AN: Hello everyone. A big THANK YOU to "GeezerWench" for prereading / creative consulting!
On with the story!
The light was filtering in through the tent flap by the time Bella awakened. Her head felt swimmy when she sat up, so she decided to lie back down. As she covered her head with her blanket, the memories of kissing Jasper suddenly flooded her thoughts.
No matter how wonderful those kisses had felt, she was thoroughly embarrassed by her actions and horrified by what Jasper must think of her. She had been so forward.
She heard his deep voice, somewhere outside her tent, and became disheartened. He was already awake. Her nerves were rattled, and she started going over scenarios in her head, searching for a reason, any believable reason, that would allow her to stay hidden inside her tent for the remainder of the day.
Nothing came to mind, and finally, she resigned herself to the fact that she would have to face not only Jasper, but all the Whitlocks. Charlotte was going to be questioning her soon enough, and she had no idea what to tell her friend.
Bella rolled onto her stomach and groaned. She would have to face the inevitable, so she grabbed a few things, and reluctantly exited her tent. Before anyone had the chance to wish her 'good morning' she had scooted quickly around the wagon to wash her face.
From where Bella stood, she could see that Charlotte had already made breakfast. Peter and Jasper were sitting together. They already had their plates, and Jasper was dressed in his fine red plaid shirt. His face was clean shaven.
A wave of heat passed over Bella as she remembered the feel of his mouth and hands on her body.
Jasper was so handsome it made her heart ache, but she had to look away.
Her stomach was filled with butterflies, but somehow she willed her feet to carry her over to her usual spot beside Charlotte around the cook fire.
Jasper sensed that something was bothering Bella. He had stayed awake all night, unable to sleep, berating himself for taking advantage of her.
There she sat, so beautiful, and she wouldn't even look at him. He had screwed up. He hadn't been a gentleman. Bella would never want anything to do with him again. Jasper's guilty conscious ate away at him, as he pushed his food around his plate, untouched. He was sure that she hated him.
Peter and Charlotte exchanged wondering glances. It was clear to them that something strange was going on between Jasper and Bella, but neither of them was sure what the problem could be.
Peter decided he would engage everyone in polite conversation to break the tension.
"Mighty fine mornin', isn't it Bella?"
Bella answered him with a curt "yes", keeping her eyes downcast to avoid everyone's gaze.
"Charlotte made breakfast this mornin' all by herself, and I think she did a fine job. Don't you, Jasper?" Peter asked.
"Yes, she did. Thank you." Jasper replied quietly.
Peter decided he'd try to ask a better question, to get a better answer. "Hey, Bella, these biscuits Charlotte made are a little burnt on the outside, but a little raw on the inside, how'd you think she managed that?"
Charlotte huffed a little, before she tilted her head towards Bella, curious to know the answer.
Bella cleared her throat, and spoke, her voice just barely above a whisper. "I suppose that happens when the fire is too hot."
Peter just chuckled to himself, as he thought of a joke to rile his brother. "Too hot, huh? That reminds me of how Jasper was last night. He was too hot!"
Bella gasped in shock and embarrassment. She felt her face get extremely flushed, as her mind slowly pieced everything together. Jasper must have bragged about how pliant she had been to his brother, and, of course, Peter would think it was hilarious.
She stood up, tense with anger, and said a quick 'excuse me' before she walked briskly away.
Only Jasper realized why Bella had been so upset, and he had to make it right. He was also worried about her safety, so he got up and chased after her, but not before he promised to kick Peter's ass as soon as he got back.
He wasn't sure where Bella was heading, but she seemed to be going there in a hurry. "Bella, honey, come back. What's wrong?" Jasper shouted.
"Go away, Jasper. I have to relieve myself. Stop following me," Bella replied with annoyance in her tone.
Jasper had finally caught up, and kept pace alongside her. "I'm not letting you run off by yourself. That Yankee is around here somewhere, and I can't have him stealin' you away."
Bella's hands were balled into tight fists. She was angry, hurt, and confused about Jasper pretending to care for her. She stopped walking so that she could stare him down. "If Garrett showed up, maybe it wouldn't be so bad." Bella's chin began to tremble and her eyes welled with tears. "At least he's been a gentleman." Bella couldn't stop the two fat tears that rolled freely down her cheeks. "I suppose you and your brother had a good laugh at my expense last night."
Bella spun around quickly, turning her back to Jasper, not wanting him to see her cry, and continued on her hurried path.
Jasper was stunned momentarily by her accusations and her venom-laced comments. The words had stabbed him like a knife, right to his heart.
He raced to catch up with her. "Listen to me, Bella. I didn't tell Peter about us kissin'. I would never disrespect you like that. Peter saw me pick you up and carry you off from the dance. He was joking about my hot temper."
Bella was exasperated, and she couldn't stop herself from crying, so she continued her march down the hill. His admission had done nothing to calm her mood.
Jasper used his long stride to his advantage, and hurried past Bella. He blocked her path with his arms spread wide, corralling her like a wayward calf. "Just hold up one minute, and hear me out," he pleaded. "I don't blame you for being mad at me. You should be mad at me. You have every right to be. I stayed awake all night last night feeling horrible for how I took advantage of you."
Bella sniffled a bit and fought back her tears. She raised her chin to look Jasper in the eyes. He seemed sincere. His eyes were glassy and rimmed with dark circles.
He gently wiped the moisture from the apple of her cheek with the back of his hand. "I should have never pushed myself on you. Please say you'll forgive me."
Bella's anger slowly faded at Jasper's touch. He hadn't betrayed her trust, as she had believed. It had all been a misunderstanding.
She had been so cross with him, and he was being so kind. Bella became overwhelmed with her feelings and began to sob again. "You're being so nice to me, even after I practically threw myself at you last night—just like a common floozy. I'm the one who should be sorry."
Jasper wrapped his arms around her softly, and Bella sank her face into his chest as she cried. "I could never think badly of you, darlin', and it's only me who should be apologizing. I want to do things the right way, Bella."
His heartbeat thrummed steadily beside her ear, while his hand stroked over her hair, again and again, calming her.
When she had finished crying, she stepped back, and Jasper offered her his bandana for her to dry her eyes.
"I'm in love with you, Bella. I've been in love with you for quite sometime, but I've been afraid to come out and say it. I … I didn't want declare my feelings or make advances out of fear of making you uncomfortable, but more from fear of rejection."
Bella let Jasper's words sink in as she studied her shoes. She thought it was quite strange for such a big strong man like Jasper to admit to being afraid, and it humbled her.
She twisted his red and white bandana around her finger, not knowing what to say.
Jasper was becoming restless from her silence. He was dying to know what was going through her pretty little head. "Even though I never came out and said it, you must have realized my intentions."
Bella finally lifted her dark chocolate, red rimmed eyes to meet Jasper's. "Might I ask, what are your intentions?
Jasper ran his fingers nervously across the fabric of his breast pocket, and felt the thin silver band that rested beside his heart. He removed his hat, dropped to one knee, and reached for her hand.
Seeing him kneeling in front of her, Bella had forgotten how to breathe, and her voice had become stuck in her throat. She was frozen in place, her eyes wide as saucers.
"I didn't intend on doing things this way." Jasper searched her face for any sign of how she might respond to him, but found no answers.
"I had intended to act like a gentleman, and treat you with the utmost respect, but now I've gone and upset you, and I'm sorry. I know I don't deserve you. I don't have much to offer, but my intentions have always been honorable." Jasper removed the ring from his pocket, and held it up between his fingers, so that she could see.
"Where did you get that?" she asked.
Jasper released a shaky breath. "I've had this since we left your home at Fort Bridger. Peter bought it. He's been peckin' me to death, worrying the whole trip over if and when I would ask you to marry me. He said he'd string me up by my toes if I let you get away. I know he sure is partial to your cookin', and Charlotte already thinks of you as a sister."
Bella pressed her lips firmly together, trying not to smile.
Her silence riled him. He wished she would answer. "I'd want to buy you a better ring, of course—one that you pick out yourself." Jasper rubbed the shining metal circle between his thick fingers, and he started to sweat, waiting for her to say something—anything—but she remained silent for what seemed like an eternity. "Bella, could you at least answer me?" Jasper pleaded.
"You … you didn't ask me anything yet," she said, her voice barely a breath of air.
"Oh, yeah." Still on bended knee, Jasper straightened his back and tugged on Bella's hand, pulling her closer. "I promise to love and respect you my whole life long. Wake up beside you every morning, and go to bed with you every night. Provide for you, and take care of you when you're sick. I want to devote my life to you, Bella. I will do everything in my power to make you happy, and it'd make me the happiest man alive if you'd accept my proposal. Will you marry me?"
After a moment of stunned silence, Bella doubled over in excitement and wrapped her arms over Jasper, hugging him. "Yes," was all she had the chance to say, before strong arms encompassed her waist, and she found herself lifted into the air as Jasper, literally, swept her off her feet.
He squeezed her tight before he set her back down, and placed the ring on her trembling finger. "May I kiss you now, Sweetheart?" Jasper asked, wanting to show Bella that he'd reformed since the mauling he'd given her last night.
She smiled and nodded, and then Jasper kissed her sweetly on the lips. She had fallen in love with him too, although she felt much too shy to declare it. She attempted to show him her devotion through her actions. She didn't pull away when he kissed her; instead she cradled his face in her hands, and allowed his lips to linger over her own, until he decided to pull away.
Jasper's passion became heightened by her acceptance. He wanted and needed her painfully. "When, Bella? The woman sets the date. When will you marry me?"
Bella was excited to start her life with Jasper, but there were still so many things that they hadn't discussed. She had no idea how he he might feel about her working as a nurse, or if he wanted children. She had been looking forward to aiding the sick, and earning her own wages. Marrying Jasper might change things, but it hardly mattered. She felt so strongly for him. Not knowing what to say, she returned his question. "When would you like to get married?"
"Right now. This very minute, but I'd settle for whenever you're ready." He smiled and his whole face brightened like the morning sun. "Let's go tell Pete and Char the good news."
When they made it back to the wagon, the first thing Jasper did was proudly announce that Bella was going to be his wife.
Peter was so excited that he nearly fell over himself in his effort to run and find out if the preacher was still at the station.
Charlotte was beside herself, she was so ecstatic. She threw her arms around Bella in a bone-crushing hug and welcomed her into the family.
Even though Jasper hadn't gotten any sleep the night before, he felt energized and renewed. Bella had accepted his offer. He still couldn't believe it. He felt like parading through the camp and telling everybody the good news.
Peter soon returned from his short visit with the neighbors. Apparently, the preacher had come and gone. There had been no wedding. The Irishman's daughter, Maggie, ran off with another man. She had left her family an apology letter, and eloped in the dead of night; leaving her groom-to-be heartbroken and brideless. The stage employees had all been questioned, and by the sound of the rumors that had been spreading through the camp, she had left with Garrett.
Everyone seemed shocked by the news except for Bella. She just nervously chewed on her lip, and kept quiet, staring at the ground.
"That damned Yankee must have stolen her off," Peter figured.
"I'm sure it was against her will," Jasper agreed.
"Somebody should go after him and shoot him down like the dirty dog he is," Peter decided.
"I'm not so sure he forced her," Charlotte said meekly.
All eyes turned to Charlotte. Her hands fluttered fretfully over her blonde hair. "I mean, she could have gone with him on her own volition."
"What makes ya say that?" Peter stared his wife down with narrowed eyes.
"Well, he asked me to leave with him, and I said no," Charlotte admitted. "He seemed polite about it, and I thought for sure he was joking, but maybe he meant it."
"Tarnations! I knew that low down snake had some sort of ulterior motives in dancing with ya'll. He's gonna' get what he's got comin." Peter growled as he angrily stomped around to the back of the wagon to load his guns.
Jasper's mouth was set in a thin line. "Bella did he say anything to you?"
Bella didn't want to admit it, but her eyes had already told Jasper everything he needed to know. In a flash, he had risen to his feet, a fiery anger burned with in him.
Willing him to stay, she reached out to Jasper. "Wait. I don't want you to go."
"We ain't goin' to stand for it, Bella. Your honor must be defended," Peter said as he handed Jasper his gun belt. The pistols were already loaded.
"But he didn't dishonor us," Charlotte cried, throwing herself at her husband, begging him to listen. "He dishonored you men. He tricked you, but all he did to us was ask us a silly question."
Peter's face was hard as stone. "Is that what you think? Askin' another man's wife to run off with him is a silly question? Well, to me it's a dead man's last question."
"If you're going to leave us here to fend for ourselves, just to hunt down some fool Yankee, then we won't be here when you get back," Charlotte said, crossing her arms and putting her foot down.
Hearing Charlotte's angry exclamation, Bella stood stock-still, gaping at her.
Peter let loose a string of obscenities, threw his hat down, and stalked off in a blind rage, Jasper following behind.
Charlotte gingerly picked up her husband's hat and dusted it off. "Let's get everything packed up. They'll be back after 'while, and it'll do us good to be on our way."
"Are you sure?" Bella asked, tugging anxiously at her skirts.
Charlotte clucked her tongue. "Of course, I'm sure. Pete never stays mad at me for long."