Jasper's arms. "You're back," she said, hugging him tightly.
Jasper hugged her back. "I told you, you wouldn't even miss me," he said. "Happy birthday."
"Thanks," Lucy said excitedly. "Where's my present?" she asked.
"Lucy," Alice admonished her, trying not to grin.
"You'll get your present soon enough," Jasper said, setting Lucy down on the counter. "But first we have to eat breakfast," he said.
Lucy nodded as Alice pressed a kiss to her cheek and whispered "happy birthday' in her ear.
Norah grinned at Jasper and hugged him around the waist. "You came back," she said.
Jasper nodded. "I keep my promises," he told Norah.
Alice made pancakes and they sat around the table eating before Lucy excitedly turned to Jasper again. "Can I have my present now?" she asked.
"We have to go get you two dressed and ready to go first," Alice said. "Your friends will be here before you know it and I know you'll be distracted by Jasper's present."
"Okay," Lucy said with an impatient sigh. Jasper volunteered to do the dishes as Alice went upstairs with Norah and Lucy.
When the girls came back down, they were all dressed and Lucy proudly showed Jasper the new dress she had gotten for her birthday. Norah was wearing a sundress as well and even Alice had on a simple white dress that contrasted with the darkness of her hair.
"Okay," Alice said. "I suppose Jasper can give you his present now."
"Yes, yes, yes!" Lucy yelled, jumping up and down. "Where is it?" she asked, grabbing Jasper's hand and looking around the living room.
"I have to go get it," Jasper said, laughing. "Sit right here," he told her setting her down in a kitchen chair. "And close your eyes and don't open them until I tell you to, okay?"
Lucy nodded and squeezed her eyes shut as Jasper winked at Norah and took off for the garage. When he came back into the house, he called out, "Are your eyes still closed?"
"Yes," Lucy yelled back as Jasper walked into the kitchen. Norah squealed when she saw the puppy and Lucy wiggled in her seat.
Jasper placed the puppy in Lucy's arms and Lucy gasped when he licked her chin. Her eyes flew open and she looked down at the puppy in her lap. "This is my present?" Lucy asked incredulously.
"Happy birthday, Lucy," Jasper said grinning.
"Ohh," Lucy said, unable to say anything else as she hugged the puppy to her. "Thank-you, thank-you, thank-you," Lucy said, grinning up at Jasper.
"You're welcome," Jasper answered, laughing a little as the puppy squirmed in Lucy's arms. Norah moved over to pet him and laughed when he licked her face as well.
"You have to give him a name Luc," Jasper said.
"Samantha," Lucy answered. "Like from the book."
Norah laughed. "That's a girl's name Lucy," she said. "He's a boy puppy."
"Oh," Lucy said, her brow furrowing slightly.
"Maybe you could call him Sammy?" Jasper suggested.
"Sammy," Lucy replied and the puppy barked. "He likes it," Lucy said laughing. "Hi Sammy," she cooed, bending down close to the puppy.
"Sammy it is then," Jasper said, leaning back and watching as Lucy and Norah played with the puppy, giggling and talking loudly as Sammy climbed all over them.
After a moment, Lucy hurried to Jasper and hugged him tightly around the waist. "Thank-you, Jasper," she told him as he bent down to hug her back. She kissed his cheek and grinned at him.
"You're welcome," Jasper answered. "Happy birthday." Lucy took off again, both her and Norah tripping over Sammy who was running circles around their legs.
Alice laughed as well and squeezed Jasper's arm lightly. "Thank-you," she whispered.
Jasper nodded and followed behind as Lucy and Norah ran outside with the puppy, sitting on the grass with Sammy between them. The girls played with Sammy most of the morning until Alice called them inside to finish getting ready for Lucy's birthday party.
The house was soon full of a large group of little girls and their mothers, who all fawned over Jasper until he snuck out to the deck with Sammy, sitting in one of the deck chairs while the puppy slept in his lap. Jasper closed his eyes as well, feeling drowsy in the warm afternoon sun, the sound of little girl's voices providing some strange kind of lullaby as Jasper's early morning began to catch up with him.
Jasper heard a soft giggle and he opened his eyes slowly, seeing Lucy standing in front of him. "Lucy," Jasper said groggily. "Why aren't you playing with your friends?"
Lucy picked Sammy up and climbed into Jasper's lap. "They're all gone," she said, laughing as Sammy licked her hand. "The party's all over Jasper. You were taking a nap."
"Oh," Jasper said, noticing that the sun was much lower in the sky than he remembered it being. "Well, I'm sorry I missed the end of the your party."
"That's okay," Lucy said, leaning against him and yawning a little. "I was going to wake you up but Mommy said you were probably tired from driving back here so early and I should leave you alone," Lucy explained. "But we saved you some cake."
"Good," Jasper said, smiling. "I love cake."
Lucy giggled again and Norah and Alice walked onto the deck, Alice smiling when she saw Lucy and Sammy both in Jasper's lap. "Lucy, I told you not to wake Jasper up," Alice said.
"I didn't wake him up," Lucy insisted. "I just stood here and stared at him until he opened his eyes."
Norah laughed and Jasper nodded. "It's true," he said.
"Good," Alice said, sinking into one of the chair across from Jasper and Lucy. "I'm exhausted," Alice said softly, closing her eyes as Norah sat next to her, leaning her head against her mother's shoulder.
The four of them sat there quietly for a moment while the night air grew dark and cool around them until Lucy announced that she was hungry and Jasper stood up with her, heading to the kitchen to find something for dinner.
As they sat around the table, eating a random assortment of leftovers from Lucy's party, Lucy talked about all the new presents she had gotten from her friends while Jasper watched as Norah and Alice seemed to grow slightly agitated. They both seemed distracted and distant but Lucy didn't seem to notice and continued with a steady stream of conversation throughout dinner.
After dinner, Alice got both girls ready for bed and Lucy begged for Sammy to sleep with her until finally Alice agreed.
Jasper was sitting on the porch with the puppy when Lucy came out, dressed in her pajamas, her hair still wet from the bath. "Jasper, come tuck me in?" she asked, picking up Sammy and glancing at Jasper.
Jasper nodded and followed Lucy upstairs. Alice read to them in Norah's room and soon both Lucy and Sammy were passed out on top of the sheets. When Jasper bent to pick Lucy up to carry her to her room, she hugged him tightly.
"Jasper, this was the best birthday ever," she muttered against his neck.
"Good," Jasper said softly. "Happy birthday sweetheart," he whispered as Alice kissed Norah and picked up Sammy.
"I love you, Jasper," Lucy whispered against Jasper's shirt, her voice heavy with sleep.
Jasper glanced over at Alice whose eyes had widened in surprise. He could feel Lucy's breathing grow heavy and he knew the little girl was already asleep once again.
They walked to Lucy's room and Jasper carefully settled the little girl into her bed. Alice set Sammy next to her, smiling when Lucy snuggled next to the puppy. Alice whispered good night to Lucy and then Jasper bent close to her, brushing her hair away from her face and whispering, "I love you too, Lucy," in her ear before he walked quietly back downstairs with Alice.