Disclaimer: Damn, Robs and I still don't own Twilight or Daddysper… as much as we'd like too…
Kristin: Here it is! The long awaited Alice and Momma meeting, hope it meets your expectations!
Robs: Thanks to the usual suspects and Amber of course! Be sure to tell us if you like it!
Playlist suggestions: Home by The Foo Fighters; Six foot teddy bear by Richie Mcdonald; Keeper of the Stars by Tracy Byrd; My Maria by Brooks and Dunn; Don't trust me by 3oh!3
This is me
It was just after five in the evening when we finally arrived in San Antonio. I called Momma to let her know we had landed and we were staying the night in town, so we could get there early tomorrow. I had gotten us a room at the Westin La Cantera Resort and convinced Alice to eat some authentic Tex-Mex food.
Nothing really exciting happened that night. We just spent the day walking Coco around downtown and hanging out. Alice fell asleep pretty early again; I was starting to worry a bit.
When I woke up this morning, I woke up to an empty bed and an empty room. Alice was nowhere to be found. Well that's just great, I thought as I pulled my shirt off to head into the shower.
I heard the door open and I peeked around the corner to see Alice walk in wearing basketball shorts, a tank top and her sneakers. She was humming along to her iPod as she went into the little kitchen area and grabbed an apple. I propped myself against the wall just content to watching her move.
Her green eyes looked up at me and smiled as she took the ear pods out. She leaned against the counter, crossing her ankles as she looked me over.
"Mornin' cowboy," she grinned.
I smirked, "Ma'am."
She took a bite of the apple. As soon as the she started chewing on it her eyes fluttered shut, making a noises similar to what I can make her do. "Oh my God," she said with a moan. "This apple is so good." She looked me over before asking, "Does everything taste better down here?"
I raised an eyebrow at her, it was just a generic apple, but laughed at her enthusiasm for the fruit. "Something like that," I offered as I pushed myself off the wall. "So, where did you go? And more importantly, why wasn't I invited?"
"I went to the gym... I dunno, guess I was excited that I was actually awake enough this morning to work out... and you just looked so cute sleeping that I didn't wanna wake you up." She smiled at me, savoring another bite of her apple.
I walked over to her. I took a bite of her apple and smirked at her. So she's feeling like her old self again, that's good to hear. "Well I'm glad you feel rested, but I would have gone with you baby."
"Aww," she cooed, her eyes looking as if she might cry. What the fuck? I thought raising an eyebrow at her. "I didn't know it was that important to you."
I cupped her cheek in my hand, rubbing it with my thumb, "Ali, I just don't like you being out alone. Things are different now, you know?"
Yeah, like the fact that I want to marry you.
I shrugged, "besides, didn't someone point out that I eat too many sweets?" I winked at her, "I need to work on getting a hot bod so you don't leave me." I teased, gently brushing my lips to hers in a chaste kiss.
"Okay, I will from now on 'kay?" I nodded. "And I won't leave you, you dork." She added, pinching my stomach.
I slid my hands to her sides pulling her close to me. She set her apple down and wrapped her arms around my neck as I placed kisses along her neck. "I am not a dork." I said into her skin just before I started to tickle her.
"You… Are... To!" she squealed in between giggles, trying her best to get away from me.
"Oh, no you don't." I stated, quickly picking her up and taking her to the bed. I tossed her on it playfully. She giggled as she sat up pulling off her tank top. I crawled to her on the bed and kissed her. Our lips crashed together, suddenly frantic, as if this would be the last time we would enjoy the way our bodies moved together.
Quickly her hands tugged my boxers down as I tugged at her shorts and panties. Once the clothing was out of the picture, I positioned myself between her legs, kissing and biting at her neck and shoulders as I slid my middle finger between her folds.
She cried out as I began to rub circles into her clit, alternating from hard and fast to slow and teasing. She lifted her hips, pushing into my hand as her legs began to quiver. As I worked her clit, I used my other hand to tug her sports bra up, capturing her pert nipple in my mouth. She moaned, pulling at my hair, begging me to give her what she wanted.
I kissed my way back up to her mouth, timing it so both my tongue and cock entered her at the same time. Our mouths swallowing our cries of pleasure as we began to moved together. Her nails raking and scratching my skin as I sought to take her to new levels of pleasure.
Soon our bodies were covered in a sheen of sweat and she begged for me to give her the release she craved. I lifted her legs up higher on my sides as she pushed herself up on her elbows. Apparently this position was what she needed because I soon saw her eyes roll as her head fell back. I quickly wrapped my arms around her supporting her as her arms gave out, allowing her to give into her orgasm. Mine followed shortly after. I rested my head on her chest, listening to her heart beat race in my ear as her fingers stroked my hair.
----
We had been driving for nearly four hours. I looked over at the passenger seat where Alice was curled up, sleeping with Coco on her hip. I had promised her that I would wake her when we got near town, she said she didn't want to miss a minute of the town that I "had roots in".
"Ali," I reached over to rub her leg. "Baby, wake up, you're gonna miss the welcome sign."
Coco stretched her paws out and let out a little whimper before climbing off Alice to go curl up in the back seat of the rental car. Alice righted herself, stretching out her arms over her head.
"Welcome to Fort Stockton Alice," I said as we passed the sign. She smiled and scooted closer to me. Her little head looked around at the different buildings and such as we passed by.
"I thought there'd be more horses…" she trailed off leaving me to believe I wasn't meant to hear her words. I couldn't help laughing.
"Wow," I snorted, "you need to stop watching cheesy westerns."
She looked up at me and blushed, "No, I was just figuring."
That all small towns in Texas are over run by horses? I wrapped my arm around her shoulders.
"It's okay baby."
She kissed my chest. "You're kind of a small town boy... not as small town as me... but still, it's nice."
"Two peas in an odd pod huh?" I chucked at my own joke.
She laughed a little, "Two small town kids, in a rock band making it big and falling..." she paused for a moment as I noticed her eyes going wide. I felt my eyebrow quirk up in question. Was she about to suggest we had fallen in love?
"Down a really steep hill," she finally added.
"Yeah, that's us..." I said, mainly answering my own thoughts. If her dream was any indication, then she clearly had the same feelings as me right?
I glanced up to see the familiar building of my past come towards. Whitlock Ranching Supplier. The fucking store was bigger than the damned Super Wal-Mart and Tractor Supply store put together.
"Wanna know my first job?"
I saw her tilt her head to the side as she said, "Sure." I waited until we got to the intersection, knowing she would have the best view of it from there. I pointed to the store on my right.
"I had to clean up after the animals," I shook my head remembering the days Rose had called me a 'shit head' only because of what I had to do there.
"Anything you need for the ranch, that store has it." I don't know why I was telling her that.
I heard her gasp, as she took in the building. "Uh baby, that says Whitlock Ranching..." she trailed off. I felt my grip tighten on the steering wheel as I watched her out of the corner of my eye.
"Yep... My great grandfather started it," I explained as I turned on to the road towards the house. She looked up at me, but I could tell she was uncomfortable by the way she was fidgeting with the hem of her shorts.
"Yeah, well that's the uh... family business that Bella told you about." 'Heir Whitlock', still ran through my head with just as much venom as if it was yesterday.
"I only have CEO status until Jordan's old enough to take over. Any money I get is actually hers." I shrugged, feeling only slightly better about explaining to her that whatever she may think, I'm not that guy. I'm not the one with the money or whatever.
"Umm... that's cool," she said, sounding slightly insecure.
Jesus Christ Jasper, way to ruin shit, I thought as I laughed nervously. "I guess Momma handles the business better than I do. Don't laugh at our street name by the way." I smirked at her as we turned on to Cowboy Creek Road.
She looked at me confused, "Okay."
We drove a few minutes in silence as Alice was no doubt taking in the trees that gave the road the perfect amount of shade. As we started to approach the house, the gate came into view first. The black wrought iron fencing had a trellis like structure with the letters WR in the center as you pulled through.
I looked over at Ali briefly. Her mouth hung open slightly and her eyes looked as if they were about to pop out of her head.
"Holy..." I heard her breathe. I started to chew on my lip. I had a bad feeling about this. I guess I should have warned her that my family had strong southern roots, which meant the southern money to go with it. It wasn't fair, she warned me about her family and then I just sprung this on her. I kicked myself mentally.
She looked up at me, awe evident in her eyes. "When I called you a hypocrite... I don't think I ever did you justice...." She turned her wide eyes back to the house. I really didn't see why she was looking at it like it was a palace or anything. It was just two story house, light beige with white trim and green shutters.
"Yeah, well..." I shrugged, trying to think of the house in the way that she was seeing it. Sure it was huge but that's just the way the plantation homes are out here. "It's a southern thing... old southern money buys you this shit…" I looked down at the speedometer as we got closer to the main drive way. "Shit Momma's gonna bitch," I muttered under my breath slowing down.
"Remind me to take you to my parent's house sometime," Alice scoffed, turning to frown at me. "Called me a rich bitch." She shook her head at me as she continued to look around.
I groaned as I slowed the car to a stop, "I said I was sorry didn't I?"
She pointed at the house looking at me incredulously, "You could've afforded to buy me the shoes!" she spit out in a rush.
No I couldn't have, didn't she fucking hear me when we were in town?! I spent five years of my life as a minimum wage whore because I had no money!
"That's the thing Alice. Yeah, I'm a Whitlock but I don't own a cent from the name! I was trying to tell you that just before we got here." I stopped for a second feeling my anger get the best of me. "This," I gestured to the house, "what you see before those big beautiful green eyes of yours, is Jordan's. Not mine!"
She pouted a little, "I don't care...you have money now...you owe me the shoes..." she trailed off, bouncing her foot, looking at it.
I put my head against the steering wheel and started laughing. Of all of the absurd things to bicker about and she chooses this? Of all the things she could ever ask of me she chooses this?
"Shoes... you could ask anything of me and you want shoes?"
She folded her arms over her chest and huffed some, making me laugh harder. "They were my favorite pair. You don't come across shoes like that very often." She informed me. I turned my head to watch her. I reached over, taking her hand in mine.
"I promise I will buy you new shoes."
She leaned over towards me. I saw her eyes dart to my lips and I knew she wanted a kiss. I met her halfway, her little hands found their way into my hair as I pulled her close to me. She tilted her head to the side as our lips met. Even though the kiss was soft and gentle the way her tongue moved against mine, it seemed to say many things that she couldn't or wouldn't say herself.
When we ended the kiss, both of us breathing heavy, I leaned back against the seat. I could see Momma standing on the porch, an amused expression on her face as she smiled at us. "Shit... uh baby, don't panic, but we have an audience."
I tried to say it as calm as possible, but I think my shaking shoulders gave away my amusement. I watched as Alice looked over at Momma's direction, her face turned bright red as she pulled the blanket up over her head to hide.
"Oh God," she groaned from under the blanket.
I couldn't help but laugh at how cute she was acting, "Baby, it's okay." I said trying to pull the blanket off her, but she held on tight.
"So says you!" She growled from under the blanket, suddenly pulling it off of her head. "You didn't 'French' me in front of my parents!" She hissed.
I chuckled as I opened my door, "If I had been given the opportunity I probably would have." I laughed when I saw her shocked face. I got out of the car and walked around to her door. I opened it and offered my hand to her, "Now are ready to meet my mother or should I leave you in Texas sun in the car?"
She scowled at me while throwing the blanket off of her. Momma decided to use this opportunity to show off her perfect hearing.
"You best not be leavin' her in that car Jasper Thomas!" She hollered at me.
"Your Momma is gonna hate me now!" Alice whispered as she got out of the car and bent to get Coco out of the backseat.
"Baby relax, this is the same woman who raised me and Rose." I explained as I got our bags from the trunk. Seriously, I had a feeling that if I told my momma I was thinking of marrying Alice; she'd call the best party in Fort Stockton history.
"Yeah, the Rose who hated me at first," Alice pointed out as she ran her fingers through her hair. I kissed her cheek and smiled at her. She gave me a pained smile as she straightened herself out more. "You hated me at first too," she pointed out.
"Alice. Stop." I said standing in front of her and lowering my voice, so Momma wouldn't hear. "My momma loves you. She has already threatened to kick me out of the family so she can have you in it." She rolled her eyes at me.
I shook my head at her, "Umm, and actually no, if I remember correctly I didn't hate you, I was just confused as to why this really pretty girl kissed me." I teased as I stuck my tongue out at her. Sure it was childish, but damn it, I felt like being that way.
She rolled her eyes again, but I saw the corner of her lips twitch as she tried to hide the smile on her face. "Not the first time that counted."
What the fuck did that mean?
"Oh you mean the time I had you pinned against my uncle's house? Cause um, yeah, I'm pretty sure I really liked you then." She snorted at me as I smirked. Momma had started to come halfway down the main staircase.
Alice shook her head at me, "You're impossible."
I stepped up the steps and smirked back at her. "And you love it Alice just admit it."
"If your momma wasn't standing right there I'd so kick your ass." She said in a low voice.
"Oh, baby, you know I like it rough." I whispered back.
I watched as she blushed and covered Coco's ears, "HONEY!"
"So are ya'll done with your lover's squabble?" Momma asked as she approached us, giving us a knowing smile.
Damn it Momma, shut it, I thought.
"Jasper Thomas, what have I said about your glasses?" She placed her hands on her hips in some sort of attempt to make me feel guilty.
I groaned while rolling my eyes, "Momma." I looked at Alice as we got to the porch, "Alice, this is my Momma, Samantha Whitlock-Hale" I nodded my head in Momma's direction. "Momma, this is my Alice." I smirked.
"Nice to meet you ma'am," Alice said shyly. I turned so I could see them both. Momma had the biggest grin on her face while Alice had a slight pink on her cheeks. "I see where Jasper get's his prettiness," Alice smirked at me and my jaw dropped.
Momma laughed, "Oh good! You did get that picture." She shook her head, "I don't know how my son looks better as a woman than I do." I raised an eyebrow that was just ludicrous. She was like Alice if you asked me, she looked best in jeans and a tee shirt. Much like what Momma had on now.
Alice shrugged as she looked at the ground. "He makes a better woman than I do too," she added softly.
"Of all of the... Oh Jesus Christ, I'm taking our things in while you two gossip like old hens." I muttered as I went into the house.
"My boobs are better though," I heard Alice call after me as I stepped into the house. I laughed and decided to ignore it, although, the thought of Alice's tits was a pleasant one.
I heard Momma laugh, no doubt making Alice blush more. "Well welcome home," I grinned at Momma saying that. "Please come in, since it seems my son has forgotten his manners."
Hey!
"I can hear you two, you know!" I hollered down from the stairs.
"Good" I vaguely heard Alice call back. I went into my room, placing our things down by the sitting area. I smiled when I noticed Momma had put some fresh flowers, most likely from her garden, in here. Sure the room's mine, but it wasn't like you walked in and knew it was a man's room right away. Nothing like my room in Seattle, that's for sure. I glanced over at the bed and noticed the comforter had been folded over to reveal sky blue sheets.
I stuck my head out the door, "Hey Momma! Did you change my sheets?" I stood there and watched as she appeared at the foot of the stairs, her hand on her hip and her right hand pointing to the stoop in front of her.
"Jasper Thomas, get your scrawny little behind down here."
Crap.
Momma turned to look at Alice, "You'll have to excuse my son, I think I may have dropped him as a baby." she shrugged. I started down the stairs, keeping my eyes on Alice as she tried not to laugh at Momma's admitted abuse. I should point that out.
"What? I was just asking cause if I need to make the bed, I was gonna do it before it gets too late."
Oh good job pointing out Momma's neglect there smart ass.
I jumped down from the fourth step, landing in the foyer next to Momma. I smiled wide thinking, ta-da! Then I remembered why I stopped doing that as a kid.
Momma reached over and smacked me in that back of the head. "Ow!" I pouted.
"Yes, I changed your sheets yesterday Jasper Thomas now stop leaving Alice alone." Momma hissed at me.
Alice laughed clearly amused. "'Did you ever expose him to vampire movies?" I think at that moment I may have forgotten how to breathe. Momma laughed heartily.
"Actually Alice, his favorite movie was Bram Stoker's Dracula."
Oh Jesus Christ, kill me now.
"Momma," I whined, pleading with her to stop embarrassing me.
Alice smirked at me, her eyes clearly indicating that she knew the answer to all her questions now. "Pieces to the puzzle," she said. I just shook my head at her.
"Are ya'll hungry?" Momma asked looking between Alice and me.
"Dear lord yes!" Alice exclaimed. What? She had a veggie sandwich less than four hours ago. She held up Coco's paw, "Coco is too." she said with a goofy grin. That I believed.
"Shit," her food is upstairs up in our bags. I turned to run upstairs, nearly avoiding Momma's hand as she tried to smack me again. I quickly grabbed Coco's food and bowls and ran back down the stairs.
Momma and Alice were talking about something and smiling at each other. I knew Momma would love Alice, I just hoped that Alice would relax a bit. Maybe this week we have off from the tour and travel will be a good thing. Give her some time to relax, get some sleep and feel better.
"Give me the munchkin," I said reaching for Coco, "and you ladies meet us in the kitchen." I watched as Alice gave Coco a kiss on her head and handed her over to me.
I pouted, "Where's mine?" Alice's eyes darted over in Momma's direction making me roll my eyes. I think Momma caught Alice's reaction because she started laughing.
"Don't mind me," she said waving her hands at us. She reached out for Coco, taking her and her food things. "You two take your time. I'm gonna go feed my granddaughter." She said with a wink as she headed to the kitchen.
I smiled at Alice. "Come here you," I said as a pulled her close to me. She squeaked at my sudden movement. I smiled down at her as she stood on her toes to give me quick kiss. I cupped her cheek in my hand. "You okay?"
"Yeah just nerves." she shrugged, "my tummy is all fluttery." I took her hand, leading her to the kitchen. "Well relax, she likes you."
"What's that smell?" Alice asked suddenly. I looked over at the French doors that were opened to let the warm June breeze in.
"Uh, that would probably be the live stock you smell..." I chewed on my cheek. I guess it would be offending to someone who wasn't used to it. I shrugged, "You get used to it." I offered.
She made a face that clearly showed her discomfort, "That combined with the butterflies is so not making me feel very well." She said softly. I stopped and turned to face her. I took in her appearance. She seemed normal, maybe a little pale.
"You sure you're okay baby?" I asked as I kissed her forehead. "You look a little pale."
"Yeah I think I need to drink something." she shrugged. "Oh and I want an apple."
"Alright, well lucky for you we got apple trees." I winked at her as a grin stretched across her face. I dragged her to the breakfast bar in the kitchen.
Momma was getting ready to give Coco her food, laughing at the way Coco would dance around on her back paws for it. I could hear Momma humming a song that she sings when she gets her dogs to do tricks for her. I smiled as I helped Alice on to her stool.
"Hey Momma, where's my princess?"
Momma set the bowl down and looked up at me. "She's getting her education baby boy. Her bus will be here in," she looked at the clock as she went to wash her hands, "an hour." She looked over her shoulder to Alice. "I heard you say something about apples," Alice nodded. "Do you like apple pie? Fresh baked this mornin'." I felt my own mouth water.
I started to shake my head. I knew Alice was going to say no to the pie. She told me at the picnic that she wasn't fond of Apple pie.
"I love apple pie!" Alice chirped with a wide smile.
What?
Momma smiled, "Good, I'll get you some." She turned to get the plates and forks.
"You sure there's nothing I could help with?" Alice asked. I noticed her leg bouncing in place. I placed my arms on her shoulders and kissed the top of her head, before heading to get her some water.
Momma laughed as she cut into the pie, "Nah, that's why he's here." She pointed the pastry cutter at me. "Which reminds me Jasper Thomas," Momma nodded her head in the direction of the stables. "Twilight needs her stall cleaned." I nodded handing Alice her water. I noticed Alice make a face but quickly replace it with a smile as she took a sip of water.
"Sure ma'," I said simply.
Alice's nose wrinkled up, "Does that mean you're gonna smell bad when you come back?" Well that's a first.
I felt my eyebrows reach my hair line. Please tell me Alice has the flu and not something more serious. "No, I clean up in the stall house."
Alice smiled at me, "Good."
"You know Alice," Momma placed the plate of apple pie in front of her. "When I was pregnant with this one here," she nodded her head in my direction. "I made his daddy plant some apple trees, one red delicious and one granny smith. I couldn't get enough of them. And that very tree is where those apples came from." Momma patted my cheek before getting more pie.
Why the hell was she talking about her apple cravings? Sure I heard all about them before, but why did she feel the need to tell Alice. I shoved my hands in my pockets. I smiled when I felt the velvet bag holding the ring I bought for Alice.
You have to tell her you love her before you can think of marrying her.
The sound of Alice's moan knocked me back to the conversation. I looked over to see her enjoying her pie.
"Oh my God. This is so good!"
"Thank you Ali," Momma said with a smile.
"My mom supposedly craved Mexican food like no other." Alice added after a moment. What the hell, we're back on cravings?
"Yes, you'll be amazed at the things you'll crave and the things you'll hate. Lord knows I was." Momma added as she came back over to us.
I chewed on my lip as I started to wonder what the hell Momma was going on about. I saw Alice look up at me in question.
"How's your stomach feelin' baby?"
"Umm better now thanks," she smiled.
I nodded, "Good."
"Oh, you feeling ill dear?" Momma asked as she put a plate of pie in front of me then proceeded to point at me then the plate. I gave her a look which was matched with her own 'try me' look.
Alice shrugged, "I dunno, the smell of the horses kinda got to me." Her cheeks turned pink at that admission. I just sat there and ate my pie, letting them talk.
Momma chuckled, "Yes, that happens to people who aren't used to them. You know," I looked up to see Momma reaching into the cabinet for something. "I imagine with all that travelin' ya'll do, you're pretty worn out."
"Yeah, I dunno, I was never this tired when I was modeling," she shrugged. "I feel like I am being so lazy." Her eyebrows knitted together.
Well Jesus Alice, exhaustion will make you feel worn out and I don't think she's been drinking enough water.
Maybe she's dehydrated!
I looked at her trying to remember what the doctor said that summer Bella was dehydrated. I shook my head there was no way she was dehydrated. She surely drank more water than the rest of the band combined.
Momma leaned her hip to the counter, "Well I saw that thing MTV had and I saw all that jumping around you do on stage. It's no wonder you'd be so tired." She smirked and looked between Alice and me before continuing. "I can make you some decaf ginger tea later. It'll help with the upset stomach."
Why the hell did she emphasize the decaf part?
"And I have fresh herbs for a bath it you'd like dear."
Alice smiled wide at Momma, "Thank you." she looked over at me, "Jasper why are you shaking your head at me?"
I was?
"I was? Sorry, no, just thinkin'."
Momma made a snorting noise as she laughed, "Since when do you eat and think at the same time baby boy?" Alice giggled at her question. I rolled my eyes, "Very funny Momma."
"What were you thinking about?" Alice asked.
"Just stuff and things. You know how I get." I smiled at her. "Uh, if you two don't mind, I was thinking when Jordy's bus get's here, I might take Twilight down to get her." Alice furrowed her eyebrows and shrugged. I leaned over to kiss her temple.
"No, not at all baby boy, lord knows Twilight will be happy to see you. You always were the one to make her test her limits." Alice snorted as she laughed at Momma's comment causing me to blush. Momma shook her head chuckling at us.
"Besides, the sooner you leave me alone with Alice, the sooner I can tell her about your Elton John stories." The grins on both their faces were scary.
"Oh sure, I finally find a respectable woman and you wanna scare her off." I shook my head, praying to God Momma doesn't show her the videos with me singing Goodbye Yellow Brick Road when I was five.
"Thanks ma'," I muttered as an afterthought. Momma arched an eyebrow at me. She knew something was up. I only call her Ma' when I'm thinking things. And honestly, right now I was thinking about my future with Alice.
I felt Alice pat my leg, "I don't scare easy," she said with a smile as she picked her spoon. I watched as she lifted her eyebrow and licked the spoon, "Except for graveyards apparently."
"Yes, well graveyards are a huge exception for you Ali," I teased. "Well you be careful, she might force you to peel potatoes for dinner." I warned as I gave her a quick kiss.
"I make awesome mashed potatoes," she grinned at me.
"Speaking of dinner, is there anything you would like Alice?" Leave it to Momma to make sure the guest has what she wants.
Alice blushed before answering, "Mini chickens with apple stuffing?" There were the damned apples again.
"I think I can handle that. Would you like to help me and Jordan with that later?" I wondered if Momma still had the camcorder as I saw Alice grin and nod.
"Are you done baby or do you want some more?" I asked getting up.
She smiled again, "I'm good thank you."
"'Kay," I said, kissing her on the forehead before grabbing our dishes. Momma grinned at me and I was tempted to do something just to piss Momma off.
I put the dishes in the sink rinsing them off. "I'll wash these when I get back." I said over my shoulder. I quickly washed my hands and walked over to Momma, kissing her on the cheek."Pie was yummy momma"
She snorted, "You always say that. Go to Twilight I know you're anxious." She teased, smacking me in the ass with the towel.
"Ow! Momma!" Jesus, home less than an hour and she's beating me. Alice stood up and walked past me. I exchanged glances with Momma before asking Alice, "Baby, what are you doing?'
She shrugged, "My one and only chore?" Momma's eyebrows shot through the roof as she scowled at me. I shook my head at her and walked over to Alice. I wrapped my arms around her from behind.
"Not here. You're only chore here is to relax okay?"
"But see they're gonna look at me and start talkin' soon." She teased. She looked at me over her shoulder. "You know what they say?"
I smiled at her shaking my head, this ought to be interesting.
"What do they say baby?"
She lowered her voice, "Alice... Wash me..."
"What like this?" I leaned closer to her ear, my own voice dropping an octave. "Alice... Wash me..." I nuzzled her neck to keep me from laughing.
She giggled, "Um not quite like that... but how can you ignore that?"
"Easy, you say no. 'Cause I will do them when I get back with Jordan. So come on," I took the sponge from her and turned the water off. "You don't need to be doing the dishes."
"Jazz-purrr!!!" she whined.
I knew I had lost this battle. So I decided to change tactics. I put my head on her shoulder. "Do you want to come with me to get Jordan?" I asked. She reached back to run her fingers through my hair, making me close my eyes and smile.
"Nah baby," she kissed my temple, "you go spend a little time with her before you introduce her to your crazy girlfriend"
"Shoot, how did you know about her?" I teased, moving to kiss her. "Thank you."
She rolled her eyes, "Well I am the one to thinks inanimate objects speak to her." I chuckled at her. "And no problem." She gave me another kiss.
"Ahh well I prefer 'quirky'," I defended as she started the water back up. "And you are letting me do the dinner dishes." I informed her giving her one last kiss as I went to leave.
"If you say so!" I heard her call out after me. I just shook my head and saw Momma was now playing with Coco in the corner of the kitchen.
When I got to the stable, Twilight was trotting around in her pen. She reared up when she saw me, making me laugh. That was her standard greeting to me. I went into the stable house to grab her saddle; it didn't surprise me at all that Twilight had already come into her stall, even when she nudged me in the back. I turned around so she could nuzzle my chest.
"I bet you're surprised I'm home, huh girl?" I asked as I scratched the single white spot on her black coat. She shook her head as if to tell me she wasn't surprised at all. "Well, you may not be surprised, but I know a little cowgirl who will be." I said as I tacked her up. Twilight nodded her head and stamped her foot. "Maybe later you'll get to meet Alice. I bet you'll love her too." Twilight made a huffing noise, making me laugh.
I walked out to the pen and undid the latch. Twilight stayed in her stall, looking at me. I smirked wondering how pissed Momma would be if I did my old trick. I thought about it for a moment and based on Twilight's stomping around she knew what I was thinking. I looked up at the house.
Alice will be pissed if you hurt yourself, a voice in my head warned me. And you're not exactly a teenager anymore.
I shook my head at Twilight and whistled. She trotted over, waiting for me to mount.
"Well at least I can get you to gallop right?"
We trotted down the drive. Once we got to the end I dismounted and saw the bus pulling up. Twilight made a huffing noise to get my attention. "I'm not gonna tie ya up you crazy thing." She just shook her head at me. How on earth I managed to get the horse with more personality then some humans was beyond me.
The bus had barely come to a stop and I heard the high pitch squeal "Daddy!" I grinned. She came bouncing of the bus wearing an outfit I remembered Alice had bought for her. I smiled at the Capri's and jean jacket ensemble, complete with the matching shoes and pink beaded hair tie.
"You're here!" Jordy squealed as she hugged me tightly around my waist.
"Yep, but I'm not alone." I smiled at her as her eyes got big.
"Alice?!" I nodded and laughed as she jumped around in circles. "Yay!" She said finally stopping. She looked at me then at Twilight. "Are we gonna ride daddy?" I nodded and laughed as she slug her backpack over her front. "Okay, I'm ready!"
I put her up on Twilight and climbed up after her. "You know Alice ain't the only surprise princess," I said as I got Twilight turned towards the house.
"Oh! I love surprises!" she said happily. As we approached the house I saw Ali leaning against the railing, her elbow supporting her head as it rested in her hands. I pulled Twilight to a stop.
"See that beautiful woman on the porch?" I asked Jordy softly like I was tellin' her a secret. She nodded. "That princess, is Alice."
"I like her hair daddy." She giggled.
"Do you want to show her a trick?" I asked.
"Oh! Can we do the blazing saddles trick daddy?" I smirked. I called the trick where I get Twilight to rear up 'blazing saddles' to get Jordy to laugh and not be scared.
"Is that what you want to do?" I asked.
She nodded enthusiastically, "And we have to run by really, really fast! Like lightning!" She hugged Twilight's neck. "Can you do it girl? We wanna show Alice was it's like to be cow people!" I laughed as I watched Jordy get excited.
First we walked Twilight to the front steps, "Do you have anything breakable in there baby girl?" I pointed to her backpack. She shook her head and threw it at the steps. I handed her the reigns. "You ready?" She nodded.
"Are we running first?" She asked quietly.
"Whatever you want Jordy."
"'Kay, blazing saddles first and then we'll run 'Kay?"
"Sounds perfect, just let me know when." She nodded, moving the reigns to make Twilight to turn around.
"Watch this Alice!" She hollered out as Twilight trotted faster. I laughed at how excited she was to show off as I made sure I had a good hold on her. I looked up to see Alice smile back at us. She looked like she belonged on that porch. Momma had joined her, saying something that made Alice laugh.
Jordan got Twilight where she wanted and shouted "Now daddy!" I dug in my heels.
"Lean into it and hang on," I warned as Twilight reared up. Alice's hands flew up to her mouth as Jordy yelled "Yee haw!" causing Momma and Alice to laugh loudly. When Twilight's hoofs hit the earth she took off running. Quickly I grabbed the reigns just as Momma's Labradors came running from the barn.
"Come on Chloe! Come on Peaches!" Jordan yelled out as the dogs ran after us. Twilight whinnied her approval; she was just itching to take off.
"No girl." I pulled back on the reigns to bring her to a trot. Once she slowed she shook her head at me.
"Don't talk back to daddy Twilight, that's not nice." Jordy scolded causing me to laugh. I turned us back to the house stopping at the steps where Momma was waiting.
"How in the world I raised two show offs I'll never know." Momma teased as she helped Jordan down. "Go change pumpkin, you got chores to do." Momma instructed swatting Jordan playfully on the butt.
"But Nana! I wanna play with Daddy and Alice." She pouted.
"Daddy's got chores to do as well. Now scoot!" Jordan huffed off, grabbing her bag. She looked up at Alice who smiled at her making Jordan run up the steps.
"Jordan don't run up the stairs baby girl!" I said out of instinct. Momma looked over at me.
"Congratulations."
"For what?"
"You sound like a father," she said patting my leg before turning to follow Jordan.
Well shit.
------
Two hours later, Twilight's stable was clean and I'd mucked out all the other stalls as well. I even gave her a bath, which she seemed to be pleased with. I got cleaned up in the stall house shower, as promised to Alice, and joined the girls in house.
Momma was preparing things for dinner as Alice and Jordan sat at the kitchen table eating apple sticks and doing homework. I went to the fridge and pulled out the pitcher of tea.
"The camera is in the cabinet beside the fridge." Momma said softly as she walked past me. I smiled, getting the hint and grabbed the camera out.
"I'm only five! Why do I need to know times tables?" Jordan whined. I laughed and Momma snorted.
"Because Jordan, you're in the same grade as an eight year old." Momma said as she poured more lemonade in Jordy's cup.
Jesus Christ, she's a third grader?
"You wanna show the boys that you're smarter than they are don't cha'?" Alice asked Jordy while winking at me.
No, we don't want boys noticing her period.
"Well Bobby is a butt head." Jordy said, nodding as if that answered everything.
Who the hell is this Bobby kid?
Alice's eyes met mine as she chewed her lip.
"Jordan Marie we don't talk like that about other people," Momma scolded.
Jordan spun in her chair to look at Momma. "He is Nana!" She turned back to face Alice, leaning in as if she was telling her a secret. "He pulled my hair! Maya says that means the boy likes you." She was quiet for a moment. The amused expression on Alice's face made me wonder what Jordy was doing.
"Does daddy pull your hair?" I damn near dropped the camera when that question came out.
"Yeah, that means a boy like you." Alice said smoothly, smirking at me.
Well good God, Momma caught that, I thought as I saw Momma shake her head.
"But boys have cooties," Jordan said shaking her head.
Yes! Good just remember that! I wanted to shout and jump up and down "Yes, we have cooties. Stay away from boys until you're thirty okay?" That was a reasonable request. Alice's eyes snapped up at me, her eyebrow arched in question. Momma snorted from behind me.
"Boys eventually stop having cooties." Alice said soothingly to Jordan. I looked at her pleadingly. Please don't tell her that.
"When?" Jordan asked Alice.
"When you're thirty," I said again. Alice smiled at me, a smug look in her features.
Oh shit.
"I think that's daddy's answer for everything," Jordan muttered. I could practically hear her eyes rolling.
"Well I'm twenty one, you still have cooties?" Alice asked. Yep she's trying to prove a point. But I wasn't gonna let her win damn it.
"Yep," I said simply. Momma chuckled as she snapped green beans to go with dinner. Again Alice raised an eyebrow at me, this time clearly saying 'oh really?'
She looked back at Jordy, a wide smile on her face, "Well since it looks like I'm staying in the guest room, you wanna play dress up after dinner?" I rolled my eyes at her.
Like hell you are, I thought.
"Oh! Or we can have a tea party!" Jordy giggled as she turned in her seat to look at me. "Daddy, do you want to play tea party too?"
Momma snorted again as Alice grinned, her eyes darting from my daughter to me. "Yes it would be fun!"
"Uhh... no thanks baby girl," I kissed the top of her head. "I think maybe Coco and I will be going to bed early." This time I raised an eyebrow at Alice. Only fair I get to sleep with the great cuddle puppy right?
"No Coco sleeps with me," Alice said simply, smirking at me. Damn woman knew she won.
"Coco?" Jordan asked. Damn, I had totally forgotten we hadn't introduced Coco to her yet.
"Yes pumpkin, daddy and Alice are puppy parents. Coco is taking a nap but I'm sure once she's awake your momma... erm, Coco's momma will take you to meet her." Momma quickly looked at me and Alice giving us an apologetic look.
Alice shrugged and gave momma a small smile as I chewed on my lip. "She's adorable. Your daddy got her for me just before the last time he was down here." Alice explained to Jordy.
"Aww… Puppy!" Jordy said happily as she clapped. Alice laughed and nodded, apparently agreeing with Jordan's enthusiasm.
I stood there watching as the girls talked a little more about Coco and whether or not Coco was her sister. Alice was a natural with Jordan. Granted there were times when I could tell she was unsure whether or not I wanted to do it. But honestly, watching the smile Jordan puts on Alice's face as well as excitement Alice seems to give Jordan, it makes me wonder if we could have this. If Alice and I could really be more than just 'Us'? I smiled as I thought about the possibility of me and her being a family with Jordy.
The sound of Jordan's laugh brought me back to the current conversation. "Jordan, are you done with your homework?" "Daddy! I hate math!" she whined as she folded her arms on the table. Momma tapped me on the shoulder making me look at her. She smiled and nodded while mouthing 'good job'. I smiled back at her and nodded my head in thanks.
Alice reached over and rubbed Jordy's back soothingly, "I love math."
"Really?"
Alice nodded and smiled, "Really, it's what makes me smarter than the boys." I smiled and decided to sit at the breakfast bar where I could see them both. "And it's always good to be a smart girl."
Jordan smiled, "And your clothes cause they're really pretty." I grinned as she blushed. I think it was safe to say my daughter really liked Alice.
It was Alice's turn to blush. "Aww thanks. You're just pretty in general." She smiled at she tapped Jordy on the nose. Jordy giggled as she wrinkled her nose.
"Will you help me with my math?"
"Of course..." Alice trailed off looking at me, clearly making sure it was okay. I nodded and smiled at her. Better she helps her then me. I hated math growing up.
I watched as Alice leaned over to look at the papers Jordan had spread on the table. She went on to explain simple ways to remember the times tables. Jordan hung on to her every word. I think Jordan was fibbin' when she said she was bad at math because she was answering all of Alice's questions without any problem at all. I had to keep myself from laughing at the way Jordan would swing her feet and wiggle in her seat when she got an answer right.
"And we're done." Alice said, making me look up from the batch of potatoes Momma made me peel. Her eyes met mine as she smirked, "you catch any of that cowboy?"
"Oh hardy har Ali, hardy har."
"Daddy's smart just not with school stuff." I chuckled as I shook my head at my five year old standing up for me.
"I know angel," Alice smiled at Jordan, "com'on, you wanna help me help with dinner?"
"Yes ma'am!" Jordy said excitedly as she jumped from her chair grabbing Alice's hand. "Let's go!" She said as she started to drag Alice behind her.
"Calm down little one," I laughed.
Alice grinned at me then asked Jordy, "What are we making?"
"Umm..." she shrugged chewing on her upper lip.
Well shit, she is like me.
"Nana what's for dinner?"
"Cornish hens, apple stuffing, snap beans and potatoes." Momma said as she pulled the hens from the fridge.
"Hmmm, we could make the stuffing?" Alice suggested to Jordy, who nodded in agreement.
Suddenly Jordy's eyebrows knitted together as her nose wrinkled, "Nana, do I like hen?" She asked the confusion clear in her voice. I couldn't help it as the laughter escaped my chest. Momma chuckled.
"Yes Jordan, those are the Jordan sized chickens." She explained while cleaning one off.
"I call them mini chickens, coz that's what they are," Alice offered.
"Oh I like that better!" Jordan smiled happily at Alice. Alice returned her smile before giving Momma an apologetic look. I could tell by the smile on Momma's face there was nothing to be sorry for.
"Okay so you girls are gonna do the stuffing, yes?" Momma laughed trying to get the attention back on dinner. Both Alice and Jordan nodded. Dropping Alice's hand, Jordy came over to me and took my hands in hers to pull me out of my chair. I played along and got up.
"Okay Daddy, we all love you but this is a girl's only thing." She explained as she went behind me, pushing me out of the kitchen. "So scoot!" I laughed as how much she sounded like Momma.
"Oh, I see when I'm not wanted." I teased.
"Really?" Alice asked.
"Jordan wait, let me say good bye Ali first." She huffed as she crossed her arms over her chest.
"She's gonna be with me and Nana," she pouted. "You can't hog her the whole time daddy! That's not fair."
"Just one goodbye kiss?" It was almost laughable, I was pleading with my five year old on this.
Jordan tapped her chin like she was thinking about it. "Okay, only cause Mommy's and Daddy's should kiss every time they leave each other," she grinned before running off to help Momma.
I looked over at Alice who was just smiling at me. "Well," I said as I reached out for her hand and pulling her to me. "I agree you know, Mommy's and Daddy's really should kiss when they leave," I smirked at her. "After all, what would Coco think?"
She wrapped her arms around my waist. "I dunno, you do have cooties after all," She whispered.
"Well, you've already been infected Ms. Cullen, and I'm sorry the effects are irreversible." I whispered back as I cupped her cheek in my hand. It was like one of those kisses you see in the movies were everything around the couple is moving at an incredible rate, but the couple themselves are moving so achingly slow and you want nothing more than for their lips to touch, because even for you, the viewer, the distance is too much to handle.
I honestly think Alice was craving my touch as much as I wanted hers, because the moment our lips touched, I felt her instantly relax and melt into my arms, as she sighed into the kiss.
When I finally broke from her lips, I placed my forehead to hers. "Don't let the munchkin walk all over you and relax okay?"
She nodded, "Okay." She brushed her lips to mine again making me smile. I needed to take her to my spot tonight.
I gently rubbed her tummy, knowing how queasy she was feeling earlier. "And if you feel better, I wanna take you some where tonight okay?"
I watched her reaction as she put her hand on mine and her green eyes danced in excitement. "Okay... where?"
I grinned at her while shaking my head, "It's a surprise," I gave her another quick kiss. "Have fun with the girls, baby."
"Okay I will," she said nervously as we parted.
------------
"Jasper Thomas! Come set the table young man!" Momma hollered from the kitchen. I turned the off the TV and set Coco down on the couch.
"Comin'," I called back. As soon as I got to the kitchen Momma handed me the plates and silverware. I caught a glimpse of my girls. Jordy was sitting on the counter as Alice stood in front, the two of them playing some silly hand game.
I turned to the dining room, setting out the things as I knew Momma wanted them. Shortly after the girls came out and Jordy made sure to let everyone know that she had to sit next to Alice. Finally the food was out and everyone was sitting down. Momma suggested Alice sit in her usual spot at the head of the table so she could sit next to Jordy and me. I grinned at how smart Momma was. "I've been in love before baby boy, I know that look." Momma said softly so only I could hear.
Dinner was great and very entertaining when Jordan made a comment about how she thinks all food should be mini sized so she can eat one of each. Then the conversation changed. "So Alice, I heard you're from Forks?" Momma asked as she took a sip of her wine.
Alice nodded. "Yes ma'am. Well, I was actually born in Biloxi, but moved to Forks before I turned a year old..." she trailed off. I smiled; I knew she was rambling because she was nervous.
Momma smiled, "So then you must have known my brother Charlie?" She shook her head and I noticed Jordy chew on her lip. "Such a shame this world lost him." Momma added softly.
"Well everyone in Forks knew him, but I didn't know him personally. Ed did because of Bella, but I kept my head down for the most part." Alice said shrugging, "and it was a shame I agree, he was a good man, from everything I hear." She looked over at me and smiled. I felt my smile widen at her.
Momma nodded and smiled, "That's right I forgot our Bella has been in love with your brother since she first saw him at the store with Charlie. So I imagine that you were at the funeral as well?"
"Yeah, I was," Alice's eyes flickered towards me as she blushed. I looked over at to Jordan who looked like she was watching the most fascinating show. She looked up and smiled, so winked at her.
"Well," Momma started. I looked over to see her gaze flicker to me and Alice. "Strange, surely I would have remembered such a beauty as you."
"Momma," I must have said it harsher then I meant because Jordy's eye got wide at me.
Alice shook her head. "I wasn't that pretty. I'm kind of an ugly duckling. I was an adorable kid, but puberty hit and" she wrinkled her nose, "Bam!" She shrugged.
Momma chuckled, "Yes, puberty can be cruel. Surely Jasper saw you there? He seems to only have eyes for you." She looked at me in question.
Damn it here we go. I looked down at my plate before answering. "Yes ma'am she was there and I saw her."
"Oh my word, I did see you there! I remember now." I could see Momma shake her head out of the corner of my eye. "If you don't mind me prodding, what did my son say to you to make you so upset?"
"Well, I told him everything would be okay and he told me that no one asked for my opinion and proceeded to call me the equivalent of an ugly runt..." Alice trailed off.
Automatically, I slouched down in my chair as I chewed on my upper lip. Jordy cocked her head to the side looking at me. I wondered what was going through her head at this moment as she sat listening to how I was a dick to a pretty girl. I remembered the funeral clearer now. I never said she was ugly. I do remember saying that I didn't ask for the sympathy or advice from a runt though.
"More proof that when it comes to you two there's no doubt fate's involved."
Momma said as if it was the most obvious thing in the world. I glanced over at Alice who had tilted her head in question at Momma. "What's fate?" Jordan asked softly.
"Well, you see pumpkin. All your daddy's life, when important things have made him sad, Alice was always there to make him feel better," I watched as Momma smiled Alice, earning a blush in return. "Even when he was a complete butt head to her."
"I never…" I started to protest but once again snapped my trap shut when Momma gave a look that was lethal.
"Nana, we don't call people that." Jordy scolded, earning a chuckle from the group. She looked at Alice, "You knew my Daddy since he was kid too?"
Alice nodded, "I did. He was a grumpy boy."
Jordan giggled and looked over at me. "He don't like the mornings either," she informed Alice as she wrinkled her nose. I laughed at the workings of my child's thoughts.
"Did you know Alice was your daddy's first kiss?" Momma asked Jordy as she pointed from me to Alice with her fork.
"Really?" Jordy's eyes got wider as she smiled and moved closer to the edge of her chair.
Alice gave her a quick smile, "he was mine too." Even though I knew that fact, I still felt myself get shy about it as I smiled as well.
"That really was the cutest thing ever." Momma laughed, reminding me that she had a picture of us from back then. "I bet you're glad we made you go to Corpus Christi with us now aren't ya." Momma asked as she playfully shoved me.
"Yes ma'am."
"I wasn't gonna kiss him, he turned his head." I looked over at Alice who was now blushing more. Jordy made a girly squealing noise.
"Well you kept talkin' and Momma said 'you look at who you're talkin' too', so I looked."
She raised her eyebrow at me, "I had been talking a long time and you picked that moment to look?" I was about to answer her, but Jordy's clapping interrupted me.
"So this means you're gonna get married right?" Jordan asked as her speech got faster. "Oh daddy, you have marry Alice! Cause lookie, you guys were meant to be together like Nana said!" She grinned causing Momma to grin as well.
"Whoa princess, it's not that easy baby girl," I said chuckling. I looked over at Alice who was once again staring at her plate in shock.
"Oh, sorry," Jordan said softly as she hung her head down.
"No, don't be sorry baby girl. Alice and I just have some things we gotta work out before we can think about that." I explained and Alice nodded. Whether she agreed with me or not was another question, for all I knew she didn't want that.
I watched as she reached over and rubbed Jordy's back, making Jordy smile at her. I reached for Alice's hand under the table, her fingers immediately intertwining with mine.
"Well," Momma said looking at Jordy. "I think it's time for a certain cowgirl to get in the bath." She turned her attention to Alice, "Don't worry about your dishes dear, Jazz will take care of it"
"I'll help him. We get a rhythm going whenever we do them at my place." Alice smiled at her, waving to Jordan as she left to get in the tub. I bit my tongue to keep from laughing at Alice's statement.
Momma returned her smile, "Well how can I to say no to free help?" she teased then turned her attention to me. "Be nice or I'll get the switch." She warned.
Instinctively I flinched a little but groaned. "Momma, I'm a grown man."
"Then act like one," she said simply as she went after Jordy.
Alice started collecting the plates, "So we have to talk before we get married huh?" she said conversationally.
Oh shit...
"I... um... yeah?" I stammered. Alice just shook her head as she went into the kitchen. I went in after her grabbing the towel to dry. "Sorry," I said shrugging, "don't really know how to approach her questions like that." I scowled at the plate she handed me to dry. "But Momma messed with my 'boys have cooties until your thirty thing'," I grumbled.
Alice laughed, "Yeah she did. Gebus I swore I was gonna die from cooties when..." she smiled and laughed. "Thankfully Double D gave me the cootie shot," she laughed again.
"Hey now!" I protested. She kissed my cheek and smiled.
"See that's all I was gonna do when I was five, oh and I even told you I was gonna give you a kiss to make you feel better and you just so happened to turn then?" She raised her eyebrow at me as I put away the last dish.
"Yeah, cause at eight, I thought you meant a kiss like Peter Pan. So I was wondering where the hell you hid the thimble." I admitted, feeling my cheeks heat up.
She blushed as well, "Aww that's kinda cute and naive of you." She teased nudging me.
"Yeah, yeah, I was a dumb kid; it wasn't until I lost Charlie that I realized life wasn't a fairy tale." I turned to face her. "I really didn't mean to imply that you were ugly, because you weren't. Shit even ask Rose, she beat the shit out of me that night cause I got into the liquor and well" I shrugged, not really sure I wanted to get into this tonight. "Never mind."
Her eyebrows furrowed, "Tell me yours and I tell you mine?" she offered.
I scrubbed my palms over my face, "Alright," I leaned against the counter. "So before you came up to talk to me, like I told you, I wanted it to be me in there. Momma had already lost my father, life with daddy Hale wasn't picture perfect and essentially she was raising me and Rose on her own. Now she had to take care of Bella who, well if you ever met Charlie," I smiled at the memory of Charlie. "She's his 'mini me'. Well I may have acted like a complete ass before the service. Basically telling my mother she shouldn't care about me cause I was nothing." I shrugged, "Every man I ever got attached to left... well I can't really say that cause my father left before I was born. So when you approached me, I remember watching you walk over to me and a voice in my head that sounded an awful lot like Charlie told me not to push you away. But the immature jackass in me won out, thinking 'why should it matter? She doesn't know me'." I shrugged feeling like, if anything, I could lose her after this admission.
"Well, when I told you to leave, that wasn't me... and I know that's a dumb ass thing to say. But it's true. Rose saw the whole thing go down, so after the service and me crying in the fucking cruiser while everyone was at the memorial. I went for Charlie's liquor. I got cornered by Rose, who started to guilt me about my behavior and how the whole town is there because they loved Charlie. Then she went on about how if Charlie was there he'd go help find the missing girl then he'd kick my ass for being a prick. I told her to fuck off. She told me to stop being a dick and think about others for a change. When I asked her why it mattered, why a complete stranger felt the need to cheer me up. She punched me in the jaw."
I chuckled slightly at the memory of Rose hitting me hard enough to bust a tooth, "She hits harder then Ed you know?"
Alice laughed slightly and shrugged, "That's coz Ed hits like a girl. Well, not really like a girl... like Ed?" I laughed.
I watched as Alice leaned against the counter across from me, she chewed her lip. "You know how I said I scared my family a lot growing up?" I nodded. "The funeral was really the first time." She wrung her hands together, "I was missing for 25 hours. My parents and Ed blamed Ed for not following me into the woods, but I understand he wanted to say bye to Bella, it broke his heart when she left, he used to be a nice funny guy, but I think like the whole Bella thing made him shut down." She shrugged. "That's not really here nor there though."
"Jesus, no wonder he fucking hates me," I muttered running my hand through my hair, tugging on it some.
She pulled herself up onto the counter, "I thought I knew where I was going, I ended up getting lost... and I fell into the river, eventually I found the tree house," she looked up at me. "Which is something Bella and Edward built together, it was their secret place, no ladder up. It's all pretty much climbing the damn thirty foot tree," she chuckled as I smiled. "How Bella made it up there is beyond me. Anyway, I found the tree house and eventually Ed thought to look for me there." She shrugged.
"And like I said before, Ed didn't blame you...well, maybe a little, but mainly he blamed himself." Well he has a right to blame me. I made you run away, and then five years later get pneumonia.
I moved to stand between her legs, resting my hands on her hips. "I'm so sorry baby... I should have listened to the Charlie voice."
She shrugged, "You wouldn't have Jordy, if you had."
I smiled, that was a good point. "Maybe eventually," I offered. "But like you said, 'it's neither here nor there' cause, we're here now, together... right?"
She started to chew on her lip again as she avoided looking me in the eye. "Did you really think Maria was beautiful? Like you said, you would've had Jordy eventually."
Fuck, I wanted to back up away from her so she couldn't slap me for being honest with her. I think she could smell my fear or something cause no sooner than I had that thought, she wrapped her legs around my waist. Effectively pulling me closer to her and locking me in place.
"I mean like more beautiful..." she trailed off chewing her lip.
"More beautiful than you are?" I shook my head, "not a chance in hell. You know what actually drew me to her? The fact she had long black hair." I gave her a smile as I shrugged, "and at that point in my life I really didn't care anymore. I just wanted to be with someone cause I was tired of everyone leaving.
She placed her head on my shoulder, her hair tickling my neck. "I can understand that."
I wrapped my arms around her waist as she wrapped hers around my shoulders. "I never loved her either." I told her honestly. "I think with her, it was a matter of convenience. I wanted a connection and she wanted money. Granted I didn't start noticing that until it was too late. And as much as I regret my past, I can't regret Jordan... I just wish..." I stopped myself before I said too much.
"Yeah," she said softly.
-------
"Daddy!!!!" I heard Jordan yell from her room. I could hear Alice giggling with her.
I poked my head into the room. "You called Princess?"
"Can you sing the Teddy Bear song instead of reading tonight? Please Daddy?" her big green-blue eye getting impossibly bigger.
I nodded. "But I don't have my guitar baby girl."
"So?" she sat down in front of Alice giving her the hair brush. Alice looked over at me and smiled as she started brushing Jordy's hair.
"Give me a minute." I said, getting up to go to my room. I lied, I have a guitar. I always kept one here. I came back into the room and was greeted by clapping and cheering when the girls saw I did in fact have one.
I started to sing the song about how a man is mister tough guy until he sees his kid and how his kid can turn him into a six foot teddy bear. By the time I got to the chorus for the second time Alice had finished braiding Jordy's hair and the two of them were dancing and singing along.
"and I'm a six foot teddy bear
youngins runnin' everywhere "honey do" ,
"daddy please" huggin and kissin me
more than enough to make any grown man melt
barbie doll, bubble bath
wearing mickey mouse's hat
saying prayers, singing songs
sponge bob marathon and on and on
and when they get done with me
oh anyone could see standin' there is a six foot teddy bear"
"oh, another tea party read yeah tuck em into bed" I ended the song there. "Bed time missy, you can play with Alice more tomorrow." Jordan nodded. She turned and hugged Alice.
"Thank you for the Cinderella jammies. She's my favorite," Jordy smiled at her.
"You're very welcome. She was my favorite when I was your age too." Alice smiled at her. I pulled back the covers as Jordy crawled in.
"Good night baby girl, I'll see you in the morning." I kissed her forehead.
She snorted. "But you hate the morning daddy."
"I do," I laughed. "But if I get to see you and Alice and Nana it's worth it." I gave her another kiss. "Love you princess."
"Love you too Daddy!" She held her arms out to Alice. "You're turn" she smiled at her. Alice gave her a hug and a kiss on the forehead telling her goodnight. "Love you Alice!" Jordy called out as we were leaving the room.
"Night princess," Alice smiled at her.
"Sleep Jordan," I said firmly before leading Alice out, knowing that was gonna set off another round of questions. I could hear Jordan huff and toss her arms on her bed as I turned the light off. Alice heard it too 'cause she giggled softly.
---
Luckily, Alice had ridden a horse before so she knew the basics. Not like I was worried, I was just thankful she was brave enough to go on a midnight ride. Twilight seemed to have taken to Alice right away. She had no hesitation with her, which made me smile. Twilight was still hesitant around Momma for crying out loud. We reached the clearing in the pasture where the stars shone the brightest in my opinion, I heard Alice's breathing hitch when she looked around. I still didn't speak I was just enjoying the quiet. I brought Twilight to a stop in the middle of the clearing, slowly dismounting. "So I've always wanted to do something here," I explained as I helped Alice down from the saddle. "As corny as it may sound, I've always wanted to dance under the stars with someone that... is important to me."
"So, if you've always wanted to bring someone important to you here, why'd you bring me?" She teased.
I just looked at her, was she crazy? "Well, I brought you 'cause you are important to me." I smirked, "And well, you have to admit, we do move well together."
She nodded, "We do..." she moved closer to me, wrapping her arms around my neck. "What are we dancing to tonight?"
"A song," She rolled her eyes.
"Okay same deal as last time. No laughing at me okay?"
"I love your voice, but I promise I won't laugh." Her voice was honest as her fingers played with the curls at the base of my neck. I took a deep breath and Alice just smiled at me. I started to sing Tracy Byrd's song Keeper of the Stars to her. I was so nervous, I couldn't look at her. I wanted to kick myself in the ass because apparently I could sing her one of the most romantic songs in country music, a song about being in love and being thankful for having the chance to love the person. But yet, I couldn't form the words to tell her myself. It was like something inside me kept it tied up. I felt Alice's cool hand touch my face bringing my eyes to hers. She looked absolutely angelic under the pale light of the moon as we danced.
"Soft moonlight on your face oh how you shine
It takes my breath away
Just to look into your eyes
I know I don't deserve a treasure like you
There really are no words
To show my gratitude
So I tip my hat to the keeper of the stars
He sure knew what he was doin'
When he joined these two hearts
I hold everything
When I hold you in my arms
I've got all I'll ever need
Thanks to the keeper of the stars
It was no accident me finding you
Someone had a hand in it
Long before we ever knew" At the end of the song, she pulled me down to kiss her. I felt a tear fall from her eyes.
I love you Alice, always.
-----
The last couple of days had been nice. Alice and Momma were preparing the house for Rose, Emmett and Bella's arrival, as well as the fourth of July camp out we were gonna do in Corpus Christi. I decided to spend the day working on the blasted ranch truck. "Fucking Fords," I growled while wiping my forehead, only to realize I had grease on my hand. Perfect. I climbed up on to the engine block, removing the spark plug wires and distributer cap, figuring I might as well replace it all while I'm at it. I was vaguely paying attention to the radio until I heard the familiar opening chords to the Brooks & Dunn song My Maria. "Fuck that shit!" I spat out as I jumped out from under the hood. I quickly snapped the radio station to something else.
I laughed when I heard the lyrics to 3oh!3's song, Don't trust me. I remembered Kelci saying that this song was so Maria, 'because she's a ho', was Kelci's explanation. I climbed back onto the engine, grooving with the music.
"So is that punta in your band, the ho you shouldn't trust?" I gripped the wrench in my hand tighter as I recognized the voice.
"No Maria, the only ho around here is you." I said coolly, climbing out from under the hood. She leaned against the truck, folding her arms across her chest. "I didn't hear you pull up? Did you sprout out from the pits of hell?"
"Wow, you demand a DNA test and you suddenly get balls." She sneered.
"What are you doing here?"
"Same thing you are. To see my daughter."
"Really," I laughed, "last time I fucking heard, you were more interested in getting blow while blowing Laurent." I spat at her pushing her out of my way.
"You're just fucking jealous that it wasn't you."
I laughed, "Well, let me think, in order for me to be jealous of you working like the Hoover vacuum cleaner on someone else it would mean I actually would want that. And well shit, you know what sweetheart?" I turned my head to look at her and she gave me a satisfied smirk. "I think, not letting you blow me was the best fucking decision I ever made!" Her face fell and she started to cuss me out in Spanish. I just held my left hand up, mimicking a sock puppet as she kept going on and fucking on. "Jesus fucking Christ! What the fuck are you doing here Maria?" I yelled, having enough.
"I told you to see my mija."
"Really? Did you clear it with the court first?" I already knew the answer because the court appointed supervisors would be here if she had.
"How the fuck do you get to see her without a fucking nanny?" She spat pushing me. "Oh let me guess, you cried to your mom like the fucking momma's boy you are."
I straightened myself up and glared at her. "No, I contacted the courts. I filled out necessary paper work that would allow me to stay in my own fucking home with my own fucking family while I am working." I stepped closer to her. "I, unlike some whores around here, follow the fucking rules and do the shit that needs to be done." I seethed at her. She slapped me, making me laugh as I grabbed her wrist. "Don't you ever lay a fucking hand on me again Maria."
"I'm not a fucking whore! GET YOUR HANDS OFF OF ME!" she screamed. I dropped her hand and started to walk away, but was stopped when she hit me in the head.
I turned laughing at her. "Was that supposed to hurt Maria?" I raised my voice, "You think that's gonna fucking hurt?! How about five years of not knowing whether or not your fucking kid is breathing because you have no idea if her mother was sober enough to take care of her? Or how about having to hear from everyone else about the mysterious bruises and fucking broken bones she gets when she is in her mother's care?" She backed up against the truck. I heard the screen door on the house slam, but ignored it.
"I don't like the person you've become Jasper." she tried to play the scared card with me. "I think that bitch has changed you and I don't like it."
I lifted my hand to smack her, but stopped short by Momma yelling, "Jasper Thomas Whitlock she is not worth the energy!"
Maria stood there glaring at me as I lowered my hand. "Well it's good to know your whore hasn't stopped you from being a momma's boy." She said smugly.
"Wow, is that best you got? Insulting my girlfriend because she is more of a woman then you'll ever be?"
"Right," I watched as she looked over at the porch. "Like that little bitch can do what I can." I knew what she was doing. I wasn't going to give her the fucking satisfaction talking about Alice like that.
"Your right she doesn't do the shit you do. She doesn't fucking whore her shit around when she claims to care. She's fucking there for me, more than you ever were." I clenched my jaw.
"I think you best be leavin' Maria Salas." Momma called out.
Maria rolled her eyes. "This is not over asshole." She spat at me.
"You're right," I spat back, "it's not, at least not until Jordan is in my custody and Alice and I are caring for her and loving her like she fucking deserves." I turned from her to see Alice coming down the stairs.
"Yeah and what are you going to do when that little home wrecking slut takes you for every fucking thing you have and then gets bored with you?"
I spun around. "Leave," I snarled making her smirk.
"Aww, does poor little Jazzy not know if his girl is really his?"
"Maria, leave."
"Why are you even wasting your time with her? She nothing! She's just using you to get the fame you've been making for the band. If anything she's just a fucking bitch with no class. White fucking trash." She sneered. I went to take a step towards her, but was pulled to a stop. I looked to my left to see Alice holding my arm.
How the fuck did she get here so fast?
"Don't you have a paying client to see, Coño?" Alice smiled sweetly as she wrapped her arms around me. I know my eyes bugged out of my head when I heard Alice slip that word at Maria. And judging by Maria's reaction, she wasn't expecting it either.
"Hijo de una perra, Le odio!" Maria shouted at me as she spun on her heels to leave.
"Baby, you do realize you called her a cunt right?" I asked Alice softly.
She nodded, "And she just called you an s.o.b."
Well shit, I guess everyone does know how to swear in Spanish.
