A/N: STILL DON'T OWN TWILIGHT, BUT I DO OWN TWO SONIC SCREWDRIVERS. ANYWAY THANK FOR READING AND YOUR REVIEW. THEY MAKE MY DAY. HOPE YOU'RE STILL ENJOYING THIS LITTLE STORY OF MINE.
"Our plane lands at noon tomorrow." My sister voice said over the phone. "Are you picking us up or is papa?"
"Papa bought something at the auction yesterday; I have to go pick it up." I responded. "I should be back by the time to you guys get to the ranch."
"Okay, Bella is going to be disappointed. She's missed you."
"I know. She tells me every time I call." I said placing some clean sheets on one of the guest rooms.
"Is that why you texted her instead of calling." Her voice had a bit of a bite to it.
"Rose stop, it's only been a couple months."
"So you're still not going to tell her." Now she sounded exhausted.
"No, I have to stay here for a few months. It wouldn't be fair to her to ask her out then make her wait another four months before she saw me again." I pinched the bridge of my nose. "That's really the only reason, I promise."
"Yeah sure." She said, I could tell she was rolling her eyes.
"Serious, Rose I'm going to ask her to the winter formal and tell her how much I love her." I came up with this plan awhile back. I can just imagine her all dressed and saying she loved me to.
"Really, Jas?"
"Yeah, now get off the phone so I can finish getting your rooms together." She said good-bye and hung up.
"Mr. Jasper what do you think you're doing." Maria our housekeeper yelled as she took the rest of the sheets from me.
"I was just getting the rooms ready for company tomorrow."
"No no no , Mr. Jasper that is my job. You go to the kitchen and get something to eat okay?" She pushed me out of the room.
I walked down to the kitchen and grabbed some of the stew on the stove. I felt my phone vibrate and smiled at the message from Bella. She had just said she can't wait till tomorrow. I texted back me neither and put my phone up. I climbed up the stairs to my room. I heard papa coughing in the room. He was sick. He wouldn't admit it but I knew.
The next morning I woke to a knocking on my door.
"Jasper you need to get a move on." Papa said outside my door.
I groaned and pushed the covers off me. I put on some jeans and a pearl snap shirt. I tugged on my boot and went down stairs.
"Okay I need you to take the horse trailer, I may have bought Bella a horse of her own for while she is down here." Papa said as he sipped his coffee. I groaned and smiled at him."So you name it or let her name it."
"You bought her a horse!" I said spitting some coffee out. "Papa, really a horse?"
"What? She's going to be part of our family one way or the other, I just want her comfortable here. Well I'm off to the airport, got quite a drive ahead of me." he picked finished his cup of coffee and headed out the door. I sat in the kitchen and finished breakfast then Maria shooed me out of the kitchen. I grabbed my hat and headed to the stable.
I took my horse out and made the rounds near the property talking to the cowhands about what was going on today with the steers. It was all good news so I headed back up to the house to check the ranch emails. There were a few papa needed to check out and some that I could handle. Mostly things like hay order for the stables and a couple local farms asking if we had a bull available to stud. After finishing the emails and calling the people I needed to I went and hitched up the horse trailer. My phone went off with a text message. It was Bella telling me they just landed and only three hours till they were there.
"Mr. Jasper you need to get going" Maria said rushing out of the house.
"I know I'm just leaving." Making sure everything was secure I got into my truck and took the forty minute drive to the farm he bought the horse from. I got out of my truck and the owner of the farm was waiting for me. I took my hat off and shook his hand
"Jack sent you for the mare?" He asked smiling pretty big.
"Yeah, I'm Jasper sir."
"I should have guessed, you look just like your daddy boy. I've known your family since forever. Last time I saw you, you were about knee high to a cricket. Anyway one of my boys should be bringing old girl around."
"Thank you, how old is she?" I asked hoping papa didn't buy her an old nag.
"She's about six years old; we just call her old girl because she's so gentle. One of the best horses I had." He beamed at me. "Hate to let her go but Jack can be very persuasive when he wants something."
"I'm confused; he told me he bought it at an auction." I said probably with a puzzled look. He started laughing and patted my back.
"No son, he called me yesterday telling me to find him the prettiest and sweetest horse I had. Said he needed it for his future grand-daughter. I've learned that when Jack says he wants something you better do it."
"Oh, okay." I said slightly stunned. I heard the hoof beats come around the corner. She was a beautiful cream Morgan. I went to inspect her.
"She what about ,fifth teen hands?" I said running my hand down her neck then her legs.
"Just shy of fifth teen." He said coming to other side and making her lift hoof so I could check the knee joints. I checked her gait, it was a little on the large side but it shouldn't be too bad.
"She's a beautiful mare, a morgan right?" I said running my hands though her mane.
"You know your breeds' young man, we have a fox trotter but I thought old girl would be perfect for a young lady. You going to rename her son?" He said pulling out some paper work.
"Astrid Perth." I said, her light yellow hair and crème colored skin make me think of the failed heroine.
"That's a little different, Astrid hmm I like it I think it fits her. Might take her a couple day to adjust but she shouldn't give you any problems." He said filling out something then handed me the forms. I signed them and they lead her to the trailer.
"Thank you, she's a beautiful horse." I shook his hand and putting my hat back on.
I got into the truck. I had about fifty minutes till everyone should be at the house. I drove a little slower; I finally reached the house and drove the truck to the stables. One of the cow hands was putting his gear up and helped me get Astrid off the trailer and into a stall. I knew I was running late so I decided to leave my truck at the stables so I could undo the trailer later. I was walking up to the house and I saw Bella and my sister coming out the front door. Bella started running towards me and launched herself into my arms. I caught her and spun around a few times.
"I missed you so much, it so beautiful here." She said giving me a big hug then started staring at me. A small blushed flashed across cheek. Was Bella checking me out, I smiled a little.
"Let's get you out of this heat darlin. You look a little flush" She smiled and hooked her arm into mine. We walked up to the house.
"What have you been up Jas." She asked as she leaned against my shoulder.
"Just been learning how to run the ranch, I'm pretty good at too. Papa already has me doing things on my own. " She smiled up at me but there was a sadness in her eyes.
"So you're staying forever?" She asked looking back at the ground.
"Actually no, I'm going to stay for the breeding season and a couple weeks after our winter auction then I'll be home." Hoping that would make her smile again. It did and she bounced up and kissed my cheek.
"Really, promise?"
"Yeah should be back in Washington a couple weeks before Christmas." I opened the front door for her and helped her in.
"There they are." Rose said as she gave me a giant hug, Bella went and sat next to papa and his chess board.
"Is it my turn papa Jack?" She said as she touched a chess piece. He smiled and nodded.
"Here you go my little my little ones." Maria said as she brought a tray of sweet tea out for us.
"Thank you Maria, have you met Bella and Emmett?" Gesturing towards them, she just smiled at me.
"Yes, , ella es muy Hermosa" she paused and looked Emmett over."que es un oso."
Rose and I started laughing, Maria taught us a little Spanish but she rarely used it. Bella and Emmett looked at us in confusion. Maria laughed and let us know dinner would be ready at seven.
"What did she say?" Emmett asked picking up a glass of tea.
"She called you a bear son." Papa said as he focused on his next move. Emmett laughed a little and sat back down on the couch next to Rose.
Bella picked up to glasses of tea and went back to the table, handing papa the other glass.
"Why thank you Darlin, you didn't have to do that." He said taking the glass from her. She smiled and took a sip of her tea. Her face was so adorable as she scrunched her nose up.
"Is there any tea in this?" She examine her glass and sniffed it. I took a sip it tasted great. Maria sweet tea was the best, she always added some peach tea to it to make it a little sweeter.
"Taste fine to me" Rose chirped from the couch.
"It's so sweet how can you drink this and not go into a diabetic coma?" She took another sip and tried to get use to it. I walked up to her bent down so I was I level with her in the chair and took her glass.
"Darlin if you don't like it, I can get something else. Lemonade, some sort of coke. Whatever you want I'll get for you." I said as I looked her in the eyes and held her hands.
"Its fine, really I just wasn't expecting it to be that sweet, your mom doesn't make tea like this." She said looking at the ground.
"That's because once you've had Maria tea, no other tea will do." Papa said smiling at us.
"Okay, well if you change your mind you let me know." I said as I straighten up and sat back down in the recliner by the chess table. I watched them play for a few more mintues, Rose and Emmett were watching T.V. papa looked at me and smiled.
"You know what baby girl, I have some business I have to get done, Why don't we finish this game after dinner." He stood up and nodded to me.
"Why don't the four of you go for a ride and check out the property." He said as he headed upstairs.
"That sounds great, I know where I want to go. Bella come on." Rose stated as she half dragged Bella upstairs. A few minutes later they both came down, Rose had large bag in her arm. I looked at her with a confused look.
"Boys get upstairs and put your swim clothes on, hustle." She said giving me a small smile. She wanted to go to the pond at the far end of the property. It was more like a small lake but it was clean. We spent a lot of time there when we were kids. We raced upstair and I changed as fast as I could, putting on a tee shirt back on instead of my pearl snap shirt. After I got down stairs we walked over to the stables.
"Who is this pretty girl?" Rose said walking over to Astrid. "She's new isn't she." She placed her hand on her nose.
"Yeah went and picked her up this morning, Her name is Astrid Perth." I saw Bella eyes get big and bright. "Papa picked her out for Bella to ride this summer." Bella blushed and looked at the ground.
"He didn't have to do that." She whispered tucking herself into my side. I walked us over to Astrid and took her hand and placed it on Astrid mane.
"It's no problem, we love horses and she's beautiful." I said as I guided Bella hand across the horse. I could feel her trembling.
"I've never been this close to a horse before." She finally whispered out.
"I know, how about you ride with me today?" I said to try to relax her.
Rose and I got our horses saddled. Her horse was an old chestnut colored mustang name Rowdy. She got him when she was ten. He was skittish around most people but always calmed when Rose was there. Found out in the last few months that when she isn't here he is a complete hellion. Mine was black and gray paint, she was sixteen and half hands.
"What's his name?" Bella said from a distance away from my mare. I walked over and grabbed her hand to bring her to the horse.
"Her name is Ciarra." I said as I stroke her mane, trying to get Bella to pet her. She carefully stuck her hand out. Ciarra huffed some air out and picked took a step back. Bella jumped and clung to my arm.
"Easy girl." I whispered as I pulled her back towards us.
"Are we going our not?" Rose asked as she trotted towards us, I was afraid Rowdy was going to buckle under Emmett weight.
"Bella is a little scared." I said putting my arm around her.
"Bells, relax Jasper won't let anything happen to you." Rose said trotting out of the barn. I turned and smiled at her.
"Come on Darlin, I promise you'll have fun." She gave me a nervous smile and nodded. I looked back at Ciarra and realized there was no way Bella could get up there on her own.
"Hold on a sec, okay?" I pulled myself into the saddle and offered Bella my hand. She shook her head.
"Just take my hand and put your right foot in this stir up and I'll help you up." She took a deep breath and took my hand. I helped her up and she made a slight yelping sound as she got on.
"You okay darling, I didn't hurt you did I." I asked as I put my arms around her.
"No it's just a little scary being up this high." She leaned back against my chest. I clicked my tongue and Ciarra started to trot out of the stable.
"How come Bella gets to ride in front?" Emmett whined from behind Rose.
"Because I can see over her." I walked over to Rose, "Lead the way, we'll follow behind Bella is still a little nervous." A mischievous smile crept across her face.
"Hold on bear" She said as she clicked her tongue and pulled Rowdy's reins. They took off running and I could hear Emmett yelling for her to slow down. Bella and I both laughed.
"You're not going to do that are you?" She whispered leaning more into my chest. She was still trembling a little.
"No darling, I won't do that." I clicked my tongue and we trotted towards the lake. She started to relax as we went along.
"You okay with going a little faster?" I asked once she quit shaking.
"Okay, but not too fast please."
I dug my heels into Ciarra sides a little and we picked up the pace slightly. Bella laughed a little as we went along.
"You do this every day?" She asked re adjusting her hands on the horn of the saddle. I tighten my arms around her and put my hands on top of hers. I needed to steer Ciarra to the left.
"Everyday, it's the easiest way to get around." I said leaving my hands were they were. I could smell her hair, I missed the sweet smell. I took a deep breath enjoying its smell. I don't think I'm going to teach her how to ride, just so that I can keep her in my arms all summer.
"Are we almost there?" She said squirming in front of me. I laughed slighty.
"Sorry are you so okay?" I asked slowing Ciarra down. She nodded.
"Okay, here relax your legs, now lean back into me." She leaned back taking the pressure of her hips. "It just up ahead, we can stop if you want."
She shook her head. " It okay."
"When finally got to the pond, Rose and Emmett were already in the water.
"About time you two got here. Get lost or something?" Rose said as I climbed off the horse.
"Not everyone rides like a bat out of hell." Emmett said as he picked up to throw her back into the water.
"Jas, help." Bella said looking at me with scared eyes.
"Carefully swing your leg over." I held Ciarra steady while Bella nervous picked her leg up and moved it over the saddle. I reached up and put my hands on her waist while she put her hands on my shoulders. She slide into my arms and down my body. I held her close to me for a few seconds.
"That wasn't so bad was it?" I pushed a stray lock of hair behind her ear. She blushed and smiled.
"I liked it, just hurt my hips a little. Not uses to something so big." Her blush deepened and she bit her lips. I raised my eyebrows and smiled. She pushed herself out of my arm and went to the edge where Rose had some towels laid out.
"Come her girl," I said to Ciarra rubbing her nose as she nuzzled my head. I lead her next to Randy and tied her reins to a tree. I joined Bella by the towels and she had already taken her shirt off, she had on a green and blue strip bikini top on. I had to force my eyes to the ground and try to recite the alphabet backwards. When I finished I looked up and she was shimmying out of her jeans. The little shorts she had on barely covered her butt. My jeans felt tight, great a boner in front of Bella, this couldn't get more awkward.
"Rose picked it out, she said I need a bathing suit. Does it look okay?" She looked at me turning her body so that I was forced to see everything. I sat down quickly.
"Looks great." I mumbled working on taking my boots off. "Why don't you go join them I'll be a minute." She shrugged and leaned down lowering her cleavage into my eye line. She's trying to kill me, she is trying to kill me I know it. She kissed the top of my head and jogged off to the pond. I took a few deep breaths and willed my erection down. After a few mintues I was able to take my shirt off and took my jeans off.
"So did you like Bella bathing suit?" Rose said swimming towards me, with her most evil grin.
"I hate you." I whispered, splashing her with water.
"Oh my dear brother you haven't even begun to hate me. I got Bella a new summer wardrobe." She cackled and swam off. So it's my sister that's trying to kill me, not Bella. That makes me feel a little better.
"Thank you for inviting me, I'm already having a great time." Bella said as she swam behind me putting her arms around my neck and wrapping her legs around my waist. "Emmett want to play chicken what do you think?"
"Okay" I said dunking myself under water so she could get on my shoulders. When I emerge she let out a small squeal and grabbed my hands. Rose barely reached for her and Bella tumbled backwards taking me with her. I was able to too grab her and get her out of the water.
"Sorry" she mumbled putting her arms around my neck again.
"No problem. Let's not do that again." I said putting my arm around her. She blushed again and swam off. We all swam around for an hour and then wrapped ourselves in the towels that Rose brought.
"We need to head back soon, Maria hates it when we're late." I said as I pulled my clothes back on. Bella put her clothes on and walked over to Ciarra.
"We're going to hang back here for awhile." My sister said with that smile she pulls when she's up to something.
"What am I suppose to say if papa ask where you are?" I asked looking at her with as angry face as I could muster.
"We'll be home in time, but give us a few minutes to ourselves." Rose yelled throwing a shoe at me.
"Fine" I untied Ciarra and climbed up. I helped Bella up and we took off a little faster then I meant to.
"Jas, you think we could slow down." She said putting her hands on top of mine.
"Yeah sorry," I pulled the reins a little, to slow her down. "You okay darling."
"Yeah, just wanted to enjoy the sunset, never seen it with so many colors." She said pointing to the sky.
"I think Texas has some of the prettiest sunsets. I like to watch them every night." We trotted in comfortable silence the whole way back. We got to the stables and I helped her down and she stayed in my arms.
"I missed you so much Jasper." She whispered into my chest. I kissed the top of her head.
"I know darling, I missed you too. Now why don't we go inside and get some dinner." She nodded as she broke our hug. We walked back up to the house holding hands.
A/N: I KNOW IT HAD A LOT OF RANDOM TALK OF HORSES. NOT SURE WHAT HAPPENED THERE. JUST SAW SOME PICTURES OF HORSES AND GOT A LITTLE OBSESSED. AND IF YOU DON'T KNOW WHO ASTRID PERTH IS, I'M SORRY.