A/N: Yes, it's me again. I apologize for the ending of chapter 26, but it is important to the plot. Several of you complained about a HEA, I promise most will receive one. That includes Bella. Please have faith in me and continue with the story. There are a few surprises remaining.

RPOV

Jasper's hands felt amazing. They were firm and strong, yet gentle. I stretched underneath him and let out a moan.

He chuckled. "Enjoying?"

I smiled. "Yes."

The massage continued. His hands moved from my shoulders inwards to my neck. He pinched the skin gently there and worked his way up.

"You are so relaxed," he said. "It's about time you were. After all the stress of the last few weeks, you really need this."

He was right. Ever since my attack I have been stressed out. Course, part of the cause was him. Although I was enjoying the constant attention from him, it also suffocated me a little. I was just getting ready to tell him to back off a bit when Edward died. The stress of trying to keep Jacob from going off the deep end and trying to stay strong myself was overwhelming. I really needed time away from it all, but it wasn't about to happen.

A girl can dream.

Jasper's hands moved down slowly across my back. He ran a hand gently down it, stopping near my butt and working back up. I sighed and continued to enjoy the amazing sensation his touch always gave me.

"You know," he said thoughtfully. "This would be more effective without clothes."

I turned to look at him and caught the smirk. His eyes showed playfulness and I smiled. I shoved him gently and lay back down on my belly.

"This coming from the man who won't make love to me," I said teasingly.

His hands moved back up to my shoulder. "I will, I promise you." His hands wound their way into my hair and he massaged my scalp. "Just not yet."

I let out another moan as he started massaging my scalp. He really was way too good at this. "What are you waiting for?" I asked him.

He was quiet for a bit and I wondered if he was going to tell me at all. Then he spoke. "For the moment to be right."

I rose up on my arms to turn to him and felt his hands leave my scalp. I sat up and looked him in the eye. "What do you mean about the right moment? Haven't other moments been right?"

He shook his head and took my hand. "No. Well, not to me. If you were someone I didn't care about, I would have bedded you months ago." He brought my hand to his lips and kissed the back of it tenderly. "But I do care about you, more than you can imagine. I don't want you to be treated like a cheap whore because you are not one. You are a lady. You deserved to be worshipped. I am more than happy to do it, but I want to worship you right."

I smiled and lowered my eyes. He always knew the right thing to say. But I was curious about one thing.

"Jasper," I said quietly. "How many women have you been with?"

He squeezed my hand. "Why?" he asked softly. I shrugged, suddenly insecure.

"I'm just worried that if you're very experienced, I will disappoint you. I thought if I knew how many you have been with, then…."

He released my hand and cupped my cheek, stroking the apple lightly with his thumb. "Rosalie, look at me." I slowly raised my eyes to meet his. He smiled. "You could never disappoint me. I know you worry that because you're a maid you can't satisfy me. I assure you that is not the case. I'm a male, I will enjoy it regardless." I smiled at his upturned smirk. "As for your question, I have been with three. But the last one was over a year ago and it didn't mean anything to me." He stopped stroking the apple of my cheek but I felt his hand tighten a little. "You matter to me and because of that, when we come together as one, it will be magical."

I placed my hand over his against my cheek and squeezed. "Thank you. That makes me feel better." He smiled and leaned in, pulling me close. He pressed his lips to mine gently and chastely. Then I had another question.

"How-how much do you care for me?"

I knew I shouldn't do it. I knew that I could push him too far and drive him away. But I noticed he said "cared" for me and I wanted to know how deeply that "care" ran.

He didn't seem to notice. His lips found my neck and he pressed a kiss against it. "Very much," he said against the skin; his breath making me shiver. "More than anything in this world."

That's not what I want to hear!

I sighed as his lips continued to press kisses against my neck. I knew this; he has told me this before. I also knew that I couldn't push him any further. Jasper had secrets; I knew that. I knew that he would tell me if he wanted to. By hounding him for answers, I could sever our relationship and that was the last thing I wanted.

"I could ask you the same thing Rose," he said quietly. "How much do you care for me?"

I pulled away from him and looked into his eyes. His confidence was gone and was replaced with worry and insecurity. I noticed worry lines had formed on his forehead and I brought my hand up to smooth them away. His eyes closed at my touch.

"I feel the same way, Jazz. I care very much for you. I told you I want to be your wife."

He spoke with his eyes still closed. "You have no idea how happy that makes me."

Suddenly I had a thought. I yanked my hand away quickly. "Is that why we haven't consummated our relationship? You want to wait until we're wed?"

His eyes flew open and fear appeared in them. "No! That thought never crossed my mind. I do love the idea of you being my wife but I'm too selfish to wait until we are married to make you mine." He paused a moment. "Rose, I swear to you it will happen. And it will be soon. That's all I can promise."

I wrapped my arms around his neck and hugged him tightly. I felt him hesitate a moment and then engulf me in his arms. I laid my head on his shoulder and we continued to hold each other for awhile in silence. It was calming and peaceful, as though he put a spell over us and I sighed contently.

Jasper stroked my hair. "I love this," he breathed. "I love being with you. I love being like this. I wish it didn't have to end."

"Who says it has to?"

I felt his hands on my torso and he pulled me away gently. He looked into my eyes. "Everything ends, Rose. At some point, so will this. I have no plans to leave you alone, but sometimes death has other plans."

The words of death being spoken turned my blood cold. "W-what do you mean?" I asked timidly.

He shrugged. "Just that I could die at anytime. Anyone could. We are not immortal; our time will end eventually. I am more susceptible because I'm a Knight and it's kind of a high-risk job." He scooted away from me and swung his legs over the bed, preparing to stand. "All we can do is make the most of our time on Earth while we are here."

How did we go from bliss to depression in a matter of seconds?

"This seems like something you've given a lot of thought to."

He pushed off the bed and stood up, stretching above him. "I have to as I'm a Knight. All of us have. And with Edward's death, our own mortality is at the forefront of everyone's mind." He turned and stroked my cheek. "I'm sorry to be so morbid, but it's a reality that we must face."

I nodded. "Edward's death was a shock to everyone. I still have a hard time accepting it myself."

Jasper cocked his head to the side. "How's Jacob doing?"

I looked down. "He has his days. Sometimes it's like pulling teeth to get him to answer me. Other times, he's like his old self." I smoothed my dress out and pushed a strand of hair behind my ear. "It's been so hard on him."

"Understandable. He blames himself. He shouldn't, though. It was an accident."

I looked at him. "That's what he says. And I believe him. He's my brother, how could I not? I just wish there weren't so many people who want his head on a stick."

Jasper shook his head. "That will change with time. Everyone deals with death differently. Some live in denial, some look for someone to blame and some just mourn." He was thoughtful for a moment. "I know it was an accident and hopefully he will come to realize that as well."

I nodded. Jacob was currently in solitary confinement not far from Camelot. Our home, actually. He asked the King for the chance to be sent there so he could work through everything. After the results came back that it was indeed an accident brought on by a switched sword, he was given his Knight status back. But he said he needed time to heal for his mistake. Arthur said yes, knowing how much Jacob was hurting.

He has not allowed anyone to visit him apart from me. A few of the Knights have wanted to check on him to make sure he's alright and let him know he had people in his corner. But Jacob refused to talk to anyone. Half of the time I'm there, he doesn't talk to me. He just sits in a catatonic state staring at the wall. Either that or he cries uncontrollably. It breaks my heart every time.

Isabella refuses to forgive him. She continues to believe that he killed Edward on purpose, that the whole thing was planned when he came up with the idea of the duel. I told her that is not the case, but don't say anything more. She is my friend and is mourning the loss of the man she loved. What can I say to that? Nothing. I will defend my brother as I believe he's innocent, but I understand where she is coming from. The only thing I wish is that she realizes she is not the only one suffering. Everyone at Camelot is hurting too.

Edward was an amazing Knight and an even more amazing person. He was loyal and loving, yet fierce and deadly. I knew that he would never take a life without it being justified. And as a Knight, he has had to kill a few people in battle. He says that is "the nature of the beast." That is understandable. He adored his mother and strived to make his father proud. He was easily liked; all one had to do was talk to him for a few minutes and he had a friend for life. Women loved him, of course, for his looks and his chivalry. His mother raised him well. And he always showed women the utmost respect.

When he found Isabella, he said that his life was complete. I knew that his priorities shifted; while he was a Knight and would die for the King, his loyalty was to Isabella first. She took precedence. He never shirked responsibilities, but sometimes he would be distracted because she was on his mind. It was sweet, really, seeing how much he loved her. I had no doubt in my mind that he would have married her had he gotten the chance.

I also know that she now has a guardian angel watching over her.

I sighed. Jasper looked at me. "You okay?"

I smiled slightly. "Yes. Sorry. I was thinking about Edward."

He nodded. "Me too. He will be hard to forget."

His words don't make sense.

"He won't be forgotten. Not Edward. His soul won't allow it."

I saw Jasper raise an eyebrow, but quickly lowered it. "You believe that?"

I nodded. "Don't you?"

Silence.

My gaze drifted to him. His face was a mask, like he was trying to hide something. Somehow, the talk of Edward had gotten to him and he was shutting himself off. I knew this well as I've seen the mask over the last few weeks.

The silence continued for a bit before I broke it. "Will I see you tomorrow?"

That brought him back to me. "No. I have to check on my mother and have a few things to do in London."

I tilted my head. "London? This is the first I've heard about it."

Jasper shrugged. "It's business, Rose. Nothing you need to concern yourself with." His tone was a bit clipped but I didn't care.

"I'm always concerned when you go away, Jazz. You should know this by now. I worry about you."

"Don't!" he snapped. My jaw dropped. He realized what he did and shook his head quickly. "I'm sorry. I didn't mean to snap at you, Rosalie. I know you worry about me but you really don't have to. I'll be fine. It's just a business trip, no weapons are involved."

I nodded and looked down at the fabric on the blanket. I don't know why I had set him off, but I had. I hated when I did that because he could be so distant. The last time it happened, I didn't see him for two weeks.

Suddenly I was wrapped in his arms. "I'm so sorry Rose. Really, you have no idea." He pressed a kiss against my forehead and another one on my nose. "You really shouldn't care for me; I'm not good."

I laid my head against his chest and listened to his heartbeat. It always gave me comfort and allowed me to gather my thoughts so I didn't snap back at him. It wasn't ladylike to do so and regardless, I loved him too much to hurt him back.

"Rose," he pleaded. "Please say something."

"It's okay," I mumbled against his chest. His arms tightened around me.

"No, it's not. I shouldn't have done it and I will kick myself for it for the rest of my life." He pressed a kiss against the top of my head. "Let me make it up to you. Please."

I shook my head, an amazing feat against his chest. "It's okay," I repeated.

"Please!" he begged. "I can't stand knowing that I've hurt you. What if I did this once and didn't make it up to you? You would be justified in running off to Riley. I can't lose you like that. Not to him." He spat the last word.

As if that was an option.

I stayed quiet. He seemed to accept my silence as confirmation that he could do it and sighed heavily. "Thank you," he said, placing another kiss on top of my head. "I promise you won't regret it."

"I never have," I said. He chuckled, the sensation vibrating throughout his chest. He continued to hold me for what felt like hours, until we were both too tired to think. He released me gently and pressed a kiss against my lips. Then he looked into my eyes.

"I-I-l…" He hardly ever had trouble finding words.

"Shhh," I said, reaching up and pressing a kiss on his forehead. "Whatever it is, you can tell me later."

He closed his eyes and nodded. "Thank you, Rosalie. You really are too good for me."

"I know," I teased. He pulled away and kissed my hand. "Goodnight, Lady Rosalie. May all your dreams be sweet." He walked to the door and opened it, turning back to look at me.

"Same to you." I sat down on the bed.

He smiled. "My dreams are sweet because I only dream of you. I hate waking up every morning. You make me strive to be a better person. I will see you the day after tomorrow."

He left after that and I crawled into bed, my lids heavy with sleep. I knew tomorrow was a new day filled with new surprises and possibilities.

And Jasper leaving me for London.

A/N: Who is still suspicious of Jasper?

I have up to chapter 32 written and hope to write two more this week. My plan was to make this story 40 chapters, but that has changed. It will now be 50. I hope you can hang on that long.

Thanks for reading! Reviews, as before, get a preview.