AN: Every once in a while, I get that drought of no muse and a my critical monster comes out, pretty much telling me everything I write out is crap. It's been a long drought, especially after writing for a few other fics this last month. I'm in mid-final as well, so there may not be another update until the end of the week. Sorry if any of you were waiting.

Do not own characters.

Chapter Eleven: 17 Weeks

I woke up after my nap to the ringing house phone planted on the end table by the couch. It was Bella with one of her daily phone calls catching up on anything new. On most occasions I had nothing big to tell her, but the bubbling excitement was just ready to burst when I realized that this time around, I did. She never pushed, but I could hear the curious tone over the line as she asked me if I got home okay with Edward the night before. I answered as calmly as I could, that I did.

"I hope I didn't come off as an inconsiderate jerk last night," She said on the other line, "Rose has had a rough few months, but I can't help but get aggrevated that she would make things more difficult..." She huffed.

"I understand it's a complicated situation." I sympethized, settling the book I had fell asleep reading on the coffee table as I sat up straighter. The last few pages of the book was a blur in my mind. I'd knew I had to re-read it to continue on.

"Did...Edward tell you what happened?" Bella asked after a brief pause.

I wasn't sure how to answer. I didn't want Bella to believe that Edward was in anyway spreading gossip or giving me inside information, "He didn't specify much, just told me enough for me to understand what was going on." I bit my lip, waiting for her answer.

"You were bound to find out sooner or later. We're a pretty tight knit bunch and seeing how much Edward wants to keep you close, he'll obviously willingly tell you all you need to know, especially if it'll help you stick around longer-" She rattled on, but my thoughts took a detour at her statement.

Edward wants to keep me close?

And what exactly did she mean about me sticking around?

"Bella?" I cut through her explanation, "What did you mean by...?" I wasn't sure how to word my thoughts exactly. Did Edward tell me what he did because he knew that I felt an odd connection to Rosalie and the distance she kept from everyone especially someone she was close to? Did he want me to know I wasn't alone? Or was I just thinking too deep about this?

"Oh..." Bella caught onto her slip, "Jasper, don't think that we're concocting ways for us to wiggle our way in. When I said that about Edward, I mean, he wants you comfortable with your situation. We all have problems and personal fears to overcome," She said boldly, her voice unwavering and honest as usual, "And although your situation is grander than most we've seen, you're going to find that you're not alone."

I sat there, piecing together her words and feeling just a bit relieved and comfroted although the answers to my questions weren't directly answered. I got the gist of it, and it was a relief hearing it from someone that I was beginning to trust full-heartedly.

"Thank you." was all I could muster through the phone.

Bella eventually found out about Edward's sleepover, although it wasn't through me. The next morning, I awoke to the shrilling phone and to an even higher shrill Bella. It was up until that point that I realized just about everyone had some inane belief that Edward and I were potential for a relationship. The idea of it made me feel a humming tingle throughtout my body and gave me random spurts of blissful smiles, but the realist in me knew that such a thing couldn't happen.

Bella briefly informed me that Alice attempted a surprise morning visit the morning Edward stayed over. When she didn't find him home, she called just as he was leaving my apartment for work. After a few pushing, Edward let slip that he was indeed still in El Segundo, just not home - Alice pieced together the rest.

"So, of course everyone knows now." Bella added with an apologetic tone, "I won't ask what happened, Jazz-"

I sighed, "Nothing did," I couldn't help but smile into the phone despite Alice's quick mouth. I didn't mind that everyone knew he slept over, afterall, he was the third on the list of Cullens to do so. All I needed now was the overnight company of Carlisle and it would have been the whole family, "I asked him to keep me company-" I had to pause as Bella squealed again, "and he fell asleep." Well, I couldn't say that was exactly the truth. I knew why Edward stayed the night over, but telling Bella would be admitting to the small panic attack and breakdown I had earlier. She worried enough as it was.

The call ended with Bella in high spirits and the contagion of her attitude seeping into my own mood. I bounced around the apartment, just like the day before, making a light breakfast and settling on the couch to catch some morning cartoons. When I was done and quite filled, I let my attention fall back on the thick envelope on the coffee table. With a cock of my head and a burn of anticipation, my hands wrapped around the thick enclosed package and I opened the small flap, gasping at the thicket of green paper. A small slip of paper was nestled behind the bulge. I pulled it out, noticing the familiar, neat handwriting:

Jasper,

I know how uncomfortable this must be, but I implore that you at least settle for this, if not taking my father's checks. Unfortunately if he was to find out you have gone this long without cashing them, he'd be hurt. So for the sake of my father's feelings and your well-being, please accept this. No arguing, love.

Yours,

Edward.

I stared at the paper, my fingers tracing the written words, taking in the affectionate name. Was he that comfortable to call me such a thing, or did he use that to his benefit, knowing I would just give in? I stared at the money in the envelope, not able to digest the amount. They were all hundreds, so it was easily at least $2,000.

Could I take this?

My eyes wandered over the letter again, this time turning it over to make sure there wasn't anything else left for me to go over. I exhaled seeing a blank side. I knew I had a choice. I could step away from Edward, from his family, from Bella, but the painful realization was I didn't want to. And what came with that was the consequence of letting them help me. It was clear that my stubborn ways and lack of communication was stressful for them, but in the end, I gave in to my selfish desire to have Edward and his family as emotional support. I explained to myself that they would be good for me while I was still expecting, but afterwards when I was a father, I would let them go, because naturally all reasons to keep contact would cease.

I'd be selfish and when reality settled in, I'd be too concerned about raising my child.

The weekend progressed with surprise visits from Alice and Bella and a random check-up from Carlisle who had claimed he was just in the area and wanted to see how I was doing. The girls seemed just a bit too eager to talk about up-coming events and work in ways for Edward and me to keep in the same room for more than an hour. One of the events discussed was Rosalie's baby shower, which was going to take place right after our Expecting Care meeting at the Cullen house.

Carlisle - who had coincidently came a few hours after the girls - had asked if I was going to drop by to visit. He, in no way implied I had to, like Alice, but I could see it in his eyes that he'd be fairly crestfallen if I was to decline.

I simply couldn't understand why this family felt I needed to be in their company. Granted, I knew the history, but despite their gusto to make sure I was healthy, I couldn't quite figure out what else it was. Would I figure out before my child was born?

Carlisle mostly stayed for tea and conversation, but left a lingering presence when he stepped out an hour or so later. It had me thinking the rest of the weekend. By Monday, he was back again, checking my health, looking through my journal and sparking some innocent conversation. My mind, up until that point was muddled with false hope and suddenly infected with his son's presence. Edward hadn't called the last few days and like hell, I felt his lips on my forehead everynight. I found myself knowingly tossing and turning, thinking back to the money he left that I had secured in my bank account that day I opened the envelope. Something in me trusted him without hesitation and it scared me more than I could understand. And with Carlisle so close, fingers pressed against my pulse, frowning slightly as he kept his eyes on his watch, I felt some wall in me crumble.

"Carlisle?" It came out frantic, but I hadn't meant for it to.

His eyes shot to mine and he dropped fingers on his lap. His face, as always, was stoic and peaceful, but his eyes tightened in worry, "What is it, son?"

"I-" I hesitated for a moment, considering what this may do to our impersonal relationship, but I was too curious, "Can you tell me why you're doing this?" I waited for his expression to harden or for him to frown, but instead I got a confused look, "I know you say it's for my health, but that can't be enough for you. All this effort that everyone goes through can't be all for that."

"What makes you think that, Jasper?" He spoke these words with genuine interest, folding his hands over his lap.

"You don't know who I am-" I growled in frustration with myself, "I'm not saying that I change my mind about anything. I'm trying to trust..."

"Trust us?" He added softly, "I know this is hard for you. And you really are doing a good job letting everyone dote on you as they please," He added with a smile, "We clearly see that you're capable and strong and quite stubborn," And with this he chuckled deeply, "You're not thick or foolish, Jasper. What I see is someone who has had a difficult time trusting people. Your health is important, but just as much is your well-being. Is it wrong for anyone of us to want you happy? Must we have an agenda?"

"I don't think of it as a motive," I folded my arms over my chest, retracing what I had said, "I just mean with your history, maybe..." I didn't want to say Alec's name, or even bring to his attention that I knew, but something in the way his body stiffened alerted me that maybe he caught on to my trailing sentence just a bit too well.

"Yes," He said oddly, "Yes, we do have history." Our conversation died then. If we were impersonal before the conversation, I felt like a complete unwanted stranger after. Carlisle fingered through my journal, his eyes distant before he closed it with a final sigh. Without glancing at me, he dug into his shirt pocket, pulling out a folded piece of paper. He leaned forward, placing it on the living room table before sitting back.

I felt a tension growing in the room. We sat in silence, me shifting uncomfortably in my seat as I realized my mistake and him in a pensive moment. After we had successfully kept up the silence for a minute or so, I cracked, "I'm sorry. It was wrong for me to bring that up..."

Carlisle's fingers, which were tight on his lap, relaxed, "There's nothing you should be sorry about Jasper," He watched me with a concentrated gaze, "And please, do not be put-off by my reaction. I can't say I've quite come to terms with that patch of my past," He shook his head, "I don't think any of us had." I felt a bit invasive and that made me uncomfortable, more so than having the Cullen family step in my own personal bubble. I reconsidered any outside communication with them. Maybe we were in each other's spaces too much. Maybe baby showers and random calls were overkill.

With grace, he stood to his feet, still as calm and as collected as he was when he entered the house. He was reading my face now, "Jasper, now don't go thinking this puts us at odds," It was as if he was reading my thoughts - a trait Edward must have inherited, "You can talk to me about anything, no matter how painful it is for either of us. Like I stated earlier, your well-being is as important as your physical health. And I would like to see you at the shower." He walked over to where I sat, laid his hand on my shoulder, "Would you mind having someone accompany you to the A.I.S office tomorrow?" He asked.

I frowned, not sure how to answer. I was supposed to be getting my sonograph. From what I gathered from the girls at Expecting Care, it was supposed to be an intimate moment, usually with two parents, "I don't know," I answered hoenstly, "I'm going to be seeing the baby for the first time-"

"You're getting your ultrasound?" He was beaming. It was so weird and yet comforting to see a man like him smile so brightly, "Are you excited?"

"I am." I nodded, feeling my cheeks blush.

"Then it would be wrong to impose that Edward-" He stopped, catching my averted gaze, "Okay, maybe Alice could drive you there and pick you up?"

I frowned, "Um, I'm fine getting there by myself. There won't be any more tests." I wanted to say with conviction, but the concerned look he gave me, reminded me that Carlisle clearly didn't trust them at all.

Carlisle seemed to be thinking quite hard about what he was about to say, "Would you mind if I came with you?" He searched my eyes for a second, then scratched his head in agitation. He looked uncertain of my answer, I noticed. It suddenly became apparent to me that Carlisle was coasting the waves of more emotions I had ever seen from him before. If there was anyone who could accompany me to this, could it be Carlisle? The trench between us suddenly seemed to resemble more of a crack. There was more to Carlisle Cullen than I was aware of. There was something to be trusted, there was comfort.

And the reminder remained; this was definitely Edward's father.

"Are you sure?" It wasn't a question I was used to asking. It suddenly felt like I had the upperhand in the situation - which was something that startled me completely.

"I'm more than sure, son," He said with a relieved smile, "I can accompany you as your doctor."

I straightened myself on the couch. He settled beside me, waiting patiently for my answer. It didn't take long to think it over. The A.I.S appointments were really the only times I had to myself, yet the moments when I felt most alone. I thought back to the tests and had to hold back a shudder. I was ready for the change, "I'd appreciate that."

The next morning Carlisle picked me up, driving me to the office as if he commited it to memory. We both came to the conclusion that it was best to keep the trip to ourselves. It was a bit deceptive. I felt uncomfortable with the decision, but I knew that although I was ready for Carlisle to see this glimpse of my world, I was afraid of how it would change everyone else - namely, Edward. I was giving in to blind faith one step at a time. It may have been the overwhelming fear of rejection that kept me from taking the actual leap, but I didn't let that crush the notion that I was progressing.

My doctor seemed somehow flabbergasted when she greeted Carlisle in her room with me. Her eyes flickered between us when he stated that he was my personal doctor and she nearly lost her usual professional calm when he labeled himself a friend. Actually, I was sure I was on the same wavelength. I had become comfortable with meeting him every week and our company was usually kept with tea and light conversation, but never had I considered the compassion he had for my situation relative to that of a friendship. It was like having someone switch a light on in a room when all I had was a candle. Was this how everyone else felt?

My doctor briefly mentioned the standard procedure of my 17th week visit to Carlisle, getting a polite nod from him, although his expression remained that of what a Sunday school teacher would have. He asked short scientific questions that I didn't understand. My doctor hesitated for a moment, each time before answering carefully. When she had briefly left us, Carlisle turned to me with an apologetic smile, "Does this make you uncomfortable?" He had taken to sitting in her chair, which she had generously offered due to her uncharacteristic pacing.

I shook my head, "No," He didn't seem to believe me, "But I'm not sure what you were asking."

He nodded to himself, "I'm making sure they don't repeat the same mistakes twice." Was all he gave me before the room's door clicked open and my doctor wheeled in a massive device with a small screen attached. When it was set-up, she asked me to leaned back, relaxed and lift my shirt. I did as I was told, but not before shyly glancing over at Carlisle who seem to be distracted by the machine.

The process was a bit unerving, but I was able to keep my cool, especially with Carlisle, more friendly in his manners, asking questions I was certain he had the answer to and had a hunch was asking for my benefit of a small bit of knowledge. A glob of what horrified me into being lube, was smeared on my stomach. I shuddered despite myself and got a genuine apology from my doctor when she didn't warn how cold it was.

Almost at once, we all looked to the screen, in search of who was growing inside me. I heard Carlisle sigh and my doctor gave a glittering smile when she gestured to the curled fetus, noting the heart and angle the baby was facing.

"Look, he's giving us the thumbs up!" For the first time that meeting, she actually seemed to have forgotten Carlisle was in the room. She made a motion to the screen, gesturing towards my baby's head, where his finger was raised as if giving me the 'O.K.'. I smiled, getting the bubbling joy of the small glimpse of who he was.

And then it hit me.

"He?" My voice came out cracked.

"Yes, I believe what we are staring at is your budding baby boy."

I woke up with the distant memory of a little girl reaching up for me to take her in my arms, a bed with someone warming the other side. I could recall the big, light brown eyes of James as he whispered goodnight to me.

It was a nightmare, yet each time I tried to forget the little I could remember, that little girl came back up almost as a reflex to my memory.

Then it was briefly forgotten when I felt the aching pain that was my blatter - the actual reason I was shaken from my dream. I tossed my blanket back and got out of bed, scurrying to my bathroom. When I was done, I showered briefly and started my morning routine, knowing I'd have to prepare for the day.

The last 24 hours were a blur. All I could remember was the picture I saw on that screen, which was now balanced against the empty frame on my nightstand - the frame which had once had me and James. Carlisle had stayed with me for a few hours before regretting an early departure due to work. I wanted to share the news, I was giddy with excitement. I had sat there with the freshly printed paper in my hand, staring down at him.

Who could I talk to about this? Who did pregnant mothers usually call? I had brief flashes of previous Expecting Care meetings. Bella said she and Mike found out she was pregnant together, so the first person she called was Esme then Edward. Even Victoria said she told her mother first, who offered a lot of emotional support. Tanya, who was at home with her baby girl told of how she immediately drove to her mom's house in a hurry to tell her - which she later regretted due to her recklessness.

They all had had one thing in common - they told a mother figure.

I stared at myself in the mirror, recalling that pang I had the previous night. It was 5 years since I had spoken to either of my parents, so the idea of calling my mother felt so foreign and...painful. I knew I could. It was very possible to contact her. She was always adamant about communication and always boasted about keeping the same contact information to give family no excuse about losing communication with her. She had even become privy to the internet and bought her on cell phone.

I blanched at myself in the mirror.

When had I ever let myself think about my mother?

She was a taboo in my mind, something to be avoided, along with my father.

I pushed the thoughts to the back of my mind, throwing on what was once loose jeans, but felt snug around my waist, before fumbling with a shirt I barely ever worn due to the fact that it wasn't mine, it was James. It was only after throwing it on and realizing how much it fit me, did I realize whose it was.

My past was coming to haunt me.

And a bit of me was accepting that this was karma for letting myself slip. I kept the shirt on, before walking upstairs to start breakfast.

The meeting was shorter than our usual, but merely because our day was to continue at the Cullen Residents. Alice had greeted me and my front door that afternoon. I had half expected Edward and was a bit crestfallen to see her instead. She had urged me to hurry and I did, which ultimately resulted in me leaving Rosalie's present at the house. After the meeting, everone went into their seperate vehicles, I along with Alice, Rose with Esme and Bella. I had to make the quick pit-stop at my apartment before we met up with them later.

We stepped into the narrow hallway of my home just as I dashed into my room to my dresser where the present waited.

Alice followed, arms crossed, "So my dad came over yesterday?" She asked in her non-chalant way of easing into a topic she was curious about.

I was too distracted making sure everything was assembled in the gift bag I had bought along with the present, "Yeah." I answered, not aware of what she was getting at.

"But I thought you had your A.I.S appointments on Tuesdays." She stated with a definite edge to her tone.

I stopped in mid-action, catching her intentions an answer too late.

"Mmm hmm, that's what I thought." She nodded, giving me a hard look.

"Look, Alice..." I bit my lip, not sure what I was going to say. I didn't want anyone to know, merely because I didn't want them to ask what was going on or feel offended that it was Carlisle that came with me. Esme was good emotional support, despite the fact that I wasn't completely open with her and Bella was an angel in every way imaginable. And Edward...I wasn't quite sure what he meant to me, but I couldn't picture this small progress I was working at without him. Just when I was working to say something, Alice's attention seemed to have shifted. She had taken to glancing around my room in her patience when her eyes landed on the novel I couldn't bring myself to finish in the last few days due to the pace my brain had been going.

"Where'd you get this?" Alice asked, lifting it up, glancing at the cover.

"At a second-hand bookstore. I haven't finished it, but so far I have found it useful and the story really good." I took the oppurtunity of distraction without hesitation. She held the book in her small hands, her eyes never leaving the area where the author's name was scribbled in big print. She seemed to be in deep thought.

"Is it about the author?" She asked smally.

I frowned, "It's loosly based on her, I suppose." I didn't quite understand the question.

"Is it okay if I borrow this?" She asked.

I nodded, glad to at least hold her off from getting into my A.I.S visit with Carlisle, yet a bit concerned about her sudden interest in my reading choices. I shrugged it off, noting that Alice was in fact a hobby addict and could just about find anything interesting in the dullest of situations. She was in fact one of the prime reasons I had enjoyed going to Expecting Care in the beginning.

For the first time in my knowledge of knowing Rosalie Hale, I could say with conviction that she was happy. Her long, blonde hair hung over one shoulder, the black dress she wore, fitted and worked quite well with her maternal figure. She smiled brightly, blushing when attention was brought to her by the group, but nonetheless, she took the spotlight with grace. Something about her seemed radiant and alluring, despite what I had already knew about her.

Tanya was close company, showing her daughter and introducing those that hadn't met her husband, who was a gentleman and quite funny. Bella's husband arrived a bit before dinner, getting a big hug from Esme whom fussed about not seeing him in ages. Bella even took the moment to seperate us from the crowd of laughing and loud conversation for a proper introduction.

I shook Mike's hand, who held my grip slightly loose, but pulled me into a side hug, "So you're the one giving my wife aneurysms." He chuckled, getting an elbow in the rib from Bella. Mike, even in his work attire, was a bit of a goofball and the complete opposite of what I expected - an overbearing husband. I was very much aware of how much he cared for Bella by the way he offered to get her drinks, ask how she felt and pretty much waited on her like royalty, but he still remained at ease and interactive with everyone else.

The shower took much of the afternoon and evening with games and a big dinner cooked by Esme and surprisingly Carlisle. We ate, drank strawberry lemonade as Esme shared some interesting stories about Alice and Edward when they were infants and toddlers. I found myself enjoying the ease of family and friends, but still that blackhole of pang came back stronger than it did that morning. I thought of my mom's summer barbeque's, the shimmer of golden blonde as my cousins scattered around in our yard, chased around the big tree posted next to the picnic table. I pondered if she still held the events, if dad still worked the grill, if everyone laughed and danced obnoxiously to my father's old bluegrass albums. If they ever spoke of me and what I was...

Then my thought warped and transformed as the conversation at the table continued; Where was Edward?

We had gathered around in the backyard, looking over the valley of the city, our conversation dying into a hum as everyone forked over their presents. Rosalie unwrapped what seemed like an unlimited load of diapers, onesies, pink bibs and a spa retreat gift certifcate from Alice alone. Esme and Carlisle banded together and bought her something they said was waiting at home for her, which I knew to be a crib. Bella and Mike purchased a baby carrier, Tanya got her a back massager and a box set of Sex and the City, jokily saying that she's appreciate it when she's kept up in the middle of the night with nothing to do. Rosalie opened my gift bag, pulling out the wide, pink photo-album gingerly. Her fingers traced the words and I could make out a ghost of lingering in her eyes as she read what I had personally had customized in gold on the cover;

When there is nothing else, there is always HOPE. - And that's enough.

She whispered a soft "thank you" And surprised everyone and myself when she got up to give me a tight hug. I could hear the "Awws" of the women before Rosalie pulled away, her eyes swimming in tears.

"You're welcome." And I meant it.

Conversations picked up once again, and before I knew it, everyone was getting up to gather in the family room to relax and have dessert. Esme passed around slices of cake and we all moved on our talk from baby care to movies. Mike was just getting ready to re-enact a scene from Arnold Schwarzenegger's movie Kindergarten Cop, when Edward stepped into the family room, looking tired and dishelved, but nonetheless happy to find everyone enjoying the shower.

"Honey, have some cake!" Esme tossed over our heads.

"And what took you so long?" Alice had added before he could speak, "I have been texting you all evening."

"I apologize, Rose," Edward, donned in a vintage grey tee and casual jeans, jogged over to the blonde before giving her a side hug, being mindful of the plate in her hand, "I had trouble getting your gifts to arrive." He added with a wink.

"It's fine." She dismissed, rolling her eyes, but she seemed to forgive him nonetheless. Edward greeted everyone, kissing his mother on the cheek before getting a pat on the back from Carlisle. I watched in silence, noting how he didn't leave anyone out, smiling politely and falling right into the rhythm of the gathering. I did, however, realize that he hadn't said one word to me. I felt an ache of rejection before shaking off the idea that he needed to pay special attention to me anyway. It was easy to forget just how compassionate him and his family could be to anyone. I couldn't let it get into my head that I was anything special.

I thanked my agitated bladder for a moment to excuse myself. I walked across the hall to the guest bathroom, getting a moment to myself. Once I relieved myself, I washed my hands, staring at my reflection for the second time that day. It was hard to digest just how much I enjoyed being around these people. I wouldn't have said I was the center of attention all night, but I was part of the conversations, had moments alone to talk to Bella, her husband, Alice and even Rosalie. It was like enjoying my time with friends. I sighed, throwing the delusion to the wind, before opening the bathroom door. I jumped back slightly, seeing Edward, his back against the opposite wall of the bathroom door, waiting patiently.

It seemed as if he was in queue for the restroom, "Sorry if I was long." I apologized, making to walk past him, but he asked me to wait.

"How are you?" He asked, throwing his hands into his jeans, before jerking them out and raking his hair without thinking.

"I'm better." I said shortly after, trying to figure out just exactly what he was asking about.

"You didn't call..." His voice trailed off. His green eyes were emerald stones, focusing on me as if he was trying to read between the lines.

I suddenly felt like a fool, forgetting that I not only had control in my situation with Carlisle, I had it with his son as well, "I didn't know you wanted me to." I shook my head, almost wanting to laugh at my foolish assumption, "I was waiting for you to call?" I asked myself, rather than him. And why exactly would he do that? He doesn't need anything from me.

"Would you mind if I called you?" He asked, throwing me out of my thoughts. Why would he call me? As if reading my confusion, he continued, "I like talking to you Jasper. All I want to know is if you feel the same way." My heart jolted in my chest as i tried to read past his words.

"I do..." I said lamely, getting a small smirk in response.

"I don't want to overstep bountries." He corrected and I suddenly felt like a fool for even considering he meant more than what he said. My walls were cracking under no pressure other than my delusions.

"Sure."

The doorbell rang and the the room died down to a low hush as Esme and Alice commented on who it could be. Just then, Edward turned his gaze down the hallway. He suddenly looked anxious. Without another word, he turned towards the door, walking in the general direction, but not quick enough to catch up to his mother and sister. Whomever it was had somehow passed the gate, so it was someone they knew - someone Edward knew judging by the anticipation that was suggested in his body language.

The door opened and a silent gasp came from Alice before I heard Esme's gentle voice, "Oh sweethearts, so glad you could come."

"Well you know how we do, Mrs. Cullen," I heard the familiar booming voice, "Could never miss crashing a party for Rose. Where's that special girl anyway?"

AN: I needed Jasper's ultrasound to be pushed into this chapter, a week or so early for determining gender, but there is much to tell and with Edward being in the picture in the future, I needed this open moment for Jasper. Tell me how you're following the story so far. Always willing to listen!