Waiting For My Real Life To Begin
by Laura Spudzmom
Chapter 09
Bella stared into the full length mirror in complete awe of the talents of her lady's maid.
"Emily! I can hardly believe I'm looking at myself! You are a worker of miracles."
Emily tsk'ed at her. "Nonsense Miss! You are beautiful already, but especially so wearing such a lovely dress and your hair done just so. I daresay your young man will be pleased."
Bella still stared, lost in thoughts. "Hmm, yes perhaps."
She couldn't help but wonder considering the fact that he had said that she was really going to be there for his sisters' company.
"Well Miss, I hope that gloom leaves you before you see him. No young man wants to see his love interest with such a sad countenance."
"I shall try Emily. It really will be lovely to see Julia and Jane again." She smiled at the thought of the ever cheerful Jane.
"There, ya see Miss? That's the smile I was lookin' to see! Now you're ready! Come Miss. Let's get you down to your father. I'm sure he's wonderin' what's happened to ya."
When she made her way down the stairs, her heart nearly beat from her chest as she realized that Jasper was there, waiting with her father. She had not expected that.
Jasper looked up as she descended the stairs and his breath hitched. He could scarce believe that someone so lovely was real.
She wore a royal blue gown that was bare at the shoulders and showed off her collar bones with just a hint of cleavage. Jasper's heart raced just looking at her and to his mortification, he felt his face heat with a blush.
Damon stepped forward and took her hand when she made it to the landing.
"Isabella, you look lovely daughter."
She smiled at him. "Thank you father."
Damon gestured toward Jasper. "I have given young Mr. Whitlock permission to escort you this evening if that is agreeable to you?"
Damon handed her gloved hand over to Jasper who had moved forward at the mention of his name.
Jasper bowed over her hand. "Miss Salvatore. It is my honor to escort you and may I say that you look very breathtaking this evening?"
Bella's heart picked up speed as those green eyes locked with hers over her hand.
"Thank you for the compliment Mr. Whitlock. I look forward to the evening in your company."
He gave her a small smile and a dimple appeared in his left cheek.
Offering her his arm, he gestured to the doors. "Shall we be on our way then?"
Taking his arm, she barely refrained from leaning into him. The closer she was able to get to her mate, the more she longed for truly intimate contact. These little touches were quickly becoming torturous.
During the carriage ride, she noticed that her father expertly kept Jasper in a light conversation about local matters and she was grateful for the chance to recoup her composure without her mates attention. She had been surprised, after all, by Jasper's presence at her home.
While it was a very pleasant surprise, it had upset her composure. She needed to be in the right mindset for dealing with being so near her mate, especially when she wasn't allowed to wrap herself around him and kiss him breathless as she longed to do. It wasn't proper after all, and it took real restraint on her part not to indulge in any forward touches, no matter how innocent they would have been in her time. She knew that in this time, they were not.
How she wished that she could fast forward time. She found herself smiling at the irony of her thoughts, and so she was once again, caught off guard as Jasper addressed her.
"What has inspired such a beautiful smile Miss Salvatore?"
She blinked, noticing the small smirk on her father's face. Looking up at Jasper, she decided to answer honestly.
"I was just thinking that it would be nice to have the ability to speed up time just a bit."
Jasper looked a bit worried. "You find my company to be tiresome then?"
Her eyes widened. "Goodness no! That is not what I meant at all Mr. Whitlock. I was just thinking that it will be nice to get to a time when we see ourselves past some of the formalities that constrain us at present."
She looked down into her lap, a blush staining her cheeks.
Peeking up at him through her lashes, she was relieved to see that small smile back on his face.
"I too look forward to such a day Miss."
She smiled brightly at him. "Good. I'm greatly relieved to hear it."
After handing her out of the carriage in front of the theater, Jasper once again offered her his arm. Taking it, she was pleasantly surprised when he covered her hand on his arm with his other hand. It was such a small gesture, but the meaning behind it was profound. He was practically declaring his intentions publicly, and her smile couldn't get any brighter.
They moved off to the side together, waiting on her father who was greeting a group of gentlemen who had called for his attention. Obvious business associates, if Bella had to guess.
Her attention was drawn back to Jasper when he leaned toward her.
"I was wondering if you would grant me the pleasure of your company tomorrow for a day in the park? It's supposed to be a lovely day and we could have a picnic lunch there."
She looked up at him and smiled. "That's sounds wonderful Mr. Whitlock. I would love to accompany you. I'll be bringing along my lady's maid, Emily of course."
He smiled and patted her hand that was still on his arm. "I would expect no less Miss. I'll be there to collect you at eleven if that is acceptable?"
"Yes, that should be fine."
Damon joined them then and they moved through the crowd and into the theater lobby where the affluent of Houston society was taking refreshments prior to the show.
A server approached them with a tray full of beverages and Jasper turned toward her. "Would you care for a refreshment Miss Salvatore?"
She eyed the tray warily. "Nothing with alcohol please Mr. Whitlock."
"Lemonade then?"
She smiled. "Yes, please."
He reached over and selected two crystal glasses from the tray, nodding once to the server.
Handing her one, he sipped at the other until a particularly high pitched and grating voice intruded upon them.
"Why Jasper Whitlock! It's been an age since I've seen you! A body would think you were avoiding me!"
Jasper smiled apologetically at Bella before angling his body toward the voice.
"Why Miss DuPree, I would never be so rude. I have been busy with joining my father's firm."
He turned fully back toward Bella and began the introductions.
"Miss Isabella Salvatore, may I present Miss Jessica DuPree?"
Bella eyed the shark like appearance of the girl and disliked her immediately, but smiled and inclined her head as was polite. "A pleasure."
The girl fairly sneered. "I'm sure."
Bella's brows rose just a bit and her hold tightened on Jasper's arm with her effort at self restraint. She saw Jasper glance down at her with something akin to amusement dancing in his eyes.
Jessica turned her attention back to Jasper and was instantly sweet once again. Too sweet. Bella found her to be nauseating and was sure that her lip was curling in distaste but couldn't help it.
"So Jasper, your father has you acting as the local welcoming committee does he? What a tiresome chore that must be."
She cast a condescending gaze at Bella before smiling in Jasper's direction once again.
Jasper caressed the back of Bella's hand again as he answered.
"I find Miss Salvatore's company to be utterly enchanting Miss DuPree. So enchanting in fact that I have asked and received permission to formally court her."
Bella smiled up at Jasper who was looking at her like she hung the moon while rubbing her hand that was still laid on his arm. Her heart warmed and sped up at the heat she detected in his gaze.
Their attention was brought back to earth with the outraged gasp that came from a now rage reddened visage of one Jessica DuPree.
"My Daddy said that you were due to ask permission to court me! He promised me! He said he was certain that once you settled in your father's business, that you would come round. You're supposed to be mine!"
Bella watched with wide eyes as the girl got redder and redder and actually stomped her foot.
Bella was now certain that if the Jasper of the old past was faced with the prospect of this girl, it was no wonder that he joined the army and left town as soon as he could. Not that she was belittling his patriotism or his sense of duty, but anyone faced with this harpy would welcome an escape, she was sure.
"Miss DuPree, I never alluded to such a thing. Please accept my apology if there was some sort of miscommunication between our families, but such a thing was never my intent."
He inclined his head to her. "Please excuse us, as I do believe it's time to be seated."
Jasper maneuvered them into the flow of bodies entering the theater proper and they glanced at each other in amused disbelief as they heard an enraged screech erupt from the lobby.
Bella had been pleasantly surprised by how much she enjoyed the show, and the company of Jasper's family was a delight. She didn't even mind the knowing looks that the elder Whitlock's were sending each other as they watched their son hold her gloved hand throughout the evening.
When the show was over and they exited the theater, she was whisked away from Jasper's side by his sisters who moved off to the edges of the crowd for privacy.
Little Jane was fairly vibrating with excitement and Julia had a very familiar smug Whitlock smirk in place.
Jane bounced in place. "Has he asked yet Isabella? Has he? It should be any time now! He's obviously in love with you already!"
Julia rolled her eyes and covered her sister's mouth with a hand.
"Goodness Jane. Take a breath before you swoon and give Isabella a chance to get a word out before you go on to the next question."
Bella grinned at them. "You two are endearing, do you know that?"
They both smiled brightly at her. Jane bounced. "We just love you Isabella! And we can tell our brother does too, although in a very different way. Well, you know what I mean. He…" And the hand was back over her mouth.
She nodded at her big sister, who turned her loose and held up a finger. Jane nodded again, but her mouth remained closed, her eyes wide and earnest.
Julia turned to her and grinned widely. "So, has he?"
Bella gave them a confused look. "Has he what? He asked for permission to court me, if that's what you mean."
She tilted her head and shrugged a shoulder.
Jane erupted in frustration. "That's not what we mean at all! Oh why hasn't he just asked for your hand already?! We all know that you are the girl for him! I'm going to be so angry with him if someone else get's to you first! I'll never forgive him!"
Bella laughed. "Oh Jane! You make me sound like the last slice of pie at a banquet for goodness sake!"
They were interrupted by a very unwelcome high pitched voice that Bella recognized from earlier in the evening.
"Julia and Jane Whitlock! Why haven't you been over to see me? Why, I was just telling Mama that it's as though the whole of the Whitlock family has dropped off the face of the earth for as much as we see you any more!"
Julia turned to greet the addition to their group.
"Hello Jessica. Have you met Isabella yet?"
Jessica wrinkled her nose.
"Yes, we were introduced. Your brother said something about a ridiculous notion of courting her but I know he was just teasing me and trying to make me jealous. He'll settle soon and come calling, I'm sure. After all, everyone in Houston society knows that I'm the most desirable to take to wife due to my superior southern breeding and family connections."
Julia gave her a cool look. "I don't believe that my brother is the type of man to toy with a female's affections Jessica. What you're suggesting is insulting to my brother, our family and to Isabella. I do believe that you should apologize for your careless words and insinuations."
Jessica's eyes went wide with a mock innocent look. "Oh my! I surely didn't mean any insult by what I just said Julia! I would think after growing up together we would know each other better than that!
Julia eyed her with a doubting look just as Jasper joined them, taking Bella's hand in his, placing a kiss on the back.
"I do believe that your father is ready to depart Miss Salvatore."
"Very well. Good night Julia, Jane, Miss DuPree."
Jane rushed forward and gave her a hug. "Good night Isabella. Come round for tea soon, please? We could play one of those new games too! It would be lovely!"
Smiling, she patted Jane's back. "I would like that very much. I'll speak to my father and find out when I'm available."
She smiled up into Jasper's amused green gaze as she pried Jane's arms from around her waist.
Jasper stepped forward cupping his sister's cheek with one hand and looking into her eyes,
"That'll be enough Jane. Miss Salvatore will see you again soon. It's time for you and Julia to get back over to Mother and Father."
Dropping her eyes and hanging her head just a bit, Jane nodded. "Yes Jasper. Good night Isabella."
Taking Jasper's arm, she smiled at Jane and Julia, "Good night you two. I'll see you very soon."
Julia looked at Jessica. "Won't you walk with us to join our parents Jessica?"
Jessica eyed Bella's hand on Jasper's arm with a sour expression before huffing. "I suppose I will since there is no gentleman to escort me. Good night Jasper."
Jasper inclined his head. "Miss DuPree."
Jasper turned to Bella lightly caressing her cheek. "We had better get back to your father Miss Salvatore."
Leaning her face into his caress, she nodded and moved to his side as he began walking.
Thoughts of all the formalities that were in their way at present filled her head and she stopped walking abruptly.
Jasper looked down at her, his brow furrowed. "Is something wrong Miss?"
Bella nodded. "Yes." She looked up at him. "When are you going to call me by my first name?"
He smiled, amusement clear in his green eyes. "When you give me leave to do so."
She felt her face heat as she looked down. "Oh." She huffed. "Well, please do so Mr. Whitlock."
She met his gaze as he caressed the hand that was laid on his arm. "I shall do so Isabella, as long as you agree to use my given name also."
"Very well Jasper", she said as a smile made it's way to her lips.
He patted her hand with a smile and they continued on to her father's carriage where he waited for them.
Once inside the carriage, her father engaged them in conversation about the play which Bella responded enthusiastically to. "It was wonderful! I enjoyed it very much. Thank you for inviting us Jasper."
Damon's brows rose at the use of given names. This was a very good sign, indeed.
"It was my supreme pleasure to have your company Isabella." His eyes widened and he shot a look at an amused Damon. "And of course yours also Mr. Salvatore."
Damon nearly laughed at the slight blush that heated Jasper's cheeks at his near gaffe.
"Admirable recovery Mr. Whitlock." He smirked and then grinned as Isabella's dainty boot connected with his shin, hidden by her voluminous skirts.
Jasper grinned though. "Well, in light of your daughter's beauty, such a misstep would be forgivable, don't you agree Mr. Salvatore?"
"Oh indeed young Whitlock!"
Bella huffed. "Stop it, both of you."
Jasper looked to Damon. "Sir, I would like to take a stroll in the garden with Isabella when we arrive, if I may?"
"If she is agreeable, you may. I'll be relaxing on the veranda in the event that I should be needed."
Jasper looked at Bella who gave him a tiny smile. "I would enjoy taking the air with you Jasper. It should be refreshing after being in such crowds all evening."
The carriage pulled up to the front of their home and Jasper hopped out, turning quickly to help Bella.
Jasper then turned to Damon. "I'll say good evening here sir. I thank you again for allowing me the pleasure of escorting your daughter."
"You are welcome Jasper. I thank you for a fine evening out. It was enjoyable. Now go have your stroll. Remember, I will be on the veranda should you have need of me daughter."
"Thank you Papa." She kissed his cheek and whispered out, "Behave."
Damon put a hand to his chest and raised his brows to which she responded with a flat look. He grinned and entered the house.
Bella turned back to Jasper who held out his arm to her.
Taking the same path that they had encountered each other on the day previous, they strolled quietly for a time, both lost in thought.
Bella was nervous for some reason she couldn't fathom. Perhaps Jasper's mood was affecting hers? She could tell that there was something he wanted to say but was struggling with himself about it.
Finally he stopped and faced her in a small alcove created by an arbor covered in fragrant honeysuckle.
Reaching out, he cupped her cheek with a hand that trembled just a bit.
"Isabella, I don't really know what has happened to me since I met you, but I cannot go even a second without thoughts of you flooding my mind. You have taken me over fully and I find myself surrendering willingly. I feel such need within me when you are near, it's almost painful in it's intensity." He looked down, his uncertainty clear to her. "I apologize if my words are unwelcome…."
She reached up, placing two fingers over his silky lips.
Looking into his startled eyes, she smiled shyly. "I feel the same about you Jasper."
He reached up, took the hand that had been at his lips and kissed it gently.
She continued. "You have become the center of my world all of a sudden and I find myself lost to you, utterly and completely."
She met his gaze again and her breath caught at the heat and intensity she saw within it.
She let her eyes slide shut as she felt him grasp her chin gently just as he leaned down, capturing her lips with his in a slow, sensuous kiss.
She was now certain that there was nothing more perfect to be had in this world or the next, than a kiss from Jasper Whitlock.
Bella stared into the full length mirror in complete awe of the talents of her lady's maid.
"Emily! I can hardly believe I'm looking at myself! You are a worker of miracles."
Emily tsk'ed at her. "Nonsense Miss! You are beautiful already, but especially so wearing such a lovely dress and your hair done just so. I daresay your young man will be pleased."
Bella still stared, lost in thoughts. "Hmm, yes perhaps."
She couldn't help but wonder considering the fact that he had said that she was really going to be there for his sisters' company.
"Well Miss, I hope that gloom leaves you before you see him. No young man wants to see his love interest with such a sad countenance."
"I shall try Emily. It really will be lovely to see Julia and Jane again." She smiled at the thought of the ever cheerful Jane.
"There, ya see Miss? That's the smile I was lookin' to see! Now you're ready! Come Miss. Let's get you down to your father. I'm sure he's wonderin' what's happened to ya."
When she made her way down the stairs, her heart nearly beat from her chest as she realized that Jasper was there, waiting with her father. She had not expected that.
Jasper looked up as she descended the stairs and his breath hitched. He could scarce believe that someone so lovely was real.
She wore a royal blue gown that was bare at the shoulders and showed off her collar bones with just a hint of cleavage. Jasper's heart raced just looking at her and to his mortification, he felt his face heat with a blush.
Damon stepped forward and took her hand when she made it to the landing.
"Isabella, you look lovely daughter."
She smiled at him. "Thank you father."
Damon gestured toward Jasper. "I have given young Mr. Whitlock permission to escort you this evening if that is agreeable to you?"
Damon handed her gloved hand over to Jasper who had moved forward at the mention of his name.
Jasper bowed over her hand. "Miss Salvatore. It is my honor to escort you and may I say that you look very breathtaking this evening?"
Bella's heart picked up speed as those green eyes locked with hers over her hand.
"Thank you for the compliment Mr. Whitlock. I look forward to the evening in your company."
He gave her a small smile and a dimple appeared in his left cheek.
Offering her his arm, he gestured to the doors. "Shall we be on our way then?"
Taking his arm, she barely refrained from leaning into him. The closer she was able to get to her mate, the more she longed for truly intimate contact. These little touches were quickly becoming torturous.
During the carriage ride, she noticed that her father expertly kept Jasper in a light conversation about local matters and she was grateful for the chance to recoup her composure without her mates attention. She had been surprised, after all, by Jasper's presence at her home.
While it was a very pleasant surprise, it had upset her composure. She needed to be in the right mindset for dealing with being so near her mate, especially when she wasn't allowed to wrap herself around him and kiss him breathless as she longed to do. It wasn't proper after all, and it took real restraint on her part not to indulge in any forward touches, no matter how innocent they would have been in her time. She knew that in this time, they were not.
How she wished that she could fast forward time. She found herself smiling at the irony of her thoughts, and so she was once again, caught off guard as Jasper addressed her.
"What has inspired such a beautiful smile Miss Salvatore?"
She blinked, noticing the small smirk on her father's face. Looking up at Jasper, she decided to answer honestly.
"I was just thinking that it would be nice to have the ability to speed up time just a bit."
Jasper looked a bit worried. "You find my company to be tiresome then?"
Her eyes widened. "Goodness no! That is not what I meant at all Mr. Whitlock. I was just thinking that it will be nice to get to a time when we see ourselves past some of the formalities that constrain us at present."
She looked down into her lap, a blush staining her cheeks.
Peeking up at him through her lashes, she was relieved to see that small smile back on his face.
"I too look forward to such a day Miss."
She smiled brightly at him. "Good. I'm greatly relieved to hear it."
After handing her out of the carriage in front of the theater, Jasper once again offered her his arm. Taking it, she was pleasantly surprised when he covered her hand on his arm with his other hand. It was such a small gesture, but the meaning behind it was profound. He was practically declaring his intentions publicly, and her smile couldn't get any brighter.
They moved off to the side together, waiting on her father who was greeting a group of gentlemen who had called for his attention. Obvious business associates, if Bella had to guess.
Her attention was drawn back to Jasper when he leaned toward her.
"I was wondering if you would grant me the pleasure of your company tomorrow for a day in the park? It's supposed to be a lovely day and we could have a picnic lunch there."
She looked up at him and smiled. "That's sounds wonderful Mr. Whitlock. I would love to accompany you. I'll be bringing along my lady's maid, Emily of course."
He smiled and patted her hand that was still on his arm. "I would expect no less Miss. I'll be there to collect you at eleven if that is acceptable?"
"Yes, that should be fine."
Damon joined them then and they moved through the crowd and into the theater lobby where the affluent of Houston society was taking refreshments prior to the show.
A server approached them with a tray full of beverages and Jasper turned toward her. "Would you care for a refreshment Miss Salvatore?"
She eyed the tray warily. "Nothing with alcohol please Mr. Whitlock."
"Lemonade then?"
She smiled. "Yes, please."
He reached over and selected two crystal glasses from the tray, nodding once to the server.
Handing her one, he sipped at the other until a particularly high pitched and grating voice intruded upon them.
"Why Jasper Whitlock! It's been an age since I've seen you! A body would think you were avoiding me!"
Jasper smiled apologetically at Bella before angling his body toward the voice.
"Why Miss DuPree, I would never be so rude. I have been busy with joining my father's firm."
He turned fully back toward Bella and began the introductions.
"Miss Isabella Salvatore, may I present Miss Jessica DuPree?"
Bella eyed the shark like appearance of the girl and disliked her immediately, but smiled and inclined her head as was polite. "A pleasure."
The girl fairly sneered. "I'm sure."
Bella's brows rose just a bit and her hold tightened on Jasper's arm with her effort at self restraint. She saw Jasper glance down at her with something akin to amusement dancing in his eyes.
Jessica turned her attention back to Jasper and was instantly sweet once again. Too sweet. Bella found her to be nauseating and was sure that her lip was curling in distaste but couldn't help it.
"So Jasper, your father has you acting as the local welcoming committee does he? What a tiresome chore that must be."
She cast a condescending gaze at Bella before smiling in Jasper's direction once again.
Jasper caressed the back of Bella's hand again as he answered.
"I find Miss Salvatore's company to be utterly enchanting Miss DuPree. So enchanting in fact that I have asked and received permission to formally court her."
Bella smiled up at Jasper who was looking at her like she hung the moon while rubbing her hand that was still laid on his arm. Her heart warmed and sped up at the heat she detected in his gaze.
Their attention was brought back to earth with the outraged gasp that came from a now rage reddened visage of one Jessica DuPree.
"My Daddy said that you were due to ask permission to court me! He promised me! He said he was certain that once you settled in your father's business, that you would come round. You're supposed to be mine!"
Bella watched with wide eyes as the girl got redder and redder and actually stomped her foot.
Bella was now certain that if the Jasper of the old past was faced with the prospect of this girl, it was no wonder that he joined the army and left town as soon as he could. Not that she was belittling his patriotism or his sense of duty, but anyone faced with this harpy would welcome an escape, she was sure.
"Miss DuPree, I never alluded to such a thing. Please accept my apology if there was some sort of miscommunication between our families, but such a thing was never my intent."
He inclined his head to her. "Please excuse us, as I do believe it's time to be seated."
Jasper maneuvered them into the flow of bodies entering the theater proper and they glanced at each other in amused disbelief as they heard an enraged screech erupt from the lobby.
Bella had been pleasantly surprised by how much she enjoyed the show, and the company of Jasper's family was a delight. She didn't even mind the knowing looks that the elder Whitlock's were sending each other as they watched their son hold her gloved hand throughout the evening.
When the show was over and they exited the theater, she was whisked away from Jasper's side by his sisters who moved off to the edges of the crowd for privacy.
Little Jane was fairly vibrating with excitement and Julia had a very familiar smug Whitlock smirk in place.
Jane bounced in place. "Has he asked yet Isabella? Has he? It should be any time now! He's obviously in love with you already!"
Julia rolled her eyes and covered her sister's mouth with a hand.
"Goodness Jane. Take a breath before you swoon and give Isabella a chance to get a word out before you go on to the next question."
Bella grinned at them. "You two are endearing, do you know that?"
They both smiled brightly at her. Jane bounced. "We just love you Isabella! And we can tell our brother does too, although in a very different way. Well, you know what I mean. He…" And the hand was back over her mouth.
She nodded at her big sister, who turned her loose and held up a finger. Jane nodded again, but her mouth remained closed, her eyes wide and earnest.
Julia turned to her and grinned widely. "So, has he?"
Bella gave them a confused look. "Has he what? He asked for permission to court me, if that's what you mean."
She tilted her head and shrugged a shoulder.
Jane erupted in frustration. "That's not what we mean at all! Oh why hasn't he just asked for your hand already?! We all know that you are the girl for him! I'm going to be so angry with him if someone else get's to you first! I'll never forgive him!"
Bella laughed. "Oh Jane! You make me sound like the last slice of pie at a banquet for goodness sake!"
They were interrupted by a very unwelcome high pitched voice that Bella recognized from earlier in the evening.
"Julia and Jane Whitlock! Why haven't you been over to see me? Why, I was just telling Mama that it's as though the whole of the Whitlock family has dropped off the face of the earth for as much as we see you any more!"
Julia turned to greet the addition to their group.
"Hello Jessica. Have you met Isabella yet?"
Jessica wrinkled her nose.
"Yes, we were introduced. Your brother said something about a ridiculous notion of courting her but I know he was just teasing me and trying to make me jealous. He'll settle soon and come calling, I'm sure. After all, everyone in Houston society knows that I'm the most desirable to take to wife due to my superior southern breeding and family connections."
Julia gave her a cool look. "I don't believe that my brother is the type of man to toy with a female's affections Jessica. What you're suggesting is insulting to my brother, our family and to Isabella. I do believe that you should apologize for your careless words and insinuations."
Jessica's eyes went wide with a mock innocent look. "Oh my! I surely didn't mean any insult by what I just said Julia! I would think after growing up together we would know each other better than that!
Julia eyed her with a doubting look just as Jasper joined them, taking Bella's hand in his, placing a kiss on the back.
"I do believe that your father is ready to depart Miss Salvatore."
"Very well. Good night Julia, Jane, Miss DuPree."
Jane rushed forward and gave her a hug. "Good night Isabella. Come round for tea soon, please? We could play one of those new games too! It would be lovely!"
Smiling, she patted Jane's back. "I would like that very much. I'll speak to my father and find out when I'm available."
She smiled up into Jasper's amused green gaze as she pried Jane's arms from around her waist.
Jasper stepped forward cupping his sister's cheek with one hand and looking into her eyes,
"That'll be enough Jane. Miss Salvatore will see you again soon. It's time for you and Julia to get back over to Mother and Father."
Dropping her eyes and hanging her head just a bit, Jane nodded. "Yes Jasper. Good night Isabella."
Taking Jasper's arm, she smiled at Jane and Julia, "Good night you two. I'll see you very soon."
Julia looked at Jessica. "Won't you walk with us to join our parents Jessica?"
Jessica eyed Bella's hand on Jasper's arm with a sour expression before huffing. "I suppose I will since there is no gentleman to escort me. Good night Jasper."
Jasper inclined his head. "Miss DuPree."
Jasper turned to Bella lightly caressing her cheek. "We had better get back to your father Miss Salvatore."
Leaning her face into his caress, she nodded and moved to his side as he began walking.
Thoughts of all the formalities that were in their way at present filled her head and she stopped walking abruptly.
Jasper looked down at her, his brow furrowed. "Is something wrong Miss?"
Bella nodded. "Yes." She looked up at him. "When are you going to call me by my first name?"
He smiled, amusement clear in his green eyes. "When you give me leave to do so."
She felt her face heat as she looked down. "Oh." She huffed. "Well, please do so Mr. Whitlock."
She met his gaze as he caressed the hand that was laid on his arm. "I shall do so Isabella, as long as you agree to use my given name also."
"Very well Jasper", she said as a smile made it's way to her lips.
He patted her hand with a smile and they continued on to her father's carriage where he waited for them.
Once inside the carriage, her father engaged them in conversation about the play which Bella responded enthusiastically to. "It was wonderful! I enjoyed it very much. Thank you for inviting us Jasper."
Damon's brows rose at the use of given names. This was a very good sign, indeed.
"It was my supreme pleasure to have your company Isabella." His eyes widened and he shot a look at an amused Damon. "And of course yours also Mr. Salvatore."
Damon nearly laughed at the slight blush that heated Jasper's cheeks at his near gaffe.
"Admirable recovery Mr. Whitlock." He smirked and then grinned as Isabella's dainty boot connected with his shin, hidden by her voluminous skirts.
Jasper grinned though. "Well, in light of your daughter's beauty, such a misstep would be forgivable, don't you agree Mr. Salvatore?"
"Oh indeed young Whitlock!"
Bella huffed. "Stop it, both of you."
Jasper looked to Damon. "Sir, I would like to take a stroll in the garden with Isabella when we arrive, if I may?"
"If she is agreeable, you may. I'll be relaxing on the veranda in the event that I should be needed."
Jasper looked at Bella who gave him a tiny smile. "I would enjoy taking the air with you Jasper. It should be refreshing after being in such crowds all evening."
The carriage pulled up to the front of their home and Jasper hopped out, turning quickly to help Bella.
Jasper then turned to Damon. "I'll say good evening here sir. I thank you again for allowing me the pleasure of escorting your daughter."
"You are welcome Jasper. I thank you for a fine evening out. It was enjoyable. Now go have your stroll. Remember, I will be on the veranda should you have need of me daughter."
"Thank you Papa." She kissed his cheek and whispered out, "Behave."
Damon put a hand to his chest and raised his brows to which she responded with a flat look. He grinned and entered the house.
Bella turned back to Jasper who held out his arm to her.
Taking the same path that they had encountered each other on the day previous, they strolled quietly for a time, both lost in thought.
Bella was nervous for some reason she couldn't fathom. Perhaps Jasper's mood was affecting hers? She could tell that there was something he wanted to say but was struggling with himself about it.
Finally he stopped and faced her in a small alcove created by an arbor covered in fragrant honeysuckle.
Reaching out, he cupped her cheek with a hand that trembled just a bit.
"Isabella, I don't really know what has happened to me since I met you, but I cannot go even a second without thoughts of you flooding my mind. You have taken me over fully and I find myself surrendering willingly. I feel such need within me when you are near, it's almost painful in it's intensity." He looked down, his uncertainty clear to her. "I apologize if my words are unwelcome…."
She reached up, placing two fingers over his silky lips.
Looking into his startled eyes, she smiled shyly. "I feel the same about you Jasper."
He reached up, took the hand that had been at his lips and kissed it gently.
She continued. "You have become the center of my world all of a sudden and I find myself lost to you, utterly and completely."
She met his gaze again and her breath caught at the heat and intensity she saw within it.
She let her eyes slide shut as she felt him grasp her chin gently just as he leaned down, capturing her lips with his in a slow, sensuous kiss.
She was now certain that there was nothing more perfect to be had in this world or the next, than a kiss from Jasper Whitlock.
DISCLAIMER: Twilight and its inclusive material is copyright to Stephenie Meyer. Original creation, including but not limited to plot and characters, is copyright to the respective authors of each story. No copyright infringement is intended.