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Chapter 25
APOV
We rode in silence back to the fort. We didn't feel like talking, the glances we gave each other and the sparse touches were enough. I used the bright glare of the sun to mask the golden glow to my eyes when I cast a preservation spell on the ring Jasper had given me. Now no matter what I did it would forever look the way it did when he gave it to me. "You ok there darlin'?" He asked me. I nodded and smiled over at him. "Yeah, I'm fine. Just not really looking forward to having to share you again." I winked at him.
He smiled, "I know how you feel darlin'. At least Logan should back off now." I chuckled, "You weren't jealous were you? Logan is just a friend Jasper. Nothing more." I said to him looking over at him smiling. "Well maybe a little jealous, it went away when you started to spend a lot time with me. I think that is when I started to fall in love with you. "He stopped riding and grasped my hands."I love you; I don't think I can say that enough to you." He leaned over and kissed me softly. "I love you too, so much." I replied as we began to ride again.
We reached the fort during the afternoon and entered to find it deathly quiet. I dismounted and let my magic fan out to try and find someone, I didn't get far when Jasper interrupted me. "Stay near me Morgana. Hopefully someone is still here." Jasper whispered as we tied our horses to the bar and began to look around. Suddenly a clatter came from the kitchen; we both drew our pistols and walked towards the door. Jasper pushed me behind him as he slowly looked around the door frame.
He sighed, "Tommy, Where is everyone?" I heard him ask as he walked into the kitchen. Tommy jumped and whirled round knife raised. "Oh Sorry Major, Ana. I've just been a little jumpy. Colonel Devreux left with a large group of the men this morning and a little while later some of the others left to help the Injuns with somethin'. I got left here with a few of the younger recruits." I smiled over at Tommy, "Did they say when they were going to be back?" I asked, he shook his head. "No, but I was going to prepare some food for when they did, only I don't really know how to cook." He admitted sheepishly, scuffing his foot on the floor.
I smiled and ushered both him and Jasper out of the door. "Out the pair of you, I'll cook something. Jasper could you bring in my bags for me please." I asked and he nodded, "Of course. We'll do the dirty work of cleaning up the horses, don't you worry Morgana." He winked at me and followed Tommy outside. I rolled my eyes and began to cook a stew for the men along with some corn bread. I looked up at a knock on the door. Jasper stood there, with my bags in his hand.
"Here you go darlin'. Just as I said I would. What do I get for doing it though?" He asked, his eyes twinkling. I smiled and pretended to think, "Well I don' know." I said walking over to him and wrapping my hands around his neck. I rose up onto my tiptoes and placed a soft kiss on his lips. "Is that payment ok?" I asked him, He nodded and bent his head to kiss me again when a shout went up from outside.
"Damn. Seems like everyone's back." I grumbled as we walked out into the square. We were soon surrounded by everyone saying how glad they were that we had gotten back safely. We relayed any news we had heard during the week at Jaspers farm. "Well clearly that's not all the news is it Ana darlin'?" Logan said, smirking at me and gesturing to my hand. I raised an eyebrow. "No idea what you mean Cher." I said smirking, "Well that pretty ring wasn't there when you left, now was it?" I grinned, shaking my head. He pulled me towards him, only to have Jasper pull me into his side. "Hey back off my future wife." He declared scowling playfully over at Logan.
"Congratulations." Was echoed around the fort as everyone dispersed and went about their business. "Ana, Jasper. A word please." Jonah said gesturing towards his quarters. We looked at each other and followed him. "Congratulations to you both. As you know the Yankees have claimed Galveston, now we have evacuated all the women and children, bar a few of the Sisters of St. Ursula. We are going to be mounting a mission to reclaim it tomorrow morning. Unfortunately you can't come with us Ana. You're not a soldier. I would suggest that when we ride out tomorrow morning you ride back to Jasper's farm. I won't have you staying somewhere the Yankees can get you, especially not unprotected."
I leaned into Jaspers side as Jonah spoke. No I can't leave him. I can't stand not knowing. I felt tears begin to slide down my cheeks. Jasper brushed them away. "He's right Darlin'. I can't risk having you hurt in battle or here on your own. I know you can fight, but you aren't fighting this. Please. Go back home and be safe for me." He looked down at me pleadingly. I drew in a deep breath. "I don' like it. Je déteste, in fact. But I know c'est vrai. I will go back tomorrow. Dinner is ready for you in the kitchen. Excuse me."
With that I turned and walked back to my room above the kitchen. Where I lay down on the bed and began to cry. I was so caught up in crying that I failed to hear Jasper climb up into my room and lay behind me. I turned and curled up into his chest. "It's not fair, Jay. It's just not fair." He shushed me and stroked my hair. "I know darlin', I know." He held me tightly to him and I slowly cried myself to sleep, wrapped in his arms.
Morning came too soon as the bugle began to play, I stirred and found myself still wrapped in Jaspers arms. I smiled down at him softly. I kissed him softly on the lips. He tightened his arms around me. "Good morning Morgana. I can't wait until we can wake like this all the time." I smiled again. "Neither can I. But you have to come back from this, promise me you'll do everything you can to come back to me." I whispered looking down at his face, committing it to memory. "I Promise darlin'. I will come back for you. Count on it." I smiled as he kissed me again deeper than the first. "Come on let's get ready. Everyone will be waiting for you." I said climbing out of bed sighing.
Jasper left to get ready as I quickly changed. The men had already eaten by the sounds of it. As I prepared my horse and walked out into the square I stopped. Jasper stood near Jonah in his full uniform and held out his hand to me. I walked forward, only to be stopped by Logan who pulled me into a hug. "Don't worry sugar; I'll make sure he comes back to you safely." I kissed Logan on the cheek and whispered, "Merci." I walked up to Jasper who pulled me to him and in full view of everyone kissed me soundly.
"Don't ever forget that I love you. And I will find my way back to you." He whispered to me fiercely. "I will wait for you forever. Vous êtes la seule bonne chose qui me reste. You are the only good thing I have left. I love you." I translated for him. We broke apart and I quickly mounted my horse. "Y'all be safe and come home ya here." I turned to the men and nodded my head, "I am very proud to have known y'all." With that I nodded down at Jasper and rode quickly out the gate. He doesn't need to see how much my heart is breaking. I thought as I rode towards his family, tears clouding my vision.