Authors Note: It's been almost two years now since I've updated. I survived college and I have a full time job now using my degree. I intend to update a little more frequently as time allows so keep reviews coming!
"Let me help you up on Cash, you can ride back with me." Jasper said. I put my foot in the stirrup and he put his hands on my hips to help lift me up. He attached Opal's reins to the saddle on Cash so she would stay with us on the journey back and then got on behind me. With his arms around me holding the reins to Cash's bridle and me leaning back into his chest, we began the peaceful journey back to the barn.
When we arrived, we untacked and turned Cash and Opal out into the pasture. We parted ways after deciding to meet back up before dinner to discuss where we stand and the situation we were facing. I texted Paul to pick me up and we road back to the house making mindless conversation while the radio played in the background.
I went up to my bedroom when we got home and took a quick shower before crawling into my bed. I laid there thinking about my conversation with jasper and prayed that we would pull through this storm with Sam. I reached over and grabbed my phone.
Can you come up to my room? -Bella
I'll be up in just a minute. I'm finishing a sandwich. Need anything? -Paul
Nope. Just want to talk about my day. -Bella
Paul came walking into my room a few minutes later with a bottle of water that he placed on my night stand. I patted the bed next to me and Paul laid down on his back, staring at the ceiling. I curled into his side as he wrapped his arm around me.
"I told Jasper today. Everything. He took it well but I think it's time I tell dad and everyone else. It's been selfish of me to keep it to myself when they could be in danger." I told him.
"I'll stand beside you the whole time, Bella. I'm so proud of you for taking this step. Do you want me to be there when you tell them?" He asked me.
"I don't think I can tell them without you. I'm meeting with Jasper before dinner and I'm think I'm going to tell everyone at dinner. That way, all questions can be answered at the same time and I can get it over with." I told him.
I walked into the main house and was greeted by the smell of cookies baking in the oven. I walked into the kitchen where Maria was hand mixing cookie dough in a metal mixing bowl.
"Good afternoon Bella! Jasper said you would be by before dinner time. He's upstairs in his bedroom. Take some of these cookies up with you for y'all to eat." She said.
As I climbed the stairs, I couldn't help but become fearful for the conversation that would be taking place at dinner tonight. Part of me was worried that everyone would want me to leave, that they would think I was putting them into too much danger. Yet, part of me knew they would see my side of things and understand why I kept it from them.
I walked into Jasper's room and he was laying on his bed on his side. His eyes were shut and his mouth was parted open slightly. He was sleeping so peacefully and I was feeling put out that I was going to wake him up. I set the cookies down on the desk by his door and walked over to the empty side of his bed and sat down.
"Jasper?" I reached out and touched the arm that was draped over the pillow he wasn't using. His eyes opened and quickly found me. A small smile appeared on his face and he tugged on my hand to pull me toward him. I snuggled up to him and reveled in his scent. A mixture of musk and spices.
"I wonder what my mama would think if she found me snuggled up with a beautiful girl in my bed?" He smirked as I hit his chest playfully. He snaked his arms around me and pulled me close.
"You are a man of few words, Jasper Whitlock. But I'll be damned if they don't make me swoon." I giggled. He kissed my forehead as one of his hands grabbed the one on his chest. He began playing with my fingers.
"I think I'm going to tell them at dinner." I looked up into his eyes just as mine started to water. He sat up quickly, pulling me up with him. As he maneuvered me into his lap, the first tears started to fall.
"Don't cry, baby. We're not going to let anything happen to you. We protect our own and if that piece of shit tries to come around here, we're going to know. We'll have a plan in place long before he can get here. I won't let him hurt you again." He said.
"Can we stay up here until dinner and just be together?" I asked him. He nodded and laid back down. It would only be a matter of time before our sweet little bubble would be popped and we would have to face a world of many horrors.
Author's Note: Up next is dinner! I hope you're ready for the many reactions of our favorite characters!