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Jasper and Ben are the first to arrive, and they show up at the same time.
I let them in and warn them it's been a trying morning, but they just laugh and follow me to the kitchen.
Alice is wide awake the second she sees her boyfriend and wastes no time wrapping herself around him. Ben just walks up to Angela and kisses the top of her head before motioning for me to follow him to the living room.
When we're alone, he pulls a small notebook and a pen out of his pocket and scribbles before handing it over to me.
Angela has told me how you feel about Jasper's gift, but I wouldn't ask if I wasn't desperate.
I give him a bewildered glance, and he takes the notebook back and goes back to scribbling.
She didn't sleep at all last night. I know this because I was on the phone with her. She's wicked nervous about Madam President's visit. I was hoping you would allow Jasper to give her a little something so she can relax and actually enjoy the experience. Nothing crazy, just enough to calm her down a bit.
My daughter's boyfriend is a genius.
When I nod, he tells me he'll take care of it and follows me back to the kitchen with a big smile.
He stands behind Angela, rubbing her back and whispering softly enough that only the vampires in the room can hear. Jasper looks to me for my permission, and almost immediately, Angela's shoulders relax. Her hand doesn't shake as much as she writes.
"Thank you, Jasper."
"Anytime, darlin'."
Bella pushes a plate toward Angela and tells her to eat what she can. We're all happy when she manages half a bagel and a couple bites of scrambled eggs.
I notice Jasper is playing with the end of Alice's ponytail and whispering in her ear. They both look my way and snicker back and forth.
I'm pretty sure they're talking shit about me asking him to use his ability for my benefit after being so against it, but I'd do it all over again if it meant Angela could actually enjoy Bella's parents' visit.