Chapter Six

Jasper

I had left the farm really early in the morning because I knew Bella would need certain things and I wasn't about to leave her unguarded any longer than absolutely necessary. The sooner I got things done the better. The longer we were here the more chances there were of someone tracing her. I didn't like leaving at all but certain things just had to be done.

I'd told Maggie I was going to be mending the broken fences on the far edge of the property and did the work overnight so I could leave and be in Lincoln by the time the stores opened. I could have shopped closer to the farm but that bore risks I wasn't about to take, not with Bella's life and freedom in the balance.

When I got back the two women were in the farmhouse so I slipped a note under the door telling them that I'd been on a supply run and left the boxes on the cabin porch.

Then I got changed and carried on with my list of chores. There was plenty to do and it was my only way of thanking Maggie even though I knew she didn't really want my help however much she might need it.

I wished I could speak to Bella but I would honor Maggie's restrictions as I had given her my word.

I was sitting in the bunkhouse working out where the best place to hunt was. I refused to go far which meant that my choices were limited. The woods beyond the cabin was the best place. I'd seen tracks of squirrels, rabbits and foxes which, while not ideal, would suffice for now. I could go further afield where the chance of bear and wolf was better. Perhaps I should go before our extended stay here made it more dangerous to be so far from the farm. If only we'd had more time to set this up, everything was being done reactively which was the most dangerous way of running anything and I didn't like it.

There was a knock on the door and I called out, "Come in."

I expected to see Maggie and was surprised when Bella appeared dressed in the sweat suit I had grabbed for her.

She looked around then smiled shyly, "I hope you don't mind but I wanted to thank you for the shopping. It can't have been easy for you."

I smiled and motioned for her to sit by the stove aware of how cold it was in here for a human.

"That's OK. I got a few strange looks but an older store assistant took pity on me. She thought this was my first baby and I'd been dropped into the deep end. I hope everything was OK. She more or less took over and kept adding to my list.

"It's all wonderful, thank you, Jasper. And for the clothes. I never realized how quickly I was going to grow out of the bits I had. Hey, who am I kidding, I only had the clothes I stood up in and what you picked up for me. I must thank you for that too. It was lovely to wash my hair and shower and you got my favorite brand. I must look a sight."

"Actually, you look beautiful, Bella."

She blushed, "Thank you, but you don't have to lie. I look fat and ugly."

I walked over and knelt in front of her, "No, you could never look ugly and the weight is your baby. That could never be anything but wonderful. I can't imagine what it feels like to have a new life growing inside you."

She took my hand and smiled, her eyes filling again, "I wish…"

She didn't finish the sentence and I didn't push her. I was sure she was wishing Edward was here instead of me experiencing all this.

"Maggie helped me put everything away in the closet, it was a squeeze. She's been into town and filled up my pantry. I certainly won't starve to death. I think you surprised her with your haul. Do you know that you got everything we'd written on our shopping list? How did you do that? Were you listening in?"

I was about to object when I saw she was grinning. Was she baiting me? I decided to change the subject.

"Did Maggie tell you how long you're going to be…I mean, how long are you going to be carrying the baby?"

She shook her head, "I'm afraid we're having to play it by ear. She said it was quicker than a human pregnancy so I won't be waiting around for nine months which is good. I'm afraid I'm too impatient and I could hardly expect you to hang around here that long."

"Whether you expect it or not, I'm here for as long as you need me. I wish I could offer you a little more comfort but I did get some decaf coffee for you. It's better for pregnant moms, or so I was informed."

She glanced up at me as if startled, "You thought of that? Thank you again. It's all I seem to say to you. Let's try to be normal, shall we? Tell me about the farm. Maggie said you're going to be helping her out. I guess it'll keep you busy rather than just hanging around."

"I like having something to do. Besides, she needs some help. There are a lot of jobs that have been left. I guess she can't do what she used to. I'm qualified to mend fences and paint and as long as I stay away from the house and the cabin I guess I'll be tolerated. She doesn't like me, or maybe it would be fairer to say she doesn't trust me."

"I don't think she trusts anyone except Carlisle and if it's any consolation I'm glad that you're here. With everything being so new, unfamiliar and frightening it's good to have a friendly face."

I handed her the coffee and sat on the edge of the bed closest to her.

"You look tired."

"I guess I did rather a lot today and with all the excitement of the past few days I'm shattered."

By the time she finished her coffee she was nodding so I took the mug from her, "I think you should probably get some sleep."

She nodded, "You're right. Could I just rest here for a minute or two?"

"Sure."

I took her arm and led her to the bunk I had been sitting on pulling the blankets back. She was asleep in seconds and after pulling off her shoes I covered her and stood gazing down at my guest. She looked so young and fragile with her hair fanned out across the pillow and one hand dangling from the edge of the bed.

I lifted it and placed it on the cover but as I tried to pull away her fingers curled against my hand holding it in place. Perhaps she just wanted the reassurance of knowing that she wasn't alone.

I knelt beside the bed and closed my eyes wondering if it was too soon to be able to feel emotions coming from the baby. I emptied my mind and concentrated but all I could feel were Bella's emotions, fear, joy, sadness, a mixture of emotions that would send most people crazy but that was just like Bella. A most amazing young woman.

Although the plan had been for her to take a nap I wasn't going to wake her and the dawn was breaking before she stirred. She turned towards me and opened her eyes then stiffened and I released her hand. I hope she hadn't thought I had acted inappropriately.

"Sorry, Jasper. I didn't expect to see you here."

Then she sat up and looked around, "Oh! Oh! I am so sorry. Did I sleep all night? Oh, God."

"It's fine. I didn't want to wake you. You needed the rest. However, I think we should get you back before Maggie finds out you spent the night here with me. I don't think she would approve."

Bella struggled out of bed and stretched then slipped her shoes back on, "No. Maybe not. I'd better go."

I helped her with her jacket and walked her as far as the cabin garden.

She turned to me and smiled again, "I'm sorry I kept you all night. You must have more interesting things to do than watch me sleep."

"Actually it's the next best thing to sleeping myself. I miss the peace of sleep so no need to apologize. Take care. I'll see you again soon."

She disappeared into the cabin and I turned back deciding which chores to do today. I would sort out any that were farthest away while Bella was doing OK. She might need me closer later on.

I was collecting some tools from the barn when I sensed Maggie standing in the doorway.

"Morning Ma'am."

She didn't move or speak, she just stared at me.

"I thought I'd finish the fencing and then make a start on a new chicken coop. There's a fox in the woods and plenty of places he could force his way in right now."

"Why was Bella leaving the bunkhouse at dawn?"

Ah, right! Busted!

"She came to thank me for the stuff I bought yesterday. I made her coffee and she wanted to lay down for a while. She was exhausted and I didn't want to disturb her. I made sure she was warm and comfortable and when she woke up I escorted her back to the cabin. I didn't break any of your rules."

"No, you didn't, but she would be better off in a proper bed than one of those bunks."

"True. I know you want me to say that it won't become a habit but in the same circumstances, I would do the same again. I'm no threat to you or Bella, Ma'am. Carlisle sent me to keep her safe and that's what I aim to do."

She pondered my words for a minute then slowly nodded her head, "Fine. Just remember her condition."

I nodded my agreement and she left. We were still working out our relationship but I felt she was someone I could work with. I just needed her to understand that my only concern was Bella's welfare.

Bella

I was ravenous when I got back and made toast, poached eggs and bacon, washed it down with orange juice, and coffee and then finished off with a large bowl of cereal.

As I sipped my third orange juice I thought about my visit to Jasper and how I had woken up in a bunk holding his hand. Before I opened my eyes I had thought for one stupid crazy second that I was with Edward. That's why I had started when I saw Jasper's face. The thing was that when I recognized him I didn't feel deflated. I felt safe and cared for. He had spent the whole night kneeling by my side holding my hand because he knew that was what I had needed. Like the things he had delivered yesterday, he always seemed to know just what I needed.

I spent the morning, after my shower, sorting out the things he had bought and putting them away more neatly. Yesterday I had been so overwhelmed that I hadn't taken it all in properly. It felt so odd holding baby clothes knowing they were for the little one growing inside me right now.

The main thing still missing was a crib although Maggie had told me that years ago a drawer was used.

"We didn't have such things as cribs, they were for rich people. I lined a wooden drawer with blankets for Mary. She was as snug as a bug in that."

It's not what I had envisaged if I ever had children but then I hadn't seen any of this coming. If I ever thought about it I saw myself with a doting husband decorating a nursery and buying a crib and special furniture. Putting animal wallpaper on the walls and purchasing a pretty mobile to dangle over our sleeping infant.

There were several more sets of sweats too which I was grateful to see but also a couple of pretty maternity sweaters and pants. How could someone whose responsibility towards me was purely my security care so much about my comfort? There was a lot more to Jasper than met the eye, but then I already knew that.

Maggie appeared before lunch carrying a container of homemade soup and fresh warm bread which we ate together in the little kitchen. It was so homely that I forgot for a while all that was going on around me. Then Maggie brought me back to earth with a bump.

"Bella, I know it's really none of my business but Carlisle placed you in my care and I feel that gives me some responsibility for your overall welfare."

I waited somewhat nervous now.

"It's about your friendship with your…guardian."

She couldn't bring herself to use Jasper's name even though he had shown her nothing but respect.

"I noticed that you spent the night in the bunkhouse."

Ah, now I thought I understood her concern.

"I fell asleep by the fire. Jasper didn't want to wake me. That's all. Nothing inappropriate happened."

"I know that. If I thought otherwise you would soon know about it. I'm known for my forthright nature. I'm just worried that you might become too dependent on him. It's not wise to get too close to a vampire. We both know that. Besides, sleeping in a proper bed will do you much more good as will early nights. This pregnancy will drain you, it did me, and you're going to need your strength later on so best not to waste it in late-night chats."

I nodded, she was probably right but I still resented being told so.

"I'm sorry if I offended you, Maggie."

She smiled, "No, you're not, but that won't stop me from telling you if I feel you're wrong. You think you know vampires because you met Carlisle and his 'family'. Please be careful, vampires are mostly dangerous creatures and your friend is not like the family, not really."

I decided it would be best to tell her how Jasper had helped me in the past. Just to prove to her that he wasn't a bad person. I related my flight to Phoenix and the way he had saved me during the birthday party debacle. Then explained how he had taught the others to fight just to keep me safe from Victoria.

"So you see, I know Jasper would never hurt me. I trust him, Maggie."

She was thoughtful for a long time while I got up to make fresh coffee and devoured a packet of cookies while I waited for the kettle to boil.

It wasn't until she drained her mug that she spoke again, "Your experiences with him are very different from any others I have heard. He has a terrible reputation, Bella. Most other vampires will give him a wide berth. Do you know his background?"

"I know enough. He told me about his past, he's not proud of it but neither will he let it define him. Just give him a chance, Maggie, please."

She nodded and got up with a sigh, "I'm doing a pot roast for dinner. You're welcome to join me if you want to."

It was an olive branch and I grasped it gratefully, "That would be lovely. Thank you."

That night after dinner I visited with Jasper and we sat and talked by the stove. I noticed that he had warmed the room up as if suspecting I might turn up. Was he perhaps wondering if I would after Maggie had made clear her concerns to us both?

Of course, I fell asleep there and spent the night on the bunk, leaving only as the sun came up with Jasper walking me back to my cabin. Whether Maggie saw us I don't know but she didn't speak of it for which I was grateful.

It became my routine, spending my days with Maggie, taking short walks in the Autumn sunshine and my evenings and nights with Jasper in the bunkhouse.

One evening he told me that he had a surprise for me and asked me to close my eyes.

"No peeking until I say so."

I waited and then felt him by my side, "You can open them now."

On the floor in front of me was a baby's crib. The frame was wooden with basketweave sides painted white.

I gasped, "It's beautiful, Jasper. Where did you get it?"

"I made it for you. I'm a bit rusty so it took longer than I thought. I hope you think it will be good enough. I was constrained by the supplies I could rustle up on the farm. If not, you just say and I'll drive into Lincoln tomorrow and buy one.

I ran my fingers over the basketwork, it was so smooth.

My hormones took over and I began to cry, grasping his hands in mine, "Thank you, it's beautiful."

He smiled, "I cannibalized some old furniture I found dumped in the barn but it's sturdy enough for the little one."

That night I stayed awake longer staring at the crib and its maker and feeling something warm building up inside me. Would Edward have gone to that trouble if he was here? I doubted it. He would want everything new, only the very best for his child. Who was I kidding? He didn't even want this baby and shopping for the nursery would never have entered his head. He wanted me all to himself, no baby to complicate things. I shook my head, how had I misjudged him so badly?