Chapter Thirty Eight
Alice
I knew Esme and Carlisle would get on OK with Gabriel now they'd finally met.
When I first met him Gabriel was a mess. I knew a little about newborns from Jasper and although Gabriel wasn't exactly a newborn he was acting like one. He was confused, angry and at a loss how to survive. I also knew that the Volturi had been watching him, his actions weren't exactly low key but he deserved better than a quick death at the hands of one of their guards.
I had also seen that he was the one for me. I'd seen Jasper too, but I'd known all along that we were never meant to stay together for all time. I'd let him think that purely because he needed the stability at the time and I was very fond of him. I had wondered if maybe we could grow to be mates but it wasn't to be.
When Edward turned up hand in hand with Bella the visions came hard and fast. This was why I'd been drawn to Jasper. To lead him to his happily ever after and Bella was the one to give it to him.
It hadn't been easy befriending her knowing all the time that she and my husband were meant to be together. Pretending that Edward was the one for her just to keep her close to the family.
When Edward played the noble idiot and walked away I thought it was going to mess everything up but as usual, Jasper played the better man and insisted on looking after Bella. I tossed and turned a little trying to work out what my next move was but then it hit me, this was how it was meant to be. The fates didn't need me anymore, they had their own plan and I could step away. It wasn't difficult to walk away from Jasper because I knew we were both heading for true love but I know it hurt him at the time.
Now my only concern was Gabriel and helping him to fit in with the family before the nasty stuff hit the fan and it would, just not yet.
His next obstacle was Emmett. Not because my brother was difficult to get along with but because Gabriel was still feeling a little uncertain about himself and found anyone bigger than him intimidating and Emmett was way bigger than poor Gabriel.
I decided it would be better if we went out to the house to meet my brother and sister and we drove over the following day.
"Don't worry about Em, he's really a pussycat."
"And Rosalie? Your sister?"
"Rose will seem a little reserved. She always is around strangers but if you get on with Emmett that will win her over. Do you like dogs by the way?"
Gabriel stared at me, "Dogs? Do you mean to hunt?"
"No, silly. As pets. Emmett is teaching Bella's dog, Hugo, some tricks."
"Oh, why does he have Bella's dog?"
"It was a present from her ex-boyfriend but he wouldn't let her take Hugo when they broke up. Rose persuaded him to hand the dog over to her."
Gabriel smiled, "Your family is very complicated, Alice. All the vampires I ever met before only cared about killing to feed. They never interested themselves in the lives of humans. I still don't quite understand why you all care so much but I'm still learning."
"I guess we learned to care through Carlisle."
Gabriel nodded, "Yes, I like him. He's very deep and thoughtful and extremely committed to helping people. I can see why you consider Carlisle as a father. I wish I'd had a father like that. A mother like Esme too, she is so caring. Even to a stranger like me."
"You're not a stranger, Gabriel. You're my mate which makes you family too."
"If that's true it will be the first family I have ever had."
Gabriel needn't have worried, Hugo came running over to greet us and as soon as he jumped up putting his paws on Gabriel's shoulders and kissed him that was it. If Hugo accepted Gabriel then so did Emmett and, in turn, Rosalie although she took a little longer to open up.
Leaving the guys to talk animals, Rose and I went inside.
"I was shocked when I saw Gabriel. He's nothing like Jasper."
"I know but he needed my help just the same and he's so sweet. He's still learning to trust people but that's understandable considering his past. He never had anyone worth giving his trust. Do you see a common thread, Rose?"
She frowned and then nodded, "I guess so. Another broken life for Carlisle to put back together. Not one of us had a decent human life, except Emmett, he was just a wild child. I was deceived and raped by the man I thought loved me and his friends. You were abandoned by your family to the hell of an asylum, Esme was married to an abuser and lost her only child and Jasper was turned into a killing machine by that bitch in Mexico. Edward would argue that he didn't need saving but that's a lie. He had a distant, cold father and a mother who virtually held him captive smothering him with her love. His weakness was his self-image as a misunderstood artist. A bit like a tragic Byron or Keats. He still likes to act the part sometimes."
"So, he hasn't improved?"
"No. Well, not really. I think he's a little less dramatic since he married Sasha. You'll meet her at the wedding unless they decide against coming. I don't think he's keen on attending but Sasha is desperate to see Bella again. Believe it or not, she likes Bella. Oh, I don't mean that as it sounded. I just meant I expected her to be jealous."
"I think Bella helps Sasha with control of her gift. It's like she stops it affecting other people in the same way she stopped Edward reading her mind."
Rose frowned, "But Bella only stopped Edward reading her mind. She didn't affect anyone else."
I hesitated, "I think her gift is getting stronger. Maybe it's leaking out enough to prevent Sasha's influence darkening everything around her."
"Oh, I see. Do you think it will manifest itself once Bella becomes a vampire?"
I nodded, I was sure that it would but unfortunately not soon enough to help my situation.
"Rose, I need some advice."
Rose smiled, "You're asking me for advice? I thought you could see all the possibilities?"
"This is different and I don't always see the future or even possibilities. It's to do with Gabriel."
"OK, what's the problem? Are you having second thoughts about him?"
She was frowning and I stopped, shocked by her words. She must know that I wasn't, or I wouldn't have brought him to meet the rest of the family.
I tried to explain, "We do want to go to the wedding but there is a complication."
"You don't need to worry about Bella. She's more nervous about seeing you again than could ever be about meeting her. Or is this about Jasper? You two parted on amicable terms, didn't you?"
I was about to tell her more when the guys walked in along with Hugo who came over wagging his tail and sat down expectantly staring at me with his huge brown eyes and panting.
I put my hand down and stroked his fur which was thick and silky and he immediately lay down rolling over, his tail still wagging fast.
"He wants a tummy rub. You're honored, he doesn't do that for everyone, Alice."
With a sigh, I slid down to sit on the floor beside him and began rubbing his tummy which caused a tornado as his tail went from wagging side to side to rotating like a helicopter. I was sure he would take off at any second!
Gabriel was grinning broadly and I knew he had a new best friend, Emmett.
Bella
Esme called to tell us that Alice had arrived along with her mate, Gabriel. She described him and his history.
"I think he's going to be a little nervous about meeting Jasper but it sounds like he got on well with Emmett and Rose."
"Did Alice say anything else?"
"Yes, she's thrilled you two are getting married so stop worrying, Bella. How is Charlotte getting on with your dress? Is there any chance of a pre-ceremony peek?"
"I think so. It's almost ready. The trouble is that Peter is trying to get a peek too. He's tried everything. He even set up a remote control camera in her sewing room!"
Esme laughed and it was funny, but Charlotte was getting very angry with Peter. I wasn't sure he understood just how close he was to getting both barrels!
"Esme, do you think Carlisle would walk me down the aisle? I've been wanting to ask him but I thought I'd check with you first. I don't have anyone I'd rather ask."
"I'm sure he will be delighted. Is Peter going to stand as Jasper's best man?"
"Yes, so far. But he's been warned. Any funny business and he's going to find himself down the well in chains and under a ton of quick setting concrete."
"And you think that will stop him?"
"Not really but it's the best we could think of at the time."
I hesitated then plunged on, "Esme, Jasper and I are building a cabin on the ranch. I hope you don't think it means I don't love the family but…"
Esme stopped me, "Bella, I'm delighted for you. Just promise me you'll visit, you are family remember."
I heaved a sigh of relief, "Thank you, Esme. I was worried you might feel I was abandoning you, the family and after all you've done for me I would hate that."
"Well, you can stop worrying. You'll have worry lines on your wedding day otherwise. We'll be with you two days before the wedding. I've booked a couple of hotel rooms for us and I hope we can have a bridal shower. All us girls together. I know Emmett has been in contact with Jasper about their stag night."
"Oh, has he? That's news to me. I just hope Emmett can keep Peter under control or God knows where my bridegroom might end up."
I found Jasper sawing planks while Peter was busy putting shingles on the roof of our new home. Standing there I had to smile. A photograph of the two of them shirtless would be a sell-out as a poster for any girl with a pulse.
"Are you gonna stand there ogling the fucking goods or are you here to help?"
I should have known Peter wouldn't miss my arrival or the opportunity to comment on it.
"Actually, I thought you'd have that roof finished by now, Captain Whitlock."
Peter scowled, "You should get that girl away from Charlotte, she's beginning to fucking sound like her now. Jeez, give us a break, Bella. I'm working my ass off while your beau dicks about with those planks."
I stuck out my tongue and Peter laughed, getting back to his work.
"Something on your mind, darlin'?"
I nodded and moved closer to him, "I just spoke to Esme."
"And?"
"She told me that Emmett has been in touch with you."
"Oh, right. And you're worried about my bachelor party?"
I glanced up at the roof, "I'm worried about what Peter might do, yes."
"Don't worry."
He threw an arm around me and pulled me close for a kiss, "Emmett, Carlisle and I are a match for him."
"I hope you're right because if you don't turn up I might just marry one of the horses!"
He laughed, "Well now, that might be worth seeing. No. I'll be there waiting for you, Bella. Wild horses couldn't keep me away."
Changing the subject I told him about Alice and Gabriel.
"So, you're still worried about seeing Alice again?"
"Not so much now I know that Gabriel is nervous about meeting you."
"Well, it's going to be a real fucking barrel of laughs I can see that. Our Bella and the poison dwarf scowling at each other while you and her latest discovery fight it out in the dirt. Man, I'm gonna enjoy this wedding like no other."
We both turned on him, "Peter!"
Jasper pointed a finger at him, "You aren't going to make it to the wedding if you open your mouth one more time, Captain."
Peter put on a real pout, "Jeez, you're no fun, Major. I'm gonna take my hammer and go home. I'm not playing any more."
He sauntered off swinging the hammer back and forth and cackling maniacally.
"How did you put up with him for so long? You could have snuffed him out just like that." I snapped my fingers.
He smiled, "I keep him around to remind me what a pain the ass some people can be."
The hammer whizzed over our heads, "Psychopathic, Major. Not just a pain in the ass. Remember that. And you. Bella, if you wake up in the dark one night and see a fucking shape looming over you just remember what you said a minute ago."
I walked over and picked up the hammer, "I'll be sure to sleep with this then."
"And I thought you were such a sweet little thing. Guess I got that wrong."
Jasper was shaking his head, "I'm not sure which is worse. A wife he hates or a wife he likes. You're both crazy."
"I know, but you love me." I reached up onto my tiptoes and kissed his cheek.
"Me too, honey." Peter had crept up behind us and kissed Jasper on the other cheek.
The last I saw of them Peter was making for the barn with my husband to be in hot pursuit. Shaking my head I headed back inside to the sanity of Charlotte's kitchen to make coffee and wait until the dust settled.
