"You need to tell Carlisle." Edward demanded over the phone. Alice had requested a few moments to herself after dinner to freshen up in the bathroom. The restaurant had been more than satisfactory; perfectly elegant. I had several more surprises planned for the night. It was not often that I had the opportunity to surprise my Darlin' Alice and I was not about to pass any of it up.
Of the planned surprises, I intended to bring her to meet the rest of my family. The sooner that we got over that part, the better. I was convinced that if the family knew of her re-existence, they would be better at keeping me in line. I could not afford another potential slip like the one last night.
"I will call him after we end our conversation, Brother." I exclaimed back into the phone. "I intend to bring her to the house tonight, please ensure that everyone is well fed."
"Are you mad, Jasper?"
"I'm afraid I might be. It seems every time Alice partakes in the eating or drinking of an oddly labeled crumpet or vile, my world falls further down the rabbit hole as well. We're all mad here, I'm afraid." Edward let out a nervous laugh. I was trying to make light of the situation. I was not overly fond of being under a microscope with my family, but perhaps it was the best way to ensure her survival.
"Fine." Edward sighed. "It'll be a relief to Emmett. He's been as giddy and impatient as Alice was with Bella."
It was my turn to let out a nervous laugh. I quickly issued my gratitude and hung up the phone. I was genuinely fearful of calling Carlisle. This was an official step towards having her back in my afterlife. There was no turning back from exposing her to the family, as was witnessed with Edward and his mate's first encounters.
Meeting the family set into motion the most dangerous of events for her. The sooner that was eliminated, the better for her safety. I was not going to fight this, not like my Brother had. That only resulted in harm for the both of them. I also doubt that I could survive a day without seeing her or being in the position to protect her.
"Is everything alright Jasper?" Carlisle answered the phone with immense tension. "Edward has instructed us to all hunt, shall I have Esme prepare the evacuation plans?"
I laughed at this. "No father, there is no need for that. Quite the opposite in fact. It's her Carlisle. It's Alice." I said with joy and happiness radiating in my voice.
"I'm sorry son, I don't understand. What's Alice."
"I found her. I believe it to be her anyway. She recalled my name upon first meeting me, I believe she has visions still, and she resembles a better nourished Alice." I heard a gasp that seemed to be Esme's.
"Oh my." Carlisle let out. "I'll prepare the family while Esme prepares the house. Her and I returned from our hunt several hours ago. This is an extraordinary turn of events my son. But I'm afraid I don't quite understand the need for hunting."
I took a breath, preparing myself to admit the most complicated aspect of my true love's return. A fact that kept me from experiencing the full gratefulness of it. "She's human Carlisle. I don't know how or why, but it's true."
"Well that does complicate things for us now doesn't it. We will discuss it more when you come home. Thank you for preparing us for this. The family will need several hours to prepare. I can wire you several hundred dollars, do take her on a carriage ride in the snow but be sure to dress her warm I suppose." He said with a laugh. "And Jasper? This is something that we've been through before. We will make it work, I'm sure of it." He reassured.
I was never extremely close with my adoptive family like Alice, but in this moment it felt necessary. The comfort that Carlisle provided, I was very grateful for. I hadn't experienced that much in my human life. My father was killed when I was young, and I was made the man of the house. The one providing such comfort. My one regret of leaving for the war, my mother and two young sisters lost that after Maria.
"Thank you Father, I will see you soon." I hung up the phone just as Alice returned from the powder room. She always did have impeccable timing.
"Anyone I know?" she inquired curiously. I shook my head.
"Just my family checking in on me." I informed her, holding out my arm for her to take. I would take her to the nearby outlets to purchase some warmer clothing before taking Carlisle up on his offer. I did always enjoy seeing her face brighten upon entering a shopping center. I would tell her of the later plans after the ride so as not to spoil the night.