A/N: Well here it is…Alice and Jasper's date! Hope you enjoy the fluffy goodness! :)
A big thanks to all who have read this story and have stuck with it. I'd love to get to 1k of reviews with this chapter, so please let me know what you think. Also, this story as well as Christine's banner for Truth or Dare has been nominated for a Jasper's Darlin's award. Thank you to whoever nominated me…I still can't get over the love I feel from you guys! The link is here and voting is until 15th October!
http:/ jaspersdarlins(dot)blogspot(dot)com/2011/10/vote-now(dot)html
Sorry it's been a bit longer between updates, but I've been busy writing for BreathofTwilights Countdown. My story has posted and the link is below, and if you alert the story, you'll get a new oneshot every day!
http:/www(dot)fanfiction(dot)net/s/7348457/1/
Disclaimer: I don't own Twilight…I just like to poke the characters a bit until they yield to my will. hehe.
CHAPTER 46 – SOMEWHERE…OVER THE RAINBOW
APOV
"Hello, darlin'," Jasper said with the widest grin I'd seen as I climbed into the car and shut the door.
"Hey yourself," I answered, leaning over to kiss him chastely on the cheek, still trying to make out what had him so dizzy. Seriously, he'd been in a weird mood ever since our moment in the kitchen at Thanksgiving, and I was beyond desperate to know what the hell was up. I knew he was up to something, but what it was…was anyone's guess.
I briefly wondered if curiosity could actually kill the cat, because he knew how much I hated being kept in the dark about things. I was beginning to think he was out to torture me.
"Why don't you just stop tryin' to figure out what's going on, and just wait for things to unfold naturally?" he asked, his words causing me to huff in frustration.
"But," I whined.
"Honey, forget it. I know this is killing you, but I'm not about to tell you anything more, so stop wasting your breath and just sit back, relax, and try to enjoy the ride, okay?" he urged, his eyes flickering toward me as we spend along the highway, heading away from the direction of the city. Well, interesting! Perhaps, just like Bella, I was about to be treated with a bit of fresh air and a picnic. Or a hike. Or… "Alice!" he warned with a smirk on his face, cottoning on to the fact that my mind was still ticking over with thoughts of what exactly he was up to.
"Alright, already!" I snapped, earning a shaking head and a chuckle from him. Bella thought he was a ninja? More like mind-reader, and if I wasn't going to get anywhere with him, then I would just get a bit of revenge and perhaps sleep through the trip until we got there.
He may know my weaknesses, but I also knew his. He loved to talk, especially with me, and the one way to get to him was to give him the silent treatment, and as I closed my eyes and put my evil plan in motion, I knew I'd have him in the palm of my hand in no time.
Uh-huh, I sure would.
I knew my behaviour was childish, but I wanted to let him know just how much he was torturing me, by giving him a taste of his own medicine. I was pleased to note it took him all of three minutes to crack.
"Alice?"
I didn't respond, and had to fight with all I had to supress a smile.
"I know you're awake. Talk to me," he begged sweetly, with a lilt to his voice so beautiful I wanted to end the game and throw myself into his arms.
Trying with all I could to keep a straight face, I reigned in the temptation to give in, and instead began to make the loudest and most fake snoring noises I could muster. Truth be told, it sounded more like I was snorting as I tried with everything to supress my laughter.
"Alice?" he repeated, causing me to snort even louder and mumble random, nonsensical words under my breath.
"Hmm…damn, if you're gonna stay asleep, I might have to turn around and go home," he threatened.
He wouldn't dare!
Of course, it didn't take long for me to realise the car hadn't deviated from its course, so I knew he wasn't about to follow through. Not if he knew what was good for him, anyway. In response to his idle threats, I decided to up the ante and began to snore even louder.
"Jeez, what a big set of lungs you have for such a little girl! With all this ruckus you're making, it's any wonder I get one wink of sleep when you stay over!" he said with a smile in his voice. I stopped snoring immediately and at the same time I felt my face screw up in a scowl. I did not snore, and his behaviour was beginning to bug me, big time, but before I could open my mouth and give him a piece of my mind, he spoke up once more. "Oh well, guess I'll have to wake you when we're there. Now, let's see…what can I do to amuse myself in the meantime? Oh, I know!" he said with a mischievous chuckle, his words causing me to abruptly hold my breath and wait to see what he'd do next.
Every passing second made me feel as though I'd crumble at any moment as my body tightened, readying itself for God knows what, but just as I thought I could stand it no longer and felt I was about to burst with frustration, I shivered as I felt his long, thick fingers graze across my thigh. Though I wore jeans, his touch never failed to elicit a reaction from me…and he knew that.
It really was dirty pool.
"So hot…" he moaned.
I tried but failed to wriggle away from his hand.
"What a shame you're asleep…I'd really love to make you cum while I'm driving…"
"Hands on the wheel, mister," I mumbled, still trying to keep up my ridiculous facade, blindly attempting to swat his hand away. But of course, instead of going along with what I'd asked, he decided it would be more fun to squeeze my thigh before heading higher.
"I'm fine steering with one hand, thanks all the same, and besides, my hand seems to prefer being somewhere else," he crooned as his hand swept upward, his fingers stopping short of my suddenly aching pussy. Eyes still closed, the sensation of his caress never ceased to thrill me, and I couldn't help but let out a small moan in response to his gentle but determined ministrations.
I really never had a chance when he did things like that.
Deciding to let him know I couldn't be swayed from getting what I wanted as easily as he thought, I sat up, opened my eyes and removed his hand, replacing it carefully on the gearshift.
"If you won't tell me what's going on, then I'm afraid you'll have to stroke your own stick instead," I pouted.
"My own stick?" he laughed.
"You got it!" I answered with determination.
"Oh, my stick is worn out from all the stroking I've done to it, while thinking of you, darlin'," he said lustfully. "So I think it needs a rest…that is, unless you wanna play with it while I drive?" he added suggestively, waggling his eyebrows.
"Not a chance!" I retorted with a mock scowl.
"Well then, we'd best get us to our destination as soon as possible, 'cos my stick's feeling like it needs to switch gears!" he laughed, changing down gears and revving the engine, at the same time popping the clutch and planting his foot on the accelerator.
"Jasper Whitlock, don't you dare!" I shouted in warning.
"Honey, relax. I'm not speeding, I'm just yankin' your chain is all," he drawled, taking his foot off the pedal, the car settling back into a quiet, smooth ride. "Now, where was I?" he questioned, his hand snaking toward my knee once more.
Knowing he had me licked, but at the same time thrilled by that fact, I let out a few curse words and hit his hand as he rested it on my thigh.
Trying but probably failing miserably to keep Jasper none-the-wiser regarding my building sexual frustration, I proceeded to change the subject. "So, I gather things went well at the meeting?"
He shot me a knowing smile, but answered my question anyway, and even cut me a break by avoiding anywhere near my overheated groin.
"They sure did! Rose never saw it coming, and Peter tells me that Alistair returning to the helm means the company will go from strength to strength."
"You'll owe Peter a big Christmas bonus when the time comes," I suggested.
"I agree. I kinda feel bad for Edward, though. He's gonna be the one to have to put up with her for God knows how long…"
"Oh I think if anyone can bring out the best in her, it's my brother. He's a pretty tough customer when things come down to it," I said with a smile. And he was. There was no doubt in my mind that my brother was strong, inside and out, and though he'd relied on me for a brief time, I knew that ever since then, the old Edward had returned…and some.
He was my rock.
My only family…and ever since he met Bella, the fire in his belly had returned and even gone up a notch thanks to her.
"I sense that too," Jasper agreed. "And if Edward has no luck, then I'm sure Seth's charms will work wonders, and if that doesn't work, they could go all 'good cop bad cop' on her ass."
"They'll make a formidable team, for sure," I agreed. "So, how are things going with the house?" I said, hoping we weren't far from our destination as the homes and businesses began to give way to the green of the forest.
"Well, we need to construct an addition to the house we've chosen. You know, make the kitchen and dining areas bigger, add a few more bathrooms, but the parcel of land is huge, and it was already pre-approved to be a hostel, so the permits are already in place," Jasper said confidently.
"So, it's full steam ahead?"
"Yeah, it sure is," he answered with a grin, squeezing my thigh once more before letting it go as he slowed down and turned into a narrow, gravel road. "Seth and Edward will be busy dealing with the sub-contractors while Rosalie will be kept on her toes making sure the house is in order and you know…picking out furnishings and such. All going well, most of the renovations should be done by Christmas, then in the New Year we'll see what's what and liaise with the hospital to make contact with the families, register it as a charity and set up the website. Seth's got a few counsellors lined up to work between the community centre and the house, so the families will not only have a house they can call their own, they'll also have professional support if and when they need it."
I smiled proudly at the man I loved, his eyes fixed on the uneven track until he sensed my stare. He glanced toward me, biting his lip as he took in my expression, the passion in those smouldering baby blues unmistakable. "What?" he questioned.
"I'm just so proud of you. You never cease to amaze me with your generosity," I said sincerely.
"Me? Honey, it's easy to be generous when you've got more money than you could ever spend in a lifetime."
"No…it's not," I argued. "There are people in this world, way more powerful and far richer than you, who only care about themselves and what the world owes them. You're not like that at all…and it's one of the many reasons why I love you," I whispered, feeling a lump catch in my throat as I told him how I felt.
And as those last words left my lips, he pulled in next to a large SUV, killed the engine, and as he turned toward me and swallowed heavily, his expression suddenly turned nervous as he whispered, "I love you too, sweetheart." And with that, he leant in and kissed me softly against the lips, and I found myself moaning a little before he kissed me once more and then withdrew. "So, are you ready for your surprise now?"
"Sure am," I breathed, giving him a reassuring smile in return as he got out and opened my door, took my hand and helped me out of the car.
"Viola!" he shouted as he pulled me away from the car to reveal my surprise.
"Oh my God!" I cried as I stopped dead in my tracks and took in the sight of something I never thought I'd see in my lifetime, the open field vast but for two things. I turned to face him, my widened eyes darting between him and the gigantic multi-coloured balloon that cast its shadow over the small brick building with the sign out front which read 'Over the Rainbow Hot Air Balloons'. "We're going ballooning?"
"Yeah," he answered, taking both of my hand in his, rocking back on his heels as he watched me carefully. "That okay?"
"Are you kidding? It's fantastic! I've always wanted to go up in one of these things, but never had a reason!" I answered excitedly.
"Well now you do, so let's not waste any more time! Your carriage awaits, sweet thang!" he shouted with an exuberant laugh as he dragged me toward the building.
"Good afternoon," a blonde haired woman greeted as we walked through the door and found her standing behind the counter. "I'm Kate. Welcome to Over the Rainbow. Now I just need you folks to sign these disclaimers before you go on up."
"Sure," Jasper answered as she handed us a clipboard and pen each. My stomach rolled and fluttered in response. I was a little nervous that we doing something that required the use of a waiver of all things, but at the same time I was elated that for the first time in my life, I was doing something this risky. In that moment, I'd never felt more…alive.
After we signed the paperwork and handed it back to Kate, Jasper took my hand and gave my knuckles a kiss. "The pilot's nearly done setting up, and he'll give you your safety instructions. Have a wonderful flight," she said with a warm smile, waving us off as Jasper turned and dragged me toward the door.
A tall, dark haired man stood in front of the basket, waving us over, greeting us earnestly as we approached.
"Welcome!" he said. "The name's Sam, and I'll be your pilot this fine afternoon," he said, shaking my hand and then Jasper's.
"Jasper, and this is my girl, Alice," Jasper answered, his smile beaming.
"Nice to meet you both. My colleague Embry over there will be in the chase vehicle, so we have transport back from our landing spot." I turned toward the cherry red SUV which we'd parked next to, a lean, dark haired man giving us a quick wave before getting in the vehicle.
"Where's our landing spot?" I asked.
"Wherever the wind takes us," Sam answered with a grin.
"Oh, wow! I like that!" I squealed.
"Now, how about we get this bird in the air?" Sam said, jumping into the basket before offering me his hand. As if I were a rag doll, Jasper grasped my waist and helped lift me into the basket before hoisting himself up and over, landing right next to me, his arms immediately winding around my waist, anchoring me to him. Sam then went through a list of safety instructions, and we listened intently as he told us step by step what to expect. I couldn't wait!
"We ready?" Sam asked after giving us his spiel.
"Yes!" I shouted gleefully, unable to wipe the smile off my face as I leant into Jasper and gave him a squeeze, the adrenalin pumping furiously through my body as I waited in anticipation for our adventure to begin.
"Okay then, let's fly!" Sam shouted exuberantly, untethering the ropes that held the balloon to the ground, and at the same time he untied a few sandbags and letting them drop to the grass below. He then turned up the already lit flame so that it was to its full capacity, the monstrous balloon billowing above us.
And then, we were airborne.
I'd never felt anything like it.
As we slowly rose into the air, the only sound the stop-start hissing of the gas as it fed into the blue flames that buoyed us, I felt such a sense of excitement…of freedom…one I'd never felt before, that I thought I would burst. Jasper held me tight as the balloon bobbled in the gentle breeze and we travelled upward, leaving the world below us behind, and as his fingers stroked my arm, he leant down and whispered in my ear, "What do you think of this?"
I turned to face him, his eyes glinting with excitement, reflecting my own, as I placed my palms on his chest and stood on my tiptoes. "It's just wonderful, Jasper. I'm happier than I ever thought possible," I answered honestly, stretching up to place a small kiss on his lips before turning to take in my surrounds once more.
"Me too, darlin'. Me, too."
Right on cue, Sam launched into his story of the places as we passed over them…the Sammamish Valley where he explained it was home of the Matthews Estate, Chateau St. Michelle, Columbia and other fine wineries and the Redhook Brewery. As we travelled further, he turned up the heat once again, causing the balloon to rise to an altitude of over two thousand feet, where we enjoyed panoramic views of the Seattle skyline, easily spotting the Space Needle, before taking in the sights of Mount Rainier, Mount Baker and the surrounding mountain ranges. Also in sight were many bodies of water…Lake Washington, Lake Union and Puget Sound. And as the balloon lowered, we spent some of our flight barely above the surface as the basket brushed the treetops before Sam turned up the heat and we rose once more.
It was exhilarating.
I tried to take in what he was saying, even pulling out my phone and taking shots of the spectacular scenery that surrounded us, but for the most part, all I could do was stare in wonder at my boyfriend as he held me close, smiling and whispering words of love and adoration as he watched me experience it all.
Jasper.
God, how I loved him!
And as he stared at me longingly, watching my every response with nothing but pure delight, I realised I'd never felt so cherished in my entire life. He pulled me close and kissed my hair, and as he did, Sam retrieved a bottle of champagne and a small platter of cheese and fruit, which he set down on a small cooler attached to the side of the basket, and I couldn't help but giggle as he popped the cork and filled two tall flutes with the sweet nectar.
Jasper let me go, turned and took the glasses from Sam before handing one to me.
"Here's to going wherever the wind takes us," Jasper said with a nervous smile, clinking his glass against mine before inhaling the entire glass in a single mouthful, his cheeks flushed, his eyes wild with excitement.
"Here's to us," I answered a little less eloquently, taking a small sip of the deliciously sweet drink, letting out a small laugh as the bubbles tickled my nose.
"Speaking of us," he said, his voice turning deep and sultry as he took my glass from me and handed them both back to a widely grinning Sam. "There's something I've needed to get off my chest for some time now."
"Is everything alright?" I asked, concerned, as he took both my hands in his before nodding and taking in a huge breath.
"Couldn't be better. Well, technically it could..."
"Um, what?" I questioned as I took in his expression as his face turned scarlet, his hesitation making me wonder what on earth was going on. I'd never seen him look so uncertain, so nervous before…and as I watched and waited for him to elaborate, I felt my heart instinctively begin to pick up speed and my body coil with tension. My hands shook and my breathing became shallow, and as I stood there, waiting for him to blurt out whatever was on his mind, I felt so light-headed that I thought I was having an out of body experience.
"Oh Jesus, business I can do blindfolded, but this?" And then, I felt the air suddenly leave my lungs and the whole world disappear around me as he simultaneously reached into his jacket pocket and carefully lowered himself onto one knee, and through each of these actions his eyes never left mine for a single moment.
"Oh. My. God," I wheezed out, having the hugest light bulb moment in my entire, insignificant life as he took a deep breath, and retrieved a small, blue box, cleared his throat and opened his full, beautiful lips to speak.
"Alice Cullen, ever since the day we met, I've fallen more and more in love with you. You are my best friend, my life, my soul, and only you will ever hold the key to my heart. With all that I am, I want to give myself to you, and for you to give me the opportunity to show you each and every day how much I love you in return. Alice…my beautiful, sweet thang…will…will you marry me?" he asked softly as he opened the box, revealing the biggest, most beautiful heart shaped diamond ring I'd ever seen. Time stood still as he knelt before me, the warm air crackling around us as he waited for my answer.
I couldn't believe it. This man…this absolutely wonderful man, wanted to marry me. Me! And as my heart pounded heavily and my mouth went completely dry and he looked up at me with all the love, adoration and need in his beautiful eyes that he could muster, I knew in my heart there was only one thing left to say.
It didn't matter that we'd only just realised our feelings.
It didn't matter that for the most part, I felt unworthy of his affections.
There was only one truth to consider.
Because, as much as I couldn't believe he wanted to tie himself to someone like me, I also knew as I gazed into his eyes, the black of his pupils nearly eclipsing the azure, that I was his, just as much as he was mine, and I couldn't imagine my life without him in it, each and every day from this moment on.
"Yes, Jasper! Yes, yes! I will marry you!" I screamed, my voice echoing into the wilderness.
"Oh thank fuck for that!" he cried to the heavens with a combined sense of relief and joy as he gently pulled the ring from the box and slid it on my finger before he rose to his feet and picked me up, pulling me against his chest, his tongue plunging into mine with unbridled lust and desperation.
My body was on fire, and it had nothing to do with the flames licking above us. I needed him, and if it wasn't for the presence of Sam, I would have had Jasper on the floor of the basket we stood in, then and there.
"I love you," he whispered against my lips as our mouths released and our breaths intermingled.
"Forever," I answered as he held me tight.
And as Sam wished us his congratulations and poured us some more champagne, we toasted in celebration, this moment forever burned on our brains as we revelled in the fact that we were meant for each other. And as the sun began to set over the horizon and I pulled out my phone to tell the news to only two other people I cared about in the world besides Jasper, I couldn't imagine a more perfect ending to the most perfect of days…
A/N: So…what do ya think? Hello? Anyone out there? Let me know with a review! More Edward/Bella fun times a-comin!
