Mail Order Bride

A/N Hey! Sorry for the wait. Lots of stuff to do and never enough time to do it in. Anyway, on to the chapter! Reviews make me happy. You want me to be happy, right?

Chapter 11

Edward was about to respond, when he heard a little voice behind him say, "Poppa?"

Bella smiled at the lovely little girl. Looking between father and daughter, Bella saw the strong family resemblance. Her heart broke.

"Hello, you must be Nessie! I've heard so many wonderful things about you," Bella said brightly. For the little girls sake, she wouldn't cause anymore of a scene. If Edward wanted her gone, then so be it. As much as she loathed the idea of going back home, she neither would stay in a place where she certainly wasn't wanted. All she needed to do was leave with as little fuss as possible.

"Yes. Who are you? You're very pretty," Nessie replied shyly, peeking from behind her father's pant leg.

Nessie stared at the pretty lady in front of her. She reminded her of her mommy. Mommy had blonde hair, though. This lady had beautiful brown hair. Nessie wanted to stroke it. Unconsciously, she reached a hand up to her own shorn hair. At least Daddy wasn't mad anymore.

"My name is Bella. You're very pretty as well," Bella told the little girl softly. She could already feel her heart reaching out to this sad looking child. Glancing at her father, Bella realized she needed to tamp those feelings down. It would do no good to get attached now. She wouldn't be staying much longer, anyway.

Edward watched the exchange between his daughter and Bella. Nessie never talked to strangers, and yet, she had opened right up and started talking to Bella. He was awed by how gently Bella had seemed to draw Nessie out, even from only a couple sentences. In that brief moment, he saw the little girl that was here, before she lost her mother.

Was he being too hasty, trying to send Bella away?

Bella glanced at Alice before facing Edward again.

"I will not need compensation. Thank you for meeting me and I wish you all the best. Good day, sir."

Bella walked out the door before Edward could react.

Emmett was getting antsy. Bella had been in the house for a good half hour already. How long did it take to meet your new groom?

Jasper could sense Emmett's mood. Even he was starting to get nervous. Bella hadn't come running out of the house crying yet, but Jasper knew it would happen. Edward did not like someone meddling with his life.

Jackson had woken up and was currently walking up and down the sidewalk with Rose. He was complaining rather loudly that he wanted to go inside. Rose hushed him, telling him they would soon.

"Something's not right. I'm going in there," Emmett stated, heading for the front stairs.

Jasper grabbed his arm. "We should just stay out here. When it's time, we'll go in."

Emmett was unconvinced. Staring down Jasper, realization struck. "He didn't even know about her, did he? He had absolutely no idea Bella was even coming."

Jasper hung his head. No point in lying. "No, Edward had no idea. It was all Alice."

"What about my sister? Will he want her?" Emmett snarled. Jasper had the feeling Emmett would rip his head off if he answered wrong.

"Honestly, I don't know. He has been a widower for a year. He's still in love with his wife. The only reason this has gone as far as it has, is because Alice didn't tell him about the advertisement until after she had posted it. He asked her to remove it once he knew, which she did. Bella sent a letter nearly two months after its removal."

"Should we be prepared to return to Seattle?" Rose asked, joining into the conversation.

Jasper deflated a bit. "I think so. I honestly believe Edward will not be pleased with the deception and will probably tell Bella she isn't wanted."

Just then, the front door opened. Bella emerged, looking sad and alone. Jasper's heart reached out to her.

Damn you, Edward! Why did he have to be such a prick?

Bella made her way slowly down the stairs. She smiled at Jasper. "It was so wonderful to meet you. I'm so very sorry we will not have the opportunity to get to know each other better."

Jasper took her hand in his. Kissing her hand, he said, "As am I. I am sorry you came here for nothing. I apologize for Edward's behavior."

"It's quite all right. He was deceived and reacted accordingly. I cannot nor will I hold it against him," Bella said quietly.

"Still…" Jasper started, but Bella stopped him.

"No, I knew this would be too good to be true. I just wanted a new opportunity so much. Unfortunately, this was not it. We will find our own way back to the train station. Thank you again for your kindness. And, best wishes to you and Alice on your upcoming wedding. I hope you both are very happy," Bella said, tears threatening.

Jasper did something he rarely did. He pulled Bella into a hug. Whispering for her ears alone, Jasper said, "Someday you will have that as well. I just know it."

Bella pulled away, nodding. Her tears started falling. Jasper's heart broke for her.

Emmett pulled Bella against him. He was angry, but wouldn't show it to his little sister. He nodded at Jasper, and the family began their trek back toward the train station.

Jackson was strangely silent. He could tell that something was wrong with the adults. Rose and Emmett walked quietly as well. Emmett still had his arm around Bella. She was staring straight ahead, her surroundings a blur.

It took her a moment to realize someone was calling her name.

"Miss Swan? Miss Swan? Please! Stop, Miss Swan!"

Halting her steps, she turned around and was shocked to see Edward racing toward them.

What more could he possibly have to say?

A/N here's the end of this chapter. I know it is short and I apologize. I am having problems still with my computer and am trying to get these out as fast as I can. I am also working on my other fanfic and am trying to get caught up on that as well. So if I don't update for a few weeks, I'm sorry.

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