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A/N at the end.
Chapter 27 Reunited
BPOV
We lounged around in bed the better part of the morning, talking and playing and just cuddling. We only had 24 hours left until we would have to go our different directions for a few weeks. I knew that we had no choice in the matter and that even if Jasper could come with me to Seattle, we would not see much of each other until finals were over. I still felt the hole cracking in my chest in anticipation of the short physical separation we would have to endure.
As we lay tangled around one another, my defiant stomach grumbled, giving away my need for food. Why was it that whenever you had a fabulous meal the night before, you were so much hungrier than normal the next morning?
Jasper laughed and reading my mind he said, "You'd think we would still be full from that dinner."
"I suppose we did work it off last night," I said slyly.
"Don't forget this morning, that was quite a workout as well, darlin'." Jasper got up and put on his robe, holding mine out to me to wrap myself in.
After rummaging through the fridge and settling on making French Toast, I turned to Jasper and asked, "Can we go riding today, have a picnic again?"
"Bella, that would be perfect." Jasper smiled as he kissed my forehead.
We each took care of the things we needed to and then showered and dressed for riding, each donning jeans, boots, button down shirts and hats. I had to smile.
We packed food and a bottle of wine and a few bottles of water and headed for the barn. I knew Jasper would really want to spend some time today on Twilight but he wouldn't say so. If I knew my man, he had probably been thinking about where on the property we could put a barn so that he could bring her with us.
We had a great day, riding, talking, just enjoying our time together. We settled for a relaxing picnic spread out over the blanket while we talked about plans for the house. We had agreed on a color palette and which rooms would be changed and which would just get a fresh coat.
"Do you mind if we put the Kandinsky over the fireplace again?" Jasper asked as he ran his fingers through my hair.
"I'd love that," I said, my head in his lap looking up at his strong jaw, and those lickable lips.
We discussed the timing and logistics for the movers and the painters. I felt bad that Jasper was going to have to coordinate everything on his end on top of starting a new job.
"Jasper, don't bother unpacking stuff unless you need something. I'll take care of all of it when I get there. You just concentrate on being the sexy Professor."
"The sexy Professor, huh? You sure that's the way you want my students to see me?"
"On second thought, only I get the sexy Professor Whitlock, your students can have the brilliant Professor, or the nerdy Professor, wait, no, never mind, I know some women that are very turned on by the nerdy smart guy look. Did you know that Dr. Spencer Reid is thought of as one hot piece of eye candy by some?"
"Woman, what the hell are you talking about?" Jasper laughed at me as he caressed the side of my jaw.
"Oh, um, Criminal Minds. He is the child prodigy genius at the BAU. He's quite sexy with his eidetic memory and spouting brilliant stuff nobody understands all while looking extremely young."
"Yeah, I saw one weird episode with a cross dresser. And you think this Dr. Reid is sexy?" His fingers teased my earlobes.
"I used to, that is before I met sex on a stick, Dr. Whitlock, now he is sexy, mmmm." I teased him, running my fingers along his chest.
"Oh really now? What is it you would do with Dr. Sex on a Stick?" Jasper upped the playing field, sliding his finger between my lips and into my mouth.
"Sadly, not a thing, I hear he is marrying his one true love in August, the lucky bitch." I sucked his finger into my mouth and swirled my tongue around it.
"I hear he is the lucky one, landed the most beautiful, sexiest girl in all the world." Jasper pulled his finger from my mouth and leaned down kissing me. I wrapped my arms around the back of his neck, holding him to me as I returned his kiss with all the passion I felt.
"Enough with the teasing, we have things to do darlin'." Jasper chuckled as he pulled out of my hold and helped me to stand while I pretended to pout.
We picked up the remnants of our little picnic and packed it up. We rode around the property for a bit before returning Twilight and Minnie to the stables and headed back to the house.
The clothes still needed to be sorted and packed. We were leaving some things here and most of my things were going with Jasper to California. Jasper laid the suitcases out on the bed and I folded and piled things to go into the cases. I sent Jasper to the closet to find the shopping bags I wanted to surprise him with. I had bought seconds of all the toiletries so that we could leave the bathroom here stocked. I wanted Jasper to still feel connected with his home here and thought it would be a nice touch if we didn't have to bring those things back and forth. Jasper was speechless for a minute before he thanked me for the gesture.
I knew it was going to be hard on him to leave his home, the only one he ever really knew. For me, moving was such a part of life, the structure never meant that much. Except for Charlie's house; that was the only house that really held a tie for me. When I sold it, I cried. All the places Renee dragged us in and out of never held anything for me. Even my house now, I had only been there three years, it was my first house, but its walls were filled with loneliness and fear now. I loved the way it reflected me until I met Jasper, and then I realized that it no longer fit me, my life and world so completely changed by this man, the walls no longer depicted the person that inhabited the small space.
Our new home, open and light and flowing, reflected both of us now, the infinity pool a perfect mirror of our love, endless and full to overflowing. I would do everything I could to make it a home, fill it with new memories, new hopes and dreams for our future. I saw the role of homemaker so differently now than I ever had before, I had always thought of it as cleaning and cooking and mundane chores. Now, I saw it as so much more, I saw it as a testament to our love, a statement to the world that the occupants were happy and whole and above all else together, in every sense of the word, forever.
I chuckled at the thought that I, Bella Swan, wanted nothing more than I wanted to take the time to unpack every box, to lovingly place every cooking utensil, dish, pan, candle, picture in the perfect place, to make our lives complete.
Good lord, I was becoming a giant sap.
Jasper stood, leaning against the wall watching me. I realized he had been watching me as I went through my little mental exercise.
He shot me a sexy smirk and pushed off the wall walking to me. His arms threaded around my waist as he pulled my back into his chest.
"You are so beautiful when you are mentally distracted. What were you thinking about?"
"Setting up our castle for my king." I blushed as I cooed into his chin.
"Ah, my queen, whatever makes you happy."
"It would make your queen happy if her king brought her those garment bags from the closet."
He laughed as he walked to the closet, retrieving the bags as I finished loading the suitcases.
Jasper brought the first set of bags down to the foyer and I took the opportunity to slip the note I had written him into the pocket of his suit jacket. I wasn't sure when he would find it, but I knew it would be a special occasion. I also tucked one of his favorite bra and panty sets with a note that I couldn't wait to wear it for him, into the bag that we would put his last minute things into in the morning.
Jasper came back up for the garment bags and I followed him down to start dinner.
We were planning to make dinner together and watch a movie and relax before our long day to come.
I started the water for the pasta and began chopping onions. Jasper began mixing the cheeses together and added the eggs. I had the crushed tomatoes, paste, onions and garlic all simmering by the time he was done. Jasper poured the sugar and I added the spices. I lowered the heat to a simmer and Jasper drained the pasta.
The noodles were hot so Jasper insisted on layering them in the pan as I filled each layer with the cheese and vegetables and meat. Once we had the casserole fully prepared I poured the sauce over the top and Jasper sprinkled entirely too much fresh shredded mozzarella.
I gave him the evil eye and he shrugged it off. I seriously needed to have his cholesterol checked.
Jasper put the pan in the oven and I set out to get the garlic loaf out of the bread maker to cool a bit.
We had a good hour to kill before it would be ready so we cleaned up the kitchen and set the table. Jasper opened a bottle of wine and poured us each a glass as we sat down in front of the television to relax.
He pulled my feet into his lap turning me to lean against the arm of the couch. I moaned as he rubbed my feet, absent mindedly, while we watched the movie previews.
Everything we did together was so much better than anything I did alone. I never liked anyone else in the kitchen with me when I cooked, but in the few months I had learned to love cooking with Jasper and with Peter and Char. I even found I enjoyed learning new tex mex dishes form Irina. Maybe I was just opening up and getting used to the idea of a family. I had been alone for so long. I was dreading the next three weeks, even though I knew Rose and Emmett would probably never leave me alone. I knew Felix and Dimitri would be lingering about as well.
I really didn't think it was necessary. Jacob seemed to be doing really well. He was seeing the therapist, dating someone new. It seemed like he had moved on. He had done nothing to try to contact me in weeks. Dimitri had reported that he was spending most of his time with his new girlfriend, spending the night most nights. He said they were very affectionate toward one another and the girl seemed genuinely happy, always smiling at him and he seemed very taken with her, attentive to her. There weren't any outward appearances of any problems. I was happy for him, but honestly, still relieved that Dimitri and Felix would be around until I left for good.
The last night went entirely too fast, we enjoyed our late dinner and cuddled through a couple movies. We were both anxious to spend our last night together in bed just holding close, savoring our remaining time. I don't think I really got much, if any, sleep. Jasper talked more than usual. I knew he was nervous about me being in Seattle without him, although he tried to keep that hidden beneath how much he was just going to miss me.
Our need of one another was intense, but subdued. Rather than the wild, frantic, sex from the night before, we simply made slow passionate love. Curling up into his arms afterwards and breathing in his scent, memorizing the feel of his arms around me, his soft stubble against my bare shoulder, I drifted in and out of a light slumber. We whispered affections and soft "I love yous" throughout the night and into the morning. I think we both figured we could catch up on sleep the next night.
We woke early and each took a turn getting ready to leave. Jasper was busy packing the rest of his briefcase in his office when I came out from the bedroom showered, dressed and hating the fact that I was ready to wait for the time to leave my love.
Peter and Char walked through the front door and I could hear Peter's obnoxious booming voice warning us that they were coming in and we had better zip it up.
Jasper just shook his head and rolled his eyes in the direction of his brother.
I laughed while the tempting thoughts ran through my mind, only to be quashed when the door to the office flew open a moment later.
"Damn, I was hoping to catch something good." Peter ducked the hand that attempted to make contact with the back of his head as Char "tskk'd" him.
"Then maybe you should not have boomed out a warning loud enough for the cows to hear, you stupid fuck." Jasper smirked.
"Yeah, not sure why I am going to miss this. Come on Char, let's go get some coffee." I kissed Peter's cheek on the way past him and as Char and I walked out toward the kitchen we heard Peter behind us.
"Yes, but you are going to miss me, little sis."
I had to admit, I was going to miss the big lug.
Char and I sat across the table drinking coffee while she brought me up to speed on wedding details.
"Oh, and Peter wanted to surprise you Bella, but I thought it would be better if you knew in advance, we are going to make it to your graduation, so we will see you in a few weeks and I think we are driving down to Palo Alto with you."
"Oh Char, thank you, I am so glad. Will he be ok flying? Will you?"
"Yeah, I think so, besides, he said he wouldn't miss your graduation because of a little thing like flying. He seems to have made a lot of progress since our last trip to Palo."
"Oh Char, I am so glad."
I was sure that they had a lot of things they wanted to say to each other but I was surprised by how long Jasper and Peter took before they came down to the kitchen to join us. We only had about a half an hour before the car would be here to take us to the airport.
Peter was quieter than usual and Jasper's eyes were a bit red. I knew this was going to be hard for them both. I was so relieved that Char was going to be moving in to the ranch so Peter would not be alone.
"So Char, when are you moving in officially anyway?" I realized she had not mentioned when she was moving.
They both blushed and I couldn't help but smirk as Char stuttered.
"The movers are bringing her stuff tomorrow. We decided to rent out her condo instead of selling it. Tom has a new chef coming in to work for him and he needs a place to live, so he will be renting it for now," Peter responded when Char couldn't get the words out.
"Were you guys packing all weekend?" I felt terrible; if I had known that was what they were up to I would have offered to help.
"Yeah, well, we didn't want you guys to feel like we were happy to get rid of you or anything," Char laughed.
"The truth is, she knows I can't be alone in this place and she took sympathy on me." Peter hung his head.
"Hush now, you." Char kissed him.
The door bell rang and we all jumped.
It was time.
Peter helped Jasper carry the bags out and the driver helped put them in the trunk of the car. Char and I climbed in and I noticed that she did not slide over to the seat with me, but stayed on the opposite side so that Jasper and I could sit together.
Jasper crawled in next to me and I was suddenly hit with the scent of orange blossom and spice and my head was woozy with the memories of the night I met him. All the time we spent, wasted, playing games, before we opened our hearts, taunted me. Visions of the penthouse, the cab, filled my mind all reminding me how far we had come in such a short time. I remembered all those weeks without him when I had no idea if I would ever see him again and I dreaded the weeks to come, knowing that at the end, I would see him every day from then on, my only saving grace. I still hated the thought of being apart.
I snuggled into his side and melted into his arms, molding myself to his form. He held me tightly to him, needing that same feeling, being one, being together.
We were all quiet on the ride to the airport. I was flying charter and Jasper was flying commercial. I didn't remember why or when I had agreed to that, but right now I was glad. It meant that Jasper could see me onto the plane before he had to leave to catch his flight.
We greeted the pilot and I took my seat. Jasper, Peter and Char all lingering until he finally said it was time to shut the doors. Peter wrapped me in a bear hug and kissed the top of my head, "See you soon sis, and stay out of trouble."
Char and I hugged and swapped kisses to the cheek and we each had tears in our eyes as she backed up saying goodbye and winked.
Peter escorted Char down the stairs and the pilot followed after them. I was sure to talk about the flight I wasn't supposed to know about.
Jasper took me in his arms and held tight, kissing my head, my forehead, my cheeks before making his way to my lips. We kissed deeply for a minute before I pulled back and buried my head into his chest.
"I love you Jasper, I will talk to you tonight and every night until we see each other, ok?"
"Yeah darlin', every night, I promise. Study hard and ace those finals for me baby, get it done so we can finally be together. Bella, I know you don't want to hear this, but, please, please be careful while I am gone, please?"
"Jasper, I will, I promise you, I'll do what Dimitri says, ok?"
"I love you more than anything darlin', please just be safe."
The pilot walked back up the stairs and cleared his throat before entering the cabin. Subtle, very subtle. I smiled at Jasper and he gave me one last chaste kiss before turning for the door.
As he reached the door he turned and said, "I love you."
"Not as much as I love you."
I watched through the window as he walked toward the car and stood by Peter's side as the door to the plane closed and the I heard the roar as we began to roll down the runway away from my cowboy, growing smaller and smaller, just as the tears rolled down my cheeks, blurring the last vision of him before we were airborne.
Torture. If I thought I knew the meaning of torture before, I was dead wrong. This, this was torture; being away form Jasper, not having him hold me while I fell asleep, not having his sweet breath over my head as I lay in his arms, not waking up to that beautiful smile, that should be the definition of torture. The ache in my heart, the hollow feeling inside was tangible. How the hell was I going to concentrate and get through finals when I felt like this? Ugh, but I would never lose him; he would never be out of my thoughts, or me out of his. That would get me through the next three weeks. That knowledge would get through finals and to graduation when I would be back in his arms.
Felix picked me up from the airport and agreed to pick up Chinese food on the way back to my house. He suggested that I better order enough for everyone as they would all be at the house when we got there. I laughed. I was hungry and despite sleeping a couple hours on the plane, I was tired. I had spent the remaining hours reviewing my outlines and getting ready for my first final.
We had a review set up for Monday and Tuesday and it would be the first time I was back in the classroom since that fateful day that Jacob had left the phone number on the board. There were sure to be stares and likely people rude enough to ask about my absence. I just hoped that Steve had made it clear that I didn't want to talk about it. The Dean had already approved Felix's presence on campus during my classes and finals. I didn't want Steve to have to focus on anything other than school. He needed to get through finals too.
I really was not expecting there to be any trouble, but I knew it would make Jasper feel better and I would do anything for him to be able to worry a little less.
Sure enough, when I walked through my front door, that really didn't feel like my front door anymore, I was greeted by a shouting round of "welcome home," and "Bella" and openly laughed at my family. Rose had the table set and Mike was pouring shots, handing them out. Emmett lifted me off the ground and spun me around until I felt like I was going to puke. James took my bags and carried them into my bedroom. Steve put the book he was studying from down and stood from the chair by the window.
Once the shots were all passed out, we each toasted with 1, 2, 3, fuck it, and threw the shots back. Steve and I stopped at one while everyone else had a couple more throughout the evening. We ate and talked, catching up on what had been happening around Seattle and with everyone.
Rose and Emmett were the first to say good night and I was a bit shocked that they were leaving. I really expected to be camping on the couch while they kept the bedroom.
"I took furlough for the next two weeks until finals are over, and if it is ok with you Bella, I am going to be crashing here. That way, you and I can study, which I could use your help with. Then we can go back and forth to school together too. I hope that is alright with you," Steve announced.
"Steve that would be great, thanks."
"No, thank you, I really mean it, I need your help, I am really nervous about finals."
"Sure."
Felix was leaving and James was driving Mike home and they all said their good nights and left us in the quiet.
"Why don't you go call Jasper and let him know what's going on, I'll clean up and then I am going to study for awhile if you want to join me." Steve was clearing plates and throwing out empty cartons before I had my phone out of my pocket.
It rang exactly once before I heard the charming southern drawl that owned my heart. "It's about time Darlin'."
"Hmm, cowboy," I said closing my bedroom door behind me. "I miss you already. The family just left. They are all crazy; you know that, don't you?"
"Yeah, that's why I love them."
"So, Steve is crashing here through finals, he gave me some lame excuse about needing my help with studying, but I do feel better knowing he'll be around. As usual they all have everything planned out, so you have nothing to worry about. I will not be alone for a minute it seems."
"Good. But it isn't that same as my being there with you." Jasper's voice was soft and pained.
"No it isn't, but then, I do need to study and you are just too distracting my sexy professor." I closed my eyes tight and tried to put on a brave front. The truth was, I was missing him terribly already and doubted I'd be able to sleep without him.
"I could tutor you; you know I am a pretty good teacher." Jasper attempted to tease but the voice was wrong, too urgent.
"I'm sure you are the best teacher, but the things you'd be teaching me, really would probably be more likely to get me locked up for indecent exposure rather than acing my finals." I tried to bring levity to the situation.
"True." Now he finally smiled.
"None of that, now, Steve is in the next room. I miss you, I love you."
"Me too darlin'."
"Are you ready for your first day Professor?"
"Yeah, I am. I'm really excited. I know I'll only be moving stuff into my office and sitting in on faculty meetings, but still, I am excited."
"Good baby, I'm excited for you, I know you'll be great."
"Thanks honey, now go study."
"Ok, goodnight."
"Goodnight beautiful and say hi to Steve."
As promised, Jasper and I spoke every night after dinner. I hated that he wasn't here with me, I missed him so much, my heart actually hurt, the space in my chest felt heavy and tight. I knew though, it was probably better that he wasn't here, Steve and I were hitting the outlines pretty hard after school and right up until bed time. Although, it would have been nice to be able to fall asleep in his arms.
The first two days back were a bit rough for me. Several people wished me well, and commented about how worried they had been for me. Of course it was supposed to be secret so everyone knew everything. After that, it seemed no one cared, the novelty had worn off and everyone went back to worrying about the last set of finals. For some, not doing well could cost them very lucrative jobs, for others, it could jeopardize their ability to find a job. I just wanted to get through it and be done with this stage of my life, and now, more than ever, I wanted to do well and make Jasper proud too.
I don't think I had ever studied so hard in all my life as we did those last two weeks. Steve pushed me and I pushed him. It was fun to study with someone else. Mostly over the years, I had done the lone studying thing. Talking things out and quizzing each other really helped to focus. Thursday was the first two finals, Corporate Tax and Antitrust. I felt pretty confident after both exams. Friday I had Securities Regulation and Steve had Counseling and Negotiating, the only two classes we did not have together.
I didn't feel quite as confident about the Securities exam and doubled down on the studying all weekend. Jasper called at 8:30 Friday night, I had lost all track of time and forgot to call him. He laughed saying he had been picturing me hanging post it notes all over the dining room. Steve overheard that and snapped a picture and sent it to him. I never heard Jasper laugh so loud or so hard before. I threatened to hang up on him and kick Steve out, if they didn't stop picking on me, so I might have hung a hundred or two post its, so what??
Neither of us had any exams scheduled for Monday so we decided to go hang out at the library for a change of scenery. We grabbed fast food on the way home at 10, at least I had thought to text Jasper and let him know what was going on earlier in the evening. By the time we got home I was exhausted and quickly called Jasper to say goodnight before turning in. We talked for an hour, I had to hear every detail of his first full week.
Tuesday was the Agency and Unincorporated Business Entities Exam and it was a lot easier than I had expected. That scared me. I figured I had to have blown it completely, it couldn't have really been that easy. When Steve voiced the same concerns I felt so much better. We compared notes and decided that we had either both nailed it, or both flunked, the trouble of studying together now becoming clear. Had we helped each other or dragged each other down. Who knew?
Wednesday we studied and Thursday was the last final, Corporations. On Monday I had to judge first year Mock Trial competitions as part of my former Law Review Editor duties, then I was officially finished with Law School. I spoke to Jasper as often as possible and got text messages from him before every exam wishing me luck and expressing his confidence in me.
I spent all day Tuesday sleeping and then watching television with Steve. Rose and Emmett came over with beer and pizza for dinner and we just vegged in front of the television. I fell asleep with Jasper on the phone.
Wednesday I spent packing up everything that wasn't already packed, mainly my books and the rest of the kitchen stuff. Rose had brought over some dishes and silverware and basics to tide us over. The movers showed up for the furniture on Thursday and I realized that with the modified arrangements Steve had at least had a place to sleep the past two weeks. Now it looked like anyone that stayed here was getting the floor, until Emmett and Mike came walking in Thursday night with a bed and two camping cots.
Emmett set the bed up in the bedroom and the cots in the spare room. Now we at least had a place to sleep. Friday Peter and Char would be arriving and Jasper would be getting in late Friday night. Peter still didn't know that I knew he was coming in and Char had made me promise to act surprised when he rang the bell.
I toyed with the idea of giving him a hard time, but decided against it, he was after all, flying for me, the least I could do was be nice.
Thursday night was actually a lot of fun, everyone came over and we all just got shitfaced drunk, there may have been singing and dancing and there were definitely a lot of shots thrown back over the memories of the past six years. Mike reminded me how the tradition of "1, 2, 3 fuck it" started.
I wasn't even 21 yet when I went to the club with some date. It was our third. The first was a movie, so I was able to avoid talking; it ended up with him groping my boob and me giving him a hand-job in the theatre. The second date was dinner and I managed to keep the conversation centered on him and school, we ended up at his place and I left before he woke up. This was our third date, we had been sitting at the bar and he had been asking all the first date questions that I deflected or just refused to answer. After the longest time he finally got really frustrated with me and said, "I'll give you to the count of three to decide if you want to be bothered with a relationship or answering any of my questions." I stared at him as he started to count. Mike was bar tending and he was leaning up against the back of the bar trying hard to stifle his laugh while he watched my date getting redder and redder while I ignored him. He finally got to 3 and when I turned around to face the bar he said "fuck it, and fuck you" and took off, leaving me sitting there. Mike poured two shots, slid one in front of me and said, "1, 2, 3, fuck it," threw back the shot and I burst out laughing, before repeating the toast with "1, 2, 3, fuck you" and throwing my own shot back. We did several more shots that night after Mike introduced himself and it became our ritual from then on.
Rose got the biggest kick out of that story and then asked how Emmett and I met. It seems Emmett had never told her. I cringed as Emmett tried gracefully to get out of telling it, but he was only making it look worse than it was, at least for himself, so I bailed him out.
It was a few months after I had started hanging out at the club regularly. Mike and I were already friends when Emmett stared working there. I was at a pretty low point then and had completely given up on relationships. I had been leaving the club with a different guy nearly every weekend and Mike was worried about me. Emmett had just started working at the club and Mike had introduced us and told Emmett that part of his job was to make sure that he memorized the face of anyone I left with and to instill the fear of God into them if I didn't return in one piece the next night. I was beyond pissed at Mike. I don't think Emmett knew what to think, honestly. I'm sure he was wondering what the hell he had gotten himself into. Well, I was going to spite Mike that night and started a scene at the door when Emmett tried to keep me from leaving with some biker dude. Things got out of hand and poor Emmett had to get five stitches. Biker dude didn't like being threatened. Emmett only got clocked pushing me out of the way when I told the biker to go scratch after we walked outside. The biker never came back after Emmett pinned him to the ground in two point five seconds, bleeding and all. Emmett was number one on my speed dial ever since that night.
"For God's sake Bella, what the hell were you thinking?" Steve asked.
"I wasn't, I didn't think much back then, or until recently I suppose. Funny, the only other time I ever had a problem was after I finally did start thinking."
Steve asked how James and I met to attempt to change the subject from Jacob.
"Well, that's another colorful story." I looked to James and he shrugged and nodded for me to go on.
James was a regular at the club, we flirted shamelessly and watched each other run through the patrons like water. On slow nights when there was nothing worthwhile for either of us we would hang out, talk, dance, and drink with Mike. Eventually, we would help each other out to land a hottie, some people just liked a challenge. I didn't share the details of how James and I had hooked up a few times, figuring that was something that should just stay between us. James never batted an eye when I deleted those facts from the story. Deep down I supposed that was why we were friends and not just a past random hook up, despite it all, we understood each other and respected each other without ever needing to know all the facts.
I talked to Jasper and he laughed that I was clearly drunk, telling me to get some sleep and whispering what he would do to me the next night if I was a good girl and went to bed now. Rose and I ended up crashing in the bedroom while the guys continued with the party. Friday morning Rose and James both had to leave early for work so James dropped her off. Mike and Steve were passed out on the cots in the spare room and Emmett was making more coffee when I came out to the kitchen. We sat and talked about the house, I tried to remember any little quirks to tell him about the house. I dug out the maintenance records I had anally kept, showing when the furnace was last cleaned and when the thermocouple had been replaced, when the roof and been replaced, the paper work for the appliances, and the kitchen rehab. Emmett was laughing at me when I was able to give him the date and the name of the repairman that moved the gas line for the new stove.
We had agreed not to hold an actual closing until Emmett had finished school, until then they were renting with the payments covering the mortgage and going towards the purchase price which Jasper insisted was the lower of the market value today and the value at the time of closing. Emmett tried to argue, but Rosalie finally told him there was not point, and to drop it and say thank you. He did.
We talked about Jacob and the fact that I hadn't seen him or heard a peep out of him since the night I talked to him. Dimitri hadn't seen him anywhere near the house of school or anywhere else I frequented. All signs were that he seemed to be spending all his time with his new girlfriend, work or therapy. He had made a couple trips back to the reservation, but stayed clear of Forks. I was confident that it was finally over.
Even though I had a headache and was hung over as hell I showered and dressed not sure what time Peter was going to come blasting through my door and I wanted to be ready. Steve went home to get ready for graduation and Mike headed over to the bar to start his shift. Emmett refused to leave until Peter showed up. He was sitting at the kitchen counter doing paperwork for the bar, which was basically the only place left to sit in the house now that all the furniture was gone.
It was nearly three o'clock when the doorbell rang and since we were not supposed to be expecting Peter, Emmett answered the door in his best bouncer pose.
"Can I help you?" His chest stuck out, massive arms folded high as he pulled himself up to his full height, Emmett barked as he opened the door.
"You sure as fuck better be Emmett," Peter responded deadpanning.
"Bella, there is some jackass cowboy at the door." Emmett didn't move an inch from his post.
Char giggled behind Peter.
I peeked around Emmett and said, "Ohh, he's cute, let him in."
Emmett stepped back and Peter had me up in his arms swinging me around in a circle as I laughed and he walked further into the empty living room.
"Bella, love what you've done with the place." Peter teased.
Char was introducing herself to Emmett who was giving her a big bear hug and thanking her for all the help with the wedding.
Peter glared at Emmett and Emmett gently returned Char to the floor and reached out to shake Peter's hand.
Of course, Peter was Peter and it turned into a wrestling match before they were both on the ground laughing like a couple idiots.
Char and I just looked at each other and I said, "Follow me; we'll let the kids play while we have a drink." I grabbed Char's hand, gave her a kiss on the cheek and pulled her to the kitchen leaving Frick and Frack to behave like the kids they were.
A few minutes later Emmett and Peter came out to join us.
"Bella, I am going to take off, bring them by the club later tonight when Jasper arrives."
"Absolutely, we have to have a pre-celebration party." Peter responded. "It was great to finally meet you Emmett, can't wait for you and Rose to come down to the Ranch."
"You too, she hasn't stopped talking about you two since she got back, she's driving us all crazy." Emmett ruffled my hair.
"Hey, we had to put up with her for a month; you only had a couple weeks." Peter prodded me.
"Alright enough, both of you. Some brothers, huh Char?" I shook my head feigning disappointment.
"Indeed, thank goodness for sisters." Char winked.
The three of us sat around and chatted before we went to check them into the hotel and grab some dinner before we had to meet Jasper. Peter was anxious to go to the club and meet Mike and James and Rose. He was driving me crazy inquiring whether we needed to call them and let them know he was here and wanted to met them. Finally, I relented and called James and Rose and asked them to join us for dinner and then on to the club; Mike and Emmett were already working. Then I sent Jasper a text asking him to take a cab to the club instead of to the house.
Jasper immediately responded with,
SO, Peter got to you, huh?
I sent him a text back.
Yeah, thanks for the warning
Jasper responded.
You know you love him, see you at the club darlin', ILY
ILYM
Rose and Char hit it off immediately and the conversation turned to wedding plans quickly. James and Peter both looked bored and began their own conversation. Peter gave me a funny look and I knew he knew that there was a past between James and I even though neither of us did anything to let on. His powers of observation and perception were eerily good. He also had a way of communicating without a word. To be honest, he was freaking me out.
"Hey James, let's go to the bar and get a drink and let them talk about wedding plans," Peter said.
"Oh thank God, I thought I was going to have to listen to this shit all night." James grumbled sarcastically.
Char drilled down to the finer details of the plans for the wedding. We had all agreed to August 14. Tom was going to cater, Rose and Emmett understood the need for Peter and Jasper to have beef served and were fine with that, so we settled the menu. He was also going to do appetizers of Pancetta wrapped Scallops, Seared Sashimi-grade Tuna Served with Pickled Ginger, Wasabi Ponzu, & Asian Aioli; Seared Hudson Valley Foie Gras Asian Braised Duck Leg, Walnut Brioche, Exotic Mushrooms, Cherry Brandy Sauce, Micro Greens, & White Truffle Oil; French-grilled Oysters; Miniature Crab Cakes Served with Remoulade & Cocktail Sauce; Shrimp Cocktail Served with a Spicy Cocktail Sauce; Coconut Fried Shrimp Served with Thai Chili Sauce for Dipping and finally Duck Confit Eggrolls, which were all to be passed by gloved waitstaff.
The salad course was a House Salad with Boston Bibb Lettuce, Hearts of Romaine, Baby Spinach, Artichoke Hearts, Green & Black Olives, Hearts of Palm, Purple Onions, Crunchy Bacon & Roasted Caramelized Walnuts with a Tangy, Spicy French Dressing, followed by a Gazpacho Blanco Soup with White Gazpacho Garnished with Chopped Green Onions, Vine-ripened Tomatoes, Parsley & Toasted Almonds.
The entree was to be a 10oz fillet, Canadian Long Grain Rice and a vegetable medley of yellow squash, zucchini, baby carrots, sugar snaps, Pearl onions, teardrop tomatoes, red and orange bell peppers.
Rose and I were arguing over the dessert choices. I wanted the Chocolate decadence with Raspberry Coulis and Rose wanted the Amaretto Cheesecake with Caramel reduction. After listening to us playfully argue for five minutes Char burst out laughing and said, "get them both, it's not like we can't afford it ladies." Rose and I looked at Char and then to each other and laughed like idiots.
Char explained the set up for the ceremony. It was to be setup behind the house with the pool and patios in the background. The pool was to be filled with little floating tea light candles surrounded by floating water lilies. A very simple three panel trellis style arch wrapped in tulle would be the backdrop between the pool and the guest seating and allow for all three couples to occupy the altar. Each panel was flanked with potted flowers. The guest seating was practical white folding style chairs. The reception area flanked the pool area with two large tented areas, the ceremony seating would be removed during dinner and provide an ample bar area in between the dinner and dancing areas. We still need to decide whether we wanted a band or a DJ and whether we wanted formal or wild and crazy for the post dinner part of the reception. We were all leaning toward wild and crazy.
I couldn't believe how much work Char had done and Rose was beside herself. It was all coming together. Rose insisted that she handle the invitations claiming that Char had done the lion share of the work. We had decided on one invitation with all three couples, Emmett and Char were the only ones with parents and both sides were completely understanding of the unique circumstances. Char already had a guest list prepared for her side and Peter's. We would just add Jasper's additions and then our shared family. In total, between all three couples, we were expecting the guest list to top out at about a hundred.
Peter and James returned to the table, Peter shaking his head, "Enough already, ladies, we can talk about wedding plans more on Sunday. We want to get out of here."
Char laughed and agreed to stop for now. It was nearly ten and Jasper would be at the club soon and I didn't want to keep him waiting. I was too anxious to see him. This was it; we wouldn't have to spend any longer apart. Tomorrow I graduated and on Monday morning we would be leaving for California and starting our new life and in three months we would be married. My only concern was whether we would be able to keep our hands off of each other long enough to avoid Peter's teasing.
We pulled up in front of the club and Rose bolted out the car door and into Emmett's arms, going a mile a minute about how great the wedding plans were coming along and how excited she was to have Char. Emmett beamed with love and pride, it was beyond cute.
James mumbled something about "the fucking love bug better not be contagious" and "having to hunt himself a hot piece of ass to get this shit out of his mind" as he plowed in past Emmett. Peter roared in laughter. I shook my head and smiled.
We bypassed the line and went ahead into the club to the bar where Mike had kept the closest table to the bar reserved for us. By the time was all had a drink in front of us I caught sight of the mass of blond curls entering the door I had been staring at since securing the seat with the best vantage point. I gasped; my memory never did enough justice to that sexy cowboy. He had his suit bag and his carry on thrown over his shoulder and he just looked yummy. I was biting my lip in anticipation as our eyes met across the room. I was up and out of my seat gravitating towards him without even thinking about it. I barely registered the audible chuckles coming from behind me as I floated towards my destination. The beautiful cocky smile made its appearance and I was sure that my panties were already quite damp.
We tuned out everything between us, everyone around us, the blaring music seemed to stop or fade into the background as the orange blossom and spice began to fill my head. I saw his intake of breath as his arms reached out for me, pulling me into his chest and melted into him as he encircled me to him, holding tight, silently promising never to let go. I felt his lips on my head, his hand reach to my chin, lifting my face so that we were now gazing into each others eyes. I just wanted to stay lost there, in those deep pools, surrounded by the heat emanating from him. The hardness pressing into my hip caused me to moan against him.
"So beautiful. God, I missed you baby." Jasper's thumb ran along my jaw, tracing its way from my chin up to my ear, his hand settling behind my head as he pulled me to him and into a deep passionate kiss.
"Oh baby, I missed you so much, promise me we never have to be apart so long again." I wrapped my hands around his neck pulling back in for another deep kiss.
I felt the bags lift off of his shoulders and heard Peter's soft chuckles as Jasper pulled me to the dance floor just to hold me in his arms longer. We stayed tightly wound around one another swaying to the music in our hearts, ignoring whatever was actually playing in the club. We didn't speak again for the longest time as we held tight, reconnecting. I was having very serious doubts that we would be able to make it out of the bar before the ever increasing need between us took over demanding to be sated.
All of a sudden I tuned into the song now playing and started laughing. Jasper raised his eyebrows at me and pulled back taking a moment to realize what was playing.
"Fucking Peter," he said, only partly annoyed.
I peeled myself off of my cowboy and began dancing, grinding up and down his legs and running my hands down his sides as I shook my ass, gyrating. I turned and faced the table holding my family as they all stared, watching for our reaction as I ground my ass into Jasper's crotch and let my hands run down my sides. I found Peter's eyes and winked at him. The fucker laughed so hard I thought he was going to fall out of his chair and knock the table over. I crooked my finger indicating that I wanted him to join me on the dance floor. They all joined us and we finished out the dance to, "She Thinks My Tractor's Sexy."
"For Fuck's sake Peter, is that the only song you know?" Jasper smacked Peter on the back.
"That's the only song I know my little sister will practically strip to, and it did get your attention, didn't it? I mean something had to be done before you two went at it on the dance floor." Peter smirked.
"Oh, I can give you a list of songs that she'll strip to." James offered to Peter.
"I just bet you can." Peter narrowed his eyes at James and it was Jasper's turn to laugh his ass off.
We all danced and drank and just had a great time. I apologized to James for Peter and he laughed, telling me that they had actually had a very good talk at the restaurant and that it was cool, he knew Peter was just trying to embarrass me.
Emmett and Mike actually got to join us for a good part of the night, turning over their duties to others. I was thrilled that Peter and Char just fit in as well with my family as I had with Jasper's. I was really starting to look forward to the wedding and all of us getting together again. I was really starting to understand what I was going to be missing when I moved away from Seattle. I hoped that we would be able to see Mike and James and Emmett and Rose more than once or twice a year. Even Steve had become a really great friend. He joined us at some point during the night too and he brought a couple of girls with him. James was in heaven. We all got a kick out of watching him hang all over the buxom blond.
As much fun as we were having, I really wanted to go home and make love to Jasper. It had been three weeks and my need for him was stronger than ever. He obviously knew where my head was and whispered that we had the rest of our lives, just enjoy our friends, we'd be missing them in a few days. He was right, we decided to stay and hang out.
Steve and I had both aced our finals and I was graduating with a perfect 4.0 and first in my class. I was beyond thrilled and so proud of my accomplishments. Steve opened his big mouth and announced it to the table. Jasper insisted that it called for shots and we embarked on the ritual counting off and downing shots for the next two hours. I was going to be severely hung over for graduation the next day.
We ended up closing the bar and staying once Emmett locked the doors continuing to party while Emmett and Mike cleaned and restocked and prepared to close up. It was nearly six in the morning when we all climbed into cabs and headed home. We were all meeting at 1:00 at the hotel for graduation.
By the time Jasper and I got home, I couldn't keep my eyes open. We kissed and fell asleep. It was the first time I fell asleep easily in weeks and I slept soundly in his arms right where I belonged. We overslept, I didn't wake up until 10:30 and jumped out of bed scurrying around the house like a mad woman. Jasper laughed as he got up and realized there was no coffee pot, he swore.
"Fuck, I'm going on a coffee run, what do you want?"
I asked for a muffin of some kind and my usual coffee and then jumped into the shower.
We were rushing around to get out of the house on time to meet the others at the hotel for the graduation ceremony. When we found everyone, Steve and I had to go get lined up for the procession. I wasn't sure why the hell I had decided to go through the ceremony. If I didn't have to give a speech I probably would have opted not to attend. Jasper would have been disappointed though, he was so proud of me, it felt nice to have someone give a damn about what I had accomplished.
We made it to the line and walked in the procession. I could hear Peter and Mike and Emmett hooting as we walked down the aisle and Jasper beaming proudly. Rose and Char had to be embarrassed, I knew I was, but I loved them that much more for it. Even James and his father came to the ceremony, surprising me.
The ceremony flew by; I couldn't remember delivering a word of the speech I had prepared by the time I took my seat again. After we were called up to the stage one by one to receive our leather diploma holders, the real ones wouldn't be handed to us until we turned in the caps and gowns and assured all statements with the billing office were cleared, we were free to find our families. Steve brought his family to meet mine and we walked to the adjoining reception room with them for a champagne toast and appetizers.
"Oh baby I am so proud of you, your speech was wonderful." Jasper kissed me chastely.
"Really, I was so nervous I don't even remember talking?" I confided into Jasper's ear.
He smiled at me and reassured me.
Steve introduced his family and we received congratulations all around. After one drink Steve and I announced that we were going to go turn in our gowns and collect our diplomas and we would rejoin the party as soon as we were done. We walked down the hall and through the back door to the staging area where there was a small conference room where the diplomas and gowns were being exchanged. A waiter approached us with two champagne toasts and said that he needed to get rid of the last two, would we please take them off his hands. We laughed and agreed, toasting each other while he quickly walked away.
We handed in our gowns and took a moment to admire our new degrees. We each looked at the other's too verify the correct spelling and then thanked the staff and walked towards the door to return to our families.
Suddenly I was feeling a bit nauseous, flushed, and a little lightheaded. I really should have eaten lunch before the ceremony. The champagnes on an empty stomach with a massive hangover, coupled with all the excitement and having my family all together, were getting to me.
"I need to use the ladies room before we join the others."
"Yeah, ok, I'll meet you right back here in the hall way. I feel like crap, we shouldn't have drunk so much last night." Steve looked as bad as I felt all of a sudden.
Maybe if I splashed some cool water on my face, I'd be ok. Each step I took into the opulent hotel ladies room, I felt my legs weakening and the room began to spin. Everything was getting fuzzy, out of focus. Reaching out for the sink I frantically grabbed at the porcelain to remain standing. Trying to focus on my features in the mirror, I realized, this wasn't the effects of champagne on an empty stomach. Oh shit, my clammy hands began to loosen on the cold hard sink as I watched my pale face lose its remaining color and knew I was in serious trouble. That's when I saw him in the mirror behind me, just as I began to lose consciousness, oh fuck, he's going to kill me. I tried to scream, I tried to open my mouth and form the words, but nothing came out as the blackness crept in and his dark features blurred until there was only darkness enveloping me like a heavy fog rolling in.
Jacob.
I barely registered the feeling of falling, being caught in strong arms that were all wrong, not the ones that normally held me, comforted me. Then nothing.
Yeah, I know, big, huge, cliffie, but I am evil like that. Let me know what you think, all hell is about to break loose. I'm dying to know what your thoughts right now.