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Disclaimer: All publicly recognizable characters, settings, etc. are the property of their respective owners. No copyright infringement is intended.
Big thank you hugs to Snarkymuch for beta'ing and Gredelina1, Arrr and Mary-Alice-Brandon-Cullen for pre-reading. Love you ladies.
This chapter is dedicated to Gwilwillith, WhitlocksHevyn bluefire-33, MommaVamp and nikkistew. The song for the last chapter was All Fall Down by One Republic
Chapter Eight — Walkin' in the Sunshine
Jasper POV
"I'm bored," Emmett groaned, thumping down on the couch beside me. This had become something of a catchphrase for him since Edward and Bella had left.
I was also bored, not to mention sad, anxious and close to checking their credit card records so I could track them down and make sure she was okay.
The first time that thought had crossed my mind, Alice dragged me from the room and told me in no uncertain terms that if I did that, I was going to drive them both away for a lot longer than they were planning.
It wasn't that I was worried something was wrong between her and Edward; in fact, since their last postcard reached us, I had been persuaded that they were doing just fine. Bella's cheery notes, and Edward's funeral reading style narrations had combined to show a much more reassuring picture. I was worried about her though. She had said she needed to be away to grieve, and I wanted to be there to help her.
They said they would call us and arrange to meet. But, other than one phone call to Carlisle in which she professed a desire to dive from the hoover dam – a conversation that left Esme so worried it had taken thirty minutes and a hefty dose of calm to settle her – we had only had postcards. Alice told us that they were fine and were just enjoying their time together, but I wasn't completely reassured.
"Want to wrestle?" Emmett asked.
"Not particularly. Why don't you go amuse yourself with Rosalie?"
"Because apparently even she has limits. She sent me to play with you."
"Well, Em, I'm flattered and all, but I don't think Alice would be amused."
He jumped to his feet and relocated to an armchair. "Dude, that's just wrong."
"You don't know what you're missing, Em," Alice called from the library. She was helping Esme make blueprints for her next project.
Carlisle had suggested that Edward and Bella may wish to live apart from the family when they returned. This had triggered another round of hysterics from Esme, which I had not been able to aid as I was having a difficult time deal with my own panic. When he had finally calmed her down, she was silent for an unusually long time, then announced that she would build them a home nearby.
"That way they can have privacy, but they will still be close."
It was a good idea, but there was no knowing whether it would work. I knew when they left that Edward was still dealing with his insecurities about their relationship. He may want their home to be further than a few miles away.
Because of the remoteness of our house here, and Carlisle's choice to work on research rather than in a hospital setting, we could stay here a lot longer than was usually possible. Best of all, we didn't have to play at being high school students here.
I wondered if Bella would want to return to school when they got back. She hadn't completed her senior year owing to her injuries and may want to graduate officially. As we hadn't faked her death, she could technically return to school under her own name.
I was pulled from my thoughts by the ringing of a phone. I pulled it from my pocket and grinned as I read the caller ID. "Bella." The word was barely out of my mouth before Emmett snatched the phone out of my hand.
"Bella! I miss you. Are you coming home?"
"Hey Grizz, not that it's not nice to talk to you, but I thought I called Jasper's phone."
"He stole it!" I shouted.
I heard her laugh delightedly. "Poor Jasper, you'll have to be quicker next time."
She sounded happy. I couldn't help but smile.
The others had all been drawn in by Emmett's voice, so he held out the phone so we could all hear.
"So are you coming home?" Esme asked hopefully.
"Oh, hey, Mom," Bella said. "Who else is there?"
There was a chorus of "me" from us all. I heard Edward chuckle and whisper something to Bella and her responding giggle.
"Are we interrupting something?" Emmett asked, grinning widely.
"No, but the maid service did," Edward said lightly.
We all stared at the receiver, mouths agog. This was not the Edward that went away two months ago.
"Anyway, we aren't coming home just yet. We are heading to Vegas next, but we were hoping you'd want to meet with us," Bella said.
Alice grinned broadly. She loved Vegas, not only was the nightlife ideally suited to our kind, but she enjoyed the opportunity to swindle the casinos. She said it was fair as they did the same to unsuspecting humans.
"That sounds lovely. When are you going to be there?" Esme asked.
Her excitement was purely at the idea of seeing Bella and Edward again, but was no less overwhelming than Alice's. Combined with my own excitement, and the glee from the rest of the room, and I was close to doing a happy dance.
"Well, we're just approaching the Rockies now, and we are going to stop and hunt, so we'll be there some time tomorrow morning."
Rosalie was already searching for flight times on the laptop. "There's a flight that will get us there around 3pm tomorrow."
"Alright, well call us when you get into town, and we'll arrange somewhere to meet."
We exchanged goodbyes, and Emmett hung up.
"It sounds like they're doing well," Esme said happily.
"Understatement!" Emmett chuckled. "Did you hear what Edward said? I always said that boy needed to get–"
Rosalie clapped a hand over his mouth, cutting off his words. "That is your sister you are talking about."
Carlisle cleared his throat awkwardly. "Yes, thank you for that Emmett. Disregarding their personal activities, they do sound happy, Edward especially."
"About time, too," Rosalie said, tapping away at the laptop. "There, we're all booked for tomorrow at nine."
"We're going to Vegas!" Emmett said happily.
We were going to Vegas, and I was going to see Bella. I couldn't help the silly smile that spread over my face.
xXx
"Jasper!" Alice hissed, elbowing me in the ribs. "You're projecting."
"Oh." I looked around and saw the rest of the passengers looking a little punch drunk. I reined in my emotions and sent out a wave of calm instead - apparently a little too much - as the people sitting directly in front of me fell asleep.
Emmett snorted, but I ignored him. It was partly his fault anyway; he was so hyped about seeing Bella and Edward again that I was having trouble blocking the emotions.
"I understand you are excited," Alice said fondly. "But if you don't calm down, you are going to affect the pilot. Which will in turn affect the plane, resulting in an emergency landing in the desert."
Carlisle's head snapped up. "Did you see this?"
"No, I was guessing. We will be fine, Carlisle," she reassured him. "I've already checked ahead, and we land just fine."
He relaxed back in his seat, his hand entwined with Esme's.
"I'm sorry," I whispered to Alice. "I'm just looking forward to seeing her."
"I know, so am I. Though I am looking forward to seeing both of them."
I frowned. I wanted to see Edward, too. He was my brother after all, but I had no idea how he would receive me. The last time we had been alone, we were each doing our best to rip the other to shreds. He and Bella left so soon after there was no time to talk or apologize.
I knew I had been out of line in what I had said to him. Bella was right. I was taking my anger with her out on him. Not that he was without blame. He had issues with my and Bella's relationship, but he was going to have to get over them. Alice accepted it without a problem, so should he.
"It will be fine," Alice soothed, seeing my clenched fists. "You both just need to talk."
I suspected Alice had seen more that passed between Edward and I than she had told the rest of the family. She had listened to me rant and rave about him for a few days. Then had sat me down and told me in no uncertain terms that I needed to let it go.
We had been mates for decades and had never been apart. Edward and Bella didn't have that comfort, so I needed to be more understanding. I had tried to explain that we hadn't been separated as neither of us were stupid enough to abandon the other, but she had cut me off with a glare.
She rested her head on my arms, and I buried my face in her hair. "I love you," I whispered.
She giggled. "I know." I closed my eyes and pushed away all else but her sweet scent and the feeling of her in my arms for the rest of the flight.
It is a little known fact for all but vampires, but airports smell absolutely foul. The mass of humans passing through - often after hours on a hot plane - creates a scent so pungent it almost completely overshadows the scent of blood. But even through the stench, I recognized two distinctive scents at the car rental counter. When Carlisle gave our names, the clerk handed over an envelope.
"A couple came by this morning and left this for you," she said with a smile. "I believe they have arranged alternative transport for you."
Carlisle thanked her and led us from the counter tearing open the envelope. A set of keys dropped out and a folded sheet of paper.
Hi Guys. We have arranged a car for you. It's in LOT C. More instructions to come. Edward and Bella x P.S Esme has to drive.
"More instructions to come," Rosalie said. "What does that mean?"
"I rather think they are playing with us," Carlisle said, his lips twitching into a smile. "It sounds interesting. And if I know Bella, she will not allow us to bypass any of their steps."
"A scavenger hunt! Awesome!" Emmett bellowed, drawing concerned looks from the humans around us.
"Shall we find our car?" Carlisle asked. We all nodded and made our way out to the parking lot.
Nevada weather is not ideal for vampires, and we were forced to be imaginative to avoid direct exposure. Emmett seemed to enjoy the added challenge and hummed the Mission Impossible theme song as we made our way outside.
I scanned the lot, searching for where Edward and Bella's scent was strongest, but they had done all they could to conceal it; every car in the lot had apparently been touched by them.
"Use the key fob," Rosalie advised.
Carlisle held it out and pressed the button. I heard the beep of the alarm, and my mouth dropped open.
"Holy crap!" Emmett said breathlessly. "It's a Hummer. They rented us a Hummer."
"Technically they rented me a Hummer," Esme said, grinning widely. "Since I am the one they say has to drive it." She looked thoroughly excited at the prospect. She snatched the keys from Carlisle and climbed in. "There's another note."
We climbed into the car and read the note she was holding out.
Congratulations. You have completed part one of the challenge. Your next step is to visit Studio Walk at the MGM Grand and find a sales assistant called Janet. She will have your next instructions. Edward and Bella x P.S Don't book a room. We have already arranged your lodgings.
Esme gunned the engine and drove us to the hotel. I could see why Edward – or more likely Bella – had said Esme should drive. It was a ludicrous sight to see soft and gentle looking Esme behind the wheel of the enormous car.
We pulled up at the entrance to the hotel and Esme tossed the keys to a gleeful valet. We stepped inside the lobby, and my head snapped up as I felt a very familiar wave of amusement. Easy to recognize through the maelstrom of emotion in the area due to its force. Bella.
My gaze search the lobby, but I couldn't see them. Wherever they were, they were hiding well; and as with the parking, they had spread their scent thoroughly.
'Hey, no cheating. You haven't completed your challenge yet. We'll see you later.'
A startled laugh slipped from me, drawing all eyes to me.
"What is it?" Alice asked.
"They're here!" I said, grinning broadly. "But we have to finish the challenge before we can see them.
"Nice, apparently Bella has picked up Edward's liking for stalking."
'Suck it up, Grizz.'
I shared Bella's response, and he laughed. It was surreal translating her words again, but rather than being upsetting because of the associations, it made me smile. I liked that she was still using this form of communication.
'Now go find, Janet,' she instructed.
There was no need to search for the mysterious Janet as she was waiting for us just inside the entrance to the retail area.
"You must be the Cullens," she said by way of a greeting. "I have been asked to give you this, but to tell you not to read it yet. First, you each need a formal outfit."
"We do?" I said blankly. Bella, the girl who lived in jeans and t-shirts, wanted us to wear a formal outfit.
"Yeah, you do. You're Jasper right? She said you might make trouble, but I was to remind you of who you're married to and think how much worse it could be." She wasn't remotely embarrassed about saying that; in fact, she seemed to be enjoying herself. This woman was a serious hard-ass. I liked her.
I went with Carlisle and Emmett to find suits while Alice, Esme, and Rose headed into a boutique. It didn't take us long to find what we needed. We were all well versed in the Alice Cullen Style Guide. When we were done, we went to the main lobby and indulged in some people watching while waiting for Alice, Rose, and Esme to join us.
Emmett and I were playing spot the nose job on the people trotting past, while Carlisle pretended to be too dignified to join us. When we graduated from spotting nose jobs to breast implants, he gave up the pretense and joined in.
"That one there," he whispered. "They are far too perky to be natural."
"What's too perky?" Esme asked, coming to stand beside us.
"That woman's breasts," Emmett said blithely.
Esme gave the woman an appraising glance. "Yes, far too perky. Rose and Alice are just finishing up now. Are you boys ready?"
Ten minutes later they arrived, laden with bags and radiating excitement.
"We can open the note now right?" Emmett asked excitedly.
"I think we have met their last challenge," Carlisle said. "Let's see what they have lined up for us next."
He tore open the envelope and a hotel keycard fell out with the note.
Congratulations. You have completed part two of the challenge. Your next task is to go to the Palms Hotel and find your room. We forgot the number, so you might have to try a few doors before you find the right one. Edward and Bella x
"Do they seriously expect us to wander a hotel testing doors till we find the right one?" Alice said incredulously.
"I imagine that is Bella's idea of a joke," Esme said fondly. "I'm sure if we ask at reception they will be able to tell us which room is ours."
"That's cheating," Emmett said piously.
"It might be cheating, but it is the sensible choice. If we get kicked out of the hotel, we may not find their next note," Alice said.
Not wanting to miss out on the next challenge, Emmett agreed, and we made our way out to wait for the car to be brought round.
"This is really quite fun," Carlisle said happily. "I don't know why we never thought of doing something like this before."
"Because none of us have the special brand of crazy that Bella possesses," Rosalie said.
Bite me Blondie!'
I snorted, but chose not to translate that little gem.
When we got to the Palms, Carlisle showed our key card at reception; and we were led to the twenty-fifth floor by an eager porter.
"Welcome to the Kingpin Suite," he said, swinging the door open with flourish. "Enjoy your stay."
Bella had to be the one to pick this out for us, it was insane. At the side of the room were two full size bowling lanes, on the far wall was a theatre size TV, and in the centre of the room was a pool table.
We were never going to be able to persuade Emmett to leave. He was gazing around the room with a look of wonder, and I knew it was only a matter of time before he lost his verbal filter.
Carlisle seemed to come to the same realization as he tipped the porter and ushered him out of the room.
"I see a note," Alice trilled, snatching an envelope from the centre of the pool table.
Congratulations on completing the final challenge. Hope you like the room. We wanted to get you the Hugh Heffner Sky Villa, but it was booked. A car will be picking you up at 9pm. Please wear the outfits you brought today. Love Edward and Bella x
"A car will be picking you up at nine," Esme read aloud. "Why can't we see them now?"
"Because they evidently have something planned for us. I say we allow them their fun. It's only a few more hours after all," Carlisle said reasonably.
"But what are we going to do until then?" Alice asked.
Emmett caught my eye grinning widely, and I nodded.
"We bowl."
xXx
Three hours later, we were all dressed in our newly purchased clothes and waiting at the entrance for our arranged car to pick us up.
"Oh no," Carlisle moaned. "Please not that."
I turned to see what was troubling him, and my heart sank. A hot pink hummer limousine was pulling up in front of us.
A black jacketed chauffeur climbed out and gave us a courteous bow. "Would you be the Cullen family?"
"We are," Carlisle said politely.
Without a another word, the chauffeur opened the door for us and gestured for us to enter.
"I'm afraid we don't have a destination," Carlisle said.
"Not to worry, I've been given an address. I am not supposed to tell you, though."
"Why doesn't that surprise me," Alice hissed. "They are having far too much fun keeping us in the dark."
"Doesn't feel that good when you aren't all knowing, does it?" Emmett teased, earning himself a dig in the ribs.
Unable to hide my smile, I climbed into the limo and froze; it was a pink neon nightmare. I sat down and fixed my eyes on the mercifully plain black carpet.
"Wow, it looks like Alice has been let loose in here," Emmett said, sliding in beside me.
The others climbed in and settled themselves down, each wearing similar expressions of shock at the interior. The chauffeur clicked the door shut, and a moment later we pulled out onto the strip.
I stared out of the window searching for a clue as to where we were being taken, but was unsuccessful. We drove for about ten minutes before coming to a smooth halt at the side of the road. The chauffeur opened the door, and we climbed out.
"No freaking way!" Alice gasped.
The shock of the family swept over me like a wave. We were standing in front of the Little Church Of The West Wedding Chapel.
Thanks to all that read and reviewed. If you would like a teaser from the next chapter let me know in a review or PM.
Once again thanks to Mary-Alice-Brandon-Cullen for the lyrics. Guess the song and artist and I will dedicate the next chapter to you.
~ How I wish that there were more than the twenty-four hours in the day. 'Cause even if there were forty more, I wouldn't sleep a minute away ~
