***Thanks to all of you for reading and responding to that last chapter.
***Thanks beta girls for proofing this so fast. It blew me away!
JPOV
Finally, we were on a private plane that Carlisle had chartered for us, and we were headed to the island. We were all present and accounted for, and taking that much needed family vacation.
I headed to the back of the plane so that I could check e-mail and grade papers. Thank God for modern technology, or I would have certainly lost my job. Carlisle and I needed to get back to work, and Rose and Emmett had to get back to class, but we had all decided that after the last two weeks in Italy we had endured, that this vacation was long overdue.
I settled into my seat and began looking over papers. I tried to block out all the laughter and banter that was going on in the front of the plane, but Cullen's little voice kept pulling me from my task. The child never ceased to amaze me. He held court no matter where he was, and he always managed to captivate his audience. Bella said that he was no different than me. He knew how to control a room, in more ways than one.
I thought back to last night. Bella and I were packing and Cullen had come into our room to say goodnight, and inform us that he would be sleeping with Carlisle and Esme. He told Bella it was time for her to accept that he would not be sleeping in our bed every night. I felt his determination.
"Actually, Cullen," Bella said. "When we get back to Seattle, you'll be sleeping in your own room."
He shook his head, "No, Uncle Emmett said that I can sleep in his room with Aunt Roro."
"Not every night," I said. "I'm sure they have some serious studying to do, once we get back." I smiled.
Bella shot me a look.
"What?" I said. "We have lots of studying to do, too." I smiled.
"Mommy doesn't go to school," Cullen said.
"But she likes to learn," I said. "Over and over again."
"Okay," Bella said. "That's enough talk about studying."
"Mommy," Cullen said. "Can I give Daddy his present now?"
"Of course you can," she said. "It's in the closet."
He ran over to the closet and quickly retrieved something. "Close your eyes, Professor."
I laughed, because it didn't matter if my eyes were closed. My senses would allow me to hear and smell whatever it was that he was going to give me.
"Are they closed?" he yelled from the closet.
"Yes," I laughed. "Why am I getting a present?"
"Because we love you, and you need this," Bella said, as she sat on the bed next to me and took my hand in hers.
Cullen ran over, and climbed into the bed. I heard the clatter as he maneuvered the gift onto the bed. He placed it in my lap. I knew immediately what it was.
"Okay," he said. "Open your eyes."
I did as he asked, and looked down at my new guitar. I quickly remembered what happened to the last one. I shuddered at the memory of that awful night.
"Do you like it?" he asked.
"I love it," I smiled. "Thank you." I looked at Bella, and silently apologized for the way I acted the night I smashed the other one. She squeezed my hand, and I knew she understood.
"Mommy said that when I was with Maria, your other guitar had an accident," he told me.
"Yes," I said. "I guess it did."
"Can you play something before I go to bed?" he asked.
"Absolutely," I said "Any requests?"
"You pick." Bella said, as she pulled Cullen into her lap.
I never understood before Tied up in ancient history What a feeling in my I never saw it happening I didn't have the strength to fight What a feeling in my soul It's Love will remain a mystery What a feeling in my soul I got a feeling in my soul ...
I never knew what love was for
My heart was broke, my head was sore
What a feeling
I didn't believe in destiny
I look up you're standing next to me
What a feeling
Love burns brighter than sunshine
Brighter than sunshine
Let the rain fall, I don't care
I'm yours and suddenly you're mine
Suddenly you're mine
And it's brighter than sunshine
I'd given up and given in
I just couldn't take the hurt again
What a feeling
Suddenly you seemed so right
Me and you
What a feeling
Love burns brighter than sunshine
It's brighter than sunshine
Let the rain fall, I don't care
I'm yours and suddenly you're mine
Suddenly you're mine
It's brighter than the sun
It's brighter than the sun, sun, shine.
But give me your hand and you will see
Your heart is keeping time with me
Love burns brighter than sunshine
It's brighter than sunshine
Let the rain fall, I don't care
I'm yours and suddenly you're mine
Suddenly you're mine
When I was finished with the song, Cullen climbed out of Bella's lap, kissed me on my cheek and sent me all of his love. I sent him all the love I had for him, too. We smiled at one another.
"Night, Mama," he said. "I love you."
"Good night, my little boy," she kissed him. "I love you, too."
He ran out of the room and down the hall to Carlisle and Esme. Carlisle was waiting to cuddle up with him, and read a new book about Greece.
"That song was perfect," she said. "If I could cry, I would have."
I pulled her into my arms, and rested her against my chest.
"You have no idea just how much I need the two of you," I said.
"Yes, I do," she said. "I feel the exact same way about you."
"I'm glad we're going home," I said. "We need to get back to our life."
"I can't wait," she said. "So, Professor, do you want to study tonight?"
I pushed her onto her back, and hovered over her. "As long as I'm the teacher," I smiled.
"Always," she said, as she pulled my lips to hers.
I smiled at the memory, but was quickly distracted when I felt the want and desire coming from the front of the plane. I knew exactly who it belonged to, and I also knew she'd be joining me at the rear of the plane very soon.
EPOV
We were all scattered about the front of the plane, laughing and discussing our upcoming time on the island. Alice, Felix and I were relieved to be done with our obligation to the Volturi for now, and were looking forward to some much needed down time.
Cullen bounced from lap to lap, and finally ended up in Esme's, where he decided to take his afternoon nap. I smiled when I thought about Mason being able to form a bond with all of them, especially my mother. Claudia must have read my thoughts, because she gripped my hand and smiled at me. Bella was sitting on the other side of Claudia, and had graciously answered every pregnancy and motherhood question Claudia had asked. I knew that Bella had put her mind at ease over so many concerns.
Claudia glanced over at Esme, who was rocking Cullen in her arms and softly singing to him. Carlisle had his arm around Esme's shoulder, and was holding them close to him.
"Is that hard for you?" Claudia asked Bella. "I mean, that Cullen is so close to Esme and Rose?"
Bella shook her head. "He never wants me when they're around, but that's okay," she smiled. "He loves them so much, and he's their shot at motherhood, too. I would never resent that, or take that away from them. I don't mind sharing him."
I could hear Rose and Esme's thoughts, and while they didn't want to presume, they were both hoping to have a similar relationship with Mason.
Claudia looked at me and thought, I want to share Mason with them, too. He would be one lucky little boy, if they all loved him as much as they love Cullen.
They will, I responded. I can tell from their thoughts that they want him just as much as they want Cullen.
I know, she thought. I can hear them, too.
"Okay," Bella said. "No fair you two, no private conversations."
"That's how they talk dirty to each other," Emmett chimed in. "If Rose and I could talk to one another in our heads, we'd never get anything done."
Rose laughed, "I don't know how we get anything done now."
"I heard that Cullen will be sharing your room once you get back to Seattle," Felix said. "So you better get it all in on the island."
"I'd give up Emmett for Cullen," Rose said. "No offense."
"None taken, baby," Emmett said. "I accepted that he is the other man in your life a long time ago."
"Cullen doesn't need to sleep in any of your rooms," Bella said. "He has his own room."
"Oh, give it up, Bella," Alice said. "You've been trying to put him on a consistent sleep routine since birth."
"None of you will let me," she said.
"Hey," Emmett said. "We free you and Jasper up for lots of kinky shit."
"Emmett!" Esme whispered. "Watch your mouth."
"Sorry," he slumped down in his seat. "But you and Jasper do get a lot of free time for extracurricular activities."
"And we thank you," Bella said.
"See Eddie," Emmett said. "Your sex life will be just fine after Mason is born. It's mine and Carlisle's that gets put on hold."
"I don't mind," Carlisle said. "Mason can spend as many nights a week with me and Esme as you would like, Claudia."
"Thank you," she said. "I'm sure he'll love that."
"See," Bella said. "You'll be just fine."
"Thanks, Bella, for answering all of my questions." Claudia said. "I'm a little nervous."
"It's natural," Bella said. "But, you'll have lots of help."
I pulled Claudia closer to me and kissed her hair. Bella smiled at me, and although I couldn't read her thoughts, I knew she was happy for me.
"Alice," I asked. "What are your plans after the island?"
"Well," she said. "Felix and I have decided to stay until Mason is born, and then we're going to take a trip."
"Really," Bella said. "Where? I feel like I just got you back."
"We won't be gone long," Felix said. "It's just that I have been in Italy for so long, and Alice and I have never really had any time away from the Volturi."
"We're just going to travel for a bit," she said. "Felix has some friends that he wants me to meet, and I want to take him to Alaska to meet the Denali coven. We won't be gone forever. I don't want to miss any more time with Cullen, and I want to be around to experience Mason's beginning."
"Promise," Bella and I said, at the same time. We laughed at one another.
"Yes," Alice rolled her eyes. "You'll never even know I'm missing."
"I doubt that," I said.
"Besides," Alice said. "Carlisle wants his coven under the same roof."
"How did you know that?" Carlisle asked. "I would never ask you to be some place you didn't want to be."
"We want to be with all of you, Carlisle," Felix said. "I owe my new way of life to all of you."
"I saw a vision the other day," she said. "And I spoke to Esme about it."
"And, I think it's a great idea," Esme said. "I'm starting plans on it, as soon as Mason's nursery is finished."
Carlisle ran his fingers through his hair. "How much is this vision going to cost me?"
"Don't worry, dear," Esme said. "You'll just have to keep your Mercedes one more year."
"I think it's perfect," I said.
"Me, too," Claudia smiled.
"Does someone want to tell the rest of us?" Rose asked. "We all can't read minds."
"Well, as big as the main house is," Alice said. "It's a little crowded." She smiled at Felix. "So, Esme has agreed to build us our own cottage, right behind the house. We can still be with all of you, but we'll have our own space, too."
"It's a perfect solution," Esme said. "Since Rose and Emmett have the suite in the lower level of the house, Carlisle and I have our own wing, as does Jasper and Bella, and now Edward and Claudia are getting their own space. I offered to expand on the main house, but Alice saw the cottage in a vision."
"I like it," Carlisle said.
"Yes," Alice said. "I saw that, too."
"Alice," Bella said. "I can't wait."
"Me, too," she said. "But, that's why Felix and I are going to travel for a bit. It will give Esme time to get it all arranged."
"Now that it's all settled," Felix said. "Can we watch the movie now?"
"Yes," Emmett said. "What are we waiting for? The kid is asleep."
"I'll set it up," Carlisle said.
Bella stood up. "I'm going to go check on Jasper," she said.
"Just don't moan too loud," Emmett said. "We don't want to be disturbed during the movie." He snickered, and then Bella punched his arm. "Ouch!"
Rose laughed. "You know she doesn't like when you tease her about her sex life."
"Sorry," Emmett said. "But she is a moaner."
Bella laughed, as she made her way down the aisle to Jasper.
I rolled my eyes, as Emmett continued to make inappropriate comments about Bella. He finally shut up once the movie started. I took Claudia's hand in mine and intertwined our fingers.
"I can tell you feel better," I said.
"Yes," she said. "Talking to Bella about becoming a mother helped me. She's so open and honest. I'm glad that she'll be there with me."
"She would do anything to help you," I said.
"I know," she said, as she ran her fingers through my hair and looked into my eyes.
I knew we were disturbing the others, but I knew she wanted to tell me something else.
What is it? You can tell me anything. I reminded her.
Now that I can get into your head, I know exactly how you feel about Bella.
I hoped that she interpreted it correctly, but I would explain it again, if I had to.
It's different than what you feel for me. I can see that now. I'm who you want.
I'm sorry that it took you getting into my head, to finally realize that. I wish that you could have seen it on your own. I should have done more to reassure you.
Does it really matter how I got there?
No, just as long as you know that I love her, and I always will, but it will never compare to what I feel for you. Even if Cullen had turned out to be mine, Bella never was. It would always be you.
I know, and I will never doubt that again.
I gently kissed her lips and stroked her face. She stretched a bit, and shifted her position.
"Are you uncomfortable?" I asked.
"A little bit," she said. "But as long as you hold me, I'll be fine."
I pulled up the arm rest, and she laid her head in my lap. I played with her hair until she drifted off to sleep. I moved my hand down to her stomach, and gently rubbed the emerging bulge.
I can't wait until you get here, Mason. I've been waiting such a long time for you.
BPOV
Emmett was such a pig, but he was right. I had this incredible urge to be close to my husband.
He looked up at me and smiled. Judging by his face, he knew exactly what I wanted.
"Did you miss me, Mrs. Whitlock?" He smiled, and if my heart could beat, it would have stopped. He was too sexy for his own damn good. No wonder every college girl wanted him. I wanted to jump on top of him, and do so many wicked things to that perfect body.
I slid into the seat next to him, and moved his papers and laptop out of his lap. I tossed them on the seat next to him. He raised an eyebrow.
"Bella," he whispered. "What are you up to?"
"You're an empath," I said. "I'm sure you can feel what I want."
"I know what you want," he said. "But, not here."
"Cullen is asleep in Esme's lap, and they're all watching a movie. They don't care what we do." I leaned in and licked his lips, as I slipped my hand down and began rubbing his already prominent erection.
He put his head back, and let out a small sigh. I unbuckled his belt. He pushed my hand away. "We can't."
"It's nothing Rose and Emmett haven't done in the bathroom," I whispered, as I kissed him.
"Twice," he laughed.
"Please, Jasper," I begged, as I unbuttoned his pants and quickly unzipped them. "I want to make you come."
He groaned into my mouth, but I knew he wouldn't stop me. I slipped my hand inside his pants, and wrapped my hand around him. He settled into the seat and squeezed his eyes shut, as I continued on my mission.
He tangled his fingers in my hair, and pulled my ear to his lips. He spoke so low, that only I could hear him. His voice sent a chill down my spine. "Do you know how bad I want to be inside you right now?" He thrust his hips against my hand, indicating that he needed me to go faster.
"Soon, baby, very soon," I whispered against his face. "This is all for you, now." I swirled the liquid that was already escaping him with my thumb, and increased the pressure of my hand. I knew he wanted to scream out, but he suppressed the urge.
I pressed my lips against his neck, working my way down, lightly biting his collarbone. He let out a low growl, and I knew he was close as he pulsed into my hand. I reached into my pocket with my other hand, and gave him the tissues that I had placed there, when I knew what I was coming to do to him.
I looked up at him, and almost came undone. He was beautiful as he got lost in his own pleasure. He squeezed his eyes shut, and let a small moan escape his lips as he released into my palm. We sat still for a few moments, as his breathing returned to normal. He cleaned us up the best he could and smiled.
"You wicked girl," he whispered, as he kissed my lips. "Thank you."
"Hope I didn't disturb you too much, Professor Whitlock," I winked.
"You can disturb me anytime you want," he said.
"You look busy," I said, as I glanced at the computer. "I'll leave you alone." I started to get up, but he grabbed my hand and pulled me back down.
"You're not going anywhere," he growled. "I need you close, in case I want to return the favor."
My desire spiked, as I cuddled into his chest.
"Naughty girl," he said, as he placed the laptop back in his lap. He wrapped his free arm around me, and played with my hair as he graded papers. I couldn't be more content. I was in the arms of the love of my life, while our son slept peacefully, surrounded by our loving family. I was almost afraid to believe that things were finally going to be normal, but I knew I had fate, love and hope, and they had always gotten me through whatever was thrown our way.
"You're so calm and happy," he said. "I didn't even have to do that for you."
"No, Jasper," I smiled. "You're wrong, you did do it." He kissed me softly, because he knew exactly what I meant.
***Song choice for this chapter is Brighter than Sunshine by Aqualung. A special thanks to NCChris for coming up with it for me. Thanks to my other friends for offering me suggestions! You really helped me.
***This will probably be the last update until after Christmas. I'll try to get one more out, but I can't promise. We are in the homestretch now with only two more chapters to go. I'm devastated, but there is only so much more I can write. The fluff is driving me crazy! lol
***I do have some exciting news to announce and will do that in that next chapter. I'm launching something pretty special that will go hand in hand with my new story. Stay tuned…
Happy Holidays!