a/n thanks to everyone for the reviews, adds and alerts. I also want to give huge thanks to abbymickey24. I really appreciate everything you've done!!! If you haven't read any of her stories, you're missing out on some great j/b action. You need to go check them out…after you've read and reviewed this chapter first, of course! Lol

Disclaimer: I own nothing but my piratesper *winks at jaspers izzy*

Previously

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Bella leaned back and tilted her head, giving Jasper full access to her neck. She shivered as she felt him gently nip her collarbone. She placed her hands on his and sighed. Never in a million years would she have imagined being married to a man she adored and who loved her just as much. "I love you too Jasper, so much." She closed her eyes and enjoyed the thrill running through her body. "I do believe you have a promise to uphold?"

"I haven't forgotten, my love." She squealed as Jasper picked her up and carried her into the house. She giggled as he took the steps two at a time, just as eager to make love as she was.

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Jasper woke to the sun streaming in their bedroom, a ray of light casting a golden glow across Bella's face. He smiled to himself as he took in her peaceful and serene face. He heard her quietly snore as she breathed between slightly parted lips. He tightened his grip around her body as he remembered the tender love they had shared the night before. One of the many things that he loved about her was that she could be innocent and virginal one night and change into a wanton vixen the next.

He grimaced as he thought about Maria and how close he came to missing out on the love of his life. Maria…always so sure of herself and the effect she had on other men. Men desired her and they both knew it. He could remember strutting around town with her on his arm, fully aware of the envious stares he received. What a fool he had been, but not anymore. Now he was happily married to a beautiful and honest woman who was carrying his child. He softly placed his hand on Bella's abdomen and noticed the small bump that was beginning to form. He knew he was grinning like a fool, but couldn't find it in himself to care. This was his child, their child…a product of their love.

He pulled her closer to his chest and inhaled the scent that was all Bella. It was the smell that always relaxed him. He closed his eyes and pictured a brown haired, brown eyed little girl running through their house, giggling as she tried to hide from her papa. He saw his beautiful wife sitting on the sofa watching the two of them with love in her deep dark eyes, her belly swollen with another child. Sleep found him with a smile on his face.

Bella was running through the woods, her hands clasped on her protruding belly. Where she was running to or what she was running from, she didn't know. She just knew that she and her baby were in danger. She felt a sharp pain begin on her left side, which quickly made it around to the right, and fell on her knees. She was panting with fear and pain. She couldn't lose the baby now! Jasper was so happy with the knowledge that he was going to become a father. She hugged her arms around her stomach and felt the tears streaming down her face.

So lost in her fear and pain, she didn't notice the man stepping out from behind a tree. A menacing laugh snapped her out of her thoughts and she looked up to face the danger. A tall man, with his blonde hair pulled back in a ponytail, stared back at her. All pain was forgotten as she gasped, recognizing the man from the woods long ago.

He was shaking his head slowly side to side, tsking at the sight before him. "Isabella, Isabella, Isabella. What have you gone and done? You are mine and yet you have laid with another man and are carrying his child. What are we going to do about this, huh?"

The fear came back, crashing down on her in waves. "Who are you? What do you want?" she whispered.

The man threw back his head and laughed. "I am the man to whom you belong. What I want is you, although without the bastard child you are carrying." He tapped his finger on his chin, as if he were deep in thought. "Not to worry though, that could be easily fixed."

Bella couldn't help the groan that escaped her lips, the pain in her abdomen coming hard and quick. She knew she was going into labor and the terror of delivering here, with this dangerous man, made her shake. She knew the life of her child was in danger.

"Ah Isabella, it looks like the babe is ready to be born. I've never played the role of midwife before, but I think it really doesn't matter. We can deliver the baby and then do what we need to do. It angers me that you won't be the virgin I was promised, but I'm sure I can find a use for you," he chuckled. "Now lay back and let's get this over with." As he was speaking, he pushed her so she was laying on her back.

"Please," Bella begged him, "please don't hurt my baby!"

The man's eyes narrowed as he pushed her dress up around her waist and pulled her pantaloons down. "Isabella, I told you that you belong to me and I'm not accepting this package deal." He leaned down, his face inches away from her core and inhaled. His eyes rolled back in his head as his nostrils flared. "Your scent is so enticing, I can't wait to try you out. I can teach you so much on how to please a man."

Bella couldn't comprehend his words as the need to push consumed her. "Arg…" she screamed, "the baby's coming!" She felt herself tear as the baby began to emerge. She pushed one more time and instantly felt relief. She looked down between her legs and was horrified as she watched the man use his teeth to rip the umbilical cord.

"You had a girl, Isabella. Do you want to hold her?" he asked her. When she silently nodded her head, he placed her daughter in her open arms. "See? I can be nice. Although, don't become too attached. We're not going to keep her," he sneered at her, "I can't have proof that you betrayed me running around for everyone to see."

As he reached over and snatched her daughter out of her arms, Bella began crying. "No!" she screamed, her arms stretched out to him. "Please don't take her! Please…"

"Bella, wake up! It's just a dream, baby. Wake up…" Jasper ran his hand through Bella's hair, kissing her forehead.

Bella eyes shot open as she quickly sat up. "Don't let him take our baby, Jasper!" she gasped. Her eyes were wild, glancing around the room.

Jasper pulled her back into his arms, encasing her in his warm embrace. "Darlin', everything's ok, it was all a nightmare. You're safe and our baby is safe." He began rubbing circles on her back, trying to get her to relax. She took a deep breath and slowly relaxed in his arms. "Do you want to tell me about it, love?"

Tears began falling down her cheeks. "Oh Jasper, it was horrible! There was this man who kept telling me that I belonged to him. I went into labor and had the baby. He let me hold her before he took her away. He said that there couldn't be proof that I betrayed him." She buried herself further into Jasper's chest, drawing the warmth his body provided into her own. She couldn't stop shivering.

Jasper tightened his arms around her. "Bella, it was a dream, that's all. I would never let anything happen to you or our child." He turned her around so he could look into her tear-filled eyes. "Baby, you are my life and I will spend the rest of that life making sure you have everything you could ever need and that includes your safety." He gently kissed her eyelids and ran his lips across her cheeks to her lips. He felt her body shudder and smiled into her lips. He held her close to his chest until he felt the sobs come to an end.

"It seemed so real though," she mumbled.

"I know, darlin'. Hey, I've got an idea…how about if we take a ride today? Mamie can pack us a picnic lunch and we can just spend the day relaxing?" Jasper asked, wanting nothing more than to get her mind off of her nightmare. He leaned away from her so he could see her beautiful face. When she nodded her head, Jasper untangled his body from hers and got out of bed. "You just lay right here while I let Mamie know what we need, ok?" He hated it when she had her nightmares because it usually took her a while to get over them. When she nodded her head again, he pulled on his pants and left the room.

While Jasper was away, Bella thought about her dream. She didn't want to tell Jasper that the blonde haired man had appeared in all her nightmares. She didn't know what to think about it. A shiver ran down her spine as she remembered what he said to her. Once again, she couldn't help but think that her father was somehow involved with the man.

Bella shook her head, trying to get those thoughts out of her head. Jasper wanted to spend a relaxing day with her but she wouldn't be able to if she continued to think about the man and her father. She got out of bed and headed to her armoire, trying to decide what to wear. She slightly jumped when she felt Jasper's arms wrap around her waist. "Wear some breeches and a shirt," he murmured into her hair. When she turned to him with a questioning look in her eyes, he just grinned at her. "Trust me on this, you'll be more comfortable."

Bella shrugged her shoulders and grabbed her clothing. She knew Jasper's eyes were on her as she got dressed; she could see and feel the lust he was sending her way. She simply arched a perfect eyebrow at him and smiled when he gave her a sheepish grin. It was his turn to shrug his shoulders. "Can't help it, darlin'. It's what you do to me."

Bella laughed as she pulled her hair back with a leather strip. She grabbed Jasper's hand and led him out the bedroom door, already looking forward to the ride. She hurried down the stairs and stopped when she spied Mamie's dour face. "Mamie?" she asked.

Mamie had her large hands resting on her hips and glared at Jasper. "Don't know what the mister is thinkin' about takin' you out on a horse. He mustn't be thinkin' at all."

Bella giggled as she watched Jasper's face, he was trying to look stern, but failing miserably. "Mamie, don't question me. I plan on taking my beautiful wife out for a quiet picnic lunch. Everything will be fine, I promise."

Mamie snorted as she turned away. "Some men thinkin' they know better than ole Mamie…" she muttered to herself.

Jasper chuckled as he pulled Bella to himself. "One of these days I'm going to put that woman in her place," he whispered in her ear. He smiled when he heard her giggle. It was one of his favorite sounds, next to her moaning out his name of course.

They walked outside and Jasper nodded his head to the groomsman that was holding the reins to his horse. "Bella, this is Eclipse," he began rubbing the horse's nose. "You can either ride with me, or we can get one of our mares ready for you. There's a gentle one, Twilight, which has an easy gait." He looked to Bella to see what her answer was.

Bella weighed the pros and cons. Eclipse was all black except for a white star on his nose. She was slightly afraid of his size, but when she thought about being wrapped in Jasper's arms, she made her decision. "I'll just ride with you."

Jasper nodded his head and signaled for her to put her boot in his hands. "Put your foot in the stirrup and swing your other leg around. This is different than ridding side-saddle, but I think it'll be more comfortable for you."

Bella did what he said and was soon sitting in the saddle. Jasper handed her the picnic basket and swung up behind her, taking the reins in his hands. "Ready darlin'?" he asked. When Bella nodded, he gently pressed his heels into Eclipse's sides.

Bella leaned back into Jasper's chest, feeling safe wrapped in his arms. He held the reins in one hand with his other hand resting on her stomach. The day was peaceful as the wind blew through their hair and the sun beat down on their backs. After the nightmare Bella had suffered through, Jasper had hoped that their ride would take her mind off of it.

It seemed to be working. Eclipse walked at a slow pace as Jasper pointed out things of interest to Bella. He knew she had been too nervous to really take in the beautiful landscape when they first arrived. He smiled when they came to an old oak tree standing tall and proud beside a flowing creek. This was the one place he came to when he needed to be alone or when he needed to think. Before Bella, it was the only time he felt at peace. He wanted to share this with her.

He murmured in her ear, "This is my secret place." He pulled back on the reins to bring Eclipse to a stop. He swung his leg around and hopped down on the ground. When he held his arms up to Bella, she leaned down to him and let him pull her to the ground. She looked around and her eyes danced when she saw a swing hanging from a thick limb. He laughed as he led her to it, remembering how excited he was when his dad showed it to him all those years ago. He couldn't wait to bring his son or daughter when they were old enough.

When they arrived at the swing, Jasper took Bella's hand and bowed down at the waist. He kissed the back of her hand and looked up at her through his eyelashes. "My lady?" He grabbed one of the ropes and gestured to the wooden seat. He was rewarded with a giggle as Bella sat down and held on to the ropes. He began gently pushing her and had to laugh when she urged him to push her higher.

Bella had never felt so free as she soared in the air. She barely heard Jasper explaining to her to bend her knees as she came back down to the earth and then straighten them out and lean back when she left it. She closed her eyes and imagined herself flying. She had such a blissful look on her face that Jasper couldn't tear his eyes away from her. He backed away and leaned his body against the tree, enjoying watching her. He knew the feeling she was having since he had experienced it many times as a child.

When she slowed down Jasper walked back over and reached out his hand. "I'm not going to ask you if you had a good time since the look on your face tells me the answer."

Bella took his hand and jumped out of the swing. "Oh my gosh, Jasper! That was so much fun! I've never rode in a swing like this before," she gushed. "Promise me that we'll come back!"

Jasper chuckled. "Anytime, darlin'. You just let me know when you want to and we'll be here." He wrapped his arm around her waist and led her back to where they had left the picnic basket. He opened it and pulled out a blanket, which he spread out on the soft grass. When they were seated, Bella began pulling out the lunch Mamie had prepared for them and spread the food across the blanket.

They dug into the bread and cheese, washing it down with wine. Once they were done, Jasper laid back and pulled Bella with him. She nestled into his side, nuzzling her face in his chest. "Thank you for bringing me out here, this is nice," she sighed in contentment.

Jasper grinned and nodded his head in agreement. "I always loved coming out here. There's a peace that just settles into my soul. I remember one time, as a child, I had gotten into some trouble and my dad about whipped the tar out of me. He would make us pull our own switches off of the tree in front of the house…I absolutely hated that tree. Anyway, I wouldn't let myself cry in front of him so I took off and this is where I came." He laughed as he continued, "Of course I couldn't sit in the swing, but I could lie on my stomach. My dad found me later, fast asleep."

Bella was shocked. No one had ever raised a hand to her and she couldn't believe that Jasper could sit there so calmly, telling a story about how his father had punished him. "What did you do to deserve that?" she whispered.

Jasper shrugged his shoulders. "Rose wouldn't leave me alone even after me telling her to. Finally I took all I could from her and tackled her to the ground. I pulled my knife out and cut her hair off. She screamed as she saw all the hair laying on the floor. Her hair had been down to her waist, but when I got through with her, it was up to her ears. Of course, Mom and Dad came running. They didn't say a word as they looked from Rose to me to the knife in my hand to the hair on the floor. I never saw my dad as mad as he was that day." He closed his eyes as he remembered. He hated that he had made his parents angry, but he had felt justified in what he had done. He had warned Rose, but she wouldn't listen to him.

Bella was quiet for a moment and then she burst out laughing. When Jasper turned to her and quirked an eyebrow, she quickly brought her laughter under control. "I wish I could've seen the look on her face when she realized her beautiful hair was spread all over the floor." She clasped her hand over her mouth to try to stop the giggles that threatened to slip out.

Jasper gave her a wide grin. "It was priceless," was all he said.

They laid together, wrapped in each other's arms and love. The cool breeze blew over their bodies while the sun sent down rays of warmth. Bella closed her eyes and felt her body relax into Jasper's. It didn't take long for her to fall into a light sleep. Jasper felt her steady breathing and tightened his grip around her. He kissed the top of her head and closed his own eyes. The sound of birds singing and bees buzzing from flower to flower lulled him into his own slumber. He fell asleep with a smile on his face.

a/n imagine that! No cliffie this time!!

***i have deleted this section of my a/n. the jist of it was do you think my lemons are too graphic?***

Before I forget…I owe christine30974 a huge apology!!! I mistakenly called her "caroline30974" check out the banners she, abbymickey24 and LBK made for me. the links are on my profile.

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