A/N: Well guys, this is it. The last official chapter of this story. It's my only hope that you all enjoy this final chapter!


Chapter 48: Reunited Strangers

NPOV

Staring at this beautiful stranger, my mind went into overdrive. Because, it was evident that this man knew who I was and yet, nothing about him seemed familiar. At all.

And then he did something rather odd. He reached out and grabbed one of my hands in his and was holding onto it for dear life. I looked down at our now intertwined hands and briefly took note that he was wearing a wedding ring. It struck me as odd. Why if this man was married, would he be so consumed with me?

And then I heard his thoughts.

Please remember me Nadia. Please, I'm begging you angel….

"Who are you?" I eyed him "And how do you know who I am?"

"Nadia please, I know this is difficult but, you have to remember me. I won't stop until you do. Remember the letter you wrote me?"

"Letter?"

"You said that if we ever met again, to make sure that I did everything I could to bring you back."

Oh, god. Ethan's thoughts floated into my mind again Mom, that's him.

"Who?" I turned to face my son with a curious expression.

The guy from the journal.

Jasper.

My dad.

All his thoughts hit me at once and I just stared back and forth between the two people who were standing in front of me. Now that I was able to fully to look at them, there was obviously similarities. They were both fair skinned and though Ethan's hair was a dark brown color, it was almost the exact same texture and length as the man who stood before me. But, what stuck out the most were their eyes. They were the exact shade of amber gold. Which, that only meant one thing.

"Oh!" I gasped, my gaze returning to the man in front of me.

Mom, that's your husband. The man who you love more than anything. That's my dad! You have to remember him! Ethan was practically yelling at me from his mind.

I shut my eyes tightly, trying to block out everything. Well, almost everything. As I searched my mind for something, anything, I was vaguely aware of the cold hand that was still holding onto me tightly.

Images flashed before me. However, none of those images included the person in front of me. Then again, my mind would only go as far back to the day Ethan was born. And, that didn't make any sense what so ever. My life went much further back than seven years. Didn't it?

If that's true than why cannot I remember anything past that day?

"How long ago was the last time you saw me?" I asked the man, who Ethan called Jasper, praying to God that he would be able to help me.

"Seven years ago" he squeezed my hand tighter when he saw my eyes widen "Seven years ago, you were taken from us Nadia."

"Taken?" I whispered. "Taken where?"

He shrugged. "I don't know angel. But, you wrote me a letter saying that you were safe. But, you also said that if we ever met again, you were probably not going to remember me or anyone else. But Nadia, I'm begging you…please remember. I need you to remember. I need you." His voice broke on the last sentence and I was taken aback by the amount of desperation that was in his voice. It made this so much harder for me.

Here I had this man who was trying to get me to remember him and yet, nothing was coming to me. For the longest time I stood there, and it was like time had stood still. The people surrounding me outside the airport were virtually nonexistent. It was like the only thing that matter was this man.

'Stop calling him that Nadia, his name's Jasper…and, if Ethan is right, he is YOUR husband.'

"Nadia, I can sense that you are trying so hard. But, you must try harder. I can't go on living without you. Please…" he stepped closer to me, closing the minute gap between us and bringing his free hand to touch the side of my face. "Remember." He whispered.

The moment he touched my face, it was like something was ignited inside of me. Sliding my eyes shut, I relished in the way his touch was. It just seemed so right. Not even the temperature of his skin seemed odd to me when I knew it probably should have. Without even thinking, I gently leaned into his hand.

Because, for reasons that were still unknown to me, there was just something about his touch that felt so familiar.

With my eyes still closed, there was a sudden flash of images in my mind. But, unlike the images of the past seven years, these ones weren't as clear. They were blurry and incomplete. But, the most confusing part was that the two people were unrecognizable. I tried to focus harder, in hopes that the images would become clearer.

When they did though, I was even more confused. It was clear that the man was Jasper, I could tell by the blonde hair and his eyes. But, the woman in the images….there was nothing familiar about her. Why would I be seeing things about him and another woman? This had nothing to do with me.

"Who is she?" I asked, eyes still closed.

"Who?"

"The woman? I see you with a woman. She has brown hair and brown eyes. Whoever she is, you look like you're very much in love with her…" I snapped my eyes open and pulled away from him "Oh, god she's your wife isn't she?"

I expected him to grow upset, perhaps even deny this fact. But, instead he just gave me the smallest smile. A smile that made my heart skip a beat.

"Yes, she's my wife." He approached me again, this time wrapping an arm around my waist, literally locking me in place against him. I saw him slowly coming closer to me.

"No, no please don't do this." I shook my head. I was so certain that this man, who I still didn't know, was going to try and kiss me.

"Funny" he laughed lightly "You said the exact same thing the first time I kissed you." I could feel his lips slightly hovering over my ear now "And the woman you're seeing is you. You're that woman Nadia. You're my wife."

"No, I'm not. She looks nothing like me. And how can I be married?"

"Oh, but we are married Nadia, I assure you. And I have spent seven long years waiting for you to come back to me….and I'm not about to let you go just like that. I will do whatever it takes for you to remember me."

"How are you so certain I'm the same person?" I quirked an eyebrow at him. This time, he laughed a little bit louder and shook his head.

"Oh, Nadia you're still so stubborn. You want to know how I know it's you?" he stepped a few inches back and lifted my hand and brought my wrist up to his face and inhaled deeply. The look that crossed his face was both terrifying and exhilarating. "Because no matter how long I live, I will never, ever, be able to forget this scent. No one else has it. It's all you….it'll always belong to you. And you will always belong to me." His voice had dropped a bit, taking on a more sensual tone. But, at the same time, I could literally feel the love that he was exuding towards me.

I knew right then that this was real. That this man, Jasper, was who he said he was.

This man, someone from my past, was my husband. And, I was his wife. Which, that could only mean one thing. He was the man that I loved. And that somehow made everything click into place.

"For the longest time, I felt like something was missing." I confessed "And, I think I know just what that was. It was you." I reached over and grabbed his other hand in his "Jasper" even his name sparked the flame brighter "I don't exactly remember you but, there is something there. Something inexplicable. And, I know that what you're saying is true. If I asked you to make me remember…then I hope that you will keep on that promise."

No more words were needed. In an instant, I found myself in both a foreign and familiar embrace. I held onto him as tightly as I could and he did the same, his face buried in my hair, taking deep breaths as we stood there.

"You don't know how long I've waited for you." He whispered when he pulled away.

"Seven years?" I joked lightly and then I suddenly remembered something. "Oh!" I turned and saw Ethan standing a few feet away from us, an interesting look on his face "Come here Ethan." I waved him over and he hesitantly stepped forward.

"I think it's time you two officially met." I let go of one of Jasper's hands and grabbed one of Ethan's.

JPOV

I watched as Nadia called over the young man. Whose name I now knew was Ethan and I watched the two of them interact. There was something about them. Though they looked the same age, there seemed to be more than just a bond there. Nadia was watching him…watching him in such a…a motherly fashion.

My eyes widened as I took it all in, trying to make sense of all of this in my mind. Surely, he wasn't who I thought he was?

"Jasper" Nadia called my name and this time I noticed she said it with more confidence, as if she was starting to feel comfortable with me again "If everything you've told me is true…"

"Every word angel, I swear." I reassured her. I would never lie to her. I needed her to remember, not try and push her away.

"Well then, I guess then that I should introduce you to your son. Well, our son." She looked and felt a bit nervous as she held on to both of our hands.

"My son?" I repeated, looking up at the young man in front of me. After a few seconds, I knew that there was no doubt that he was in fact mine. But, there was one thing that seemed a little bit off.

"Well technically he's only seven. But physically, he's about seventeen. But, I see now why that is."

"Why?"

"Because he's almost exactly like his father." She whispered the next part "A vampire."

"And this doesn't bother you?" I asked her hesitantly. Thought she had loved me deeply before hand, things could've changed. The thought of being with someone like me might scare or even disgust her.

"Of course not. I loved Ethan from the moment he was born. I knew he was different but I loved him all the same. And, I can see why it was so easy. Because, somewhere in the back of my mind, I knew that I had loved someone like Ethan before…" she trailed off, watching the cautious looks each of were giving one another.

"This is so damn weird." Ethan was the first one to speak after a few moments.

"Watch your mouth." Both Nadia and I said at the same time. And that seemed to break the tension between us. I let go of Nadia's hand and extended it towards Ethan. I wasn't too sure what his feelings were towards me. I didn't want it to seem like I was crossing too many boundaries with him. Even though he was my son, we had only just met.

He let go of his mother's hand and shook mine quickly before pulling me into a hug. A wave of relief washed over him. I patted his back firmly, a silent way of telling him that I felt the exact same way.

"Nadia, I don't understand…how? We have a son." I sighed deeply, still trying to wrap my brain around this fact.

"Well, you said I was 'taken' seven years ago. I had Ethan seven years ago. So, my guess is that sometime before I disappeared we…well, you know." She looked down a blushed slightly. An oh how I had missed that beautiful blush of hers.

And then it hit me. She was actually right. The night Nadia disappeared; we had been intimate with one another. We had still been trying to have another baby. And we apparently succeeded.

I, of course, was a bit disappointed in the fact that I missed the first seven years of Ethan's life. But, I didn't dare tell her that. Because, she had missed six years of….

"So, are we an official family now?" Ethan asked with hopeful eyes "Don't get me wrong mom, you are the best mom ever…" he quickly reassured Nadia and I had to laugh. How quickly my son had learned to appease Nadia. "But, there's been a pretty important piece of our puzzle missing. Don't you think it's about time we got that last piece?"

"Well" Nadia began, a bit of skepticism in her voice "We can't just assume that Jasper will take us in with open arms Ethan. Yes, I know he's your father but…" I couldn't have her talking like this! She had to understand.

"No, Nadia." I cut her off "You cannot possibly think that after seven years without you by side that I'm going to have one more day of that did you? Because I'm telling you right now, that I'm never letting you out of my sight….ever."

"Well when you put it that way, I guess we don't have much a choice now do we?" she laughed lightly "So what, it'll just be the three of us?" she asked curiously.

"Actually…" I began but was cut off when I felt someone running up to me and patting my hand.

"Daddy, what's taking you so long?" I glance down quickly and looked at Sofia and then back to Nadia quickly. There was an internal debate as to what I should do. But, Sofia was a part of Nadia….surely she would remember her right?

"You have a daughter?" Nadia's question broke all hope of that idea rather quickly but, I still had to try. I needed to tell her the truth.

"Actually, she's our daughter." I told her slowly and awaited her reaction.

"Is this Sofia?" Ethan stepped closer to her. I nodded and watched what he was going to do.

"Oh, she's so pretty. My little sister." He was practically beaming with excitement.

I was suddenly beginning to wonder just how Ethan knew all of this information and yet, Nadia remembered nothing.

"Because" she began to answer my thoughts "Before Ethan was born, I apparently began writing in this journal. About everything. I don't remember the things I wrote and I haven't looked at it in a long time but, Ethan has been reading it over and over for the past few years."

"Daddy, who are they?" Sofia tugged on my hand.

"Sofia honey, remember how we talked about one day having your mom back and then we could all be a family again?"

She nodded.

"Well, I found her." I had no other way of putting it.

"But, she isn't the mommy from the picture." She shook her head in confusion. "And who's he?" he pointed towards Ethan.

"I know it doesn't make sense darlin' but, you just got to believe me when I say that she is your mom. Can you do that for me baby?"

Sofia looked beyond confused. I couldn't blame her. She was only seven years old and the only reminder she had of her mother was a few pictures that she had been able to keep safe in her books. But, after a few moments, she nodded her head slowly and looked up at Nadia, the two of them studying each other.

I watched as Nadia slowly knelt down so that she eye level with Sofia. And, with a warm smile, she was basically inviting Sofia to come closer. Though she was putting on a brave face, she was absolutely terrified on the inside. I knew what she was thinking.

She was afraid that she wasn't going to remember Sofia. I knew she would be heartbroken if she didn't. I was one thing but Sofia, Sofia was blood. She almost an exact replica of Nadia.

Hesitantly, Sofia walked towards her mother, not letting go of my hand until it was completely necessary. But, instead of hugging Nadia, she took one of her hands and placed it against Nadia's cheek, much like I had not more than forty minutes ago.

"Mommy?" she asked in a small whisper. Nadia took in a sharp intake of breath before she pulled Sofia closer to her, letting Sofia bury her head against her.

"Yes baby" she whispered softly "I'm here now." As she was hugging her, her eyes looked up to meet mine.

Do you remember her?

She shook her head sadly.

"But I can feel it. I know she's my daughter." She stood up "And that's all I can ask for right now."

"Aunt Rosalie said that you were always in my heart mommy. Was I in yours?" Sofia called the attention back down towards her.

"Of course baby, you're a part of me. And I love you so much."

And that was enough for Sofia. She accepted the fact that this was her mother. After that, Sofia and Ethan were properly introduced to one another. Sofia took an immediate liking to her big brother and as the two interacted with one another, I reached over and grabbed Nadia's hand.

"I'd venture to say that now our family is officially complete."

"Our family." She whispered "You won't leave me Jasper? Even if I can't remember, you…you promise me that you'll stick with me?"

"I made a vow to you Nadia" I told her firmly "I told you that I would always sure that you were safe and to never let anything or anyone hurt you. Now, I know you may not remember but I do. And, I'm telling you now that I will never go back on my word."

"I believe you." She nodded her head, gripping my hand tighter to show that she really did. "Do you think it'd be okay if we left now?"

"Yes, of course." I looked around and saw that Carlisle and Rosalie were still standing there, curious expressions on their face. "I know you might not remember them Nadia, but there are two important people here that you should meet."

NPOV

I followed my gaze to the two people who were standing no more than twenty feet away from me and gave them a timid smile. They were obviously very important to Jasper. So, that in turn meant they were good people.

I instantly recognized the man who had been sitting next to me on the plane. Carlisle was his name. The tall blonde woman beside him was equally, if not more, beautiful. They were like Jasper and Ethan. I could tell by their eye color. Such a rich shade of amber.

They were both stunned when Jasper told them who I apparently was. I could not back him up. Other than the fact that yes, my name was Nadia and that I was pretty certain that Ethan and Sofia were our children.

"This is rather amazing." I watched as Carlisle looked at me, taking in my appearance "You immortals never cease to amaze me." He affirmed with a nod of his head.

And then it was time to leave. As we drove through the streets of Paris, I was informed that Jasper lived with the rest of his family in the city. They, in fact, had three entire floors of an apartment building to themselves.

Arriving at the apartment was rather surreal. Especially when I took one step inside, and found myself suddenly surrounded by six people.

There was a woman, a motherly figure with caramel hair and a sweet voice. A guy, who was insanely huge and wouldn't stop staring at me with this loving, goofy grin on his boyish face. There were two couples. The first consisted of a boy with bronze colored hair who I right away knew could read my thoughts. The woman at his side was stunning. She had long brown hair and assured me that a long time ago, the two of us had been friends. The other couple was a short, pixie like girl who was beside herself as she rambled on to me about things. The man who stood before her was quiet but the love he had for was anything but. I faintly heard her call him his singer or something of the sort.

As we sat there for the next hour, I had to listen yet again to Jasper explaining to his family about the events that had unfolded over the past couple hours. They were confused, naturally, but they were all very welcoming regardless. The treated me as if I had never left. They right away treated Ethan as one of the family. As if they had known him all his life.

"Mom?" Ethan came and sat beside me, his eyes a little wary.

"What is it Ethan?" I went into 'mom mode' as Ethan liked to refer to it as.

Do you think it'd be alright if I showed them my gift?

I just smiled and patted his hand gently. "Of course sweetheart, I'm sure they'll love it."

"Alright." He stood up and grabbed his sketchbook "I'm going to need a volunteer if you will."

"Oh, me!" the small pixie girl, who I believe said her name was Alice jumped up and was at Ethan's side in an instant.

"Alright, now just please stand right there." He backed a few inches and looked at her face for a few seconds before he quickly started sketching. A few moments later, he turned the book and showed her a picture. Looking closer, I saw it was a picture of her wearing a bright pink dress at some gala.

"You're going to go to some big event, wearing this dress." Ethan summed it up.

"OH!" she covered her mouth "I just bought that dress yesterday." She shook her head in disbelief. "How did you know that?"

"It's my gift." He smiled slightly, a smile that I now knew he got from his father "I can…well, I guess I can draw the future."

"Oh my goodness!" I watched as Alice flung her arms around Ethan "Another psychic in the house! Oh this is going to be great." She beamed and I hear some mumbles from across the room.

"Another one? You can see the future too?" I asked her. She looked at me a bit sadly but she nodded none the less.

I sat back at watched all the interaction between them. Ethan was beside himself. For the first time, he was around people who were exactly like him. It was like he was home. That this is where he belonged.

And, even though I knew that this is where I belonged too, I couldn't help but feel frustrated. Not with any of them but, just myself. Because, as much as I knew that this is where I was supposed to be, I still hated the fact that I couldn't remember anything. A few hours ago, it was just me and Ethan. And now, come to find out, I was married and had a daughter. Not only that, I also had this huge extended family as well.

"Nadia" I felt someone touch my hand "Is everything okay?"

"Yes, I'm just feeling a little tired." I shrugged.

Would you like to go upstairs? Just to be alone for awhile…give you some time with all your thoughts.

I looked over at Jasper and nodded.

"Will you come with me?" I asked hopefully. As much as I wanted to have a little bit of quiet, I didn't really feel like being alone.

"Of course angel." He stood and offered me his hand which I quickly, yet still hesitantly took.

"And just where are you two going?" the big guy, whose name was Emmett I believed looked over at us with a smug smile on his face.

"Don't mind him Nadia, that's just Emmett." He gripped my hand tighter and started leading me towards the stairs. After some time walking around the apartment, we finally reached one of the bedrooms.

One step inside and I was in love with the room. It had beautiful furniture and a large book shelf that took up one entire side of the wall. The bed that was against one of the walls was covered in deep blue and it looked so inviting. I immediately went for it and just sat down, surprised about how soft it actually was.

"Can I show you something?" I looked over and saw that Jasper was standing over by his bookshelf, awaiting my response.

"Okay."

He turned and grabbed something and then brought it over to me. "Now, I'm not sure if I should show it to you. I don't know how you will react."

"What is it?"

"They're pictures Nadia. Picture of us. Well, before you left."

"Oh." I sighed "No, no I want to see them. Maybe it'll help me?" I suggested. He cautiously handed me the small photo album and sat beside me as I began looking through the pictures.

They were mostly the same. They were pictures of Jasper and the woman from earlier. The one with the brown hair and brown eyes. The woman who Jasper swore was me. I had no choice but to believe him.

The more I looked at them, the more I wanted to remember. All these memories that Jasper and I had shared, I wanted so desperately to remember them.

When I reached the end of the album, with the last picture being of myself, Jasper and our daughter, I shut it gently and looked up at Jasper. I knew my eyes were watery but I didn't care.

"Anything?" he asked. I shook my head no. He removed the book from my hands and scooted closer to me, reaching for my hands. But, I didn't let him take them. His face dropped a little as he looked at me confused.

Hesitantly, I raised my hands and placed them on either side of his face. I traced every line of his face, tracing over the bruise like shadows that were under his eyes. I let me fingers slide down lower, over his cheekbones, his nose and ultimately, his lips.

After my examination of his face, I threaded my fingers through that tousled hair of his and then back down to his neck. There, I was able to feel something, which he told me quietly were scars, right underneath the collar of this shirt he was wearing.

I dropped my hands from him and let them fall into my lap. I looked away from him. This was much harder than I thought.

"Nadia? What is it?" my face was lifted gently so that I could meet his gaze. "Please, tell me. I need to know what I can do to make you feel better."

"I'm so sorry" I whispered "I'm sorry that I can't remember Jasper. I'm trying so hard I promise but, I'm scared. I'm scared that none of these memories will ever come back to me."

And that was it. I started crying uncontrollably.

"Please Nadia, don't cry" he pulled me closer to him "Everything is going to be alright, I promise you. There's no need to be upset."

"No, things aren't okay" I shook my head "Please Jasper…" I sobbed "Please help me. I'm so tired of feeling empty. I want to just feel whole. I just want to feel something…"

Three seconds later, a pair of lips came crashing onto mine.

It was gentle yet desperate.

There was love but also a feeling of sadness.

But, regardless of the emotions that were running through my system, I knew that there was one thing that I needed at this very moment. And, I was pretty confident that Jasper felt the same way. I wrapped one of my hands around him and tried to bring him closer to me. But, he stalled a bit and pulled away from me.

"Are you sure?" he asked.

"No, not really…but yes." I tried to catch my breath somewhat. I could see the longing in his eyes and I just hoped that my eyes reflected the same feeling. But, even with my answer, it was enough permission to him.

He pushed me slightly back onto the bed. And, even though there was so much longing and desired flowing between the two of us, he made sure he was gentle as he possibly could.

While intimate, it was utterly romantic at the same time. And, afterwards as I lay there, covered slightly by one of the soft blue sheets, I knew that there was no need for words.

We both knew what this was.

We had been intimate not for the sake of pleasure but, because of the total need to be as physically close to one another as possible.

In our own way, even though I still didn't remember, Jasper and I had just been reunited.

Strangers yet lovers.

"Jasper" I traced some more of his scars as we lay there "Do you have a gift like Ethan?"

He smiled slightly, bringing my hand to his lips quickly "I do angel. And I hope you don't mind but, I've been using it quite liberally today."

"Really?"

"I can feel and change your emotions." He said calmly, watching my face for a reaction.

"Well, that would make sense." I blushed "I was wondering why I've been able to feel the amount of love you have for me just hitting my full force. But, I like that gift. Just as long as you don't manipulate me to your advantage."

"I promise." He pulled me closer, kissing my forehead.

We were quiet for a long time, neither of us needed to say much. I knew now that could feel my peace and contentment. As much as I loved the fact that Ethan now had a family, and that I had been reunited with my precious daughter, it still seemed a bit foreign to me.

And, at this very moment, the only thing that made sense to me was this. Jasper and I together with no one else. It was like he held some kind of power of me. Almost like we had this unseen connection that, no matter how long we'd been apart, had never been broken. It was always there, lingering in the background and waiting for the day the two of us could be together.

Some hours passed and the both of us silently decided that it was best that we headed back downstairs. Back to our family.

As I got dressed, I felt Jasper's eyes on my the entire time, just taking in everything about me.

"Do I look the same?" I asked him shyly. I already knew that I didn't.

"No, but that doesn't matter." He stood, got dressed quickly and came to my side. "But, the way I see it, I get a whole new Nadia to explore and appreciate." He kissed my check quickly before I finished getting dressed.

"You know" he started "I always knew that you were beautiful Nadia but now that you're back, I think you're even more so."

I glanced at my reflection in the mirror. It was a complete opposite of the woman in my mind and the pictures. Instead of brown hair, it was raven black. And instead of brown eyes, they were now a deep shade of green.

"Well, thanks I guess." I smiled lightly. I wasn't sure how to really respond to that. But, as long as he still thought of me as beautiful, I had no complaints.

"Should we go see what our kids are up to?"

"Sounds good." I nodded, making my way towards the door, but paused when I reached for the door knob, a sudden wave of anxiety hitting me.

"What if I never fully remember Sofia? Do you think she will hate me?" I turned and looked at Jasper, my anxiety suddenly turning into fear.

"Of course you'll remember her. It might not be today, or even a year from now but one day Nadia, you're going to remember everything. I just know it." He came and opened the door and the two of walked out into the hallway.

"How are you so sure?" I reached for his hand, hoping he'd get the hint and maybe use his gift on me so that I could calm down a bit. He did and I felt more at ease after a few seconds.

"It's quite simple really" he stopped me so that I could face him "It was all about mind over matter." He smiled.

"What?"

"In the time that you were gone Nadia, I never once doubted the fact that we would find one another. Even though on the outside, with each passing year, the odd of me finding you would grow smaller, I never gave up. What he have is unbreakable. The connection we have is so strong; I knew that it was only a matter of time that fate would bring us back together. And even now….yes, I know that you don't remember that much right now. But, you have to keep it in your mind that one day you will. If you keep telling yourself, one day it'll happen. You can't just give up."

I stared at him, my mouth opening slightly as the meaning of what he had just said hit me.

"You believe in me so much Jasper…when I can't even find a way to believe in myself."

"Oh, Nadia…one day when you remember, you will see just how much your faith and belief in me made me into such a better man. I have you to thank for the way I am today. I have to thank for so many things…our children, your unrelenting belief in me but most of all…" he surprised me by pushing towards the wall. "It's your unconditional love for me that I am the most thankful for. Without it, I would be nothing. Without you, I'm nothing." He wrapped an arm tightly me around the waist and held me close to him before bringing those wonderful lips of his down on mine again.

This time though, it wasn't filled with sadness. No, rather it was fill was unrelenting love. I knew he was using his gift to show me and all the emotions again were overwhelming and yet, familiar.

"You know at this rate, we're never going to make it downstairs." I teased him gently after he had given me the chance to breathe.

"I would say that I'm sorry but I'm not. We have seven years to make up for Nadia…besides I wanted you to know that I believe in you so much. I know that someday, things are just going to fall into place."

"Thank you, you have no idea what this means to me. Now come on lover boy" I smoothed out the shirt I was wearing "Let's get down there before the two of us get distracted again."

"I don't mind distractions." He whispered but moved away so we get a move on.

"I'm beginning to see that."

It was so awkward. Everything that I was doing and saying seemed both wrong and right. It was like I shouldn't be saying these things and yet, they just came out as if no time had passed between Jasper and I.

We eventually made it back down to where the rest of the family was, we were greeted with some smug glares along with warm smiles.

"Sure didn't take you very long did it?" the…I mean Emmett laughed.

"Is he always like this?" I turned and looked at Jasper. He just nodded his head, shooting him a glare.

"Well, you came right on time for the big show!" Emmett clapped his hands in a loud fashion.

"What show?" I looked out the window. It was dark outside now, signifying that we had been upstairs for much longer than I thought.

"Jasper and I are going to take Ethan out to hunt." He smile got bigger, if that was even possible.

"Really?" I tilted my head, looking at the three boys.

"Yes! He doesn't know what it's really like to hunt until he's hunted with me and Jasper. Who knows, maybe we'll teach him a thing or two!" he smirked and I could Ethan scoff loudly.

"It's okay isn't mom?" Ethan looked at, almost as if he had been caught doing something bad.

"Of course it is." I smiled "You'll be with your dad…and just so long as you don't get too carried away." I reminded him gently.

"Yes!" he shouted and I was beginning to see that Emmett was already rubbing off on him. Just what I needed. He was already rambunctious but I had the feeling that if left alone, those two would get into some major trouble.

"Mommy!" I jumped slightly when I felt someone running up to me and tugging my hand. I looked and saw Sofia, smiling brightly at me. "Come see my room!"

"Alright sweetie." I squeezed her hand. So quickly she had accepted the fact that yes, I was her mother. But, just as quickly as she had accepted it, I had realized that I loved her so much. She was my baby after all. A part of me, always.

"We'll be back later." Jasper and Ethan were standing in front of me and Sofia. "Don't wait up for us ladies." He laughed slightly.

"When will you be back?"

"Probably not until the early morning. But, until then" He stepped closer, giving me a quick kiss "That's something to have until I come back."

"Ew, that's gross." Both Ethan and Sofia cringed.

"Hey, you don't want to see it, I suggest you turn around." Jasper playfully told them and the two of them just laughed.

"Come back to me alright?"

"I have every intention." He went in for another kiss and let me wrap my arms around him for a few moments.

"Just remember what I told you Nadia." He whispered before he, Ethan and Emmett headed towards the door. "I love you."

"I love you too." I whispered back to him, realizing that this was the first time I had told him that in seven years. It was well overdue.

After they left, I turned back to Sofia, who was patiently waiting for me.

"You ready?" I grabbed her hand in mine.

And, as the two of us walked so she could show me her room, I just kept repeating in my mind over and over…mind over matter

If I could keep it in my mind that one day everything was going to come back to me, then it would come true.

Jasper had so much faith in me, and I couldn't let him down.

I couldn't let my beautiful children down.

I would remember, one day.

I knew it wouldn't be easy. But, I got the feeling that everything that revolved around my past had never been easy.

And whether I remembered one day or not, I knew that at this moment, this was the start of a new life for me.

With my children, husband and family by my side, what more did I need?

I could do this.

I needed to do this.

Jasper said that fate had brought us together again. Meaning, it had brought us together in the first place. And, I firmly believed that notion. He would forever stay by my side, never leaving me, never doubting me. He would just love me.

And the love we share, the inexplicable connection the two of us have, was what was going to keep me going. It would never break.

I would never break.

We would never be broken again.

Mind over Matter.

That's all it would take. It's all I would need….just one phrase to keep me going forever, hoping that everything would fall into place some day.

A new dawn was rising, and I no longer felt empty.

We had encountered some major setbacks but, I had the feeling that I was about to get my happily ever after.

For all of eternity.


It's been an emotional roller coaster with this entire story! But, I couldn't have kept going without all my AMAZING reviewers. You've been my inspiration and I loved knowing what you thought every step of the way!

I would love it if you ALL could review. Let's see if we can get past the 200 review mark! That would be wonderful!

If there was something that seemed a little unclear, let me say now that I am writing an Epilogue for this story so, if there was something missing, feel free to tell me!

It's been quite the journey and I hope that you've been able to fall in love with Jasper & Nadia's story the way I have!