Disclaimer: I do not Own Twilight. Stephenie Meyers does. I just own Miracle Dunkin… and this story of course.

*1863 Jaspers P.O.V.*

I laughed as Miracle made a funny face at her older brother. Kevin was always butting into our conversations. As much as it sickened me, I would not say anything about it. Miracle loved Kevin. He was all she had. Except for me of course. I would always be there for Miracle. She looked at me laughing and rolled her eyes.

"What the hell are you laughing at Whitlock?" She asked. Her silvery blue eyes were dancing with enjoyment. Miracle was the only woman I knew of that would dare curse. She was the only woman I knew of that would do many things.

"Your brother. He can be quite the little idiot at time." I hesitated before adding, "And an ass. He never leaves us alone." My lips lifted in a smile. Miracle turned around and straddled my waist. How she did that in a dress I do not know. We were sitting under a tree. Our tree. The one we have been meeting at since we were old enough to walk. She pressed her lips to mine briefly, leaving me craving more.

"Kevin is just afraid of us doing anything inappropriate before marriage. You know how my brother is." She whispered in my ear. I shivered at the feeling of her hot breath on my skin. It was Heaven for me.

"How everyone is Darlin'. Sex is for after marriage not before." Just to rile her up I said, "Have you no morals Miss Dunkin?"

She smiled my favorite smile in the whole fucking world. Her smiles made me forget everything but then and there. "Who needs morals when there is love?" Miracle kissed me once more. She moved to pull away but I grabbed her shoulders and held her closer, crushing her body to mine. Miracle smiled in the kiss. So did I.

"Jasper Whitlock!" I heard Momma call my name from a distance. I pulled away from Miracle and groaned. Why do people enjoy interrupting Miracle and I? It might damn well be fun for them, but it was nowhere near fun for us. It was a downright disregard of our privacy. However, what could I do? After all, I am only sixteen. A very fickle age if you ask me. Past childhood, but not yet a man.

I pushed Miracle away gently and stroked her cheek. She leaned into my touch. I saw my emotions reflected in her eyes. There was need, longing, and a love so pure and deep it made my heart ache. I needed her like a human needs oxygen; as a plant needs sunshine; as the tide needs the moon. It was a need embedded in me since childhood. We simply could not live without each other.

"Jasper!" Momma's voice was closer now. I began panicking. If she saw us, Miracle would be branded a whore for being in such a compromising position. I did not want that for her.

"Get up Darlin'. My momma is coming." Miracle got up at my urging. I kissed the top of her hand and offered my arm. She took it with a nervous smile. Momma scared Miracle. I do not know why. Momma was not the meanest person, but she was very… oh, what is the word?

Momma can be very judgmental about things. Especially when it comes to prospective marriages for her children. And Miracle was definitely a prospective marriage for me. Really, she was the only girl I would ever consider for marriage. As if reading my mind Miracle looked down shyly. I tilted her chin so she had to look at me. I kissed her sweetly knowing Momma was watching. Momma cleared her throat.

"Jasper, your father sent a letter." She handed me a white envelope. My father's messy scrawl covered the front of it. I smiled to my self. Father's stories of war were always entertaining and humorous. This letter, however, was anything but. I began reading.

Son,

You are reading this so more then likely, I have died. This war has taken its toll on the South and many families, but I never wanted my wife and children to be effected by it. You need to take over for me. You are the man of the family now Jasper. As much as I wish to see you and Miracle married I have always known deep down that I would never live to. I would never live to see my grandchildren. You will be a great man Jasper I know it. Just do not do the foolish thing I did. Do not get involved in this war thinking it will be over quickly. We are fighting for a way of life. That could take several more years.

Your father,

Robert Whitlock

I could feel Miracle's eyes on my face. They seared my skin with their intense gaze. "Jasper." She whispered softly. I pulled my arm out of hers. Without another look at her, I walked off toward my home. "Japer!" Miracle called louder. There was the sound of footsteps running to catch up with me. I spun around and Miracle stumbled back. She looked afraid. I grabbed her roughly.

"Go! Please!"

Miracle shook her head. "I know you too well Jasper. You are hurting, my love. When you hurt you do incredibly stupid things." She was right. She was painfully, painfully right.

"I-I-" Words would not form. I just hung my head and relinquished my hold on Miracle. She wrapped her arms around me and rested her head on my shoulder. "Don't leave me yet. Stay out my house this evening. I'll send Jeremiah to your parent's plantation to tell them."

Miracle placed her pale hand on my burning cheek. "I will be here as long as you are, my love."