And we're back, promised you an update so here it is. A bit going on in this chapter so I'll let you get to it. Enjoy!
Disclaimer: I own nothing!
Bella's POV
"Car's loaded - let's go," Em called up the stairs.
We were headed to Forks for the traditional Swan/Brandon Thanksgiving dinner. Alice was bringing Edward home to meet her parents, I was bringing Jasper home to meet my parents as requested by Renee, and Em was coming along because Esme and Carlisle went on vacation and my mom begged me to bring him. Rose sadly couldn't come because of prior commitments with her family.
We got to the airport in record time with Emmett's crazy driving. We all headed for the check in desk, I went up to the counter with Jasper, where we were greeted by an elderly looking woman. We gave her our tickets and passports. She handed us back our stuff then said,
"I hope you and your wife have a lovely Thanksgiving." I was sure Jasper was going to correct her.
"Thank you, we will," he said and I was surprised but didn't say anything. I couldn't help the giddy feeling I got when he didn't.
We boarded the plane and settled in for our six hour flight. I must have fallen asleep because the next thing I remembered was being woken up by the voice of my angel.
"Sweetheart, wake up, we're here."
I opened my eyes and saw Jasper leaning over me. I slowly got up and followed him and the rest of the group out the doors. We picked up our rental car and started our trip to Forks. Jasper drove and I sat in the passenger seat while the rest sat in the back. When we got into Forks, Alice and I pointed out a bunch of places to the boys. Most places had an embarrassing story of me attached so the whole car ride to my parent's house I was blushing and everyone was laughing. We dropped Alice and Edward off at her house and headed to mine.
We pulled up to the house and I realized Jasper looked nervous.
"What's wrong?" I asked him.
"Aww, Jazzy boy is just scared of the chief," Em said laughing. I turned to Jasper.
"You're scared of my dad?"
I found it pretty funny; my dad was a pretty laid back guy and I knew he would play the protective father when he first met Jasper, but that was because I was his only daughter besides I knew my mom wouldn't let him get too over bearing.
"I'm dating his only daughter and he carries a gun. Who wouldn't be scared?" he said.
"Jasper, don't worry. When he sees how happy we are he'll love you," I said trying to calm his nerves.
"Alright, I believe you, let's just do this before I lose my nerve," he said and got out of the car.
We walked up to the door and I knocked. A second later the door opened and my mom and dad were standing there.
"Bella!" she said grabbing me into a hug.
"Hi Mom," I squeaked out trying to breathe. Her hugs could rival Emmett's. Once she let me go, Emmett spoke.
"Hi Mom," he said grabbing her into a hug, while she laughed.
"Emmett, put down my wife," My dad said coming into view, and I could tell he was trying hard not to laugh.
"Okay. Hi Dad!" Emmett said before picking up my father into a bear hug which caused everyone to break out laughing.
"Emmett, can you put my dad down now?" I asked and he put my dad on the ground. Once my dad started to breathe normally again, I decided I had to introduce Jasper. I grabbed Jasper's hand before I started.
"Mom, Dad. This is Jasper my boyfriend and Emmett's brother. Jasper these are my parents Renee and Charlie."
"It's a pleasure to meet you, Mr. and Mrs. Swan," he said and I smirked knowing he was always trying to be a charming gentlemen.
"The pleasure is all ours, Jasper, and please call us Renee and Charlie," my mom said giving Jasper a hug. My dad extended his arm and shook Jasper's hand and I could tell even though he was trying to pretend to not like Jasper he already did. I think it helped he was Emmett's brother and my dad already liked Em.
"Okay, Bella show Jasper around and Emmett you know where to go," my mom said. I grabbed Jasper's hand and pulled him up the stairs.
After I showed Jasper around and calmed him down about the fact that my parents don't care if we sleep in the same room, Alice called and we decided to give the boys a tour of Forks.
We took the boys to our old high school, and showed them the spot under the bleachers where we would hide when we skipped class. We showed them first beach, where Emmett thought it would be funny to throw poor Edward into the freezing cold water, luckily Alice had brought spare clothing.
When we got back to my parents place, after dropping Alice and Edward off, I helped my mom with dinner and the guys watched TV with my dad. I would occasionally look in to the living room and I would see my dad and Jasper talking and laughing and I let out a breath I didn't realize I was holding in.
"So Bells, tell me more about you and Jasper," my mom said as we were preparing a salad.
"There's not much to tell you that I haven't already." It wasn't really a lie, I didn't tell her about me hating him at first or me running away to Seattle.
"Then I'm just going to tell you what I think, I've never seen you so happy Bells, and I know for a fact that, that boy is head over heels for you." I blushed.
"You think?" I knew he loved me but at the same time the old insecure Bella reared her ugly head.
"I know so. I'm pretty sure if you asked him to jump off a bridge to prove his love to you he would." I giggled, but before I could say anything Jasper walked in the kitchen and I couldn't help the smile that appeared on my face when he did.
"What's up?" I asked.
"Beer run. I was wondering if you wanted to come or I'll probably get lost," he said smiling my favourite lopsided grin.
"Mom, you okay handling dinner?" I asked. My mom just smiled and nodded her head.
"Just be back before dinner is done," she said and I took Jasper's hand as we walked towards the rental car.
When we got in the car Jasper turned towards me and grabbed my hand.
"You know I would jump off a bridge if you asked me." I blushed.
"You heard that?" I asked severely embarrassed.
"Yeah, you know I love you right? You are my world, and my everything." I felt the tears pricking my eyes.
"I know and I love you too- I can't express what you mean to me. I just can't help the insecure Bella that pops out at times," I said as he brought his hand to my face and wiped away the tears I didn't realize had fallen.
"That's okay because when you feel like that it gives me more reasons to show you how much I love you," he said then kissed me.
That night I fell asleep in his arms thinking life couldn't get any better than it currently was.
Jasper's POV
I woke up the next morning before Bella and I just laid there watching her sleep peacefully, she looked like an angel, my angel. I was feeling nervous about today, it was my last chance to make a good impression on Charlie before I asked his permission to marry Bella tomorrow, before we left.
I thought back to last night when I heard Renee and Bella talking, I was glad that Renee could see how much I love Bella so I hoped Charlie could see it too, but if he was anything like his daughter he wouldn't have a clue.
As I laid in bed holding Bella I thought back to before I met her, if somebody told me back then I would fall in love with the girl my brother hired and I would be 24 hours away from asking her father for her hand, I would have told them their crazy, but here I was. Bella was starting to stir so I knew she was waking up.
"Morning, Beautiful," I said she looked up at me through her sleepy eyes.
"Morning," she said and I just smiled. It wasn't a good day till I heard her voice.
"You ready for the craziness today?" she asked.
"Should I be running away now?" I asked jokingly, wondering what she meant.
"No, but The Annual Swan/Brandon Thanksgiving Dinner is craziness for everyone involved. First, either my mom or Alice's mom will have forgotten something important so one of you guys will have to go to the store that's forty-five minutes away, then something will get burned by Alice so then we are going to need more help in the kitchen queue another guy. So to answer you- run while you can," she said and I laughed.
"That happens every year?" She nodded.
"Since we were twelve and no matter how many times they go over the shopping list something is always missing." I just smiled. I loved how Bella looked so carefree and happy when talking about the craziness.
"So then I guess we should get up and have the craziness ensue," I said and she nodded.
Well, Bella was right- as soon as we went downstairs, we were rushed to Alice's house, where all the women went into the kitchen and banned us guys, which wasn't bad because we got to watch football for awhile before Bella came running out of the kitchen.
"Who's going to the store? We need yams." All of us laughed, I guessed Em already knew what happened every year since he was here last year and I was sure Edward had been updated as well.
"We sent Emmett here last year and poor city boy almost didn't come back, I'll go," Mr. Brandon said and I couldn't help but laugh, but was also really happy I wouldn't be getting lost today and by the look on Edward's face so was he.
Two hours later, Mr. Brandon was back and Emmett had been forcefully removed from the kitchen more than once. Suddenly Alice came through the door followed by a cloud of smoke.
"You're up, Jasper," she said throwing me an apron.
"What did you burn this year?" Charlie asked.
"The pie," she said looking sad and marching towards the kitchen. I got up and was about to follow her when Charlie spoke up.
"Careful in there son, don't let them catch you sneaking tastes. Emmett almost came home with one less finger last year," Charlie said laughing, but I wasn't really paying attention, did he call me son?
I thought to myself that it was a good sign and that he approved of me so far and if I was by myself I would have skipped to the kitchen.
Bella must have noticed my change of attitude because when I walked up to her and wrapped my arms around her she said,
"What's got you so happy?"
"I'm spending Thanksgiving with my incredible girlfriend- what guy wouldn't be happy?" I said and I heard a round of 'aw's and looked up to see Renee, Mrs. Brandon, and Alice looking at us.
"Forget helping us cook, go into that other room and teach our men to speak like that," Mrs. Brandon said and I was sure that I was the same shade of red Bella gets when she's embarrassed.
"Okay, enough embarrassing Jasper- let's finish cooking before I have to throw Emmett out again," Bella said and I was grateful that she took the attention off me.
About an hour later I was told I could join the men again, when I emerged the men started clapping and whistling.
"He made it out alive and with all his limbs," Mr. Brandon cheered and I couldn't help but break out laughing.
"I heard that Richard, We are not that bad," Mrs. Brandon yelled through the door, and the rest of us laughed while Mr. Brandon looked scared.
During half time Charlie decided to go outside and asked if I wanted to join him, I eagerly agreed glad that I could have a minute to talk to him, but I was still nervous that he could possibly really hate me and kill me out here, bury me in the woods and no one would be the wiser.
"Don't worry, Jasper; he left his gun at home," Emmett said to me once Charlie was out of the room, I gave Emmett the finger as I left the room.
When I got outside Charlie was sitting on the front steps so I decided to join him, but as if he could sense my nerves he spoke,
"Don't be so nervous, Jasper, I like you and you make my daughter happy; that makes you good in my book." I let out a breath of relief when he said that.
"I know you love my daughter, I can see it in your eyes. It's the same look I got when I realized I wanted to spend my life with her mother. And I have a feeling that there is something you want to ask me, because I've never seen a guy more nervous than you are right now. So go ahead and ask," he said and to be honest I was shocked that he knew my plan. My palms started to sweat, what if he said no? I knew he liked me, but did he like me enough to have me marry his daughter.
"I love your daughter very much; before I met her, my life was nothing. I know we have only been together for three months, but I love her more each day and I know I want to spend every day of forever with her. So what I'm asking is if you would give me your permission to marry your daughter." It felt like a weight had been lifted off my chest.
"Did you practice that?" Charlie asked chuckling.
"A little," I admitted and he laughed harder.
"I can tell you're a good man and that what you and my daughter have is strong. So yes I give you my permission, but I will warn you if you hurt her, you will have to deal with me understand?" he said, I was radiating joy he said yes. I could propose to Bella and we had her father's permission, my heart was soaring.
"I understand and thank you," I said and was surprised when Charlie hugged me.
"Just take care of her that's all I ask," he said.
"Consider it done."
We walked back into the house and I could see the curious stares of my brothers, I decided I would have to tell them my plans soon before they start asking to many questions and Bella got suspicious, because I wanted it to be a complete surprise and I just needed a little help from Alice.
Shortly afterwards Renee came out and announced it was dinner time, we all sat at the table and I was glad to finally have Bella back beside me, I missed her so much even though we were only apart for a few hours.
"So let's start saying what we are thankful for, I'll go first." Renee said.
"I'm thankful for my health, my husband, new and old family members and I'm thankful my biological and adopted daughters have found love." Both Bella and Alice smiled at Renee, it was nice to see how close everyone was and I now understood how Bella could have such a big heart.
"I'm thankful for my family, my wife and our good friends, but I'd also like to welcome the newest members of our family the Cullen boys. If my daughters think you're alright then I do to." I saw Bella smile and look at me; I could tell she felt better now that her dad said that.
Mr. and Mrs. Brandon's were similar to Renee and Charlie's. Alice was thankful for Bella getting the job in New York, she was thankful that it was black Friday the next day and she was grateful for her family and Edward. Edward was thankful for Em hiring Bella and dragging us to help them unpack because without that he wouldn't have met Alice and he was also thankful for family. Then it was Emmett's turn.
"I have a lot to be thankful for this year, first I'm thankful that I met Rosalie, second I'm thankful that I decided to go to Harvard and do that lecture last year because if I didn't who knows what would have happened. Third, I'm thankful that my brothers found love and fourth of all I'm thankful that Mom 2 makes the best stuffing and last I'm thankful I have two great brothers who won't repeat that last one to Mom 1." Everyone was laughing; it was just like Em to make a joke. Once the laughter died down it was Bella's turn.
"Well like all of you I'm thankful for my family new and old, I'm thankful that Em came to Harvard and I just happened to fall on my face when the professor introduced us because I'm pretty sure he wouldn't have hired me if I didn't make him laugh"
"You know it!" Em said interrupting her and making everyone laugh.
"As I was saying, I am also thankful that Alice has found happiness and last but not least I'm thankful that I have Jasper in my life," she said and I leaned over and gave her a kiss, but then it was my turn.
"I'm thankful I forced Em to go to Harvard for the lecture because I have no idea what would have happened if he never met Bella. I'm thankful for my family and that both my brothers have found women who can tolerate them." I heard Bella giggle and even Edward chuckled a little, Em was too distracted from looking at the food to even care.
"I'm also thankful for you all opening your homes to me and my brothers and of course I am thankful for Bella, she's changed my life and I wouldn't want it any other way." It was Bella's turn to lean over and give me a kiss.
"Can we eat now?" Em asked and everyone laughed. Dinner went by quickly, we all shared stories about life in New York and the parents loved them.
When we got back to Bella's we were all so stuffed we decided to go lay down. When we got to her room we both laid down and I just held her.
"What are you thinking about?" I asked her.
"I'm just glad my dad didn't make you run away when you were outside with him."
"How did you know I went outside with your dad?" I asked.
"Em came into the kitchen and told me and said to go looking for you if you weren't back in fifteen minutes. What were you guys talking about?" I laughed.
"Nothing to worry about, just telling me I better take care of his little girl." She smiled.
"Good, I was worried he pulled his gun," she said laughing.
We laid there for a few more minutes before I felt Bella slowly drift off.
"I love you, Bella Swan."
"I love you too, Jasper Cullen," she said before her eyes closed.
When she fell asleep I pulled myself from her hold and picked up my cell. I had to talk to Alice and ask her for help with proposing, I had the perfect idea I just needed some assistance. After two rings she answered.
"Hello, Jasper. How did it go?" she asked.
"How did you know?" I asked.
"I just do, so what did he say?"
"He said 'yes'," I said and she squealed.
"Oh my god that's great! So what's up?" she asked.
"I have something planned so I can propose to Bella but I need some assistance."
"Lay it on me," she said.
So I told her my plan and by the sound of her voice she thought it was a great idea. The only thing left was to ask Bella and I prayed that she would say yes.
A/N So what do y'all think? As you can guess the big chapter is about to come up, and in truth that chapter will be posted on Tuesday!
So just a few things: One) As a lot of you know fanfiction has disabled putting in a guest name for reviews, so when I see the review all I see is 'Guest' as most of you know I like to put my reviewers names at the bottom of every chapter but if I don't know your name I can't so tell me who you are when you review!
Two) A few have asked about plans for new stories. Right now I am writing this one, as well as my other 'Sundown' which is a vamp fic. This story has about four more chapters and sundown has about eight, once they are both complete I will begin posting two more. One will be a all human JxB story called 'It's A Love Story' and another vampire JxB story that doesn't have a title yet. I'm putting it out there that I am in need of a beta for both stories, so if you are interested in working with me let me know.
Big thanks to everyone who added this story and/or myself to their alerts and/or favourites, you guys rock!
Super big thank you to all those who reviewed: LuvinTwilight143, traceybuie (I agree it is out dated but I think it brings a certain level of old time romance to it), edger2deadly, katandjasper (I am so so so sorry! I have no idea how I missed you! Again I feel horrible! To make up for it Jasper is on his way. Don't worry I stole all his clothes, so expect a nice surprise ;)), ILoveAnime89, Pagesurfer, bamagal110, KaliCali77, wendy1969, cathy29jes, Stargazer1364, Jess (thanks for leaving your name), Afflictionseclipsedbyglory (Thank you).
Alright guys, I'm out! Remember to review, if you do I may just post that chapter a little sooner *wink wink*
-NKC-