Chapter Fifteen
Bella
I was relieved when Jasper arrived along with Esme and Maggie and returned the reassuring smile he gave me. I felt better immediately and wanted nothing more than to feel his arms wrapped protectively around me.
Seeing our exchange, Edward scowled unhappily, "I don't think his presence is necessary."
Jasper turned his attention to Edward, "Bella asked me to look after Maggie and until she asks me to leave I'm staying. Unless that is, you want to try and make me."
I'd never heard Jasper sound so menacing.
Edward tensed but everyone knew he could never take Jasper, not on his best day and Jasper's worst. Personally, I thought Jasper would take delight in showing him so.
Before things could escalate Aro cleared his throat, "Edward, as you appear to be the only person in here who has any concerns about the company now present I think you should sit down. Then perhaps we can begin. I don't think there needs to be a scene. You should think of the young one in our midst."
Maggie ran over to me and climbed onto my lap looking around curiously.
Aro smiled at her and I was amazed to see genuine warmth on his face but it was Marcus who spoke.
"Maggie. Would you mind talking to us for a little while? I'm Marcus and these are my brothers, Aro and Caius."
She glanced at me and I nodded reassuringly.
"OK."
"Thank you."
I was worried that Marcus might start grilling my daughter but instead, he asked her about what kind of things she liked to do and her favorite stories and games. It was surreal!
As she lost her nervousness around these strangers she began to chat away about the farm and learning to make cookies, going for walks and feeding the chickens. She actually made Marcus grin when she told him quite innocently that eggs came from chicken's bottoms but were nice to eat.
Edward continued to scowl as she painted an idyllic picture of her first experiences but when she told them of the wooden animals that 'papa' had made for her and the stories he told her about them he exploded.
"See! That's why I didn't want him here. He's already twisting my daughter's head, trying to take my place and she's complicit."
Edward was pointing a shaking finger at me as Maggie turned on my lap to regard him coldly,
"Mommy told me that it's rude to interrupt when someone is talking and to point. And papa never twisted my head, he wouldn't do that. He loves me."
I could tell that everyone in the room was teetering close to laughter at hearing Edward admonished in this way.
"Why did you allow my daughter to think that he's her father? Was it to get back at me, Bella?"
Marcus turned red eyes on me, "I'd be interested in hearing the answer to that question, Bella."
"Firstly, I never allowed anything and I'm not as petty as you, Edward. I would never use my daughter as a weapon but it appears the thought might have crossed your mind. Maggie made up her own mind."
Marcus nodded slowly, "Maggie. Why do you call Jasper, Papa?"
Maggie frowned, it was a very abstract question for a child to grasp but after a few seconds, she spoke, still looking at Edward. She sounded as if the wisdom of Solomon was falling from her lips.
"Papas are there always. My papa was there before me. I could feel him. He cuddles me and plays with me. He picks me up if I fall over and he's never cross. He loves Mommy and me."
Edward stood up abruptly and lunged at Jasper who also stood but before Edward could reach him Felix stepped between them. I was relieved, I hadn't wanted Maggie to see any violence.
"Sit down, Edward. Or I'll remove you from the room. There will be no violence in front of the child."
Edward, remembering how Felix had beaten him once before, took his seat and Aro leaned forward.
"I think perhaps it would be better Carlisle if you and Esme were to take Maggie out for some ice cream. If that is acceptable to you, Bella?"
I nodded eager to get her out of this hostile atmosphere and after kissing me and hugging Jasper she walked out blanking Edward who tried to catch her attention.
Once they had left Jasper came and stood at my side, between Edward and myself and Aro gestured for Felix to bring him a chair.
"Bella. If I understand correctly you are here to ask us to pass judgment on the problem of Edward's paternity claim on your daughter as well as to reassure us that young Maggie could safely be allowed to live outside the citadel with you."
"That's right. She isn't a threat to anyone as you can clearly see. I know she can never be truly human but she can function among humans without giving away her heritage with our help."
The three brothers glanced at each other and exchanged muttered words.
"I think Maggie has already demonstrated that she can, with your help and guidance, live in the outside world. You of course will be her guarantor."
"Bella and I, Aro."
Aro studied Jasper closely and then received a touch from Marcus on the shoulder.
"Very well. We have no objections to you taking Maggie away from Volterra and would like to thank you for accepting our authority over her as one of our own. It was very graceful of you considering the problems during our first encounter, Bella"
I heaved a sigh of relief, at least I had won our freedom. The next part was, however, even more important to me.
Edward was fuming. I could see his eyes flashing with rage and I knew this wasn't over yet.
Marcus turned to Edward.
"We will now deal with the business of your relationship with the little girl."
"What business? She's my daughter. I created her…" He saw everyone exchange glances and hurriedly added, "I helped to create her. I am her biological father and that gives me certain rights."
I was about to jump in when I saw Jasper shake his head very slightly in warning. He was watching the three brothers carefully.
Marcus leaned forward, "Ah, yes. Her 'biological father'. I take it there is no question as to this, Bella? Please excuse such an impertinent question but it must be asked."
"Yes, Edward is her biological father."
"Thank you for that. And as the biological father of this child what exactly have you done to facilitate her safety?"
Edward's scowl deepened, "What could I do? The decision was snatched from me."
"You mean when Bella decided to accept help to stop you from pressuring her into terminating the pregnancy?"
"I wasn't pressuring her. I was scared for my mate. We all know the stories. I refused to lose her just for the possibility of a hybrid who would most likely die or kill her mother. It's called love, in case you've forgotten."
Marcus smiled but there was no warmth in his eyes and I thought Edward had just made a very serious error of judgement.
"Love? I see. It's not what I would call love but perhaps I'm old fashioned. I was of the opinion that love meant standing solidly beside your partner, working through problems together and supporting one another. Bullying never came into it. It is quite clear that Bella has moved on and found her true mate this time. However, a child deserves to have two parents. What we have to decide is if you are fit to be in this child's life. I think that if Bella agrees I would like to observe Maggie in your company. The relationship or lack of it should be the deciding factor."
I was already shaking my head but Marcus held up a hand, "Please, Bella, allow me to finish. Of course, there is no question of the two of you meeting in private. Maggie's comfort and safety must be considered. Perhaps a small birthday party for her would be acceptable? Just Bella, Carlisle, Esme, Maggie, yourself and us. Do you think Maggie would like that, Bella? I think it is only right that her birth should be celebrated."
I agreed reluctantly, aware that the Volturi were bending over backwards to accommodate my feelings. "Very well but my daughter is not a laboratory rat to be studied, probed and prodded."
"But of course not. I wouldn't suggest such a thing. It would merely be a less tense situation for everyone. And I apologize in advance for excluding you, Jasper but I hope that you understand."
Jasper nodded coldly, "I do, but don't blame me if Maggie doesn't."
"Accepted."
I was glad to leave Edward's company. The more I saw of him the more I remembered his cold attitude towards my pregnancy and how if he'd had his way Maggie would never have been born. I could never forgive him for that.
Jasper took my hand once outside, "You did well in there. I think you've got them all eating out of your hand. Don't worry, Maggie is never going to let Edward steal her away. I thought I was going to laugh when she gave him a lesson on manners."
I sighed, "I know you're right, but it still worries me and I hate having a birthday party for her without you."
"Hey," he pulled me close and kissed me, "We'll have our own party once this is over. That's if we can pry her away from her grandparents. Esme is beside herself having a child to love."
"I know. I guess it's much the same situation as Maggie. They both lost children very young in tragic circumstances."
When we got back to Carlisle's suite Maggie was waiting and ran to hug us both. Signs of her ice cream treat still visible around her mouth.
"I like ice cream, Mommy."
Bella was smiling indulgently, "I can see that. I hope you managed to get some into your mouth."
Maggie giggled, "I did, and Nanna Esme bought me a new dress. Look, it's so pretty."
Esme made a face. "I didn't want to spoil her but I think more of the ice cream went down her front than in her tummy."
Maggie giggled again, still pirouetting to show her new cream and brown dress with a lace collar. She looked beautiful and I saw Jasper take a few photographs of her.
"Maggie, you remember the men you met earlier?"
She stopped spinning and looked at me, "Yes."
"Well, they'd like to throw you a birthday party later."
She beamed, "A party for me? Wow! Can we, Mommy? Can I go? Please."
I smiled, "Of course, you can go. You can't have a birthday party without the birthday girl. And you can show off your new dress."
She stared at me and I could see the wheels turning in her mind.
"Mommy. If it's a party for me, does that mean I get presents?"
We all laughed at the sudden gleam in her eye.
"I guess so but don't forget to thank everyone, will you?"
"I will, Mommy."
She looked tired and I suggested she have a nap which didn't go down very well until Jasper offered to tell her a story. That settled it, and the two of them disappeared into the bedroom.
Once we were alone Carlisle wanted to know what had happened with the Volturi but had to wait until Esme finished telling me how wonderful and cute Maggie was and everything they had done in town. I didn't think we had been apart that long, they must have moved at supersonic speed to get so much in.
I explained what had been said and the reason behind the party.
"See, I told you that the Volturi aren't all bad, Bella."
"Yes you did, Carlisle, and I wasn't sure I believed you. I'm still scared of what they might decide though."
"I don't think you need to be. I warned Edward to watch his step and be thoughtful but I don't think he's heeding my warning. I hope you don't mind my doing that. He is still my son and I couldn't just let him go in without a word or two of caution."
"No. I understand, Carlisle. You don't stop loving him just because he's an asshole."
Esme giggled at that, "I must say you and Jasper make a lovely couple. I'm just amazed we didn't see it earlier. Oh by the way. Rose and Emmett can't wait to meet their little niece. I do hope you'll let them see Maggie soon."
"Of course, you're all the family she has." I heard the sorrow in my voice as I said that.
Carlisle nodded sagely, "Yes. I'm sorry that Charlie and your mother will never know Maggie. It must be hard for you. I've been putting Charlie off for the past few months. I told him that you'd been taken ill with a mysterious sickness and are in isolation in Switzerland but I fear I'll be getting a writ of habeas corpus served on me soon. We have to decide what to tell him. Of course, there's nothing stopping you from seeing him while you are still human."
"I know, I thought of that. The trouble is that I won't be much longer. If Jasper and I are to be together and the Volturi are to carry on being so reasonable then I will need to transform soon. It's what I want too. I have no idea how long Maggie will live but I need to be there for her and the only way to do that is to become a vampire."
Carlisle nodded and I thought he was pleased that I was thinking so clearly. I didn't blame him for that. The last time he'd seen me I had been an emotional wreck!
"True. Maggie could live to a normal human age or she could become immortal. There's no way of telling but the fact that she needs venom suggests that she may have more vampire in her than human. We just don't know."
I understood. I just couldn't think about it right now. Much as I hated to think of Charlie worrying about me I only had so much space in my brain for problems and I needed to sort out the Edward problem first. I just didn't know what I would do if the Volturi decided in his favor. I tried not to think like that but I dare not be too optimistic.
When Jasper reappeared he suggested we go for a walk and leaving Esme to babysit he took me into town. The evening air felt good against my face and to walk among people without fearing who I might see if I looked behind me was relaxing.
As we walked hand in hand I asked, "Did Maggie ask you anything?"
"You mean about Edward? Not really. I don't think she likes him much, but maybe that's just because he's an arrogant prick."
I smiled, "I hope you didn't say that to her."
He grinned, "I toyed with the idea, but decided he's got enough going against him right now. He doesn't need any bad press from me."
"I wish he would just accept he's not welcome in her life and walk away."
"Let's wait and see what the Volturi have to say, Bella. They have ways of enforcing their decisions. For now, come with me."
He led me into a little pizzeria and the aromas inside reminded me just how hungry I was. I couldn't remember when I ate last.
After demolishing a bowl of linguini pasta and salad plus a tiramisu I finally felt better and after a glass of white wine, we continued our walk.
Finally, we sat beside a fountain in a small square outside a quaint little church and Jasper turned to me pushing a strand of hair behind my ear.
"Bella, I guess I should wait until after the party but I can't. There's something I want to ask you."
"OK."
He pulled a small box from his pocket and opened it up to reveal a beautiful diamond ring.
"Once your divorce is through, will you marry me? I promise you that I will protect and love you, and Maggie of course, for as long as we have. You don't have to…"
I stopped him with a kiss feeling tears of joy trickling down my cheeks, "Yes. And we have forever. If you'll change me that is."
"In a heartbeat."
He slipped the ring on my finger where it sat twinkling. It reminded me of the ring Edward had given me such a short time ago. The ring that now sat in the bottom of my bag where I'd discarded it. Just as he had wanted to discard our daughter. I no longer hated him, he wasn't worth my time. I just wanted him gone from my life although I hated the idea of being in his company again. I knew that whatever happened at the party I could get through this so long as Jasper was at my side.
