Waiting For My Real Life To Begin
by Laura Spudzmom
Chapter 10
She awoke with a stretch and a smile, the night before the catalyst for the sweetest dreams she had ever had. Shehad no idea that one kiss could be so all-consuming.
She rolled over hugging her pillow with a girly giggle just as Emily entered the room, brows raised at this uncharacteristically giddy girl she was encountering this morning.
"Well Miss Isabella, would I be correct in assumin' it's that dashing young Mr. Whitlock that has put you in such a fine mood this mornin'?"
She bustled around the room, opening the drapes with a smile as she watched her young charge grin and hug her pillow.
Isabella sat up with a dreamy sigh. "Oh Emily! Words just can't express! He's just so…...so…"
Emily grinned as she watched Isabella giggle again as she threw herself back into the downy fluff of her bed.
"…..perfect Emily. He's perfect."
Emily lost herself for a moment, staring off into the distance, her visions of such a love finding her someday drawing a soft smile and a sigh from her. Shaking herself out of her momentary dream, she got down to business. She certainly didn't want her young lady to be late for her young gentleman's arrival later this morning.
"All right then! Up with you Miss! We've a lot to do and little time to do it if you're to be ready for your young man at eleven!"
With that, she answered the knock at the door from the house maids as they bustled in with buckets of steaming water for a bath.
~o0o~
Damon was in his study going over paperwork and contracts when he heard the early arrival of one Jasper Whitlock. Glancing at the clock, he saw that it was just ten in the morning instead of the expected eleven, and he sighed. So, the boy wasn't wasting any time, that was for sure.
He smirked at the impatience of the kid but then furrowed his brow, rubbing his chest at the pang that shot through at the thought of handing his daughter over to anyone else.
His brows rose in genuine surprise at himself and he looked over at the bottle of aged bourbon on the sideboard, a sigh of resignation escaping him.
It was too damned early for a drink in polite society and the butler was quickly approaching his study.
Looked like he'd have to do this without fortification then.
With that thought, he called entry upon hearing the knock.
His butler bowed briefly. "Sir, a Mr. Whitlock to see you."
"Show him in Francis. Thank you."
Damon rose from his chair as Jasper entered. One look at the kid and he could tell that he was sweating bullets.
"Mr. Whitlock." He gestured at one of the leather chairs assembled in front of his desk.
"Please, make yourself comfortable. Francis, a coffee service if you please."
The butler bowed. "Right away Mr. Salvatore."
Jasper sat and met his eye. "Good morning sir."
"Good morning Jasper. You are early for your appointment with my daughter. It was my understanding that you would collect her at eleven. Am I mistaken?"
He smirked mentally as the kid took a shaky breath in before speaking. "No sir, you are not mistaken. I arrived early in order to speak to you."
The butler entered then, placing the coffee tray on the small table between the chairs in the seating area before turning to face Damon. "Will that be all sir?"
Damon rose from his seat. "Yes Francis. Thank you."
Damon gestured at the seating area. "Shall we?"
After relocating and pouring the coffee, Damon sat back in the plush depths of his seat, eyeing the nervous kid stiffly occupying the chair adjacent to him.
"So Jasper, what brings you to see me before your appointment with my daughter?"
Jasper met his eyes with that disturbingly steady green gaze. Damon found himself impressed with the kid's display of spine.
"I would like to ask for your daughter's hand in marriage sir."
"What makes you think that you are the right man for my daughter Jasper?"
Again, his gaze didn't waver.
"I love her sir and I have the ways and means of providing for her to the standards with which she is familiar."
Damon nodded and took a sip of coffee, looking down in thought for a moment.
Meeting that penetrating gaze once again, he asked a hard question; one that he was most concerned about.
"There is abundant talk of war on the horizon Jasper. Many people, here in Texas particularly, would dismiss it out of hand as being ridiculous, but I'm not so sure. I worry for my daughter Jasper, so I must ask. Would you leave her to go to war?"
He watched as Jasper looked down with a furrowed brow, deep in thought. He was heartened that the kid was actually taking the time to think about his answer. It spoke to his character and the fact that he wasn't prone to hasty decisions or actions.
"I have heard the talk of secession and potential war too sir and I must admit that there was a time when I would have joined, without question, out of my sense of duty to my home and family…...but now, if I had a wife to care for, I believe that I could also fulfill my duties in the political and business arena just as well as I could on a battle field. I would not leave her sir."
Damon nodded, drinking his coffee as he watched Jasper carefully. He could tell the kid was still nervous, but he didn't squirm under scrutiny and Damon was satisfied by that. Still, he posed another hard question.
"That is a relatively easy statement to make here in the comfort of my study Jasper, but what about on the street, in front of the public, with another young man calling you a coward? What then? Because make no mistake, if war comes, that scenario will more likely than not, come to fruition."
He watched as a bit of steel entered that green gaze.
"I have never based my self-worth on the opinions of others sir. I know what kind of man my father raised me to be and I know what kind of man I am. I am no coward sir. Having said that, I can tell you that I refuse to be provoked by the foolishness of others into equally foolish actions. Only my actions speak for me, and those actions will prove what kind of man I am to the population, over time. Neither my words, nor those of anyone else will accomplish that."
Damon had to struggle to remain stoic in spite of the admiration that he now had for the kid. He was truly impressed, and would give him the benefit of the doubt when it came to the scenarios he had presented. They were not easy to predict, he had to admit and yet the kid had chosen his answers well and they had reflected wisdom beyond his years.
Damon nodded slowly while looking down in thought.
"Very well Jasper. You have my permission to marry my daughter, provided she will have you."
He looked up in time to see absolute joy spark in the kid's eyes, a wide smile taking up residence on his face.
Damon could swear that the whole room had just become a bit lighter and he fought the giddy feeling that now filled him. What the hell was going on?
Jasper almost jumped out of his chair. "Thank you sir!"
Damon found himself the recipient of the most enthusiastic handshake he'd ever experienced.
~o0o~
Bella smiled as she inspected herself in the mirror, impressed once again with the magic that her lady's maid had accomplished with her appearance. She wore a cream and lace day dress with three quarter length sleeves and delicate white gloves.
Her hair had been left down and curled, with just the top portion pulled back from her face and arranged in a chignon at the back of her head, small seed pearls woven through it that contrasted with her dark hair perfectly.
Turning away, she took up the matching parasol and smiled.
"Thank you again Emily. You're amazing and I'm so fortunate to have you."
Emily blushed a bit, waving a hand in dismissal."Nonsense Miss. 'Tis an easy task when I've such a lovely subject to work with!"
She took up her own gloves, slipping into them quickly. "Now then, should we be going? You don't want to keep the young man waiting too long."
Bella smiled and breathed a nervous breath, hand on her middle, trying desperately to steady the butterflies before nodding. "No indeed Emily. Let's go then."
Descending the stairs, she was busy watching her steps and missed the fact that a very dashing looking Jasper Whitlock was at the landing, waiting for her. That was until Emily spoke up just a few stairs from the bottom.
"Good day to you Mr. Whitlock."
Bella looked up mid-step in surprise and missed the next step, gasping as she began to fall. She clenched her eyes, bracing herself for the impact she knew was coming and so was pleasantly surprised when she felt strong arms wrap around her, pulling her into a firm chest.
Opening her eyes, she was almost startled at how close he was. All she had to do was move forward just the barest amount to taste those tempting lips again and she almost moaned at the thought. She realized then that she was staring at those lips and her gaze flashed up to his eyes which were filled with concern.
"Are you all right Isabella?"
She was about to answer when they both heard a delicately clearing throat.
"Mr. Whitlock, I do believe that she is quite saved."
His cheeks took on color as he placed her on her feet, stepping away.
"Forgive my impropriety. I seem to have lost myself for a moment."
Bella smiled at him. "It's quite all right Jasper. I thank you for saving me once again."
Inclining his head, he smiled. "I am forever at your disposal." He held his arm out for her. "Shall we be on our way then?"
Taking her parasol back from Emily, she turned and took his arm. "Yes, please."
The ride to the park in an open carriage was wonderful and Bella enjoyed it immensely, despite the unseasonal warmth of the day.
Jasper took great pleasure pointing out prominent landmarks and buildings along their route, his pride in the city of his birth readily apparent.
They were greeted by many people along the way making Bella smile at how well regarded her mate was in the city.
"I hope you don't mind, but there is a visit I'd like to make before we reach the park. This is the time of day that I always visit her and I'd hate to miss it."
He looked at Bella with a bit of uncertainty and she smiled at him even though a pang of jealousy shot through her at the mention of another female who seemed to have his regard. She smiled, but her heart wasn't in it. "Of course not."
His smile was bright. "Good. I can't wait for you to meet her."
They soon pulled up in front of a charming little home surrounded with cooling shade trees. Jasper hopped out of the carriage and handed Bella out before turning and helping Emily.
He spoke to them as he retrieved a large box of groceries from the boot of the carriage. "This is Miss Gladys' home. She's lived here as long as anyone can remember and I've known her all my life. She doesn't have any family left and I've been visiting her since I began walking I think."
He laughed. "I still remember the tanning I got the first time I disappeared on Mama one day and came here. I came back the next day despite that, and I've visited her every day since. She's my honorary grandmama and I wanted her to meet you."
Bella's heart nearly melted at the thought of a tiny toddler Jasper coming all this way to visit the lonely old woman that lived here and she felt shame at her momentary jealousy in the carriage.
She smiled warmly at him. "I'd love to meet her Jasper."
They climbed the porch steps and Jasper knocked and entered, holding the door for Bella and Emily.
Setting the box down on a side table, he called out. "Miss Gladys! It's me. I've brought someone to meet you."
They heard a voice from the parlor. "In here Puddin'. Is it your sweetheart you was tellin' me 'bout?"
Bella blushed as they entered the parlor.
Jasper leaned down and kissed a frail old woman on her papery cheek. "Yes Ma'am."
He held out a hand to Bella, drawing her forward.
"This is Isabella, Miss Gladys."
Bella curtsied. "It's a pleasure to meet you ma'am."
Miss Gladys smiled. "Well, aren't ya just as pretty as a picture! Turn 'round and let me have a look at ya." She gestured with a spinning motion and Bella spun around slowly, a blush staining her cheeks.
"Well now, ya done good with this 'un Puddin'. Ya'll make pretty babies." She nodded while eyeing Bella. "Sure 'nough. She's small, but got a good build for havin' babies. Not at all like that other 'un ya Mama was tryin' ta saddle ya with. No good, that 'un was. Spoiled, bad temper, and narrow hips!"
She frowned deeply shaking her head. "That 'un woulda' had all manner o' trouble birthin' your babies."
She smiled at a decidedly red faced Jasper. "Yes sir, this 'un's just right for my Puddin'. Sweet temper, and good hips! She'll make ya a fine wife."
Bella was sure her face was going to burst into flames at any moment and she shot a look at Emily who was currently stood off to the side choking on suppressed laughter.
Jasper finally stepped forward to the old lady, kissing her cheek again. "We must be going now Miss Gladys. I'm taking Isabella to the park. I brought you some things and I'll leave them in the kitchen for Liza to put away when she comes by later. I'll see you tomorrow."
She reached up and patted his cheek. "Ya take care now, Puddin' and don't dilly dally with puttin' a ring on this 'un, ya hear? Ya don't want some other 'un to grab her up boy. Good birthin' hips and a sweet temper are hard ta find in one girl, yes sir." She nodded.
He smiled a sweet smile. "Yes ma'am, I hear."
Bella stepped forward, leaned down and kissed the old lady's cheek. "It was lovely to meet you Miss Gladys. I hope to see you again."
Miss Gladys pointed at Jasper and shook her finger. "Well, if my Puddin' has good sense, and I know he does, he'll grab ya up missy, and I'll see ya again."
Bella laughed and took Jasper's arm as he smiled down at her. "I'm workin' on that Miss Gladys. Yes Ma'am, I am."
They made their way to the park and Jasper set everything up under the shade of a beautiful magnolia tree.
Once they were seated, he looked at Bella, apology written clearly on his face.
"I'm sorry about Miss Gladys' forthrightness, but that's just how she's always been. I should have known and warned you but….."
Bella leaned forward and stopped him with a finger against his lips.
She smiled. "There's no need to apologize Jasper. I thought she was sweet and charming. True, all the talk of babies was a bit overwhelming…"
She shot a glare at Emily as she giggled.
"…...but she was lovely and I'm glad you took me to meet her….Puddin'."
Bella laughed as he mock glared at her before laughing.
"Yeah, she's always called me that." He shrugged.
Bella noted his blush. "It's sweet. I can just picture you as a tiny thing going to see her. She must love you very much."
He nodded. "I reckon she does. I love her too, that's why I wanted you to meet her."
"I'm glad. I would love to meet everyone that's important to you Jasper."
Her breath caught as those green eyes locked with hers, the emotions and love she saw in them almost overwhelming.
Emily rose then. "I have brought myself a book to read you two and I'll be just over yon on that bench, losing myself in the pages. Mind your manners Mr. Whitlock."
Jasper took her hand then and kissed the back of it, meeting her eyes as he gently turned it over, kissing the tender skin of the inside of her wrist.
Bella gasped at the thrill that shot through her at such a simple but erotic feeling gesture and her heart sped as she whispered out his name. "Jasper."
He met her eyes again as he lowered her hand.
"Isabella Salvatore, I know in my heart and in my soul that there will never be another woman in this world for me, for I have found my perfect match, the other half of my soul, the love of my life. Will you marry me Isabella?"
She awoke with a stretch and a smile, the night before the catalyst for the sweetest dreams she had ever had. Shehad no idea that one kiss could be so all-consuming.
She rolled over hugging her pillow with a girly giggle just as Emily entered the room, brows raised at this uncharacteristically giddy girl she was encountering this morning.
"Well Miss Isabella, would I be correct in assumin' it's that dashing young Mr. Whitlock that has put you in such a fine mood this mornin'?"
She bustled around the room, opening the drapes with a smile as she watched her young charge grin and hug her pillow.
Isabella sat up with a dreamy sigh. "Oh Emily! Words just can't express! He's just so…...so…"
Emily grinned as she watched Isabella giggle again as she threw herself back into the downy fluff of her bed.
"…..perfect Emily. He's perfect."
Emily lost herself for a moment, staring off into the distance, her visions of such a love finding her someday drawing a soft smile and a sigh from her. Shaking herself out of her momentary dream, she got down to business. She certainly didn't want her young lady to be late for her young gentleman's arrival later this morning.
"All right then! Up with you Miss! We've a lot to do and little time to do it if you're to be ready for your young man at eleven!"
With that, she answered the knock at the door from the house maids as they bustled in with buckets of steaming water for a bath.
~o0o~
Damon was in his study going over paperwork and contracts when he heard the early arrival of one Jasper Whitlock. Glancing at the clock, he saw that it was just ten in the morning instead of the expected eleven, and he sighed. So, the boy wasn't wasting any time, that was for sure.
He smirked at the impatience of the kid but then furrowed his brow, rubbing his chest at the pang that shot through at the thought of handing his daughter over to anyone else.
His brows rose in genuine surprise at himself and he looked over at the bottle of aged bourbon on the sideboard, a sigh of resignation escaping him.
It was too damned early for a drink in polite society and the butler was quickly approaching his study.
Looked like he'd have to do this without fortification then.
With that thought, he called entry upon hearing the knock.
His butler bowed briefly. "Sir, a Mr. Whitlock to see you."
"Show him in Francis. Thank you."
Damon rose from his chair as Jasper entered. One look at the kid and he could tell that he was sweating bullets.
"Mr. Whitlock." He gestured at one of the leather chairs assembled in front of his desk.
"Please, make yourself comfortable. Francis, a coffee service if you please."
The butler bowed. "Right away Mr. Salvatore."
Jasper sat and met his eye. "Good morning sir."
"Good morning Jasper. You are early for your appointment with my daughter. It was my understanding that you would collect her at eleven. Am I mistaken?"
He smirked mentally as the kid took a shaky breath in before speaking. "No sir, you are not mistaken. I arrived early in order to speak to you."
The butler entered then, placing the coffee tray on the small table between the chairs in the seating area before turning to face Damon. "Will that be all sir?"
Damon rose from his seat. "Yes Francis. Thank you."
Damon gestured at the seating area. "Shall we?"
After relocating and pouring the coffee, Damon sat back in the plush depths of his seat, eyeing the nervous kid stiffly occupying the chair adjacent to him.
"So Jasper, what brings you to see me before your appointment with my daughter?"
Jasper met his eyes with that disturbingly steady green gaze. Damon found himself impressed with the kid's display of spine.
"I would like to ask for your daughter's hand in marriage sir."
"What makes you think that you are the right man for my daughter Jasper?"
Again, his gaze didn't waver.
"I love her sir and I have the ways and means of providing for her to the standards with which she is familiar."
Damon nodded and took a sip of coffee, looking down in thought for a moment.
Meeting that penetrating gaze once again, he asked a hard question; one that he was most concerned about.
"There is abundant talk of war on the horizon Jasper. Many people, here in Texas particularly, would dismiss it out of hand as being ridiculous, but I'm not so sure. I worry for my daughter Jasper, so I must ask. Would you leave her to go to war?"
He watched as Jasper looked down with a furrowed brow, deep in thought. He was heartened that the kid was actually taking the time to think about his answer. It spoke to his character and the fact that he wasn't prone to hasty decisions or actions.
"I have heard the talk of secession and potential war too sir and I must admit that there was a time when I would have joined, without question, out of my sense of duty to my home and family…...but now, if I had a wife to care for, I believe that I could also fulfill my duties in the political and business arena just as well as I could on a battle field. I would not leave her sir."
Damon nodded, drinking his coffee as he watched Jasper carefully. He could tell the kid was still nervous, but he didn't squirm under scrutiny and Damon was satisfied by that. Still, he posed another hard question.
"That is a relatively easy statement to make here in the comfort of my study Jasper, but what about on the street, in front of the public, with another young man calling you a coward? What then? Because make no mistake, if war comes, that scenario will more likely than not, come to fruition."
He watched as a bit of steel entered that green gaze.
"I have never based my self-worth on the opinions of others sir. I know what kind of man my father raised me to be and I know what kind of man I am. I am no coward sir. Having said that, I can tell you that I refuse to be provoked by the foolishness of others into equally foolish actions. Only my actions speak for me, and those actions will prove what kind of man I am to the population, over time. Neither my words, nor those of anyone else will accomplish that."
Damon had to struggle to remain stoic in spite of the admiration that he now had for the kid. He was truly impressed, and would give him the benefit of the doubt when it came to the scenarios he had presented. They were not easy to predict, he had to admit and yet the kid had chosen his answers well and they had reflected wisdom beyond his years.
Damon nodded slowly while looking down in thought.
"Very well Jasper. You have my permission to marry my daughter, provided she will have you."
He looked up in time to see absolute joy spark in the kid's eyes, a wide smile taking up residence on his face.
Damon could swear that the whole room had just become a bit lighter and he fought the giddy feeling that now filled him. What the hell was going on?
Jasper almost jumped out of his chair. "Thank you sir!"
Damon found himself the recipient of the most enthusiastic handshake he'd ever experienced.
~o0o~
Bella smiled as she inspected herself in the mirror, impressed once again with the magic that her lady's maid had accomplished with her appearance. She wore a cream and lace day dress with three quarter length sleeves and delicate white gloves.
Her hair had been left down and curled, with just the top portion pulled back from her face and arranged in a chignon at the back of her head, small seed pearls woven through it that contrasted with her dark hair perfectly.
Turning away, she took up the matching parasol and smiled.
"Thank you again Emily. You're amazing and I'm so fortunate to have you."
Emily blushed a bit, waving a hand in dismissal."Nonsense Miss. 'Tis an easy task when I've such a lovely subject to work with!"
She took up her own gloves, slipping into them quickly. "Now then, should we be going? You don't want to keep the young man waiting too long."
Bella smiled and breathed a nervous breath, hand on her middle, trying desperately to steady the butterflies before nodding. "No indeed Emily. Let's go then."
Descending the stairs, she was busy watching her steps and missed the fact that a very dashing looking Jasper Whitlock was at the landing, waiting for her. That was until Emily spoke up just a few stairs from the bottom.
"Good day to you Mr. Whitlock."
Bella looked up mid-step in surprise and missed the next step, gasping as she began to fall. She clenched her eyes, bracing herself for the impact she knew was coming and so was pleasantly surprised when she felt strong arms wrap around her, pulling her into a firm chest.
Opening her eyes, she was almost startled at how close he was. All she had to do was move forward just the barest amount to taste those tempting lips again and she almost moaned at the thought. She realized then that she was staring at those lips and her gaze flashed up to his eyes which were filled with concern.
"Are you all right Isabella?"
She was about to answer when they both heard a delicately clearing throat.
"Mr. Whitlock, I do believe that she is quite saved."
His cheeks took on color as he placed her on her feet, stepping away.
"Forgive my impropriety. I seem to have lost myself for a moment."
Bella smiled at him. "It's quite all right Jasper. I thank you for saving me once again."
Inclining his head, he smiled. "I am forever at your disposal." He held his arm out for her. "Shall we be on our way then?"
Taking her parasol back from Emily, she turned and took his arm. "Yes, please."
The ride to the park in an open carriage was wonderful and Bella enjoyed it immensely, despite the unseasonal warmth of the day.
Jasper took great pleasure pointing out prominent landmarks and buildings along their route, his pride in the city of his birth readily apparent.
They were greeted by many people along the way making Bella smile at how well regarded her mate was in the city.
"I hope you don't mind, but there is a visit I'd like to make before we reach the park. This is the time of day that I always visit her and I'd hate to miss it."
He looked at Bella with a bit of uncertainty and she smiled at him even though a pang of jealousy shot through her at the mention of another female who seemed to have his regard. She smiled, but her heart wasn't in it. "Of course not."
His smile was bright. "Good. I can't wait for you to meet her."
They soon pulled up in front of a charming little home surrounded with cooling shade trees. Jasper hopped out of the carriage and handed Bella out before turning and helping Emily.
He spoke to them as he retrieved a large box of groceries from the boot of the carriage. "This is Miss Gladys' home. She's lived here as long as anyone can remember and I've known her all my life. She doesn't have any family left and I've been visiting her since I began walking I think."
He laughed. "I still remember the tanning I got the first time I disappeared on Mama one day and came here. I came back the next day despite that, and I've visited her every day since. She's my honorary grandmama and I wanted her to meet you."
Bella's heart nearly melted at the thought of a tiny toddler Jasper coming all this way to visit the lonely old woman that lived here and she felt shame at her momentary jealousy in the carriage.
She smiled warmly at him. "I'd love to meet her Jasper."
They climbed the porch steps and Jasper knocked and entered, holding the door for Bella and Emily.
Setting the box down on a side table, he called out. "Miss Gladys! It's me. I've brought someone to meet you."
They heard a voice from the parlor. "In here Puddin'. Is it your sweetheart you was tellin' me 'bout?"
Bella blushed as they entered the parlor.
Jasper leaned down and kissed a frail old woman on her papery cheek. "Yes Ma'am."
He held out a hand to Bella, drawing her forward.
"This is Isabella, Miss Gladys."
Bella curtsied. "It's a pleasure to meet you ma'am."
Miss Gladys smiled. "Well, aren't ya just as pretty as a picture! Turn 'round and let me have a look at ya." She gestured with a spinning motion and Bella spun around slowly, a blush staining her cheeks.
"Well now, ya done good with this 'un Puddin'. Ya'll make pretty babies." She nodded while eyeing Bella. "Sure 'nough. She's small, but got a good build for havin' babies. Not at all like that other 'un ya Mama was tryin' ta saddle ya with. No good, that 'un was. Spoiled, bad temper, and narrow hips!"
She frowned deeply shaking her head. "That 'un woulda' had all manner o' trouble birthin' your babies."
She smiled at a decidedly red faced Jasper. "Yes sir, this 'un's just right for my Puddin'. Sweet temper, and good hips! She'll make ya a fine wife."
Bella was sure her face was going to burst into flames at any moment and she shot a look at Emily who was currently stood off to the side choking on suppressed laughter.
Jasper finally stepped forward to the old lady, kissing her cheek again. "We must be going now Miss Gladys. I'm taking Isabella to the park. I brought you some things and I'll leave them in the kitchen for Liza to put away when she comes by later. I'll see you tomorrow."
She reached up and patted his cheek. "Ya take care now, Puddin' and don't dilly dally with puttin' a ring on this 'un, ya hear? Ya don't want some other 'un to grab her up boy. Good birthin' hips and a sweet temper are hard ta find in one girl, yes sir." She nodded.
He smiled a sweet smile. "Yes ma'am, I hear."
Bella stepped forward, leaned down and kissed the old lady's cheek. "It was lovely to meet you Miss Gladys. I hope to see you again."
Miss Gladys pointed at Jasper and shook her finger. "Well, if my Puddin' has good sense, and I know he does, he'll grab ya up missy, and I'll see ya again."
Bella laughed and took Jasper's arm as he smiled down at her. "I'm workin' on that Miss Gladys. Yes Ma'am, I am."
They made their way to the park and Jasper set everything up under the shade of a beautiful magnolia tree.
Once they were seated, he looked at Bella, apology written clearly on his face.
"I'm sorry about Miss Gladys' forthrightness, but that's just how she's always been. I should have known and warned you but….."
Bella leaned forward and stopped him with a finger against his lips.
She smiled. "There's no need to apologize Jasper. I thought she was sweet and charming. True, all the talk of babies was a bit overwhelming…"
She shot a glare at Emily as she giggled.
"…...but she was lovely and I'm glad you took me to meet her….Puddin'."
Bella laughed as he mock glared at her before laughing.
"Yeah, she's always called me that." He shrugged.
Bella noted his blush. "It's sweet. I can just picture you as a tiny thing going to see her. She must love you very much."
He nodded. "I reckon she does. I love her too, that's why I wanted you to meet her."
"I'm glad. I would love to meet everyone that's important to you Jasper."
Her breath caught as those green eyes locked with hers, the emotions and love she saw in them almost overwhelming.
Emily rose then. "I have brought myself a book to read you two and I'll be just over yon on that bench, losing myself in the pages. Mind your manners Mr. Whitlock."
Jasper took her hand then and kissed the back of it, meeting her eyes as he gently turned it over, kissing the tender skin of the inside of her wrist.
Bella gasped at the thrill that shot through her at such a simple but erotic feeling gesture and her heart sped as she whispered out his name. "Jasper."
He met her eyes again as he lowered her hand.
"Isabella Salvatore, I know in my heart and in my soul that there will never be another woman in this world for me, for I have found my perfect match, the other half of my soul, the love of my life. Will you marry me Isabella?"
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.