Chapter 10 Tattooed Cakes
"Ladies and gentleman, the pilot has turned on the seat belt light and we will begin our descent in Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport. Thank you for flying with us and enjoy your stay."
Here we go. I'm going to meet the mother of the man I love and ask her for her permission and blessing to marry him.
After the descent announcement I was lost in my thoughts once again. Worrying about what Edward's mother will think of our relationship. What if she says it's too soon? What if she says I'm not good enough for him, that I can't possibly make him happy. She's going to rip my heart out. God Damn it man. Calm the fuck down. You need to breathe. In and Out…In and Out…In and Out…
"Jasper, Honey are you okay?" Bella asked concerned.
"Ye….yea. Why?"
"I've been trying to get your attention for the last few minutes. We are making out decent. Make sure your belt is on, please."
"Sorry, it's on. I was lost in my thoughts." I whispered, playing with the seat belt strap.
"You will be fine, Jazz. Liz is going to love you."
"Easy for you to say. You're not asking the mother of the man you love, whom I have never met, for her permission and blessing to marry him." I said panicked.
"Jasper, stop. You're pulling an 'Edward'." She laughed.
"What?" I asked looking confused.
"I said 'You're pulling an Edward'. You're over thinking this Honey, just like Edward would if he was in your shoes. Breathe. "
"Oh, God. I am aren't I?" I asked.
"Yes, Jazz you are. Just relax, take a deep breath because it's time to meet the future mother-in-law." She laughed.
"Thanks."
Grabbing both carry-on's, we make our way off the plane and head to baggage claim to meet Elizabeth Masen, Edward's mother and hopefully my future mother-in-law, to have lunch, get to know each other and then I'm off to Dallas to promote Jazz Ink.
I can do this. It's only a couple of hours. I can do this. I can do this. I can do this. Shut up shit head, You're starting to sound like the little engine that could. You will do this, so in the famous words of Alice Whitlock, Put on your big girls panties and deal with it. Okay, here we go, we are jumping into this head first no looking back. Remember this is for Edward, the love we feel for him. Let's do this shit.
"Jazz?" Bella said grabbing my arm to stop me.
"Yea."
"You see that woman over there in the lavender jogging suit?"
I followed Bella's line of sight and my heart stopped. It's her, Edward's mom, my future mother-in-law. God, I can't do this, not now. She is going to hate me. She will never allow me to marry Edward with her blessing and I won't until I have her permission.
"Tha…..That's her. I stuttered as my nerves kicked it into overdrive and the butterflies returned with vengeances.
"Stop it right now. There is nothing to worry about." Bella said squeezing my arm, reassuring me.
The next thing I know Bella is shout across the room.
"MOM!"
I watched as Liz turned towards us and her face lights up like the fourth of July.
"Breathe, honey. She's going to love you." She says as she takes of running.
I can't help but laugh, because watching a pregnant Bella is funny as hell. I soon find myself standing behind Bella and I can't remember telling my feet to move, my palms are sweaty and I suddenly find myself feeling sick.
BPOV
Poor Jasper. He looks a little green around the gills. The poor boy is worried sick for no reason. Edward has done nothing but talk Liz's ear off for the past few weeks. Little does he know Liz will be joining him in Dallas for the weekend.
"Mom, I've missed you."
"Missed you too Belly."
"Liz, I would like for you meet Jasper Whitlock. Jasper, Elizabeth Masen."
"Pleasure to meet you Ma'am." Jasper said raising her hand and placing a kiss on her knuckles. Always the perfect southern gentleman. I laughed. Shit that was out loud.
"And what is so funny, Mrs. McCarty?" Jasper asked.
"The fact that you're already sucking up, it what's so funny Mr. Whitlock." I said laughing harder.
"It's a pleasure to meet you as well Jasper." Liz said smiling.
"Well, let's grab both of ya'll's bags and get some lunch before my flight takes off." Jasper says pulling out the southern drawl.
"No need to grab my bag. I have a connecting flight as well." Liz replied.
"Okay. Come on Bells, let's get your bag and then feed QB1." Jasper suggested.
"Sure. I've been craving Fruit loops since we got off the plane. What? Don't look at me like that. I'm pregnant. I'm allowed to eat anything I want no questions asked. Your job is to get me what I want and I want FRUIT LOOPS." I stated very seriously.
"Okay, Mama. Fruit loops it is." Jasper laughed, pulling out his phone as we made our way over to the baggage carousel. I noticed that my bag was already on the belt and went to grab it but before I could a hand came out of nowhere pulling it off the belt.
"Excuse me asshole, but that's my bag."
What is it with people these days?
"Sorry about that ma'am. My mistake. But, since we are here together why don't we grab a coffee and start our beautiful future together. I'm Mike by the way and you would be?" asked the creepy slime ball standing behind me.
"My wife, asshole." Jasper said in a very serious tone and look on his face.
Fucking asshole, tucking his tail and running off like a puppy afraid of a rolled up paper. MEN!
"And that fuck hole is why Emmett didn't want you flying by yourself. Pregnant and the guys are still falling all over you. Damn it woman, what am I going to do with you? Em's parents are picking you up correct."
"Yes, Dear. They are picking me up right outside of the security check point and I promise not to talk to strangers." I said sticking my tongue out at him.
"Jasper. Honey. Love. I really would love those fruit loops right about now." I said sweetly batting my eyelashes.
"Ma'ma, let me get you comfy and I'll do everything in my power to get those to you ASAP."
"Fine."
"Liz, where are to flying out to later?" asked Jasper. I'm guessing trying to make small talk.
"Dallas, why? Didn't you know that?"
OH, SHIT! I forgot to tell Jasper that part of the plan. You know, the part where is mother of his lover is joining him for his Tattoo Expo in Dallas. How in the hell am I going to get out of this one? Fuck. Think Bella Think.
"BELLA!" Jasper growled.
"I pled Baby Brain." I said as Jazz pulls me by the arm across the way from Liz and out of ear shoot.
"How in the fuck did you forget to tell me this part of the plan? What the fuck am I going to do with her when I'm working? I can't do this. I've got to change my flight. I'll just have everything shipped back to the shop or go down for it all later."
Damn it. He's stuck in his head again. This should be fun. Wonder how long it will take for him to realize I walked off.
"Bye Jazz. Going to find myself those fruit loops now." I said laughing and walking back over to Liz.
"Isabella McCarty. You didn't tell him I was accompanying him did you? How could you do this to him, Bella? He is going to drive himself crazy because of this. I may not know him myself, but if what Edward says is true the poor man is going to have a panic attack."
"Sorry, mom. I completely forgot honestly. This is the last thing I wanted to happen today. It's supposed to be a happy day and I fucked it up."
"Bella, language." Liz said sternly.
"Sorry."
"Damn it Bella. What the hell? You don't walk off from someone like that." Jasper complained.
"I walked away, Edward, because you weren't talking to me anymore." I laughed.
"What? I'm not Edward and I was talking to you about the fact that you didn't tell me Liz was also going to Dallas. You set me up Bella and I'm not happy about that one bit. Don't give me that look. Yes I get to get to know Liz better and will be able to discuss some more things with her in more depth, but you should have told me."
"Jasper, I'm sorry you didn't know ahead of time. If you do not wish for me to join you I can change my flight and head back tomorrow." Liz said calmly. Although I could hear the longing in her voice.
"Please don't do that Liz." Jasper said sadly.
"Jasper, I understand if you don't wish for me to join…." Liz started before I cut her off.
"Jazz, I know you are mad at me but would you have honesty flown with me out here if you had known Liz would be on your connecting flight to Dallas. No you wouldn't have because I know you and you are so much like Edward it's scary. So, put your big girl panties on and deal with it. Now, did you find those fucking fruit loops or what?" I asked stating the obvious.
"Okay, fine, you're right and I'm sorry to say I found no fruit loops."
"Fucking A. How in the hell am I going to survive the 3 hour trip back to Athens without them. Jazz, I need those. You don't understand, I have to have them, QB1 wants them." I said as the tears started flowing.
Stupid fucking hormones.
~~~~Two hours later~~~~
"Bella dear. We have to leave now in order to make our flight." Liz says.
"Okay. Bye Mom. Don't be too hard on him. He has passed my test with flying colors. Liz, he's the one. Edward loves him with every fiber in his being. Try and keep an open mind this weekend and follow your heart. Just a heads up, he is going to be asking some questions and he needs truthful answers from you." I whispered into Liz's ear as I held her in a tight hug.
"Questions?" she asked back.
"Yes Liz. Questions and he already has my blessing. That is all I'm saying."
"Bye Jazz. Please be careful this weekend and have fun. Don't forget to work on the sketch for my new one for me. Edward also said for me to remind you to please call him when you get settled into your hotel this evening. Love you, bye."
"Sure thing, Bells. Love you too." he says with a gentle kiss on my cheek and a quick rub over QB1.
After our good byes I head towards the security area to meet Em's parents so I can start my relaxing weekend of doing nothing. I know, I have that stupid reunion, but I'll be damned if I'm going to spend the weekend with a bunch of people I didn't know in Pastry school when I could spend it with the in-laws.
I spot Esme and Carlisle over by the doors and low and behold Carlisle is holding a bag of fucking fruit loops. I squeal and take off at a run for them.
"I LOVE YOU JASPER WHITLOCK! You are my hero." I scream and both of them bust out laughing, handing over the bag.
"Oh MY GOD! He called you. For this. This is what he was doing on his phone earlier. God if he wasn't gay I'd marry him for this." I ramble as I try and open the bag of sugary goodness and have no success.
"Daddy." I whine hold out the bag.
"Give it here." Carlisle says smiling and opens the bag with ease.
"We've missed you baby girl." Esme says pulling me into a hug.
"Let's get this show on the road girls. Long ride and yes Bella I have you a sprite in the car." Carlisle laughs.
"Cool. Let's hit the road."
~~~Meanwhile on the plane~~~
JPOV
I'm going to fucking kill her when we get home. The little shit set me up and I should have known. It was too easy for her to pull this off. What the hell am I supposed to talk with her about. I can't just flat out ask her on the plane that would be rude. I guess I can just talk to her like I do everyone else, I'll just have to clean up my mouth a little. I need to say something this silence is killing. I know I can ask about the bakery. That's something we have in common besides Edward. I was brought out of my thoughts when Liz took it upon herself to break the silence for me.
"Jasper, I would like to start by saying if I had known Bella was not going to tell you I was joining you I would not have come. However, I am looking forward to getting to know the man who has made my Edward so very happy."
"Liz there is no reason for all of this. Bella was right. I would not have come out here with her had I known you would be flying to Dallas with me. It has nothing to do with you that's just how I am. However I would like to know if Bella helped you book your hotel. " I explained.
"Yes she did. I have a suite at the Aloft Dallas Downtown. Why?"
"That's where I'm staying because it's located close to the convention center where I'll have a booth at the Expo this weekend. She did tell you about the Expo, right?" I asked worried.
"Yes she did and I'm very excited to be going with you.
"But there are a few things I would like to discuss if you would join me for dinner after we are settled at the hotel. I will need to stop off by the convention center as so as we land and check on a few things if that is alright with you. If not, I'll just meet you back at the hotel later."
"I have no problem with that Jasper. I would like to help you out in any way I can."
"I may take you up on that if my booth isn't built the way I wanted it." I laughed.
The rest of the flight was quiet and I once again got lost in my head, but this time it was about all of the shit I had to do before the Expo opened tomorrow at noon. I praying that Seth and the guys were able to get the booth built the way I needed it to be done. I had purchased two of the 12x12 spaces so I would have plenty of room to work as well as display so custom pieces I have done along with the flash art I would be doing this weekend.
All too soon we were landing, collecting baggage and grabbing a cab to the hotel. After checking in and going our separate ways I decided to call Edward and let him know I got in and settled. One quick call and a very cold shower later I was heading down to the lobby to take Liz out to dinner after a stop at the convention center to check the booth.
Thank god everything had arrived and in one piece. Seth and the guys did an amazing job on the booth, so all I had to do was set up all of the equipment tomorrow morning.
Dinner, this should be fun. NOT! I haven't been this nervous since I came out to my parents and for all I know Liz as already made her mind about me all because of what I do as a profession. I'm so fucked. What woman in her right mind would want her child to marry someone who tattoos people for a living? All I can do is pray that everything goes good at dinner and I can return home ready to carry out the rest of my plan.
After ordering our meal I decided to grow a pair and cut right to the chase.
"Liz? I know I gave you the wrong impression at the airport in Atlanta, but I just wanted to let you know that I have enjoyed the time we have spent together today and I'm also looking forward to the rest of the weekend. I would also like to invite you to help me out in the booth tomorrow."
"Jasper, I completely understand your reaction earlier and I can't say that I blame you. I can't think of a single person whom would have reacted differently. Okay, well maybe one, but that's beside the point. I would love to join you tomorrow. I'm looking forward to getting to know you better through your art." Liz replied sweetly. I couldn't help but smile because we both know that Edward would have had a totally different reaction then me.
After talking for a while longer we were able to enjoy a magnificent dinner and we are now waited for coffee and dessert; I knew I couldn't drag this out any longer. I had to get right to the point and just flat out ask her.
"Mrs. Masen, I know Edward and I have not been together long, but…"
"Jasper, why are you being so formal now?" She asked interrupting me.
"Please just let me get this out."
"Alright, Jasper. Please continue."
"Mrs. Masen, I know Edward and I have not been together for long, but I truly love him with every fiber of my soul. I can honestly say I have never felt this way about anyone in my life."
"And what way would that be?" she asked interrupting me again.
"I feel like there is a magnet pulling me to him. That's the only way I can describe it. It feels like I can't breathe, my chest hurts and my heart is aching for him right now because I'm not with him and that scares me shitless. But I also know that if I had to I could walk away if it meant he was happy." I explained close to tears.
"I know what you mean." Liz cried.
"Liz, I'm telling you this because I want to spend the rest of my life with your son. I'm asking for your permission to join my life with his so we can live as one. May I have Edward's hand in marriage?" I asked as the tears flowed freely now.
"Oh, Jasper. That is the most beautiful question I have been asked in over 30 years. Yes, Jasper, you have my blessing." she says with tears flowing down her cheeks.
"I do have one more question. Would you help me look for an engagement ring?" I ask sheepishly.
"Of course. But I do believe I have the prefect ring her with me."
This is the first time I have noticed the delicate chain that hangs around her neck. How did I not see this earlier? That's right, Bella throw us a curve ball. I notice as she takes off the necklace that there are two bands and an engagement ring hanging from it. Noticing this I look down at her left hand and notice she wears no wedding rings. But that must mean. It can't be, she wouldn't would she. I mean I know sons do this with their mother's or grandmother's rings but not for this.
"Jasper, I don't know if your realize that Edward's father passed away 13 years ago. I know that this may not be what you are looking for, but I think it would be perfect." She says as she removes the larger of the bands from the chain and slips her wedding set back on in its rightful place.
"It's perfect." was all I could reply before I pulled her into a hug and the tears started again.
"Enough of all the tears. It's time to dry our eyes and dig into these wonderful looking desserts."
"Thank you for both your blessing and the ring. I would like to invite you to join us for the fourth and celebrate with us. I plan on proposing then and would love to have you there with us."
"I wouldn't miss that for the world. It's not every day your son is proposed too." She said laughing.
The rest of the weekend flew by in a blur of ink, chats with Liz and talking up Jazz Ink. Liz even took to her own brand of promoting for Jazz Ink, walking around talking to anyone and everyone that her son-in-law was opening a studio in Seattle and it would be worth the trip if they were looking for custom work. The woman was amazing. Thanks to her I have 5 custom tattoos to draw up over the next 4 weeks and 3 appointments for next week. What a way to start out. Not only did she offer her husband's wedding band for Edward, but she shocked the hell out of me by asking me to tattoo her in honor of her late husband Charles to be place above her left breast. And to top off this busy weekend she called me son.
~~~Flashback~~~
I was working on a fairy located on the lower hip of a red head who is flirting with me shamelessly, stupid girl. When I noticed Liz was looking some of my albums of the custom work I had done.
"Jasper, your work is truly living art." she said almost wishfully.
"Thank you, Liz. You want me to draw one up for you?" I asked laughing knowing she would say no.
"Yes please." she said with tears in her eyes.
"Liz, are you okay?" I asked tell the girl I would be right.
"Yes Jasper. Today marks 13 years since Charles passed. I'm afraid I would be much help today."
"I understand. I'm so sorry. I didn't know. Edward never told me when he passed just that he was 15 at the time." I said pulling her into a hug.
"I was thinking of something to honor him. Something to symbolize my undying love for him. To go here." she explained pointing the area above her left breast.
"I would be honored. You think of what you would like and we will come up with something later."
One drawing, 2 hours of work and a picture, for my album, later I was looking at very happy woman.
"Thank you son, it's perfect." She said as the tears spilled over.
She called me son.
~~~End Flashback~~~
I was brought out of the thoughts with the announcement of our descent into Atlanta's Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport. Grabbing my carry on I make my way off the plane to find Bella already waiting on me. After pulling her into a hug I sat my bag down so I could pull out the little gift I got for her.
"I got you something for the trip home." I said heading her a box of fruit loops.
"Oh my god Jazz! You're the best man ever!" she squeals.
"I didn't want a repeat of last time." I laughed.
Boarding the plane, I'm once again lost in my thoughts and before I know we are descending into Seattle's Sea-Tac airport. Grabbing our bags we make our way off the plane and make our way to the baggage claim area. I spotted Edward before he saw me and I had to laugh. He was bouncing up and down looking around. Then our eyes lock and he starts running.
"Jazz!" he yells jumping into my arms, wrapping his legs around my waist and pulling me into a passionate kiss. You would think I had been gone for months instead of days.
"I love you babe. God I have missed you." he whispers against my lips.
"I love you too."
We were brought out of our little reunion by Emmett clearing his throat while pulling Bella into a hug as well.
"Let's go home." Emmett said grinning from ear to ear.