Chapter Twenty Eight
Jasper
As soon as Bella left with Darius Megan began to question me. She was so scared that her real daddy would find a way of taking her from us.
"Baby, have I ever lied to you?"
She shook her head, toying with her cereal.
"Have I ever let you down?"
She stared at me with huge frightened eyes.
"I mean do you think poppa would ever let anyone take you away from your mommy?"
"No, poppa."
"Then listen to me. I love you little one and so does your mommy and I promise you that I will never let your daddy take you away from us."
She stared at me for a long while then nodded, wiping her eyes with the back of her hand.
"OK, Poppa. I believe you. How long will mommy be gone?"
"I'm not sure Meg. It might take some time so maybe you and I could make her a surprise for when she gets back. What do you think?"
She smiled looking a little less tense after my promise, but when there was a knock at the door a few seconds later she tensed again and left her bowl of cereal to come to my side.
"It's not mommy."
She knew it was a stranger outside but she wasn't panicking so I knew it wasn't Edward either.
I picked her up and opened the door to find Charlotte standing there.
"Hello, Major. I thought as Peter is busy this morning I should introduce myself to the latest member of the family."
She smiled at Megan and held out a hand.
"Hello there. You must be Megan. I'm Auntie Charlotte."
Megan regarded her suspiciously for a moment and then turned to me for reassurance.
"It's OK Meg, this is my friend Charlotte."
Megan smiled a little shyly and took Char's outstretched hand.
"Hello. I never had an Auntie before."
"Well, I never had a niece so that makes us even. Can I come in?"
I moved aside apologizing and Charlotte came inside carrying a brightly wrapped box.
"I missed you at Christmas. I didn't see Santa in time so I'm afraid your present is a little late. I hope you like it."
She handed the box, almost too big for Megan to carry, to the little girl and watched as she carried it to the centre of the room then looked at me for permission to open it.
"Go ahead. Let's see what you got."
Megan unwrapped the present very carefully winding the ribbon up and slipping it into her dressing gown pocket before opening the box.
"Wow! Look poppa, a puppy."
I glanced at Charlotte who shrugged and then let out a sigh of relief when Megan pulled out a large fluffy toy dog.
When she cuddled it we heard a sigh of contentment and then it yapped twice and wagged its tail.
"When you stroke it, you'll see it wags its tail and it will follow you if you put it down."
Megan's eyes were shining with excitement now.
"Does it have a name?"
"Not yet, that's up to you."
Megan placed it gently on the floor then stepped back and the puppy followed, wagging its tail and yapping quietly.
"Poppa, she's beautiful. I'm going to call her Molly. What kind of dog is she?"
"I studied the dog which looked like a cross between a labrador and a spaniel.
"Peter said it was an all spare parts."
I raised an eyebrow and she smiled, "Well, that's the G rated version.
"All spare parts? I like that. Who's Peter?"
I rolled my eyes unsure quite how to describe my volatile foul-mouthed friend.
"That's Uncle Peter. He's helping your mommy right now."
"I have an uncle too? Wow! Come on, Molly."
Megan disappeared into the bathroom and the puppy obediently followed.
"Brush your teeth, young lady. I'll be in to check in a minute."
"OK, Poppa. I will."
I just hoped she didn't try to wash the puppy too I wasn't sure how its internal electronics would react to water.
Charlotte grabbed my arm and hauled me over to the window, as far from the bathroom as possible and hissed a question in my ear.
"What is the matter with you, Major? Why the hell didn't you come to us or ask for some help?"
"Calm down Charlotte. I didn't want to involve anyone else and you know Peter. He would never have shut up about it."
She thought about this then nodded.
"I guess so. He isn't particularly known for his finesse or diplomacy but we were hurt when we found out what had been going on and you, Mister, are in a whole heap of trouble with the Captain."
I grinned at her, "So, what's new? It's good to see you Charlotte. I think Bella could do with another friend and as you see, Megan is delighted to think she had some more family."
"And I'm glad you introduced me as family. It seems you and her mommy don't have much in the way of friends and family. So, tell me, what's the story with you and Bella?"
"There isn't one, Charlotte. Sorry to disappoint you."
She grinned then turned to the bathroom hearing the water stop and realizing that Megan would be rejoining us any second.
"You keep telling yourself that, Major."
I frowned but she just smiled and pecked me on the cheek.
I heard a tut and turned to see Megan staring at us. She had seen Charlotte's gesture of affection and she most definitely did not approve.
When Charlotte said she had to go out for a little while Megan seemed relieved and once she had gone Meg came to sit beside me on the couch.
"Poppa, why was Auntie Charlotte kissing you?"
"It was just a peck on the cheek, Megan. We've been friends for a very long time. That's all it was."
"I don't think mommy would like her kissing you."
I laughed and pulled Megan onto my lap.
"Little one, there is nothing to worry about, Auntie Charlotte is already married and when you see Uncle Peter you'll understand how much they love each other."
"Why didn't daddy love mommy and me?"
"Well, sometimes people just fall out of love I guess and sometimes you think you know someone and then you find out that you really don't. Mommy loved daddy but daddy wasn't the person she thought he was. Some people have bits of themselves that they hide but eventually, they always show it."
"Do you love mommy?"
"Oh darling' that's a question I can't answer right now. I like your mommy a lot and I love you. We'll just have to see how things go."
"Will mommy find out things about you that aren't nice?"
"No, your mommy knows all about me, darlin'."
She sat cuddled up to me for a long time thinking about what I had said and then jumped off and ran to get Molly.
I was relieved, I knew she was still worried about her father making a claim on her or Bella taking her away from me. I wanted to reassure her as much as possible without lying to her.
I wondered if she had sensed the connection between Bella and myself. I was drawn to her mother, I couldn't deny that, and I thought I had detected a fondness for me in Bella's emotions but I wasn't about to make something of it unless she made a move first. For now, any affection she felt for me could well be as a result of gratitude for saving Megan and that was no basis for a long term relationship.
I did miss her though and hoped she would be back soon.
When she did get back she brought with her Darius and Peter and all three looked pleased with themselves so I assumed things had gone well.
I held back while Megan greeted her mom in her usual enthusiastic way, finding myself facing my oldest and best friend Peter who, while looking pleased with himself, still managed to project an aura of aggrieved annoyance.
"So, Major. Remember me? Or do I need to jog your fucking memory? Why the fuck didn't you contact us? Think I'm too coarse and uncouth to look after a fucking kid? Maybe thought you'd be better on your own? I'm hurt."
"I apologize Peter and I'm glad to see you. Thanks for your help today too."
He shrugged nonchalantly then smiled and I knew I was forgiven,
"Hell, any excuse to take a pop at the Cullens. Especially Asswipe. You know that little shit actually tried to read my mind. Good thing I took a few lessons in hiding my true thoughts. What a fucking bore though, reciting all that law crap. You know that idiot is so fucking deluded he really thinks he's in the right. Can you believe that?"
"But did he sign the papers?"
Peter turned to Darius who pulled from his jacket pocket a thick document and handed it to me.
"See for yourself. He needed a little encouragement but we did impress on him the foolishness of trying to deny it later. I think he'll contemplate causing trouble again but I have that covered. I'll be sending him a copy of the phone calls and a thinly veiled threat. If he makes so much as a move towards Bella or Megan I'll take care of it, Major. You can concentrate on your girls. Oh yeah, I had a message from Garett. He said if you need anything you can call on him. He has no time for Edward Cullen and I think each one of the family feels bad for the way they acted towards Bella."
"Serves em fucking right if you ask me. The high and mighty Cullen's make a mistake and admit to it? Now that's something to put on the fucking front page."
I saw Megan approaching and put a hand on Peter's shoulder.
"You might want to watch your language while you're here, Captain."
Peter grinned, "Don't sweat it, Major. Char already read me the full fu... Riot act. I'll be careful, promise."
Bella
I could hardly believe it when Darius handed me the divorce petition signed and dated by Edward.
When I asked him what the next step was he just grinned.
"That's it. All I needed was his signature to make it legal. The rest, as they say, is a done deal. I'll just break into the appropriate departments and add the files necessary. But as far as you are concerned you are now legally free of the Cullens. Congratulations."
I couldn't help myself. I just had to hug and kiss him in my delight and when I finally stood back I found him smiling in amusement.
"A simple thank you would have been sufficient but I'm glad to have been of service."
"Oh, Darius could you do me one more favor?"
"Ah, hence the over-enthusiastic thanks. Sure, what is it?"
"That birth certificate..."
He nodded, "You'd like me to amend it before I file it?"
I nodded, "Please."
"OK. No problem. I'll put your name back on and take…"
I glanced over to where Megan stood holding on to Jasper's hand and chatting away to him then shook my head.
"That's the only amendment you need do."
Darius merely nodded slowly following my gaze.
"I'm glad to hear it. You know it's going to crush him when you leave with the munchkin. I don't think I've ever seen him so content as since he found her."
He was right of course, taking Megan from Jasper would shatter the world he had created for the two of them just as I knew it would break Megan's heart. I really didn't know where to go from here but I had decided not to make any decisions until after the new year which I presume we would be spending back at his place.
Megan came running over as soon as Darius left my side, eager to show me all Molly's tricks watched by Jasper. I had noticed how he rarely took his eyes off her as if she were a priceless gem among a band of possible jewel thieves. Then it occurred to me that was just how he saw her. As something to be loved and valued and guarded against all possible danger which made me think about how things could have gone if roles had been altered. If it had been Edward who found my baby cast aside to perish. I doubted he would have made such a sacrifice. I don't think Edward would have even considered doing such a thing. Why oh why hadn't he been more like Jasper. If I were ever to get involved with a man again it would have to be someone like Jasper Whitlock.
Charlotte approached and Megan zoomed off to join the guys, leaving us alone to talk.
"It's nice to finally meet you, Bella. You aren't at all what I expected."
"Really? Why?"
"Well, knowing Edward Cullen although only by reputation I expected someone more…"
She hesitated so I finished the statement for her.
"More elegant? More polished?"
She smiled, "Let's just say someone less down to earth. What made you get tangled up with the Cullen'?
I shrugged, "Love I guess. I fell for Edward and I fell hard. He was handsome, exotic, romantic.."
Charlotte snorted, "Please, romantic? I hate to speak ill of anyone but Edward Cullen always sounded like a control freak to me. I wasn't keen on Alice either but we used to make her welcome the few times she visited with the Major. The family always struck me as being holier than thou if you know what I mean."
"The whole we only drink animal blood thing? I have to say I agreed with that. I never wanted to hurt anyone or kill anyone to survive."
"And that makes you a good person but you also had the advantage of a choice. A choice none of us were given. When we were turned there was no alternative and I don't think anyone should look down their noses as a result. Alice always did and from talking to the Major over the years I don't think she was alone. They all looked on the Major as a charity case. I'm amazed he put up with it but I think he genuinely loved Alice and tried hard to fit in."
I glanced at Jasper who, along with Peter, was kneeling on the floor with Megan watching as she made her latest toy sit up and beg. Where on earth had they got such a complicated toy from? It must have cost the earth!
"I don't think I've ever seen the Major look as happy and carefree. Who would have guessed it would take the love of a child to give him peace. Love of a child and a good woman."
I turned to stare at her. Was she talking about me? Why would she assume that Jasper and I meant more to each other than just as friends? Something stirred deep inside me but it was something I needed time to think about so I just smiled and went to join my little girl. Having just got free of one disastrous relationship I was not about to plunge headlong into another and I had my little girl to consider.