DISCLAIMER: Sorry, I got nothing right now…especially since SM owns the franchise!

A/N: So…I'm tired and avoiding getting back to real life AND I just realized that I jumped the gun a little on teasing in the review replies so I'm giving ya'll another chapter today so that TOMORROW's chapter will match up with the teasing…forgive me please!

Think ya'll can handle a little more of the brothers?

Chapter 11—Bonding

In the middle of every difficulty lies opportunity. Reality is much more complex than any judgment of right and wrong encourages you to believe. When you really understand the forces that shape individuals, you will see that people's choices are not based on a desire to hurt. Instead, they are in accord with what they know and what their world views are available to them. Most are doing the best they can, given what situations they received and what difficulties and decisions they are facing. ~Arc Morpheus

EPOV

Sensing my distress, Jasper patted my knee. "I'm sorry Edward, but you have to realize that if she truly is your mate things will work themselves out. Everything happens for a reason."

Emmett nodded his head, speechless for once.

"But Jasper, how could she ever love me knowing I'm the one who took her mother away from her," I lamented.

"Everything happens for a reason," he repeated solemnly. "I know what happened to that woman has torn you apart for the last twenty years. We've all had to come to terms with that kind of slip up. But have you thought about the fact that had she lived, Bella most likely would not be here now? You would've missed out on finding your mate."

Now it was my turn to be speechless as I absorbed his words. It was a thought that I had not considered and as the possibility that I might never have had one precious moment with Bella sank in, I felt a little of my guilt break free.

"She said you'd need these," said Jasper as he brought forward a bag from his side. I shook my head as I thanked him.

Huffing loudly, he continued, "She also said to tell you that 'she's lovely and without a doubt, your mate'."

I froze, contemplating the very limited possibilities of how Alice had come to this conclusion. "How does she know this?" I asked slowly.

"She might have played tourist today and found herself next to a certain lady on the bus," he grimaced.

I groaned as I wrapped my arms around the back of my head. "Oh Alice."

"She means well, you know she cares Edward," he said softly.

"Yeah! The pixie's harmless," Emmett finally piped up.

Rolling my head his direction, all I could say was "Really? Are YOU high Emmett?"

His face scrunched up in confusion.

Jasper snorted. "Oh yeah, one more thing," he stared at me pointedly.

I started snickering at the image in his head of what he was about to do. "Say it. Out loud so Emmett doesn't feel left out again."

Emmett grinned happily, pleased he was being included.

Raising his voice to a high pitch, Jasper said "She's absolutely perfect!" as he clasped his hands together, fluttering his eyelashes as his head tilted to the side.

Emmett and I guffawed at Jasper's imitation of his wife because he was spot on. The laughter felt good ripping from my chest as it was carried away into the night.

"Thank you Jasper. You always have a way of putting things into perspective for me. Thank you for being here." I leaned into Emmett, bumping my shoulder against his, "You too Em…thanks."

Emmett threw his arm around me, squeezing me into him with a one arm hug. "Hey, what are brothers for? You know we've got your back Eddie!" As he finished, he jumped up and ran a few feet away before my hand that was flying through the air could make contact with him. I was still a little sluggish and decided to let it go as I didn't feel like chasing him down at the moment.

"Besides," added Jasper, "I much prefer you like this as opposed to the emotional wreck we found you in. I can barely stand feeling those vibes coming off of you, so I have no idea how you function with them inside you."

"Sorry Jazz," I said ashamedly.

"Then show me," he demanded.

"Show you? How am I supposed to show you I'm sorry?" I queried.

"Easy!" Emmett had crept closer to us. "Get over your emo self and fight for the girl if you think she's worth it." Jasper nodded in agreement.

"Well, I did tell her I would pick her up at 10 and take her into the mountains for a picnic tomorrow. That's kind of why I was out here glutting myself. I figured if I could get completely full, it would be easier to fend off the urges." Well, I thought to myself, at the least the urge to drink her blood. I've no bloody idea how I'm going to control my desire for her body.

"Oh I like it," clapped Emmett. "A little 'wine and dine her' action. Just make sure you don't dine on her dude," his expression became stoic, "Do you need us to be on patrol just in case?"

I didn't know how to react to his comment. The thought of dining 'on' her brought forth images of her splayed out before me with her legs spread to accommodate me. It has to be a good thing that my perversion is taking priority over hungering for the sensational taste of her blood right? On the other hand, the seriousness of them offering to be hidden witnesses to my time with her, for the sake of her safety…from me, kept my erection at bay and hurt my heart.

"Thanks guys, really. I think, no, I'm certain that I can handle myself tomorrow," I said thoughtfully. If I could control myself when I had the taste of her blood on my lips, surely I can handle being alone with her for a simple outing. It would have been so easy to give into that kiss. To wrap my arms around her and pull her close to me, tease her with my lips and tongue as I moved down to her soft neck…

I can't think like that. She means too much, she's too precious to destroy for a simple meal. But what a meal she would make…

A deep longing coursed through me to go check on her. I'd been away from her for too long. Then I remembered my car and smiled.

"The change of clothes is much appreciated Jasper. I've got to get going guys, just remembered I left my car in town in my hasty departure. Thanks again for the talk. I'll see you later," I said quickly as I darted off to a growth of trees so I could dispose of my ruined clothes.

Having rinsed off in a nearby stream and donned the fresh clothes, I headed back into town as fast as my legs would carry me.

A/N: Hmmm…wonder what he's going to find when he "checks on her?"