Disclaimer: Stephenie Meyer and affiliates owns all that is Twilight. Also Heartland owns the lyrics to 'I Loved Her First'. No copyright infringement intended. Jasper is so wonderful and beautiful . . . oh, sorry my mind must have wandered. . .
Author's Notes: Hello darlings! I hope this chapter finds all who are reading well. I do apologize for not having this chapter posted yesterday. It was such a busy day and I didn't get home until 10:45 pm. So now that I'm done with my excuse (it really did happen . . . LOL) I want to thank all who are reading this chapter. I also want to thank all of those who have added me to their favorites and alerts. You are so very wonderful. And to all of those who reviewed (your responses were overwhelming . . . much love) thank you for such amazing reviews. I was blown over from the amount and I can only hope you will continue to let me know your gracious thoughts.
I just wanted to also say this is my very favorite chapter so far, it was truly such a joy and pleasure to write. I have been cautioned to give a happy tears tissue warning (I promise . . . happy tears) by the great Karen E Teague who took the time in helping me look over the chapter and find my mistakes. Thank you for the time spent and the effort. I sincerely wanted to thank gredelina1 from the bottom of my fan fiction heart. She just started reading the story and took the time to review each and every chapter. She blew me away and just made me very thankful. It is something I have never done (reviewed each chapter from starting so late into the story) and I'm just thankful.
So sorry for the very long and tedious author's ramble. Enjoy my favorite chapter thus far!
Chapter Twenty-Four
13 September - Sunday
Living with Bella was amazing; she was so unassuming, and so gracious. It had only been four day, but to me they were perfection. I had lived eight years without seeing her, and every day that I was able to look at her was my miracle. An eight year drought was damn long even for someone with limitless time, and I still had to convince myself she was really here. I could tell she still became nervous about doing things around the house or going in certain rooms, but I constantly assured her there were no worries.
The first night after the movie when Bella had fallen asleep on the couch, I picked her up and had taken her to her room. Bella had been so adorable when I tried to put her down. She tightened her hold around my neck and her face scrunched up like she smelt something foul. After some convincing with a person who was half asleep she finally relinquished her hold and I was able to place her on the bed. As I made to leave the room, she faintly called out her love and thankfulness to me, my heart seemed to jump into my throat, and I thanked all the stars in the heavens for bringing my angel into my life again, I had finally somewhat deserved her, or so they seemed to think.
The second night Bella lived with me turned out a little different. My schedule also became a little different. I worked during the day, which was an amazing bonus because I didn't have to take the night shifts anymore. When I lived on my own, I never had to pretend to be human, or act like one, I was able to do things my way and how I wanted. I usually maintained my role as a human at home, just because it was easier for me, not having to switch roles all the time. The one thing I didn't do, however, was retire to my bed at night. I read, I played my cello, and usually watched television or worked on my computer. Having Bella here changed that a little. I decided to go to my bed at night, but not really go to sleep. I would read a book, or get some work done. Later that second night a really bad storm blew in. The wind blew something fierce, and the thunder in the air was even enough to rival Bella's snores. I could hear how restless she was and her constant movement. Right as I was about to get up and check on her I saw my door creep open. I already knew it was Bella from her footsteps.
11 September
Bella slowly stuck her head through the opening of the doorway and looked at my bed. I was still sitting up doing work and looked over to her. The lighting outside flashed and the thunder rolled. Bella jumped at the noise and I held my laugh in at her reaction. I mean she looked adorable with her fleece pajamas, fuzzy slippers, and her comforter in her hand with her hair a mess. The only thing sad about her appearance was the fear in her eyes. Bella scurried into my dark room and came over to my side of the bed with her head bent down and her eyes looking at the hardwood floors.
"Jasper, I know it's a lot to ask, but could I possibility lie in here with you until the storm blows over." She said in a faint voice filled with embarrassment.
"Of course you may angel. There's no need to be embarrassed. My door is always opened to you, remember." I said to her and she nodded her head in agreement. "Come on then, all aboard." I joked with her, trying to relive some of her stress, and finally earned a smile with a customary eye roll. Bella scurried over to the other side, as fast as her belly would allow and climbed onto my bed. I pulled the covers back and watched her become situated. I pulled the covers over her and she finally lay down and let out a sigh. Even though I never slept in my bed, I still liked my comfort, and Esme made sure my mattress was of the highest quality.
"You're the best Jasper; thanks for letting me crowd your space because I'm scared of some thunderstorm." I immediately hushed her and grabbed her hand that was resting atop the covers over her belly.
"Don't even start, angel. I'm neither wonderful nor the best. I'm simply a person who loves you, and wants you to be safe and happy. If I have to protect you from the big bad thunderstorm, than that is what I will do." She was feeling loved and sentimental. "But there is something I don't understand." I said to her and I could see she was trying to figure out my dilemma.
"What's that Jasper?" She asked while looking me in the eyes.
"You are scared of the noise, but yet your snores sound like a bomb is exploding and yet you are able to sleep right through them." Bella looked scandalized, but I could feel her mirth. She tried to smack me, but her stomach only allowed her to move so far and so fast.
"Ha ha, very funny damsel." She replied and I just laughed. It was so much fun having her here. I reached over and pulled her into a hug. Bella tugged on my hair, but then wrapped her arms around my neck. "I may snore, but you love me just the same." The little know-it-all replied. She was too right.
"More than you will know, angel." I whispered and she pulled back with a smile on her lips. A huge yawn escaped her mouth and she pulled away from me and fell back. She brought the blanket up to her chin, and closed her eyes.
"Night Jasper. You may not want to stay up too much longer, you do have work tomorrow." She murmured between her yawn. If she only knew what I required, and I knew I would have to tell her soon, but I feared her reaction. I just couldn't lose her again.
On the third night of her new living arrangement, the storm still didn't clear so after dinner and her getting ready for bed, we went into my room, snuggled into the bed, and watched a movie together. Bella reasoned she would probably end up in my room again because of the noise from the weather. As she finally drifted off to sleep she softly spoke of her love for me again, and I sighed like a chick watching a love story. Bella sure could bring out the fucking mushy feelings in me. I will have to talk to her about that, I thought to myself with a smirk on my lips.
13 September/Sunday
As I watched Bella move in her sleep and her hair spread over the pillow I thought about what today would bring. I was never able to be with her on her birthday, and I was so ecstatic that today I would be able to celebrate her 22rd year since her birth with her. I had something wonderful planned for her. She wasn't feeling too well these days with her pregnancy, and she became a little sad at the fact everything took her twice as long to do. So she made me promise not to throw her a birthday party, make a big production, or really leave the apartment, and I reluctantly agreed, but she never mentioned a gift. She would have to learn to be more specific when asking me to do something (mwahaha). I thought of her gift waiting for her with a big red bow, and wondered how she would react. I knew she would be over the top, but she would just have to deal, and I had saved up my 'get my way' look for several days, if it came down to it. I was not below using them to get my way.
I made my way out of my room and headed for my kitchen. I put my cooking skills to use and decided to make Bella breakfast in bed. I whipped her up some French toast, scrambled eggs, and cut up some fresh fruit. I also made her some bacon to assuage her meat cravings. The food was revolting, but I would suffer for her big day, and allow her at least one unhealthy thing. I could hear her moving around in my room, and knew she was about to wake. I loaded everything onto a tray, along with her glass of milk, and made my way back to her side. When I reached her, I could tell she was finally waking up and she could smell her breakfast. With a smile on her lips she opened her eyes and gasped. She brought her hands up to her mouth and tears filled her eyes. That was not really the reaction I was going for.
"Jasper" She said as her tears leaked from her eyes; so much for my surprise. "This is something else." A smile returned to her lips, and my guilt at making her cry lessened a little.
"So you aren't upset with me?" I asked and she just scoffed.
"I thought you were empathic, Jazz." She said through her laughter. I gave her a half smile, and realized I was indeed stupid. I just shook my head placed the tray over her legs, and helped her to sit up while fluffing the pillows behind her.
"You are beyond amazing, thank you Jasper, truly." She whispered and I was happy to be of service. She started in on her breakfast while I checked my email. I saw one from Esme asking why I hadn't been to the house lately to see the family, and I felt bad for my shunning them. I knew I would introduce them to Bella, but I didn't want to scare or overwhelm her, my family wasn't known for their subtlety, some more so than others. I quickly wrote Esme back apologizing for my absence and promising to see her sometime next week. I explained to her about being busy and I knew she would understand. I sent my love to her and everyone else, and closed my computer. I looked over to Bella, and saw she was almost finished.
"Was everything alright, angel?" I asked as she polished off her fruit.
"Everything was wonderful, Jasper." She said after swallowing her food. "If the doctor thing doesn't end well you can always become a chief." She said and I knew there was no way of that happening. I had no problem smelling the horrible food for her, but I refused to do so for everyone else. "Thanks for making me bacon. I know you are on a health craze and all that drivel, but I appreciate you trying to make my day special. I may become too spoiled by you mister." I knew she would like the bacon, and there was no chance of her becoming spoiled, she was too good.
"No worries, angel. It was my pleasure, and everyone deserves a little decadence on their birthday." I got up removed the tray from her lap and helped her off the bed.
"Thanks again, Jazz." She said while giving me a kiss on the cheek. My skin warmed at our connection as she left the room to get ready for the day. I took her tray to the kitchen, cleaned up my mess, and looked out the window. The rain had finally stopped, but it was still over cast, which was perfect for later tonight and my surprise for her. I made sure my first surprise was ready, and went into my room and got ready for the day. Dressed in a button down sky blue shirt, and my dark washed jeans that were supposedly in style, I walked out of my room and into the living room. Bella was seated on the couch with a book in her hands. I rolled my eyes at her behavior, and grabbed the book from her hand.
"Do you honestly think I would have nothing else planned for you today, little one?" Bella was still surprised from my actions and shook her head no. "You wound me little, one." I said dramatically while placing my hand over my dead heart.
"Jasper, I thought I asked you not to go through any trouble. There is nothing special about today, and I'm fine with just sitting here reading." I scoffed at her answer and she narrowed her eyes at my reply.
"It was no trouble, and you never asked me in those words. I am complying with all your wishes. You also don't have to leave the couch for your first surprise." She looked at me askance, and I gave her a smile. I walked over to the television, turned it on, and waited for her response.
On the screen it read, Happy Birthday, Isabella, and for all the ones in between.
Bella looked over at me and I could already see the tears starting. In the background the music started and the words to "I Loved Her First" by Heartland filled our ears. Bella's crystal tears fell from her eyes as she looked at pictures of her and her father from when she was a child. I had found them over at her apartment one evening when I was thinking about her birthday present. I knew I wanted to do something special and I knew this would be it.
The first one was of a baby Bella, in her father's arms hours after coming into the world, his love shining through the smile that stretched his face. She was wrapped in a pink blanket with her ten perfect fingers gripping the edge, and her face was that of an innocent child asleep.
The next picture was of Bella lying on her parents' bed. A big toothless smile broke her chubby pink cheeks, with her fat legs kicking the air. Her big doe eyes were alight with happiness and love for her daddy as her tiny hands reached for him. Charlie was laughing at her antics while reaching for her at the same time.
The next picture was of Bella in Charlie's arms. She was about seven months and her tiny hands were fisted up and placed on her father's face. Charlie was spinning around the room with his baby while giving her butterfly kisses with their foreheads touching. A huge smile was on Bella's baby lips, while drool was running down her chins, she was a chunky little thing.
The next picture was my favorite. Charlie was changing Bella's poopy diaper, and he looked about ready to throw-up. You could see the green tinge to his skin, while he was gagging at the smell. He had her little legs bundled into one hand while he was trying to remove the offensive one with his other. Bella was giggling at the present she left her daddy, and thinking sucker.
The next picture was of a little chubby Bella taking her bath. Her hands were hitting the water, sending splashes over the edge. Her little legs were filled with rolls from her baby fat, and her hair was slicked to her forehead.
The next picture was of Bella crying, and her father trying to comfort. Bella's baby cheeks were flushed from her tears, and her Charlie looked ready to join his child in her discomfort. A frown was the most prominent on his face, as his child cried. One could tell that he wanted nothing more than her happiness.
I looked over at Bella, and she had a constant stream of tears running from her eyes. I could feel her immense love for her daddy. She stared at each picture and all of her feelings were reflected with each passing picture. Often Bella would break out in a watery laugh, and I'd smile along with her. The pictures passed from her being a baby to her childhood, and into her teen years. The love between her father and her were very evident, and so very strong.
My next favorite picture of Bella was as a child and again of her and her father. Bella must have been about seven and it was Halloween. I knew it was a rare occurrence for her to see her father besides summer, so this must have been a special moment. Bella was dressed up as Little Red Riding Hood and her father was in the background grumbling. Apparently Bella convinced him to dress up as the Big Bad Wolf. Charlie somehow had brown fur coming off his skin, with big bushy eye brows. He had on fake claws, with a bonnet on his head, and an overgrown nightgown that had seen better days. Bella had her candy bag in her hand ready to go trick-or-treating.
The last picture was of Bella as a young lady. She must have been around eleven. Her hair was in a high pony tail with fly-a-ways coming out the band. She had on cut-off-jeans with a little summer tank top. Her skin was still white even though it was summer. Her knees were skinned up from some fall she had, but it didn't seem to matter. In her hand was clutched a fish she had caught still on the fishing line. Bella's face had a look of disgust while a grimaced broke her over her lips. Charlie was in the background with a big laugh coming from him with his head thrown back and his hand smacking his leg. It was a moment caught in time with a father and the love of his daughter.
I loved her first,
From the first breath she breathed,
When she first smiled at me,
I knew the love of a father runs deep,
Someday you might know what I'm going through,
When a miracle smiles up at you,
I loved her first.
The song finished and Bella looked over at me, a smile of love and fondness adorned her lips. Her eyes were red, her cheeks were red, her nose was red from crying, but she was still beautiful.
"Thank you so much." She said in a shaky voice filled with tears and a little hoarse from crying. I walked over to her, placed a little kiss on her forehead, and whispered in her ear, "I loved you second." Bella laughed and hugged me.
Bella looked up into my eyes and I wiped her physical evidence of her love and devotion to her father. Her tears were beautiful, each filled with a memory she had just witnessed. The next couple hours were spent with Bella telling me about Charlie, and the kind of man he was. She told me of her love for him, and his for her. She told me her favorite memories of her father, and her not so favorite times. She spoke of her loss and the amazing man he was. He may not have been the most expressive with his words, but his actions were evident in everything he did for her. And the times he did speak of his love were even more special to her.
Bella fell asleep with a sad smile on her face, but I could feel her contentment, and her love for everything around her. I left her on the couch wrapped in a blanket, as I set up her next surprise. When I was finished I made my way back into the living room, and watched her sleep. I knew I might have been pushing the boundaries, but she was so precious to watch. I could hear the slow sound of her heartbeat and the rapid one of her little child. I knew that her child was going to be filled with so much love and I couldn't wait to meet it. After an hour passed, Bella started to stir, and finally opened her eyes. Her jade dots were prominent and flashed through the brown. Her eyes were so expressive and I would never fail in getting lost in them.
"I guess I fell asleep, huh." She said with a shy smile.
"No worries, little one. I knew you needed the sleep, and it is your day." I said trying to pacify her.
"So what would you like to do next?" She asked me in a soft voice. I pointed over to where my cello was set up and her eyes light up with a smile. "Really Jasper, I know you don't really like to play for me much and I don't want you to feel uncomfortable."
"I'm sorry if I ever gave you that impression Bella. It never had to do with me not liking to play for you, more along the lines of me being over the top. I always seek your good opinion of me, and I never want to disappoint you; only make you happy. It's like that with everything I do. That is where my shyness comes from in playing the cello. I love to play, but I'm kind of nervous. Does that make any sense?" I asked already knowing her answer because I could feel it.
"That is just silly Jasper. I could never not find any good in you. We all have our hard times, and our downfalls. I could never begrudge you what you have gone through. It is not really for me to judge, and if it were I would find a way to forgive you, because I love you and you are my friend." My hopes soared at her answer, and I found the confidence to play her the song I had written especially for her birthday.
(The songs are first 'Beautiful Cello Song', and the second is 'Bed of Roses' by Cello Diva)
As I started with the bow putting pressure on the strings and fluidly playing the notes I started with a soft sad scale melody of my time before I met her. I wanted her to feel how my life was and the mistakes I had made. I wanted the music to speak of my sadness, but yet my hope of something else and something better. My time with Alice was amazing, but over the years I had come to see that something was indeed missing. I played to her of my solo mistakes, and my silent pain. The tone switched to one of an Expressionism style trying to heighten her emotions. I wanted her to know that after everything I had gone through and all that I experienced were not for naught, but because of my meeting her and finally giving me the courage. I wanted it to speak of my meeting her again, and the joy and happiness I felt at first seeing her, and the elation I have felt since then, the perfection. I ended her song in Adagio, letting my love flow to her and the soft slow tempo ease her, telling her the end of my journey through my time without her, and everything in between. I wanted her to know that I was fine, and in reverence in her presence. I was whole again.
When I played my last haunting note, Bella looked at me and gave me a gentle clap. I could sense her emotions and they were everything I had wanted her to experience, but most of all I could feel her pride, and just like with Carlisle, it made me want to always do better, and it was something that I needed.
"My goodness Jasper, you are talented in everything you do." She said in awe, and I gave her a sheepish smile. I knew that was not true, but I also knew that Bella believed that whole heartily.
"Thanks angel, and now that I can hear your stomach rumbling, it's time for lunch for you and beauty/butch." Bella giggled as I helped her up from her spot on the couch.
"Jasper," She said out of laughter and exasperation, "That name is silly, and it may catch on if someone hears it." She claimed but there was no changing my mind. But since it was her birthday I decided to compromise with her.
"Okay angel, I will give in and call the baby, BB. It's not too feminine or masculine. Does that suit you?" Bella gave me a smile and I knew she was alright with it, but I would throw in my special nickname every now and then, at least I could hear her laugh.
"Much better Jazz. I can most definitely deal with that." She said and walked toward the kitchen. "So what are we having for lunch?"
"I made you a turkey sandwich with all the toppings and some chips on the side." She clapped her hands for the indulgence. She really was a snack junkie. "With a garden salad and dressing on the side." I added and she gave me the evil eye. It was unfortunate it had no effect on me.
"Fine, but at least I still get my chips." She grumbled under her breath and made her way to the table. I pulled the chair out for her and helped her to take a seat. She grabbed her drink, and gave me a smile. "I also get soda. Thanks Jasper. I know you only want me to be health and I do appreciate the effort, even though I give you a hard time."
"It's no problem angel, and I do want you and BB to be healthy, and eat the best. I know it seems that I have taken over what you eat, and it's true, but I hope you can forgive me. I'm not trying to take over your life; I just want to help with anything I can." She nodded and started to eat. I left her for a little and went into the kitchen to clean up my mess. I also wanted to avoid the inevitable question about my not eating. I knew I would have to tell her soon, but that wasn't today. When I could hear her finish eating I went back to the dining room and collected her dishes.
"I am capable of more than eating and sleeping Jasper. I can clean my own dishes and fix my meals." She said, but not in anger, just out of concern for not carrying her weight around the house, no pun intended.
"So am I angel, and there is no need for both of us to do it. You fix your meals while I'm at the hospital anyways, so allow me to have the pleasure when I'm home." She breathed out a huge breath and threw her hands into the air.
"Fine, fine. I will never understand how someone as wonderful as you isn't married. Have all the girls on this planet gone stupid or something." I heard her say under her breath and pretended to not hear, but a smile still played on my lips.
When I finished cleaning up I joined Bella in the living room and sat down next to her. She was happy and feeling full. I knew now was the time for my presents. I sent up a silent request that all would go well, and she wouldn't blow some fuse. This was the part that I was actually dreading.
"Are you ready for your gifts, angel?" I asked her in my most innocent voice. I guess Bella could see the fear on my face because she grabbed my hand and tried to reassure me. This was something I could work with; as long as she felt sorry for me I could give her my gift.
"Sure Jasper, I'm sure I'll love whatever you give to me." She said in a soft soothing voice. I really was evil.
"You promise angel?" I asked in an even softer voice, playing up the shy angle.
"Of course Jasper, so where is my gift." I leaned over the side of the couch and handed her the wrapped box. Bella took it from my hands and tore into the paper. In the box was a first addition of one of her favorite books Weathering Heights. The dreaded tears came to her eyes as she examined her gift, and sniffed. "This is absolute magnificent. There really are no words."
"None are needed, as long as you like it, then that's all that will ever matter." She touched my face with her hand and gently rubbed her thumb over my cheek bone. I leaned into her touch and gave her a small smile. From my pocket I pulled out her next gift, and hoped it would be as well received as the previous one. I removed her small hand from my face, and placed the box in her palm.
"Jasper the book was more than enough. The slideshow of all my pictures was more than enough."
"I know angel, but the pictures were a gift for your heart. I wanted you to have your father with you always and when I found those pictures I knew they would be perfect. The book was a gift for that mind of your. From the battered copy in your collection, I could tell it was a favorite, so I wanted to give you an original. This gift is one for your body." I said and she blushed while giving me an opened mouth look. I chuckled at her assumption.
"Not in that manner, you naughty angel." She became even redder, but it made her even more endearing. "What I meant to say was a gift to protect your body, and to give me piece of mind for when I am not with you." Bella gave me a shy smile and unwrapped the small box with her hands. She opened the top, and her face became one of confusion.
"I don't understand." She said. I grabbed her hand lifted her off the couch and walked her toward the door. I opened it and her mouth dropped again in total surprise.
"Jasper, I don't understand. Are you serious? How could you give me a gift like that? It must have cost a fortune. Jasper I'm not sure I can accep . . ." I didn't allow her to finish. I place my hand over her mouth and she looked at me.
"Bella, I already anticipated this would be your reaction. But there is no reason for it. As for your first claim, I am completely serious. I need to know you are safe and taken care of. I need to know that you would not be stuck in case you had a serious emergency. As to your second statement, it truly didn't cost me a fortune. I have more money than I know what to do with. I don't say this to boast, but to be honest with you, angel. This isn't even spending change to me. So please don't think I won't be able to pay my bill or I'll struggle. There is no need for your worry. And for your last statement, I beg you to accept it angel. Please, I need to know you are okay. There is nothing more important to me than your safety and BB's. Please little one." I finished and took my hand from her mouth giving her the chance to speak her answer. She looked up at me and I already had my puppy dog eyes waiting.
"Jasper," She yelled placing her hands on her hips, "that is completely unfair. You know you get your damn way when you give me those eyes." I inwardly smirked at her answer, and also because I could feel her wavering. She truly did try and stick to her answer, but I knew she wouldn't.
"I really am serious Isabella. I only want for BB and your safety." At the sound of her full name she finally caved and let out a breath in exasperation.
"Fine, fine," She said while stomping her little foot on the ground, "you win. It's never fair with you. I swear you know just what buttons to push to get your way." No matter what she said I could still feel her excitement.
"Are you ready to try it out?" I asked in a very convincing voice that dripped with honey. A small smile decorated her lips and I handed over the keys to her new Infiniti FX45.
"Its ruby red for whenever you wished to come home." I said and she gave me another mega watt smile.
"Jasper you are just amazing and always know the right thing to say. I will always want to come home, just like Dorothy. This is way too much but I still thank you and BB thanks you also. I know you worry about me, but I still thank you, I'm not sure if there is anything else I can say." She finished with tears in her eyes. I wiped the fallen tears and gave her a wobbly smile.
"No more tears, angel. I love you very much, and I want you to now take me out for the ride of my life. Here are the keys, we have a full tank of gas, and I'm willingly and waiting." She blushed red from my comments. She grabbed the keys while trying to look down and hide her embarrassment. "Are you ready to take Your Girl out and rev her up?"
"Your Girl," Bella asked.
"Well I already have my girl so this is Your Girl." I explained. "If you don't like the name, you are more than welcome to chance it." She smirked as I helped her into the driver's seat. When I was seated and ready to go Bella looked over to me and gave me a saccharine smile.
"Don't think I don't know what this is really about Jazz." I gave her an innocent look. "This is about protecting your baby, and keeping her out of my more than capable hands, but I will forgive you this once, because your girl is purring for me to take her out and open her up." She finished and I could do nothing but laugh.
"Fine, little one, now let's not leave her waiting, she is asking for you to take her, can't you feel it?" I all but whispered the last words. Bella turned red, but just joined me in my laughter. She put the car into drive and for the rest of the afternoon showed me what Your Girl was capable of. Bella did keep it within reason being pregnant and all, but we still had an amazing time cruising and letting the music flow around us.
As twilight settled, we arrived home and pulled into the garage. Bella turned off the car, and smiled.
"That was amazing. Thank you so much for such a special day. Everything was unbelievable and so thoughtful. I can't think of a better birthday." She said and I was filled up inside at her words.
"I hope you don't think it's over." She looked at me in surprise. "I have one more thing up my sleeve, and don't worry angel," I assured her because of the look on her face, "It isn't another gift like this, and hardly any money was spent. I am being completely honest with you, this is a just something to wind down the day, and spend it together. How does that sound?" I said in a soothing voice.
"Wonderful." Was her simple reply.
As we made our way inside Bella headed to her room to get ready for her last event for the evening. I told her to take a shower or whatever she preferred and I would take care of the rest. I had bought a billowy summer dress in light lavender. It came into a v-neck with cap sleeves. The skirt ended at her knees and trimmed in soft silk. I made sure to get her ballet flats, so she wouldn't trip over anything, and a sweater.
After I laid her things on her bed I ran outside to make sure everything was ready. I heated up her dinner in the oven, and took my own shower. With a few minutes to spare, because Bella was after all pregnant, I met her in the living room. When Bella stepped into the room, my breath became clogged at the sight of her. She was simply radiant. Her happiness seemed to glisten from her skin. The dress made her look ethereal and her hair that was slightly dried, fell in gentle waves down her back. Her bangs were swept to the side of her face and her cheeks glowed with her natural pinkness. The bottle-green shown from their murky depths and were filled with admiration. I pulled my camera from behind my back, and took a picture with her serene smile, and soft eyes. Bella just shook her head at my antics, and walked closer to me.
"The dress is lovely." She said while smoothing out the nonexistent wrinkles.
"Are you ready for your last event of the day?"
"Always, Jasper." I gave her a wink and led her out to the balcony off our house. I had the blinds closed throughout the day so she couldn't see what I had done. I lifted them with the remote and allowed her to see what I had done. Her breath held in her throat, and a tear escaped the corner of her right eye. I took the liberty and wiped it from her skin.
"No tears, angel, remember." I asked her gently.
"Only of happiness Jasper." She replied. I took her hand and led her out into the quiet evening.
The night air was filled with warmth and the crickets were singing their symphony. The clouds that had littered the sky in the morning cleared and left behind millions of stars, which sparkling down just for us, gracing with their magic. Tea candles lined the balcony railing and the night time bugs danced among their light. Tiki torches were spaced in between to provide more light for Bella to see her dinner. The table had twenty-three stems of yellow freesia flowers. The flower symbolized innocence and friendship, things that embodied Bella completely. The flowers were just as fragrant and delicate as she. The table was only set for her, but I still added some of Esme's china that was glazed white with a silver rim. Two glasses of sparkling apple cider were placed on the table, and sweet soft music played in the back ground. The ground was sprinkled with freesia petals, fit for Bella to walk on for her birthday. Rope lights lined the underside of the red umbrella that I raised for the evening, just in case. And the piece de resistance was Bella's presence. Her innocence and life filled the balcony with more warmth than the night air.
"This is so beautiful Jasper. Thanks." She whispered shyly.
"You're welcome." I answered her as I pulled out her chair for her to sit. I took the cap off her dinner, and she giggled.
I made ordered her favorite dish of spaghetti from the first night I had taken her to dinner. I of course used it as an excuse to not eat. I didn't want to ruin the evening with anything else, especially my past mistakes. Bella took her first bite and closed her eyes as she savored the taste.
"How were you able to make this day so stunning?" She asked in between bites.
"It really was nothing Bella. I just wanted you to have a day filled with relaxation and love. I know the first part was draining, but I wanted to give you a piece of your father. I know how much you love him, and when I found those pictures I knew they were perfect. The music was easy to write, and came from the heart, like everything else about you." She smiled shyly at my comment. "I was most terrified about the gifts. I knew you would think they were too much and not needed, but I wanted you to have transportation because I'm not always with you, and I also wanted you to feel like you were able to leave for the day if needed, and not feel obligated to ask for a ride. And this evening is provide by the night. The stars were especially ordered for your birthday, I could only have the best for my angel. Simply put Isabella, I wanted you to be happy and I did everything today because I love you."
"I love you also." She murmured and it drifted off into the night sky.
Bella finished her meal in silence and I filled up both glasses. I picked up my own after handing her back to her, and proposed a toast.
"Twenty-two years ago today, the heaven wept because they lost one of their own. A little angel named Isabella was born and graced the world with her presence and beauty. Her father fell completely in love with her, and gave her all that he had. She was the apple of his eye, and the reason he took a breath to live. The angel continued to grow in exquisiteness and splendor, unintentionally shaming all others around her. And in her tenth year, not unlike a night like tonight, she was placed in the path of someone who was lost and so desperately in need of something in his life. She gave him the love and kindness that he so urgently needed, and ended up irrevocably changing him for the better. She gifted to him a new path in life and a new goal to attain. And because of her unwavering faith and innocent trust he was finally able to overcome that which always hindered his life. The angel's life may not have always been easy, either but she embraced her challenges, and smiled when they were taken head on. She excelled in whatever she put her mind to and simply lived her life.
And twenty-two years later I look at my angel and smile. I smile at her grace and allure. I smile at her internal beauty, and her never ending faith with all that is good in this world. But most of all I smile at her. I love her and I love her baby she is about to bring into her already lovely life. So I raise my glass to you Isabella, and hope you a happy birthday instead of wish it to you. I love you, my friend." I finished and took a sip of my drink in her honor.
Bella of course had silent beautiful tears staining her flushed cheeks. But in the light of the candles and stars, it only added to her magnificence. She raised her glass to mine, clinked our glasses, and took her own drink.
"As I you, my friend." She whispered after she swallowed. "Thank you for showing me a day of perfection, Jasper." I took her hand into mine and kissed her palm, and allowed my love to flow on the night air to her.
"You're welcome always Isabella." I said as my lips lingered on her hand.
The rest of the evening was spent laughing and talking about stories from our past. The candles died out, but the laughter continued, and I imprinted every detail of the day and night into my infallible memory.
Author's Notes Continued: Tada, what did you think? I hope you liked it as much as I did. Please let me know our thoughts. Did you think it too fluffy, not enough, did you cry, or just scoff at the mushiness? :P I also wanted to point out that even though I didn't mention it in the story, Jasper was able to get the whole day off for Bella's birthday, even though it wasn't his scheduled day off. It doesn't really make a difference. I just commented on it if someone had thought about it. ;)
If you have any questions, please always feel free to ask. If you are confused let me also know and I'll try and straighten anything out for you. I hope all is well with everyone, and you're having a good week. I send much love everyone's way. Thanks for the awesome reviews, and the continued support.
Until next time . . . :P