A/N: Bethaboo rocks my world. Seriously. You're the best beta ever, bb.

Disclaimer: I don't own Twilight. I don't own Legends of the Fall. I just write this story.


Jasper had been subtly avoiding Alice for months. He was always cordial to her, but he was unable to reconcile the girl he had known before his travels with the beautiful woman she had become. He had always seen her as both a sister and a friend, but now found himself fighting his attraction for the girl. He felt slightly incestuous, and rather than remind himself that he wasn't really related to her, he thought it best to limit his interaction with Alice.

That is, of course, until she had enough of his avoidance eight months after Bella and Edward's wedding, and sought him out. He was feeding the hogs when she walked up to the other side of the pen, and began talking. He had just started his task, and she knew she'd have at least a few minutes of his attention. She had been aware that he was avoiding her, and thought that maybe if she could just talk to him, he would realize that she was the same girl he'd always been able to confide in.

"Where was your favorite location during your travels?" Alice asked.

Jasper tried to think of an excuse to leave her company, but failed to do so. "I traveled along the Amazon, where I saw all manners of beasts. It was beautiful and wild."

"Were you traveling on the river itself, or in the rainforest?"

Her question surprised him. "How did you know there was a difference?"

"Your father. Bella taught me a great deal of history of geography before she moved to Helena, but when you left, your father decided to teach me about the specific locations you provided in your letters."

"That's impressive. I'm touched my father would do that for you."

"He's always been a great man, and I'm honored he considers an education for a girl like me to be a worthwhile use of his time."

"You thought that learning about my travels would be a worthwhile use of your time?"

"Of course. You've always understood me better than anyone, Jasper, and in many ways, learning about where you were helped me feel closer to you. You're my best friend. I didn't have the heart to tell your father that his lessons were merely making me want to explore the world, as well."

"You would want to travel?"

"Of course I would. The ranch will always be home to me, but there is so much in the world that I cannot really imagine. I want to see the ruins of the Aztecs. I want to see the Grecian islands. I want to hunt in the wilds of Africa, and see the animals of India. I want to see the things I can only dream about."

"Wouldn't you miss home?" Jasper asked.

"Of course I would, but I know that there's more to life than this ranch. I can always come home—like you do."

"Where would you go?"

"Wherever you chose."

"Alice, you mean that you want to travel with me?"

"Of course I do. It would be quite impossible to travel alone; you know that. Besides, I'd make an excellent companion. I know how to hunt and speak French, Italian, and Greek. I have a thorough knowledge of history and geography in many countries, and you know me. You've always been my best friend, Jasper; wouldn't you like someone to share your adventures with?"

He couldn't respond. The truth was, he wanted nothing more than to agree to her suggestion, and whisk her off to some exotic locale. She was intelligent, kind, and had always understood him better than anyone else. They were two sides of the same coin in many ways; she was raised with both his father's Christian beliefs, as well as Billy's old spirituality. She was like a domesticated animal, just like he was—a cat who could appreciate the stability of a regular meal and comfort of a family, but wanted nothing more than to roam free at times.

His hesitation stemmed from his inability to trust himself around her. She captivated him with her exotic beauty, though he tried desperately to remember the days when he viewed her as a sister. If he brought her with him on his next journey, would he be able to keep their relationship platonic?

x-x-x

It was always difficult for Jasper when Edward and Bella came to visit. It wasn't that he was jealous, per se, but he had never really understood how Bella had wanted to marry Edward. Now, they had been trying to start a family, and Jasper wondered how he had ever thought he could make her happy. As much as it was strange to see the woman he had once been intimate with married and in love with his brother, it never occurred to him that she had also been intimate with his other brother before him.

Bella and Edward had been visiting the ranch the first time she miscarried. Jasper had seen her devastated in the past, but her raw pain after losing her child had been almost too great to witness. Edward was similarly heartbroken, and Jasper knew that he had been wrong to ever doubt their relationship. No, it wasn't the magnetic passion that she and Carlisle had shared, but it was built on a solid foundation of trust, affection, and communication. As her anguished cry of Edward's name cut through the silence of the night ranch air, Jasper knew that she needed Edward as strongly as she had needed Carlisle.

She didn't know what she would do if she were ever to lose Edward.

It had been a year since Edward and Bella were married, and Jasper was once again feeling restless. His family was happy in a way he had never expected. He had finally come to terms that supporting Bella's marriage to Edward was the best way to uphold his promise to Carlisle. Charlie enjoyed seeing Edward and Bella together, and was content with his quiet life, sharing his work and home with Emmett, Sue, and Billy.

Jasper had finally realized that he no longer counted Alice amongst those he would leave behind. In trying to avoid thinking of her as a woman, he had only managed to become more captivated by her charms. He dreamt of her onyx hair, and the curve of her breast. She was a slight girl, but her curves were beautifully alluring. He could no longer deny his attraction for her, nor that he had decided to take her with him when he left home.

He knew that just because he admitted that he desired her, it didn't mean he couldn't resist temptation. He would go into town frequently to find a girl to fuck, but wasn't able to cast Alice from his mind. He was losing the fight against himself, and he didn't want to know what the consequences would be.

Alice, on the other hand, knew exactly what it was she stood to gain. She had loved Jasper her entire life. It had broken her heart when he began courting Bella; she was completely wrong for him, and it seemed that everyone but Jasper was unaware of this fact. Her joy at their parting was dampened by his departure. This time, she would make sure that he didn't leave without her. She could be good for him, if only he would let himself give in to her.

She found him in the barn, brushing his horse. She had prepared a speech, outlining once again why she would make an excellent traveling companion, but all that came out was, "I'm coming with you."

"I know. We leave next week."

She stood in shock that he had consented, her mouth hanging open slightly, until she realized that she was truly going to travel the world with Jasper. She didn't think before she flung herself at him and kissed him.

He kissed her back before he realized what he was doing, amazed at how her tiny frame fit against his despite the difference in their heights. Her lips felt perfect against his. It was only after he pulled back that he realized her legs were wrapped around his waist, and his hands were cupping her ass. He was disappointed when he realized he had to let go, and relieved when she didn't remove herself immediately from her perch. She felt too delicious pressed against him as she was.

She leaned back, and he thought for a moment that she was going to remove herself from him. It was a surprise, then, when she took her dress straight over her head, revealing a quite shocking lack of undergarments. It was more than Jasper could bear, and with a moan, his lips found hers once again, and he laid her down in the soft hay below them. He quickly thanked god that they weren't in one of the stalls before doing so. She quickly unbuttoned his shirt and pushed it from his shoulders, not breaking their kiss during the movement. He removed his trousers before sliding his hand from her breast down between her legs. When he felt how wet she was, he moved his hand back to her breast, and pushed himself inside of her with one fluid motion.

He stilled, relishing how tight she was, and he wondered briefly how he hadn't realized that he was taking her virginity before then. His eyes flew open and searched her face for discomfort, and was glad he found none. He honestly wasn't sure if he could resist moving for much longer. She shifted her hips impatiently, and he answered her silent request. She was too tight, felt too incredible, and he knew he wasn't going to last long.

He didn't, but Alice didn't seem to mind as she smiled in satisfaction. He was quickly ready for another round, and by the time they left the barn, both Alice and Jasper were quite satisfied, and there was no doubt that their decision to travel together was the correct choice.

They left the ranch in a little over a week, long enough to see Edward and Bella one last time before they departed. Charlie and Edward had been shocked when they learned that not only were they traveling together, but that they were also involved. Bella, however had not been surprised in the least; she had known that Alice was in love with Jasper since the first day they had met, and had seen Jasper struggle against his attraction for Alice in recent months. She didn't know why, but she was mildly surprised that Alice's prediction would never come true; Alice would never marry Jasper.

They did, however, travel together for many years, and happily spend their lives together and in love. Billy performed a ritual blessing the couple before they left, and neither believed enough in a Christian god to be married in a church.

x-x-x

Edward had heard stories from other couples of how repeated failures to conceive could permanently damage a relationship. That their problem wasn't in conceiving a child –miscarriage was- left Edward hopeful for their relationship. They had been married for well over a year, and after the first two miscarriages, he tried to remain optimistic. He didn't blame Bella their troubles, but he did worry about her.

He knew that she was the strongest woman he had ever met, but he would have given anything to spare her the pain of such loss. It broke his heart every time he saw the haunted look in her eyes. He wanted a family with her so very much, but there were certain times in which he wondered if it was worth putting themselves through such fierce heartache. He knew they hadn't been trying that long, so he resolved to wait before voicing his concerns to Bella. He wanted to support her—not give up on their mutual dream.

It had been a long day at work, but his exhaustion faded as soon as he approached the door to the house he shared with Bella. His home always had the power to erase his worries and fatigue—but he suspected it had more to do with its other inhabitant than the house itself.

He walked through the door, and called out to Bella. As per usual, Jake was the first one to come greet him. He bent down and pet the overexcited Boston Terrier with a fond smile. Jake had been Bella's most trusted confidant for years, but since he and Bella had begun their relationship, Jake had become as much his dog as he was hers. He was still petting Jake when he felt two slender arms slip around his waist. He straightened, and felt Bella's lips trail her tongue along the column of his neck. A loud moan escaped his lips before he spun around in her arms to capture his lips with his own.

Bella wasn't in the mood for foreplay. She had returned home from work restless. It had taken her over a month to truly recover from the heartache of losing her baby. For so long, she had believed that the stress of losing Carlisle had caused her to lose her daughter, but she was no longer certain that was the cause. She had yet to make it past the first trimester, but she hadn't allowed herself to give up hope. Edward had been incredible throughout the last year. He was a gracious and attentive husband, a passionate lover, and she knew that he would make an incredible and loving father. She wanted to give him that opportunity.

More importantly, she wanted to show how much she appreciated his kind patience. She had spent the better part of the evening imagining ways to show him how much she loved him…how grateful she was for his support. Walking in the room and being treated to a wonderful view of his well-formed derriere, her plans flew out the window. It had been weeks since either of them felt truly amorous, and she now felt more than slightly aroused. She didn't mean to pounce on him, such as it were, but when your husband was as lovely as Edward Cullen, some things could not be helped.

"I missed you," he said into her lips.

"I want you. Need you," she murmured in kind.

He groaned, and picked her up by the backs of her thighs, and she wrapped her legs around his waist. He looked towards the bedroom, and realized that they were most definitely not going to make it that far. She had fumbled with the buttons of his shirt before tearing it open, revealing his muscled chest. She dragged her teeth across his shoulder before running her tongue along his sternum. He quickly unbuttoned her shirt –he always did have more patience than Bella did- and threw the garment behind her. He had to interrupt the kisses she was lavishing upon his chest to remove her corset, but the interruption didn't last long at all.

He never noticed that she removed his trousers and undergarments, and he briefly wondered if she had some sort of magical garment removal power that he was otherwise unaware of. Her legs, after all, were still wrapped around his waist. He set her down briefly to remove her skirt and undergarments, before turning slightly to lead her into their bedroom. At her whine of impatience, he quickly lifted her up again, and pressed her against the wall. She needed the feel of him inside her. It had been far too long, and she craved his touch.

"Please," she cried, before her mouth sought his.

He obliged quickly, not even bothering to check if she was ready; he knew that when she was like this, she was more than adequately prepared. Every time he entered her felt like the first time. He was never able to lose himself in anything more than he was the feeling of being united with her. Making love to her was a more spiritual experience than any religion could provide.

Now, he simply wanted to fuck her.

He remembered Jasper and Carlisle discussing fucking or making love to a woman. What he didn't believe Jasper could ever understand was that as long as you're in love, fucking was making love. He had needed her touch as fiercely as he needed oxygen, but it didn't feel right to be intimate so soon after their heartache.

He braced himself against the wall with one hand as she ran her nails down his back—not scraping, but gently. They never ended their kiss, breathing heavily through their noses so they could maintain the connection. When he felt her clench around him, he lost himself in his own release, as he usually managed to do. There was nothing that he found more alluring than Bella as she climaxed around him.

They caught their breath, still entwined, though he was now bracing himself with both hands against the wall. After a few moments of languid kisses, he slid out of her, and she allowed herself to stand once again. She murmured a quiet, "I love you," which he promptly returned before kissing her again.

She made them dinner after they both had redressed—though neither of them bothered with their undergarments.

"So… what prompted such an enthusiastic greeting?" Edward asked, as they were finishing their meal.

Bella smiled sheepishly. "I had been planning to show you how much I love you, and how much I appreciate your patience over the last few weeks. I know it's been difficult for both of us, but…I don't know. I suppose I wanted to show you that I know there's more to you –to us- than the losses we've suffered. I love you."

"I know you do," he said with a soft smile, and understanding in his eyes. "I love you, too."

"I didn't mean to be so impatient," she admitted. "There are actually candles lit in the bedroom, but as soon as I saw you, I needed you."

He smiled devilishly at her. "It would be a shame to put those candles to wait, but feel free to be impatient any time you'd like."

She chuckled at his response, and said, "I never said that the candles were wasted. The night is young, husband."

"I believe you're correct, wife."

They made love into the early morning, long after the candles had burnt out.

x-x-x

Bella had been trying to hide her sadness from Edward during the entire drive from Helena to the ranch. She had thought she might be pregnant once again, until she saw the telltale blood appear. She had been two weeks late, but she was waiting until the second month to tell Edward about the pregnancy. Now she didn't know if she should tell him at all. She knew he would support and console her, but a large part of her wanted to believe that if she ignored it, she wouldn't be as hurt by the loss.

She knew it was a silly hope, but she clung to it, regardless.

Edward had enough on his mind, and she knew he needed her support and guidance. A small group of local businessmen had approached him recently about running for Congress. He had become a very prominent figure in Helena society—well liked by everyone, and greatly respected. Some believed he would excel in the political arena. The group that had approached him had gone so far as to offer financial support should he choose to run.

Edward had been honestly considering their offer. He was content in his life, but there would always be a part of him that wanted to make a name for himself in the world. He knew it was a vain and selfish desire, but it seemed beyond his control. He wanted the glory that he sought in battle all those years ago. He wanted people to know the Cullen name through him, not his father. He just didn't realize that glory in battle was fleeting. He was part of one of the most lauded advances in the war, but the victory was ultimately hollow. How can you claim honor and glory when so many lives are lost?

Moreover, people knew his name already. His store had flourished under his management, and he had an impeccable reputation as a fair and generous boss and entrepreneur. He had begun to start small shops in some of the smaller farming towns, like Glasgow. His main store remained in Helena, but people trusted his product, and his prices were reasonable. His customers were more than willing to travel to Helena for large purchases, but he had fielded too many requests for small stores with basic necessities like seeds, grain, and soil closer to the farms to ignore.

Edward's voice broke the silence when they were a mere half hour from the ranch. "Do you think I'm a fool for considering their offer?"

Bella sighed. Her objections had nothing to do with his ability to be an outstanding politician—she had no doubt he would be excellent in the position. No, her reasons were entirely selfish, and she knew it. "I don't think you're being foolish. You'd be foolish not to at least consider it."

"Then why don't you seem excited by the idea?"

"I'm sorry. I don't mean to be. I'm really just not feeling well at the moment, and my lack of enthusiasm has nothing to do with you."

"Why didn't you tell me you were unwell earlier? We could have sent our regrets to Father. He'd understand."

"I'll be fine. I promise," she said with a rather wan smile.

"Do you think it's a good idea, then?"

"I think it could be good for you, if that's what you want."

He heard something unspoken hidden in her words. "We're partners, Bella. It's not just about what I want, and you know that."

"I'm sorry, Edward. I know. But what would happen to your store? Would you sell it? You love working in the store."

"And?" Edward asked, knowing there was more that was bothering her.

"We're tying to start a baby. Would we have to move? Would you have less time for the baby?"

Her words sparked something in him, and he was curious as to her phrasing. "Is there a baby?" Edward asked softly, hope lacing his tone.

Bella closed her eyes to prevent herself from crying. "No. I hoped there might be…but I was mistaken."

"Is that why you've been so out of sorts all day?"

"I'm sorry. I didn't want you to get your hopes up until I was certain, but yes. I didn't want to ruin your weekend, too."

"You will never ruin my weekend, unless I were to find out that you were trying to hide this disappointment from me. You know I would never forgive myself if you were hurt, and I hadn't been there to comfort you."

"I know. I just thought you should concentrate on the idea of running for office."

"I haven't made my mind up yet, but I don't want this to affect our lives. If even considering it makes you think I wasn't available to offer you support when you need me, there's no way I can actually run for office."

"Don't think that. I was just being foolish. I suppose I'm being overly sensitive at the moment." He had always supported her in her decisions, and she really was happy to be able to support him in his.

Edward clasped her hand in his, and ran his thumb along the back of her hand. He smiled gently at her, and murmured, "I'll discuss it with Father, and see what he thinks of the idea."

Of course, he should have known that Charlie would be completely against the idea.

When they arrived, Charlie immediately regaled them with a letter he had received that week from Alice and Jasper. They were in Egypt, and exploring the great landmarks that still stood from the ancient civilization. It was still clear that Charlie was still unhappy that they refused to marry before traveling the world together, but he had seemed to accept that there was nothing he could do to change their decision.

When Edward broached the subject of running for Congress, Charlie was incredulous.

"How can you want to become part of a government that would try to systematically wipe out an entire people, just so they could have more land? They forced out the natives from their homes, killing innocent women and children as well as those who stood up to fight against the injustices!"

"I want to be part of a government that would make real changes for the good! Not all politicians are evil and corrupt, Father."

"Of course they aren't, but you would be the voice of the minority, and I know you would be frustrated. I worked for the government for years when I served my country, and when I tried to tell them that what they were forcing us to do was wrong, I was met by silence."

"The men who want to fund my campaign –who want me to run- believe I can make a real change."

"Of course, they would expect you to take up for their personal agendas. Don't think for one moment that their motives are altruistic!"

Before Edward could respond, there was a knock on the door. Bella rose to answer as Charlie continued to convince Edward that becoming a Congressman would not be the honorable path he desired. When Charlie pointed out that becoming a politician would greatly decrease the amount of time he could spend with his family, Edward finally conceded. If Charlie and Bella both thought that running for Congress would take him away from his wife and future child, he couldn't allow himself to act so selfishly.

Bella couldn't hear their discussion, but said a silent prayer that Charlie could convince Edward that he shouldn't go. She didn't want her husband taken away from her by the agendas of other men. She knew, though, that if anyone could make Edward see reason, it was the colonel.

She smiled at the thought as she swung the door open, revealing the figure on the other side. Her breath froze in her throat, and she blinked her widened eyes rapidly, as if to clear the apparition she couldn't possibly see. She finally was able to draw a shaky breath, but her mind was unable to form words. Gooseflesh ran down her arms.

Finally, after minutes of shocked silence, she heard his voice. "Bella?"

Tears ran down her cheeks unheeded. Surely, this had to be a dream.

"Carlisle?"


A/N: Next update on Monday. It'll pick up right where I've left off.