It didn't take a rocket scientist to see my instant rejection wounded Jasper.

I was watching him, almost literally, wither away.

His shoulders slumped and he lowered his head. I know he wasn't doing it on purpose, but I could feel the sorrow that was leaking off of him.

He looked up at me though his eyelashes, his sad golden eyes clearly displaying his hurt.

I immediately felt horrible with myself for handling it that way.

'Anything but that?' Bella, you're an idiot.

Jasper was a shy person when it came to serious topics, and he was an extremely sensitive guy. I seriously just messed up. It probably took a lot more courage than I initially realized for him to ask me that.

I squeezed his hand and tried to explain, "Jasper I-"

He cut me off hastily, "No, Bella, don't say anything. I understand, really. You're still very young, and I should have known not to ask you a question like that yet. I'm sorry I made you uncomfortable. I'm sorry I even brought it up."

He was sorry?

I frowned, "Oh, Jasper." My voice was very gentle, "Don't say that, honey."

He sat unmoving, concentrated on the floor.

I gently stroked his cheek, "Look at me, Jasper."

His eyes obediently snapped up, meeting my own. I was startled to see how intense they were, though I should have expected that.

I snuggled into his side, "I didn't mean to say it like that. It's not that I wouldn't love to be your wife, because I would."

Honestly, I would. Some deep, deep, part of me was aching for it. A far-buried portion of my heart was throbbing excitedly at the idea of being Isabella Marie Whitlock. (Or Hale, whatever works for him.)

But more of me was afraid.

Terribly afraid.

And he could tell.

He asked me quietly, "Bella, why are you so scared? Matrimony is a beautiful thing, not something to fear."

For the first time ever I accepted the fact that such a huge commitment, such a massive and life-impacting decision, was too big for me right now. I was just seventeen. I've been taught to be wary of this sort of thing!

I admitted, "I just don't think I'm ready for that yet, Jasper."

He asked hopefully, "Yet?"

I really did want to be with him forever, that had not been a lie.

I smiled and promised, "One day it will happen. One day you will be my husband!"

God, that was so wonderful to say! We were officially engaged!

Jasper grinned and inched closer to me, "And you, Isabella, will be my wife."

I repeat, w-o-n-d-e-r-f-u-l!

Jasper wrapped his arms around me and leaned forward, brushing his lips against mine. I happily accepted the kiss and curled my arms behind his neck, holding him close to me far longer than usual.

I can't believe I just promised him that I would marry him! The very idea made my body feel like it was floating.

"Edward, are you sure this is a good idea?"

I was in the Seattle pet store with Edward, Alice, and Silas.

Edward chuckled, "Too late now, isn't it?"

A week ago, these little beasts had the bright idea to get Jasper a pet.

I know, I was surprised, too.

Alice floated over to the woman behind the desk and announced, "We're here for the baby turtle. Edward Cullen made the order?"

Edward thought it would be just grand to order a Common Musk turtle for Jasper, after the conversation they had down in Houston.

Alice already had the tank, and supplies, hidden in her closet at their house.

The lady handed Alice a little white box and Edward went to pay.

I sat Silas on the counter and asked, "Want to see daddy's turtle, Silas?"

He smiled and nodded enthusiastically. Alice opened up the box and instructed, "Hold out your hands."

He did so, watching with wide eyes as Alice carefully extracted the tiny creature. It was barely large enough for her to grip between her index finger and her thumb. The whole perimeter of the shell was the size of a half dollar.

She carefully set it in his hands. He gazed at the thing with wide eyes.

I asked, "Is it a boy or a girl?"

Alice glanced at Edward, who answered, "I ordered a male."

Silas beamed, "Daddy's going to love him!"

I glared at Edward and pessimistically sighed, "I hope so."

An hour later, we were in Jasper's room. Alice had the tank set up and plopped the little guy in there.

She smiled, "Okay, Bella, you go and bring him up here."

I wandered into the kitchen, where Jasper and Silas were.

Silas was babbling about some bunnies he saw outside when I entered the room and drew attention to myself. I asked, "Silas, want to take daddy to see his present now?"

The little boy eagerly scampered across the table and grabbed Jasper's hand. He beamed, "Come on, daddy! And keep your eyes closed."

I followed them upstairs, opening the door. I hovered tensely by the tank and Silas declared, "You can look now!"

Jasper opened his eyes, looking startled when he saw the tank sitting in front of him.

He asked, "What is it?"

Edward grinned and pointed to the itty-bitty turtle that was diving under the water. He answered, "That's what it is! A living reminder of your visit to Houston."

Jasper smiled and ruffled Silas' hair, "I already have that, Edward. I don't need another one."

Wrong thing to say.

Alice pouted and asked, dejected, "You don't want him?"

Jasper realized the mistake and hugged Alice.

He promised, "Of course I want him, don't worry. What's his name?"

I chuckled, "He's yours Jasper, you name him."

Jasper peered over the top of the tank, watching his little charge swim around it's new home.

After a few seconds he announced, "I think I like Morris."