Chapter Forty One

Jasper

When we got up the next morning the snow was laying heavily and Grace insisted on a snowball fight before we decorated the tree. I had the advantage being the cold one here but she was a very good aim. Bella spent most of her time flat on her back laughing, my clumsy girl still had two left feet. It was after lunch before we finished the tree and as I came to sit with my girls as they had tea I smelled something that brought back memories of my childhood, warm spiced wine. My mother made it, only at Christmas and we children were allowed a glass each before bed. Seeing my expression Bella smiled and pointed to a small food warmer sitting on the cupboard with a ceramic container of mulled wine simmering in it.

"I thought you might like that."

There was also a huge bowl of crumbled cinnamon and nutmeg with slices of orange, and lemons studded with cloves which added to the scented air.

"Thank you darlin', what did I do to deserve you?"

She smiled and pushed her hair back from her face. I saw a fading bruise just under her chin where I had been a little less careful a few nights back. It made me feel guilty but sensing my unease she turned slowly and winked and I had to laugh. I did a lot of that since Bella and I moved here. She was the sunshine in my life, she brought me to life with every breath she took, every look she gave me. Her face had filled out a little now so she looked more content and less careworn.

Bella

I gave Grace her bath and then Jasper told her a story while I tidied up downstairs but instead of waiting for him downstairs tonight, I went into our room and ran a bath, filling the tub with bubble bath and slipped in to enjoy the warm water. It eased my aching legs and feet and I was almost asleep when Jasper joined me, having an outsize tub was a really good idea!

"You OK Bella? You look tired. you've been doing too much."

"Well I think that's everything sorted now so tomorrow I intend to put my feet up and let my husband pamper me"

"I can pamper you now."

He picked up my foot and started to rub it.

"God that feels good. My feet ache."

"Are you sure you're OK?"

I pulled my foot away and stood up

"I'm fine, come on stud, time for bed."

He grinned as he got out and I wondered how long the grin would last. Drying off I threw on my wrap and went to bed sitting on the edge to wait for him. He came through still naked like a Greek hunting God so sleek and beautiful. Sitting beside me he put his arm around me and pulled me close.

"What's wrong Bella? You're in a strange mood tonight."

"I have to tell you something Jasper, about your Christmas present"

He pulled away to look at me,

"My present?"

"Yes I've had a change of heart about it"

"So what was it going to be?"

"That's not important it's what you're getting now that's important."

"OK what is it now or is it a surprise?"

"Yes its certainly a surprise, but a good one I hope"

"Fair enough, I'll buy it, what?"

"I wasn't sure until today but I did a test, Jasper I'm pregnant again"

He looked at me stunned and I worried about his reaction then his face broke into an almost triumphant smile,

"Really? You sure?"

"Yes I'm sure."

Then he looked suddenly worried,

"What about you? We don't know if you'll be able to carry it without Roses drugs."

"Well I'll give it my best shot. If its meant to be then it will."

"Right, take it easy. Put your feet up. I'll cancel Christmas"

"Whoa cowboy. I'm looking forward to it. Anyway just think of all the help I'll have."

"Do you want to tell the others or keep it a secret for now?"

I put my hand to his cheek.

"I'm proud to be carrying your baby just like I was when I found out last time. I want the whole world to know"

"But if you lose it?"

"Then they'll understand."

He took me in his arms so tenderly I felt like spun glass,

"Bella, how do you keep making me happier every day? We should get married, soon."

"How about a Christmas wedding? Peter or Em could do the honours"

"Don't you want the full works?"

"I have you, what else could I possibly need? I love you Jazz. Anyway we can talk about that later"

He lifted me into bed covering me up then lay beside me holding me close.

"I take it sex is out?"

"Yes Bella, until we know how you're doing with this baby. Which is not to say I can't still demand gratification from my wife"

His grin made me laugh even as I whacked his arm.

The next day I was pampered and watched by a hawk like husband. We told Grace and she was over the moon at the thought of a brother or sister although we did explain that it was very early and things did go wrong especially as daddy was a very special person.

"I know. Daddy's a vampire so he's not like you but more like me."

She said it so matter of factly that we looked at each other and laughed.

"Can I tell people mummy? Please can I?"

I nodded,

"Yes you can but please let them get in the door first OK angel?"

She nodded and went out into her play room singing to herself and doing very graceful ballet steps.

"I'm the Sugar Plum Fairy"

She grabbed Shadow as she passed his chair and they disappeared.

"Do you think all children would be so blasé about having a vampire for a father?"

Jazz looked at me,

"Hey, I can't be blasé myself so how would I know."

The next morning Grace dragged us out of bed to make a snowman at the front of the house to greet our guests as they arrived. No ordinary snowman though, he had to be really tall and have coal for eyes and a mouth, a carrot for a nose, a black hat and a twig broom under his arm. She showed us the picture she had found of a traditional snowman so while she and Jazz collected the snow I was sent to hunt for the accessories. I found a scarf and a woolly hat which I hoped would be acceptable then went out to collect some twigs for the broom.

"Wait for me mummy"

Grace came running over,

"You find them and I'll pick them up, you mustn't do a lot of bending and stretching."

I smiled at her

"Did daddy tell you that?"

"No but its true. I know about it because I went on your computer last night and looked it up. I want to help you so I can have a brother to play with."

"Well the baby might be another little girl"

"Oh well I guess she can have my old things if it is, I don't mind really, it will be cool to have someone

to play with."

I'd never thought about Grace being lonely, not having friends her own age but it was so difficult. We home schooled her because as far as the authorities were concerned she didn't exist. Jazz was getting her some papers through a lawyer he knew in Seattle but these things took time. Maybe then she could mix with other children but there was always the danger she would be exposed as a freak. She was very forward for her age and she grew almost daily, looking far older than her real age. I would try not to worry about it until after Christmas, our first as a family in our own home.