A Voice I'd Never Known

She was late, the ship was set to leave in an hour and Rosalie was suppose to be here half an hour ago, but she decided she needed to stop for coffee and get a Starbucks fix. I had already checked in and was lingering on the top deck waiting for her. I'd kill her if she missed it.

"A pretty girl sitting alone and unguarded. Must be my lucky day." I spun around startled and almost bumped into the guy that had spoken, I caught myself on the railing though and looked him over. He was probably over six feet and was built like a bear. It'd be quite intimidating if it was for the grin on his face, complete with actual dimples. He reminded me of Jake.

"I assure you, I can guard myself just fine," I huffed crossing my arms over my chest.

"I'm glad to hear it. Emmett McCarthy." he introduced, thrusting his hand out. I hesitated briefly before slipping my small hand into his large one.

"Bella Ma-" I cut myself off quickly and swallowed. "Swan. Bella Swan,"

"Beautiful name for a beautiful girl," I laughed softly and shook my head.

"Are you always such a flirt?" I teased leaning against the railing.

"No." He responded. I raised an eyebrow and he grinned, "I'm usually much worse. I'm toning it down for my brothers sake and we are going to be on this boat for damn long time, it might make it awkward." I laughed at that, I suppose it would be awkward. Like highschool all over again.

"Good idea." I agreed out loud, "So, you're here with your brother?"

"Yeah, dude needs to lighten up a bit." he joked, but I could see the concern in his eyes. He shook it off though and gestured to my hand, "all the good ones are always taken." I followed his gaze and saw the ring on my finger glistened in the sun.

"I couldn't bring myself to take them off, I'm actually soon to be divorced." I admitted, it was harder to say out loud than I cared to admit.

"His loss," was all he said and I smiled, grateful he didn't ask to know more.

"Bella!" we both turned at the sound of my name and I spotted Rosalie walking towards me. Coffee in hand and a smile.

"Play along with me and I'll put in a good word with her for you," I said to Emmett, who had gone slack jawed at the sight of Rosalie, he nodded excitedly and I grinned and waited for Rosalie to be within arm's reach before I spoke again.

"Yeah, we'd love to join you and you brother for dinner. Sounds great, right Rose?" I said looking at her with a raised brow.

"Ah, yeah, sounds great." She stuttered out grabbing my arm tightly. "Lets go find our rooms, Bella." she pulled on my arm and I grinned at Emmett.

"Meet us at 8, right here" I just managed to get out as Rosalie pulled me away.

"You got it, B." he called out with a wink. I let her drag me down the corridors silently, grimacing as we found my room and she pushed me inside.

"What the hell was that?" She exploded once the door was open, "I told you I wasn't cut out for dating"

"I also remember you said you'd date when I do and it's a double date and if you had been on time, I wouldn't of spoken to him at all, so It's pretty much your fault anyway." I told her falling back on my bed.

She sighed heavily and dropped down next to me. "He was hot though," I laughed pushing her shoulder.

"Hell yeah, he was."

^*^*^*^Time Jump^*^*^*^

"You look fine, Rose." I huffed for the tenth time. She was dressed in a deep red floor length gown that had a high neckline and was completely open in the back, a complete opposite to my black long sleeved lace gown that covered up nearly all of my skin, except my hands and head. "We're going to be late." She sighed staring at herself in the mirror and I stepped up behind her, "You look gorgeous, Rosalie and Emmett will be the envy of every man in there." she grinned at me.

"Let's go." She said pulling me out the door. We stepped out onto the deck minutes later and I spotted Emmett standing by the railings in a black tux, looking out at the ocean. I heard my phone ding as Emmett spotted us and I pushed Rosalie lightly towards him. She shot me a glare and I just smirked at her, sending a wave in Emmett's direction before turning away and checking my phone.

Have fun on the cruise and remember, there's plenty of fish in the sea. I grinned shaking my head at Jake's text, I'd call him later. I put my phone back in my clutch and glanced over at Emmett and Rose. My grin turned into a smile as I watched them. Rose was laughing as Emmett stood at the tip of the boat with his arms spread wide, in what I guessed was an imitation of Titanic.

"They look like they're getting along." I jumped a little and looked over, my eyes connecting with bright blue. "sorry, I didn't mean to startle you," his voice was soft as he spoke, his blonde hair fell slightly in front of his eyes and he pushed it back as he stared at me.

"That's okay, I was lost in thought," I shrugged "I'm Bella, by the way." I added holding my hand out. He took it, but instead of shaking it as I thought he would, he brought it to his mouth, placing a soft kiss on it. I shook my head and laughed as I felt blood rush to my cheeks.

"I know." I raised an eyebrow questioningly and he was quick to backtrack, "What I meant was, I'm Emmett's brother and he told me about you. I'm Jasper." I smiled.

"It's nice to meet you, Jasper."