First and foremost this is the original story before I started to rewrite it... and got stuck in the writing of the rewrite. If you are following the rewrite you will notice quite glaring differences between this and the one you have already started following. I do not intend on giving up with the rewritten version, however I think you guys waiting for me to get over my blank slate of a muse isn't going to happen any times soon. So I am re-posting the original. This was my first completed story and it is very different to how my last stories flow.
Secondly, this is not beta'ed. NOT AT ALL. There will be mistakes in spelling (I'm Australian and some words we spell differently). The layout will honestly have you wondering what the hell I was thinking. I wasn't; well that's not true. What I was thinking was that I knew what I was doing and screw anyone else... yes I was a conceited little shit even at the age of 31.
Thirdly, there is 68 chapters to this story, including the epilogue and two out takes. All of which have been uploaded to my profile so I should be able to update daily. Please understand that I have a busy life in the real world. This includes two children, one grown and the other with disabilities. So while I should be able to update wherever I am, if something happens please understand that I will miss updating.
Last but not lease. I am not SM. Not even close. I do not own the franchise, work in any capacity with the publishing houses or studios. I merely escaped from reality to play with some characters that I fell in love with while reading four books in the matter of days.
BPOV
Mother and Father, along with Jake and Billy are due in a few minutes. Well more specifically their plane is due in a few minutes. It took roughly 3 hours for mother to plan the trip, and 2 weeks for her to get everything sorted and give me warning. Now it's been another 2 weeks for my nerves to kick in at full force. Is it bad for me to be glad that they are coming but not staying at the house; even though they will more than likely be here for every waking moment that they are here?
Esme and Carlisle are due tomorrow night, and are staying at the same hotel.
Mother decided that it should be everyone who had helped out to be there at the same time. Joy of joys. It means that they are all going to hound me on what sex my peanut is. Yeah Char still hasn't found the picture, and she has literally checked the entire house for it. Pity it's at the office. I know it's mean but I would rather wait. I've been tempted to rip the picture up a few times just to make sure that no-one finds out. I think the only thing that has stopped me from fore filling this I might change my mind once I've done that and then where would that leave me.
"BABY GIRL!" Came the very loud and high pitched squeal of my mother. I couldn't help it, my natural reaction to averting mother's public displays. I quickly look around to see who this crazy woman is trying to embarrass in the airport.
"Very funny." She rebuked me as she wrapped her arms around me gently.
"Mother, I'm pregnant, not dying and definitely not breakable." Squeezing her back as best as I could. 5 months pregnant and tough I wasn't really big peanut was definitely there on show.
"Bells look at you, you look great." Billy's words were always gentle, but his hugs were always what was and are best about him.
"Hey Uncle Billy. How are the wheels going?" I joked with him with mother reprimanding me again at my joke with Uncle Billy.
"Just remember these wheels are mine, you got my truck you ain't getting my chair." His constant reply.
"Little sis, whoever the daddy is, he's missing out on a view. You look beautiful." Jake's words became somewhat mumbled in my hair.
He always did have a heart of gold, and wore it proudly on his sleeve. He was there for everything growing up, and when I went college he stayed home to look after his dad, and start his own handy man business. Needless to say it took off like a grass fire. Forks became the real life Desperate Housewife's for a while. It wasn't until he met his soon to be wife Kate that everyone backed off with the innuendos but still he was doing great.
"Isabella..." came the gruff voice of Father.
He was standing at the back of the group; I wasn't sure what to do. I mean yes, we had talked, even started to rebuild what was broken 4 months ago. But still I didn't know what to do. In the end it was father that broke. Tears in his eyes; he threw out his arms and I ran. Straight into the arms of the man who no matter how bad things got and it did get extremely bad I could never hate and always love.
"I'm so sorry sweet heart. I... can you ever forgive me?" he spoke, bringing a soft sob from mother.
I couldn't find my voice, I tried three times but nothing was coming out. So I did the next best thing, standing on my tippy-toes I reached up and gently kissed his cheek. His arms became so tight around my shoulders that I think I heard a soft pop.
"Okay, now not that that wasn't the best thing I have ever seen, but I think it might be good if we move this little show on the road." Billy's voice broke the little bubble that we had found ourselves in. And indeed we had drawn a crowd around us. Reluctantly dad dropped his arms and his embrace but slung his arm across my shoulders. We headed towards the car rental dealership to collect the two cars that mother had rented for the week-long visit.
Jake and Billy in one car specifically designed to look great and be chair accessible was a major plus for those two. It was a good thing that they were so close or I would have never known what great guys they were. Mother and father were in the other simple and reliable.
Huh, who'd a thought that mother would organize something simple and reliable. We quickly headed to the hotel that they were booked into to drop off their bags and allowed them to quickly freshen up. It took Jake all of 5 minutes before he became the pain that I know and love.
"So what is it? Boy or girl? I gotta know so I can figure out if I teach it to fight, or if I have to fight for it." He smiled that huge smile that lit not only his face but all those around him.
"Peanut is still a mystery. And peanut will stay a mystery until he or she decides to make their entrance into the world." I replied trying my best not to smile at the big goof.
"Peanut? Where in the world did you get that from?" he laughed.
I know that the guys back on the reservation will hear about this and I'll never hear the end of it. "Have you ever seen a picture of a developing baby Jake? They look like a peanut until their roughly three months. So yes peanut." I had had this argument with Peter before; he too thought it hilarious that I came up with peanut.
"Peanut it is. Any names yet. You know I've always wanted to have a kid named after me." Cheeky not so little pain in my ass.
"If it's a boy, I'm sorry, if peanut is going to be named after anyone it will not be you Jacob Black. That's yours and Kate's job." Father came into the lobby where we were waiting for him and mother.
Billy had been sitting there listening to our conversation or should I say argument with interest. See I told you Jake's like the big brother you always want but never get. I was lucky to count him not only as a friend and a brother, but no; one Jacob in this world is definitely enough.
"Bella you can't eat peanuts, it's not good for the baby." Mother chimed in with her little insight.
Needless to say Billy Jake and I broke out in hysterical laughter that took a good five minutes to come down from. "Mother, peanut is what I call the baby. Sort of like a nick-name." I explained once I had complete control of myself; this causing mother to blush a very deep red which traveled down her neck. I knew those types of blushes, I had them too.
"So shall we go for dinner? I know Esme and Carlisle are due to arrive tomorrow and Edward and Alice are picking them up very early tomorrow. And we are having a 'Big Texas Style Cook Out' tomorrow night at our house." I hedged.
Sue me, I'm hungry.
Peter, Charlotte, Alice, Edward, Rose and her hubby Emmett all joined us at Temptation; the best place to get traditional Italian food in all Texas. Well as far as I was concerned anyway. Conversation flowed, I of course became the topic of interest; more specifically the fact that I needed new clothes, and needed to start on my baby shopping.
The word shopping around me had become a dirty word. Every time I was around Char, Alice or Rose it was "let's go shopping" or something along those lines. So now with the help of mother I knew I wasn't going to get out of it. And you guessed it; Esme and Jane (Peter's mum) were coming along, they just didn't know it yet. It looked like I was going shopping while the men got together and started getting everything ready for the big cook out.
"Keep Jake away from my ice-cream and I'll be happy. He gets to it and then you all pay." I pouted and huffed.
I would have thrown in a stamped foot but that would have taken it too far. I knew my pregnancy indulgence was safe from Jake, especially since Kate wasn't here. Jake had already told me that she couldn't make it. Working at the local school you can't just up and go whenever you want. Soon dinner was over and we all headed our separate ways. With promises to meet at our place around 10 am to get a good head start. At least with Edward and Peter there with father and Billy we could count on all the preparations to be taken cared of. We lovely ladies wouldn't have to do anything. After a quick shower I found my bed and fell asleep almost instantly. It was heaven.
Unfortunately while sleep was heaven, actually sleeping for more than a few hours before needing to pee was not. the wake-up call of a little wood nymph and blond Barbie didn't help much either, and lets not mention the bouncing had me wanting to throw up -something that I hadn't done in over a month.
"Alright, Alright. I'm up." I croaked.
"See this is why she works best at home. No wonder she's so sort after. She probably stays up all night writing the responses." Rosalie's words were true, but still I would have liked to sleep more.
Turning over I searched the light of the clock. Well that would explain it. I'd slept for roughly 8 hours on and off all night. No wonder I didn't want to get up. Throwing on a pair of black yoga pants and a blue singlet top with my runners I made my way down stairs.
"You my girl are lucky that we still have to wait until Jane and Felix to get here. Or you would be in so much trouble." Esme's voice came from the kitchen followed by her and her lovely husband.
Wrinkling my nose made my way into the kitchen to grab some juice and take my daily vitamins. Awake and somewhat sociable I came back into the living room and hugged everyone.
"Hey does this mean that I can count today as my baby shower. All except Tanya and Kate are here." I asked getting a few mummers from others. Hoping that it would get me out of it, and this way it would be more relaxing.
"That's a great idea. This way we know what everyone will get you." Alice piped in. She and Esme had already met a month ago. They got on so well that you'd think that Alice was their daughter and Edward was the boyfriend.
As soon as Jane stepped out of the car she was dragged into another. And let me tell you this, when seven women walk into a baby shop you get a very fast response from the staff. But said staff needs to learn that baby bumps are not public property. I think after the first young girl almost got her hand slapped from Char they learnt not to touch.
Bassinets, cots, nappy bins, night lights, monitors, and all other baby paraphernalia was everywhere. Then you had the clothes. Singlets, bibs, jump suits, tops, pants, shorts, skirts, dresses. It was endless. After 3 hours I really needed a break.
"Lady with the baby needs a seat." I called as we stepped out of the third store so far with each shopping buddy carrying at least three bags each. At least I got to buy the bassinet, order the nappy bin and all other furniture that Peter wasn't making at home. Peanut was going to be the best dressed baby in Texas.
"Lunch it is. Then we start on the momma to be. Clothes and maybe some pampering?" Mother's voiced, knowing how to get me to bend to her will. Normally I wouldn't bend so easily, but right now I'd take it as long as I got to sit for a while.
Finding a little bistro in the mall wasn't that hard. But finding one that could accommodate seven women and their shopping was interesting to say the least. It wasn't until we made a stop at the cars to put the shopping away that I finally got my rest. I would have taken the break in the car but food was a necessity for shopping as Alice has constantly said. As I said she and Esme were meant to be in the same family.
"Have you picked any names for the baby yet sweetie?" Jane had asked, she had been playing the role of mum for the last few months with me.
She said she knew something what it was like for someone to be in my position, and was beyond glad that I had taken the right steps to build the bridge and fix what happened between me and my parents. In fact mother and Jane hadn't let go of each others arm through the whole shopping experience.
"None, I guess peanut will be a Swan though; but I know that if I knew cowboy's surname I would be putting that down. I owe him that much." I responded.
"Who's cowboy Bella?" Alice asked; I forgot that only Char knew all the details of that night.
"I'd like to know that too. Sweetie you never really went into much detail about that night." Mother, always the inquisitive minded woman.
"Cowboy is a man that after one night I fell in love with. It was about a month after Edward and I broke up, on my way home and I met him. Have you ever met a guy and known that he was it? The one you would do anything, be anything for him? That's what it was like for me. After a few hours with him driving I knew Edward wasn't the one for me. I knew that I had to make it right for him. Let him find the one that was out there for him. And he did; I can't tell you how happy I am for you two Alice." I started, but the tears had started to build and I needed to stop only for a few minutes. What I didn't know what that the entire bistro was quiet and listening to my story.
"Anyway; after one amazing night I knew that I had found my one love. But I didn't trust myself, and I didn't think I deserve to find that one when I was going back to break the heart of another. So I left him there, and I've regretted it ever since. That is the story of my cowboy, and peanuts father." By now everyone at the table had tears falling and mother had me pressed into her side. I hadn't even noticed that we had eaten our meals but when the check had been asked for the manager came out instead.
"Honey, I heard the story. I'm sorry but I don't think anyone in the bistro wasn't moved by it. You lunches are on the house. And honey you deserve love no matter how it comes to you or for how long a time it lasts."
After another three hours of shopping, but this time for me we headed to the spa that was located in the mall. It wasn't one of those retreats that are out in the desert, but they did cater for large groups like ours. Each and every one of us was in need of relaxation. Massages, manicures, pedicures, and facials were happening to each and every one. It was pure heaven on earth, second to that night with Jasper.
I think I had fallen asleep at some point during the spa treatment. Because the next thing I knew was that I was awoken from my dream, replaying everything that had happened that faithful night.
"Bella, it's time to get back. The guys are waiting for us back home." Char gently woke me. She knew what I was dreaming about just by the smile on my face; and I think everyone else knew it too.
"See Barbie and wood nymph. That's how you wake me up and get a happy Bella." I replied laughing.
"Yeah whatever, you're just happy after that dream we all know you were having." Rose shot at me, not missing a beat.
Driving back to the house Jane and mother were sitting in front while Char and I were in the back. I was amazed that all the shopping actually fit in the two cars. I was sure that a call back to the house would have been needed to come and get some of us, or the shopping.
"Bella, my youngest son will be there tonight. You don't mind do you?" Jane asked.
I was a little taken back. I knew that she had another child; Peter had told me that his brother had left not long before I arrived back in Texas. I don't remember much but I thought he was in the military.
"It's a family thing Jane. If he's your family, then he's my family." I answered her truthfully.
Besides it was actually Pete's and Char's place not mine, they had just adopted me and weren't letting go anytime soon. Not that I wanted them to. It was a very relaxed drive home, but that would have happened anyway with all the pampering that we had just had. I felt like I was floating on a cloud.
"Let's take this to my room for now. We can go through it later. Maybe make the guys cringe and have a baby shopping show?" I asked everyone, they loved the idea.
Loaded with our bags, we all headed into the house and up to my room. Peter had finished the renovations to my room and started on the room that would belong to peanut. Including the adjoined door that would make it easier for me to get in the room. I was sitting down on the bed, slowly taking my shoes off and looking for a comfortable summer dress to wear before I headed to the bathroom in desperate need of a shower. I felt all icky from walking all day. Just as I found what I was looking for I realized that we left the bassinet in the boot of the rental.
"Peter, can you do me a huge favor. Peanut will love you forever." Yeah I know playing the baby card isn't the best.
But he was playing it on me too. More specifically when I had a craving for something and he liked it, he make's sure I made enough for both of us. Saying it would make both me and peanut happy that we didn't have to eat on our own.
"What's up little B? You got cravings for spicy wedges and sour cream?" he asked wiggling his brows.
"Wishful thinking. You're cooking tonight. I bought a bassinet today for peanut. Do you think you could bring it in for me and put it in the corner?" he frowned when the food was out, but smiled big when he found out that I had finally started getting everything that was needed for peanut.
"Sure sweetie, go have a shower and it'll be there when you get out." He came over and hugged me before heading to the drive while I headed for the bathroom.
I would have used all the water if I could have, but as the hot water was never ending I couldn't test the theory. Getting dressed in a white sun dress and matching flesh bra and panty set I headed back into the room listening to the voice of Char instructing Peter and someone else to where to set the bassinet up.
"Over there but not too close to the window. Safety first for the peanut; and this way she won't have to move it later." Char was instructing.
They really didn't have to put it up now. I thought it would have been father or Jake there helping Peter, but it wasn't.
"Pete, you didn't have to do that. It could have waited for tomorrow or some other time. We still have around four months till peanut is here." I voiced, making Peter jump and his accomplice to chuckle.
"She's not really worried is she?" the stranger replied. I assumed that it was Peter's brother; but he sounded so familiar.
"Nope that would be my little sister for you. Hey B. I want you to meet someone. Jasper, this is Little B, but me and Char are the only ones who can call her that. Everyone calls her Bella. Bella, this is my brother Jasper." As Peter introduced me to his brother I watched as he turned.
Those blue eyes; that blond hair. The man I had been dreaming of for all this time. The one that I fell for, and fell again for in that second. My Jasper; My Cowboy. I drank him in, memorizing his every feature because my memory didn't do him justice.
"Cowboy?" I whispered. But as he moved forward it began to go black. I heard a few choice words from his and Pete's mouth and a cry from Char. MY cowboy was back.
