Waiting For My Real Life To Begin
by Laura Spudzmom
CHAPTER 23
Bella shifted in her seat, yet again, as a frown marred her brow. Turning the page of her book, she tried to lose herself within the pages but she just couldn’t seem to focus.
Closing the book with a frustrated sigh, she set it aside and struggled up to walk to the window as she absently rubbed at the ache in her back.
“Charles?” she called out and only a short moment later, he entered the room.
“Yes, Miss Isabella?”
She turned and frowned. “Are you ever going to call me Bella?”
He smiled. “It’s a habit Miss.”
She flapped a hand. “Fine, fine.”
“Was there something you needed?” he prompted.
She looked up. “What? Oh! Yes, forgive me. I don’t know where my mind is today.”
“It’s quite all right Miss, and understandable.”
She frowned. “I should like to go for a walk, if you could gather my gloves and parasol, please. Being cooped up in this house is making me crazy.”
“Should I get Miss Emily to accompany you?
She waved off his suggestion. “No, no, I’d like to go alone. I’ll just drop by Ms. Gladys’s house to say hello, and then make my way back, not far at all.”
He bowed and left to gather her things. When he returned, she was waiting by the door. He helped her into her coat and gloves, helped her out the door and handed her the opened parasol. “Are you certain you should go alone?” he asked with worry lacing his tone.
She patted his arm with a smile. “You’re worse than my father Charles, I swear. I’ll be fine. It’s just a short walk.”
He sighed but nodded. “Very well Miss. I’ll watch for your return.”
“Thank you Charles,” she said with a smile.
He stepped back and closed the door and she turned and walked down the steps and to the boardwalk.
The walk was pleasant, the weather mild and she nodded to return the many greetings she received. Before too long, she stepped off the boardwalk and followed the worn path to the small house where Ms. Gladys lived. Opening the gate, she walked up to the front door and knocked before opening it to call out. “Ms. Gladys? It’s Isabella.”
“Isabella?! Well, come in child! Come in!”
She entered, propped her parasol and closed the door behind her before making her way to the sitting room. She leaned down and greeted the old woman with a kiss to the cheek before removing her coat and gloves and laying them over the sofa arm. “How are you Ms. Gladys?” she asked before taking a seat across from her hostess.
“I’m right as rain!” the old lady said with a grin. “Was just fixin’ to have some tea. Join me child.”
Bella smiled and scooted forward toward the coffee table to pour two cups from the service Ms. Gladys’s helper had set. She added cream and sugar to both and handed the old woman one while sitting back with the other.
“Well, don’t you look fit to burst! That baby’s ready child.” The old lady pinned her with a practiced eye and a nod. “Sure ‘nough, any time now.” She sipped her tea and placed the cup back on the saucer. “Did my Jasper bring ya by, sugar?”
Bella shook her head. “No Ma’am, I walked. Needed the fresh air.”
The old lady frowned. “Good lands child! Ain’t no way you should be traipsin’ around by yourself so close to that baby comin’! I can see I’m gonna have’ta have a talk with that boy next time I see him.”
“Really Ms. Gladys, I’m fine. No need to fret.”
“Hmph,” the old lady said while going back to her tea.
Bella tried to distract her. “Has Jasper been by to see you lately?”
“No child, he was by last Tuesday, but they been keepin’ him so busy! I’m tickled he’s back close to home though. That’s a blessin’.”
Bella nodded and finished her tea. “Well, Ms. Gladys, is there anything you need? Anything I can send Charles by with?”
“No child, my Jasper makes sure I’m taken care of. He did that even when he was gone, bless his heart, but thank you. I’ll be just fine. You just worry with yourself and that little ‘un. Ya get straight home now, ya hear?”
Bella placed her cup and saucer down on the tray and rose from the sofa to don her coat and gloves. She rubbed at the ache in her back and then waddled over to kiss Ms. Gladys’s cheek. “Thank you for the tea and company Ms. Gladys. You take care.”
The old lady giggled. “I surely will sugar. Y’all be sure to let me know when that baby gets here. He’s gonna be a strong one, jus’ like my Puddin’.”
Bella chuckled. She never could get over Jasper being called Puddin’. “We will.”
She walked out and collected her parasol before letting herself out and walking down the path. Before she’d made it back to the boardwalk, she began to hear footsteps behind her and they were drawing closer quickly. It was broad daylight though, so she didn’t feel the need to panic.
“Well, if it isn’t Mrs. Jasper Whitlock,” a familiar voice intoned just behind her. “What a pleasure.” She stopped and turned, her gaze going cold.
“Mr. Braniff, pity I can’t say the same. I was just on my way, so good day to you,” she said before turning back toward town.
He latched onto her elbow. “Please, a lovely woman in such a…delicate condition should have an escort. What kind of a gentleman would I be if I allowed you to remain unescorted?” he asked with a dark glint in his eye even as he smiled. The effect was chilling.
She tried to wrench her arm free without making a scene. One thing the pregnancy had taken a toll on was her strength; something she mourned at the moment. “I must insist you unhand me Mr. Braniff,” she gritted out through increasing panic and pain in her back that now wrapped her lower belly. “I was just on my way to meet my husband for lunch.”
“Is that so?” he questioned. “Well, in any case, it’s quite the walk to the Ranger office. I’ll see you there safely.”
“I’m perfectly capable…”
“I really must insist,” he clipped
He looped her arm through his and began walking, not giving her further chance to protest. “Why are you doing this?” she questioned through a clenching jaw.
He glanced down at her. “Do you really find my company so reprehensible that you seek to escape it so soon?”
“Hm,” she commented. “Escape—a very curious term for a gentleman who’s simply escorting a lady to use, wouldn’t you say?” she rejoined, avoiding his question.
He chuckled. “Beautiful and well versed in deflecting. I’m impressed Mrs. Whitlock.”
They stepped up onto the boardwalk and continued. “You know,” she broke the tense silence as they neared her home, “I do believe I’ve changed my mind. I’ll just go home as it’s…”
“Nonsense,” he tsk’ed. “I said I would escort you to your husband and I fully intend to see it through,” he said while his grip on her arm tightened painfully. They passed by her home and she gritted her teeth against the discomfort in her arm and the growing ache in her back.
“I really must insist you unhand me!”
His fingers dug into the soft flesh of her arm and she gasped quietly. “I am a gentleman, and a gentleman never goes back on his word,” he said with a shark-like smile.
“You sir, are no gentleman,” she hissed while struggling against his hold.
“What’s going on here?”
Bella could have cried in relief as the voice of her father sounded behind her. “Papa,” she said while stopping to turn.
Braniff tensed but stopped and turned with a cold smile. “Why, I was just escorting Mrs. Whitlock to her husband’s office. So…nice to see you Mr. Salvatore.”
Damon cursed his luck as the woman on his arm perked up with curiosity at the situation. He’d just have to make the best of a bad situation. “Braniff, we both know your limited contact with my daughter was less than gentlemanly, now unhand her and leave before my son-in-law gets a hold of you.”
The man smiled tightly and stepped away from Bella. “As you wish,” he said with a cursory bow. “Good day to you.”
He walked away and Bella rubbed her arm as she frowned at her father and the strange, but beautiful woman on his arm.
He turned to said woman and spoke lowly. “I must see my daughter home. I’ll meet you for dinner tonight.”
The woman cast a calculating glance at Bella but nodded. “Very well Damon darling.” She kissed his cheek and sashayed away and Bella raised a brow.
“Something you neglected to share?” she questioned.
He offered his arm and she took it and began walking. “Just a little glitch. Nothing I can’t handle.”
“Some glitch,” she said with a glance back at the disappearing satin skirts and straight back. She looked back at her father. “A history there?”
He smirked, but there was no humor in it. “You could say that.”
Just then, Bella hunched over with a gasp as a sharp pain gripped her. “Oh fuck,” she whispered as she squeezed the hell out of her father’s arm.
“Bella?” he said while turning to grab her shoulders, his brows furrowed in concern. “What’s going on?”
She held up a hand. “A minute?” she ground out while panting.
He nodded and waited and she finally straightened and met his gaze. “I think the baby may be coming.”
“Wait a minute,” he said. “I thought this whole thing lasted nine months.”
She scowled at him. “This isn’t exactly your run of the mill pregnancy, now is it?” she whispered, trying not to draw attention. “Now, can you please get me home? I’d like a little privacy and the boardwalk in the middle of the city doesn’t really provide for that.”
“Right,” he muttered while scooping her into his arms.
She gasped again. “Oh god, another one…” she groaned as she tucked her face against his chest.
“Is this normal?” he asked as he strode toward her house.
“How would I know?!” she gritted out.
“Right,” he muttered.
He took the steps up to her door two at a time and kicked at the door with his boot. Charles pulled it open moments later. “Miss Isabella!” he said while stepping aside for them to enter.
“Charles,” Damon greeted on his way to the stairs. “Fetch Miss Emily, would you? Tell her the baby’s coming.”
“Yes sir, Mr. Salvatore,” he agreed, already on his way.
Damon climbed the stairs and shouldered open Bella’s bedroom doors, laying her on the bed a moment later.
He looked at her, still in her coat and gloves. “Should I…uh…”
She shook her head and curled onto her side. “No Dad, just get Emily here, she’ll help me.”
“Right,” he said and turned to leave. She grabbed his hand and he turned back to her.
“Get Jasper, please.”
“Right,” he said, then his brow furrowed. “Should I really leave you before Emily gets here?”
Bella moaned and cried out while her arms wrapped her belly and he rubbed the back of his neck. “I should’a read up on this…” he muttered. “Fuck…me…”
A chuckle brought him out of his momentary panic and he turned toward Emily as she walked in. “Oh, thank fuck…”
“Language Damon,” she admonished as she began setting her supplies up and rolling her sleeves. “You’re gonna be a grandpapa after all.”
“Right,” he muttered as Emily began helping Bella out of her coat. “I’ll just…” he trailed off and motioned toward the door.
Emily pinned him with a look while working the laces of Bella’s dress. “I think that would be best,” she agreed.
“Right.” He strode from the room and shut the door to the sound of Emily’s chuckle.
“Jesus,” he whispered while closing his eyes and blowing out a breath. “I am not cut out for this…”
Charles walked up with an arm-load of linens and grinned. “First time?”
Damon’s eyes popped open and he nodded. “I wasn’t there when Bella was born.”
Charles nodded. “Birthing babies is a scary business. There’s no shame in being nervous, sir.”
Damon looked at the man curiously. “I take it this isn’t your first?”
“No sir, I’ve assisted with many.” He laid a hand on Damon’s shoulder. “Miss Emily seems to know what she’s doing. Rest easy. Miss Isabella is in good hands.”
Damon gave him a half smile. “Thanks Charles. I’ll be on my way,” he said as he walked toward the stairs. “Got a son-in-law to fetch. This fretting stuff is really his job, after all,” he finished with a smirk.
Charles chuckled. “Yes sir, that it is.”
~o0o~
An hour later saw both men pacing outside the door and cringing each time cries and screams echoed through the house. Damon brought the glass he was holding to his lips and tossed it back only to realize it was empty. “Shit,” he muttered before walking to the hall table where he’d set the decanter. He held it up and cocked a brow at the stricken looking Lieutenant. “You ready for that drink yet?” he asked with a smirk.
Bella screamed and he watched the color drain from the kid’s face. “Yeah, I believe I’ll have one now,” Jasper agreed.
He poured three fingers in Jasper’s glass and handed it to him just as he slumped into a chair. “Just as well kid,” Damon said while taking the chair beside him. “I hear these things can take a while.” He saluted with his glass and knocked back half the contents.
Bella cried out again, this time trailing out into her husband’s name. It was pain-filled and pitiful. Damon glanced at Jasper and noticed the white knuckled grip he had on the arm of the chair. “Try to relax?”
Jasper shot him a dark look.
“Or not…” Damon trailed dryly with a sigh and a sip of his drink.
Sounds of multiple footsteps coming up the winding staircase caught their attention a moment before Jasper’s entire family came into view. His mother rushed to his side and he rose and offered her the chair. “Mother,” he greeted just as Bella screamed again.
“Oh Jasper, honey,” she said while giving him a hug. She pulled back. “I’m going to go do what I can to help…”
He frowned. “I’m not sure that’s a good idea. You two haven’t really spoken yet…”
“I’ll be on my best behavior,” she promised with a kiss to his cheek before disappearing into the room.
Jasper turned to his father and sisters. “Thank you for coming,” he said with a nod. His father smiled and gripped his shoulder.
“This is our first grandchild. Where else would we be?” He nodded in thanks and greeting to Damon who’d just handed him a drink. “You should have seen your mother when Charles showed up. She was beside herself and rushing us out the door within moments.”
Jasper nodded just as Charles crested the stairs with a fresh bucket of steaming water. He nodded in greeting and stepped into the room, closing the door softly on Bella’s cries. Jasper blew out a breath and slumped into the chair as his sisters stood there, wide eyed and wringing their hands.
Their father turned to them. “Why don’t you two go direct the staff to make some food? I believe it’ll be a while before the baby makes an entrance.”
“Yes Papa,” they murmured before making their way back down the stairs.
Jasper smirked as he watched them go. “I don’t think I’ve ever seen them that quiet.”
Bella screamed his name again and Jasper jumped up to pace. “Why can’t I go in there?!”
Damon’s brows shot up. “You really want to?”
Thomas looked at his son. “Trust me, you’d only be in the way and there’s nothing you can do to ease her pain.”
“I feel useless!” he growled before punching the wall.
Damon got up and pressed a glass into his hand. “Drink the whole thing, right now, in one go.”
Jasper stared at him for a beat before knocking back the liquor as he’d been told. “Punching walls isn’t gonna help,” he said as he took the glass to refill it. Handing it back, he gestured to the chair. “Now have a seat and nurse that one. When the food comes, you eat. You need to be there for her when this is all said and done and you can’t do that if you’re an exhausted mess.”
Jasper sank into the chair, looking pale and dazed as he listened to his wife cry out yet again. “I don’t like this at all,” he muttered.
Thomas chuckled. “Son, I’m sure she’s in there cursing the day she met you, but it’ll be worth it when you both meet that little one, trust me, I know.”
Jasper merely nodded and took a sip of his drink.
~o0o~
Another pain crested, this one stronger than any before it and Bella shrieked her way through it. When it subsided she sobbed. “I can’t do this any more!”
Emily washed her hands in the fresh water and walked to the bed. “You’re a strong woman, Miss Bella and that baby is almost here, now legs up and let me check.”
She raised the sheet and checked her with a smile. “I can feel the top of his little head.” She met Bella’s exhausted gaze. “With this next pain, I need ya to grab hold of your knees and push. He’ll be here directly if ya do, ya hear?”
Bella nodded wearily and collapsed back on the pillows. “Can I have some water?”
Jasper’s mother grabbed the glass and supported Bella’s shoulders while tilting it to her lips. “Just a mouthful now,” she murmured. “Don’t want you getting sick.”
Bella sipped at the water and nodded. “Thank you,” she said and laid back before groaning as the pain began again.
“This is it,” Emily said while bunching the sheet at her waist. “Now grab those knees and push!”
Bella grunted and finished with a scream.
“Good—you’re doing good child,” Emily praised. “Now again, hard as you can.”
Bella cried. “Tired,” she moaned. “Can’t do this…”
“You can!” Emily scolded. “Now grab hold and push!”
Bella gritted her teeth and pushed with everything she had and Emily smiled. “Well, look here…he’s got a head full of gold hair, sure enough!” She laughed. “Now relax and he’ll be here with the next pain for sure.” She patted Bella’s leg and sat back to wait.
She didn’t have long as Bella moaned and grabbed her knees to push again. With a grunt and a scream, she felt him slide from her body and a moment later, heard a cry.
“Oh god,” she sobbed with a smile as she stared at the wet little body Emily held up.
“Here he is Mama,” she said while laying the child on Bella’s chest. She laid her hands on him and he blinked blue eyes up at her while making small protesting noises through tiny cupids bow lips.
“He’s beautiful,” she sobbed with a smile. “You’re beautiful baby,” she murmured as she looked into his eyes while stroking his cheek with a finger.
“That he is,” Emily agreed with a nod as she delivered the placenta and tied the cord. “Now, your mama-in-law’s gonna take him and get him all cleaned up while I see to you.” She took the baby and handed him off.
She reached over to the table and handed Bella a cup of tea she’d prepared. “You drink this now. It’s gonna help you heal up and make sure ya don’t bleed out on me.”
Bella nodded and began drinking the tea that was rather pleasant tasting, to her surprise. She’d had some of Emily’s herbal teas before and some hadn’t tasted all that good.
Emily helped her slip into some knickers which were lined with folded linen to absorb the blood and helped her to a chair while she changed the bedding.
Once she was settled back in the freshened bed, Jasper’s mother handed her a tiny bundle. She laughed as he waved a tiny fist and began to fuss. “Looks like little man’s hungry,” Emily said with her hand resting on her hips. “You know what to do, or you need help?
Bella pulled the laces on her gown and bared a breast. “I…I think I got it. I’ll ask for help if I need it, thank you,” she said as she positioned him at her nipple. He rooted for a minute and then latched on with a vengeance and Bella smiled up at Emily and her mother-in-law. “Looks like he figured it out,” she quipped.
“Hm,” Emily said with a smirk and a slow shake of her head. “Just like a man,” she muttered as she went back to packing up her supplies.
She picked up her bag and turned to Bella. “Reckon it’s time to let that husband of yours in,” she said as she made her way to the door. “I’ll check on you in a bit.”
~o0o~
Jasper’s head whipped toward the door as it opened. He’d been pacing again since they’d heard the cry of a baby and he was anxious to see his wife.
Emily smiled and walked through the door. “Well, go on then,” she said with a nod to the open door.
Jasper grinned and rushed into the room, the door swinging closed behind him. Emily met each gaze of the others. “They’re both fine and you have a grandson.” She almost laughed at the goofy grin on Damon’s face.
“A grandson…” he muttered in wonder. “Wow,” he said as he ran a hand over his hair. Thomas reached over and shook his hand. “I guess congratulations are in order for both of us,” he said with a wide smile.
“That they are,” Damon agreed. “That they are.”
He then looked down at his watch. “Shit, I’m late.”
~o0o~
Jasper slowed his pace as he approached the bed and nodded to his mother as she slipped out quietly. Bella smiled at him and held out a hand. “Come, meet your son,” she invited. He took her hand and perched himself on the side of the bed, his eyes drinking in the sight of the tiny being suckling at his wife’s breast.
“He has your hair,” she told him and he nodded as he stared.
“He does, doesn’t he?” he murmured as he reached over and stroked the wispy curls with his fingers. He looked up into his wife’s eyes. “He’s beautiful,” he said and leaned in to kiss her softly. “Thank you,” he whispered and kissed her again.
They both laughed softly as the baby began to fuss and Jasper sat back. “Already territorial, huh son?” he asked with a smile as the baby blinked at him.
“Would you like to hold him?” she asked and he grinned.
“Absolutely.”
Jasper scooped up the baby and held him up to look at him. He gently bounced him and looked at his wife. “What are we going to name him?”
She fixed her gown and shrugged a shoulder as she tied the laces. “I had one in mind but I didn’t want to name him without talking it over with you first.”
“Well, let’s hear it,” he said as he gave the baby a kiss on the cheek. He chuckled as the baby coo’ed and waved a fist.
“I was thinking we could call him Jacen Jasper. We could call him Jace for short.”
“Jacen Jasper Whitlock,” he muttered while staring at his son. “Jace…” he said with a smile. He looked at Bella. “It fits him. I like it.”
She let out the breath she’d been holding and smiled. “Good,” she said. “Now, why don’t you go show him off daddy? I’m sure they’re all anxious to see him and I’m a bit tired, to be honest.”
His brow furrowed. “Are you all right? Really? Do I need to fetch the doctor?”
“I’m fine Jasper! Just tired. I did just give birth you know? It’s a bit exhausting.”
He nodded and rose from the bed but she stopped him with a hand on his leg. He looked down at her. “Could you send in my father after he’s seen the baby?”
“All right. Anything else? Are you hungry?”
“No,” she said through a stifled yawn. “Just tired, and I’d like to see my father before I sleep. I’ll eat when I wake up.”
“Okay,” he said while shifting the baby to rest in the crook of his arm. “I’ll send him in.”
He kissed her cheek and walked out, closing the door softly in his wake.
Damon walked in several minutes later with a wide smile. “You do good work kid,” he said as he leaned down to kiss her forehead.
“Thanks Dad,” she answered with a tired smile.
He sat on the side of the bed and studied her a moment. “You need blood, huh?”
“Yeah, I do. This took a lot out of me.”
“I can imagine,” he muttered while loosening a cuff and rolling the sleeve. He held out his wrist to her and she took it and bit, drawing a small hiss from him. “Easy there tiger. I’m sensitive, you know?”
She rolled her eyes as she sucked and he smirked. “Gonna leave me any?” he joked after a bit and she let go.
“Thanks,” she said as she laid back against the pillows.
“Never a problem,” he answered while fixing his cuff.
She eyed him for a minute. “You missed your dinner date.”
He nodded. “I did.”
“Who is she?”
He smirked. “My bitch of a maker.”
Bella’s eyes went wide. “Katherine?!”
“The one and only. Well, I take that back. Seems the genes replicate every now and then, but she’s the real bitch of the lot.”
Bella frowned. “Then what the hell are you doing with her? I mean, isn’t it dangerous, you even being seen by her in this time? What if something goes wrong? What if…”
Damon covered her mouth with a hand because she was getting more frantic with each word. “Calm baby girl. Everything’s fine. Human me was shot and killed by my father two days ago, just as it happened before. No harm, no foul.” He dropped his hand and she nodded.
“So, what now?” she questioned.
He shrugged. “I’m still here and you’re still here which means I can do as I please with dear Kat. It won’t change a thing at this point. Sure, it’ll mess with her future, but I really don’t give a rats ass. I’m gonna have some fun. It’s past time for some payback.”
“Dad,” Bella said with a warning tone.
He shrugged. “I know what I’m doing. It’ll be fine. She won’t get the best of me this time around. I’m ready for the bitch.”
Bella stared down at her lap. “I know you loved her,” she murmured. He tensed.
“That was a very long time ago.”
She took his hand and squeezed it. “Just…promise me, you’ll be careful.”
She looked in his eyes and he nodded. “I promise.”
“And…guard your heart?” she begged.
He stared at her for a beat. “I will.”
Bella shifted in her seat, yet again, as a frown marred her brow. Turning the page of her book, she tried to lose herself within the pages but she just couldn’t seem to focus.
Closing the book with a frustrated sigh, she set it aside and struggled up to walk to the window as she absently rubbed at the ache in her back.
“Charles?” she called out and only a short moment later, he entered the room.
“Yes, Miss Isabella?”
She turned and frowned. “Are you ever going to call me Bella?”
He smiled. “It’s a habit Miss.”
She flapped a hand. “Fine, fine.”
“Was there something you needed?” he prompted.
She looked up. “What? Oh! Yes, forgive me. I don’t know where my mind is today.”
“It’s quite all right Miss, and understandable.”
She frowned. “I should like to go for a walk, if you could gather my gloves and parasol, please. Being cooped up in this house is making me crazy.”
“Should I get Miss Emily to accompany you?
She waved off his suggestion. “No, no, I’d like to go alone. I’ll just drop by Ms. Gladys’s house to say hello, and then make my way back, not far at all.”
He bowed and left to gather her things. When he returned, she was waiting by the door. He helped her into her coat and gloves, helped her out the door and handed her the opened parasol. “Are you certain you should go alone?” he asked with worry lacing his tone.
She patted his arm with a smile. “You’re worse than my father Charles, I swear. I’ll be fine. It’s just a short walk.”
He sighed but nodded. “Very well Miss. I’ll watch for your return.”
“Thank you Charles,” she said with a smile.
He stepped back and closed the door and she turned and walked down the steps and to the boardwalk.
The walk was pleasant, the weather mild and she nodded to return the many greetings she received. Before too long, she stepped off the boardwalk and followed the worn path to the small house where Ms. Gladys lived. Opening the gate, she walked up to the front door and knocked before opening it to call out. “Ms. Gladys? It’s Isabella.”
“Isabella?! Well, come in child! Come in!”
She entered, propped her parasol and closed the door behind her before making her way to the sitting room. She leaned down and greeted the old woman with a kiss to the cheek before removing her coat and gloves and laying them over the sofa arm. “How are you Ms. Gladys?” she asked before taking a seat across from her hostess.
“I’m right as rain!” the old lady said with a grin. “Was just fixin’ to have some tea. Join me child.”
Bella smiled and scooted forward toward the coffee table to pour two cups from the service Ms. Gladys’s helper had set. She added cream and sugar to both and handed the old woman one while sitting back with the other.
“Well, don’t you look fit to burst! That baby’s ready child.” The old lady pinned her with a practiced eye and a nod. “Sure ‘nough, any time now.” She sipped her tea and placed the cup back on the saucer. “Did my Jasper bring ya by, sugar?”
Bella shook her head. “No Ma’am, I walked. Needed the fresh air.”
The old lady frowned. “Good lands child! Ain’t no way you should be traipsin’ around by yourself so close to that baby comin’! I can see I’m gonna have’ta have a talk with that boy next time I see him.”
“Really Ms. Gladys, I’m fine. No need to fret.”
“Hmph,” the old lady said while going back to her tea.
Bella tried to distract her. “Has Jasper been by to see you lately?”
“No child, he was by last Tuesday, but they been keepin’ him so busy! I’m tickled he’s back close to home though. That’s a blessin’.”
Bella nodded and finished her tea. “Well, Ms. Gladys, is there anything you need? Anything I can send Charles by with?”
“No child, my Jasper makes sure I’m taken care of. He did that even when he was gone, bless his heart, but thank you. I’ll be just fine. You just worry with yourself and that little ‘un. Ya get straight home now, ya hear?”
Bella placed her cup and saucer down on the tray and rose from the sofa to don her coat and gloves. She rubbed at the ache in her back and then waddled over to kiss Ms. Gladys’s cheek. “Thank you for the tea and company Ms. Gladys. You take care.”
The old lady giggled. “I surely will sugar. Y’all be sure to let me know when that baby gets here. He’s gonna be a strong one, jus’ like my Puddin’.”
Bella chuckled. She never could get over Jasper being called Puddin’. “We will.”
She walked out and collected her parasol before letting herself out and walking down the path. Before she’d made it back to the boardwalk, she began to hear footsteps behind her and they were drawing closer quickly. It was broad daylight though, so she didn’t feel the need to panic.
“Well, if it isn’t Mrs. Jasper Whitlock,” a familiar voice intoned just behind her. “What a pleasure.” She stopped and turned, her gaze going cold.
“Mr. Braniff, pity I can’t say the same. I was just on my way, so good day to you,” she said before turning back toward town.
He latched onto her elbow. “Please, a lovely woman in such a…delicate condition should have an escort. What kind of a gentleman would I be if I allowed you to remain unescorted?” he asked with a dark glint in his eye even as he smiled. The effect was chilling.
She tried to wrench her arm free without making a scene. One thing the pregnancy had taken a toll on was her strength; something she mourned at the moment. “I must insist you unhand me Mr. Braniff,” she gritted out through increasing panic and pain in her back that now wrapped her lower belly. “I was just on my way to meet my husband for lunch.”
“Is that so?” he questioned. “Well, in any case, it’s quite the walk to the Ranger office. I’ll see you there safely.”
“I’m perfectly capable…”
“I really must insist,” he clipped
He looped her arm through his and began walking, not giving her further chance to protest. “Why are you doing this?” she questioned through a clenching jaw.
He glanced down at her. “Do you really find my company so reprehensible that you seek to escape it so soon?”
“Hm,” she commented. “Escape—a very curious term for a gentleman who’s simply escorting a lady to use, wouldn’t you say?” she rejoined, avoiding his question.
He chuckled. “Beautiful and well versed in deflecting. I’m impressed Mrs. Whitlock.”
They stepped up onto the boardwalk and continued. “You know,” she broke the tense silence as they neared her home, “I do believe I’ve changed my mind. I’ll just go home as it’s…”
“Nonsense,” he tsk’ed. “I said I would escort you to your husband and I fully intend to see it through,” he said while his grip on her arm tightened painfully. They passed by her home and she gritted her teeth against the discomfort in her arm and the growing ache in her back.
“I really must insist you unhand me!”
His fingers dug into the soft flesh of her arm and she gasped quietly. “I am a gentleman, and a gentleman never goes back on his word,” he said with a shark-like smile.
“You sir, are no gentleman,” she hissed while struggling against his hold.
“What’s going on here?”
Bella could have cried in relief as the voice of her father sounded behind her. “Papa,” she said while stopping to turn.
Braniff tensed but stopped and turned with a cold smile. “Why, I was just escorting Mrs. Whitlock to her husband’s office. So…nice to see you Mr. Salvatore.”
Damon cursed his luck as the woman on his arm perked up with curiosity at the situation. He’d just have to make the best of a bad situation. “Braniff, we both know your limited contact with my daughter was less than gentlemanly, now unhand her and leave before my son-in-law gets a hold of you.”
The man smiled tightly and stepped away from Bella. “As you wish,” he said with a cursory bow. “Good day to you.”
He walked away and Bella rubbed her arm as she frowned at her father and the strange, but beautiful woman on his arm.
He turned to said woman and spoke lowly. “I must see my daughter home. I’ll meet you for dinner tonight.”
The woman cast a calculating glance at Bella but nodded. “Very well Damon darling.” She kissed his cheek and sashayed away and Bella raised a brow.
“Something you neglected to share?” she questioned.
He offered his arm and she took it and began walking. “Just a little glitch. Nothing I can’t handle.”
“Some glitch,” she said with a glance back at the disappearing satin skirts and straight back. She looked back at her father. “A history there?”
He smirked, but there was no humor in it. “You could say that.”
Just then, Bella hunched over with a gasp as a sharp pain gripped her. “Oh fuck,” she whispered as she squeezed the hell out of her father’s arm.
“Bella?” he said while turning to grab her shoulders, his brows furrowed in concern. “What’s going on?”
She held up a hand. “A minute?” she ground out while panting.
He nodded and waited and she finally straightened and met his gaze. “I think the baby may be coming.”
“Wait a minute,” he said. “I thought this whole thing lasted nine months.”
She scowled at him. “This isn’t exactly your run of the mill pregnancy, now is it?” she whispered, trying not to draw attention. “Now, can you please get me home? I’d like a little privacy and the boardwalk in the middle of the city doesn’t really provide for that.”
“Right,” he muttered while scooping her into his arms.
She gasped again. “Oh god, another one…” she groaned as she tucked her face against his chest.
“Is this normal?” he asked as he strode toward her house.
“How would I know?!” she gritted out.
“Right,” he muttered.
He took the steps up to her door two at a time and kicked at the door with his boot. Charles pulled it open moments later. “Miss Isabella!” he said while stepping aside for them to enter.
“Charles,” Damon greeted on his way to the stairs. “Fetch Miss Emily, would you? Tell her the baby’s coming.”
“Yes sir, Mr. Salvatore,” he agreed, already on his way.
Damon climbed the stairs and shouldered open Bella’s bedroom doors, laying her on the bed a moment later.
He looked at her, still in her coat and gloves. “Should I…uh…”
She shook her head and curled onto her side. “No Dad, just get Emily here, she’ll help me.”
“Right,” he said and turned to leave. She grabbed his hand and he turned back to her.
“Get Jasper, please.”
“Right,” he said, then his brow furrowed. “Should I really leave you before Emily gets here?”
Bella moaned and cried out while her arms wrapped her belly and he rubbed the back of his neck. “I should’a read up on this…” he muttered. “Fuck…me…”
A chuckle brought him out of his momentary panic and he turned toward Emily as she walked in. “Oh, thank fuck…”
“Language Damon,” she admonished as she began setting her supplies up and rolling her sleeves. “You’re gonna be a grandpapa after all.”
“Right,” he muttered as Emily began helping Bella out of her coat. “I’ll just…” he trailed off and motioned toward the door.
Emily pinned him with a look while working the laces of Bella’s dress. “I think that would be best,” she agreed.
“Right.” He strode from the room and shut the door to the sound of Emily’s chuckle.
“Jesus,” he whispered while closing his eyes and blowing out a breath. “I am not cut out for this…”
Charles walked up with an arm-load of linens and grinned. “First time?”
Damon’s eyes popped open and he nodded. “I wasn’t there when Bella was born.”
Charles nodded. “Birthing babies is a scary business. There’s no shame in being nervous, sir.”
Damon looked at the man curiously. “I take it this isn’t your first?”
“No sir, I’ve assisted with many.” He laid a hand on Damon’s shoulder. “Miss Emily seems to know what she’s doing. Rest easy. Miss Isabella is in good hands.”
Damon gave him a half smile. “Thanks Charles. I’ll be on my way,” he said as he walked toward the stairs. “Got a son-in-law to fetch. This fretting stuff is really his job, after all,” he finished with a smirk.
Charles chuckled. “Yes sir, that it is.”
~o0o~
An hour later saw both men pacing outside the door and cringing each time cries and screams echoed through the house. Damon brought the glass he was holding to his lips and tossed it back only to realize it was empty. “Shit,” he muttered before walking to the hall table where he’d set the decanter. He held it up and cocked a brow at the stricken looking Lieutenant. “You ready for that drink yet?” he asked with a smirk.
Bella screamed and he watched the color drain from the kid’s face. “Yeah, I believe I’ll have one now,” Jasper agreed.
He poured three fingers in Jasper’s glass and handed it to him just as he slumped into a chair. “Just as well kid,” Damon said while taking the chair beside him. “I hear these things can take a while.” He saluted with his glass and knocked back half the contents.
Bella cried out again, this time trailing out into her husband’s name. It was pain-filled and pitiful. Damon glanced at Jasper and noticed the white knuckled grip he had on the arm of the chair. “Try to relax?”
Jasper shot him a dark look.
“Or not…” Damon trailed dryly with a sigh and a sip of his drink.
Sounds of multiple footsteps coming up the winding staircase caught their attention a moment before Jasper’s entire family came into view. His mother rushed to his side and he rose and offered her the chair. “Mother,” he greeted just as Bella screamed again.
“Oh Jasper, honey,” she said while giving him a hug. She pulled back. “I’m going to go do what I can to help…”
He frowned. “I’m not sure that’s a good idea. You two haven’t really spoken yet…”
“I’ll be on my best behavior,” she promised with a kiss to his cheek before disappearing into the room.
Jasper turned to his father and sisters. “Thank you for coming,” he said with a nod. His father smiled and gripped his shoulder.
“This is our first grandchild. Where else would we be?” He nodded in thanks and greeting to Damon who’d just handed him a drink. “You should have seen your mother when Charles showed up. She was beside herself and rushing us out the door within moments.”
Jasper nodded just as Charles crested the stairs with a fresh bucket of steaming water. He nodded in greeting and stepped into the room, closing the door softly on Bella’s cries. Jasper blew out a breath and slumped into the chair as his sisters stood there, wide eyed and wringing their hands.
Their father turned to them. “Why don’t you two go direct the staff to make some food? I believe it’ll be a while before the baby makes an entrance.”
“Yes Papa,” they murmured before making their way back down the stairs.
Jasper smirked as he watched them go. “I don’t think I’ve ever seen them that quiet.”
Bella screamed his name again and Jasper jumped up to pace. “Why can’t I go in there?!”
Damon’s brows shot up. “You really want to?”
Thomas looked at his son. “Trust me, you’d only be in the way and there’s nothing you can do to ease her pain.”
“I feel useless!” he growled before punching the wall.
Damon got up and pressed a glass into his hand. “Drink the whole thing, right now, in one go.”
Jasper stared at him for a beat before knocking back the liquor as he’d been told. “Punching walls isn’t gonna help,” he said as he took the glass to refill it. Handing it back, he gestured to the chair. “Now have a seat and nurse that one. When the food comes, you eat. You need to be there for her when this is all said and done and you can’t do that if you’re an exhausted mess.”
Jasper sank into the chair, looking pale and dazed as he listened to his wife cry out yet again. “I don’t like this at all,” he muttered.
Thomas chuckled. “Son, I’m sure she’s in there cursing the day she met you, but it’ll be worth it when you both meet that little one, trust me, I know.”
Jasper merely nodded and took a sip of his drink.
~o0o~
Another pain crested, this one stronger than any before it and Bella shrieked her way through it. When it subsided she sobbed. “I can’t do this any more!”
Emily washed her hands in the fresh water and walked to the bed. “You’re a strong woman, Miss Bella and that baby is almost here, now legs up and let me check.”
She raised the sheet and checked her with a smile. “I can feel the top of his little head.” She met Bella’s exhausted gaze. “With this next pain, I need ya to grab hold of your knees and push. He’ll be here directly if ya do, ya hear?”
Bella nodded wearily and collapsed back on the pillows. “Can I have some water?”
Jasper’s mother grabbed the glass and supported Bella’s shoulders while tilting it to her lips. “Just a mouthful now,” she murmured. “Don’t want you getting sick.”
Bella sipped at the water and nodded. “Thank you,” she said and laid back before groaning as the pain began again.
“This is it,” Emily said while bunching the sheet at her waist. “Now grab those knees and push!”
Bella grunted and finished with a scream.
“Good—you’re doing good child,” Emily praised. “Now again, hard as you can.”
Bella cried. “Tired,” she moaned. “Can’t do this…”
“You can!” Emily scolded. “Now grab hold and push!”
Bella gritted her teeth and pushed with everything she had and Emily smiled. “Well, look here…he’s got a head full of gold hair, sure enough!” She laughed. “Now relax and he’ll be here with the next pain for sure.” She patted Bella’s leg and sat back to wait.
She didn’t have long as Bella moaned and grabbed her knees to push again. With a grunt and a scream, she felt him slide from her body and a moment later, heard a cry.
“Oh god,” she sobbed with a smile as she stared at the wet little body Emily held up.
“Here he is Mama,” she said while laying the child on Bella’s chest. She laid her hands on him and he blinked blue eyes up at her while making small protesting noises through tiny cupids bow lips.
“He’s beautiful,” she sobbed with a smile. “You’re beautiful baby,” she murmured as she looked into his eyes while stroking his cheek with a finger.
“That he is,” Emily agreed with a nod as she delivered the placenta and tied the cord. “Now, your mama-in-law’s gonna take him and get him all cleaned up while I see to you.” She took the baby and handed him off.
She reached over to the table and handed Bella a cup of tea she’d prepared. “You drink this now. It’s gonna help you heal up and make sure ya don’t bleed out on me.”
Bella nodded and began drinking the tea that was rather pleasant tasting, to her surprise. She’d had some of Emily’s herbal teas before and some hadn’t tasted all that good.
Emily helped her slip into some knickers which were lined with folded linen to absorb the blood and helped her to a chair while she changed the bedding.
Once she was settled back in the freshened bed, Jasper’s mother handed her a tiny bundle. She laughed as he waved a tiny fist and began to fuss. “Looks like little man’s hungry,” Emily said with her hand resting on her hips. “You know what to do, or you need help?
Bella pulled the laces on her gown and bared a breast. “I…I think I got it. I’ll ask for help if I need it, thank you,” she said as she positioned him at her nipple. He rooted for a minute and then latched on with a vengeance and Bella smiled up at Emily and her mother-in-law. “Looks like he figured it out,” she quipped.
“Hm,” Emily said with a smirk and a slow shake of her head. “Just like a man,” she muttered as she went back to packing up her supplies.
She picked up her bag and turned to Bella. “Reckon it’s time to let that husband of yours in,” she said as she made her way to the door. “I’ll check on you in a bit.”
~o0o~
Jasper’s head whipped toward the door as it opened. He’d been pacing again since they’d heard the cry of a baby and he was anxious to see his wife.
Emily smiled and walked through the door. “Well, go on then,” she said with a nod to the open door.
Jasper grinned and rushed into the room, the door swinging closed behind him. Emily met each gaze of the others. “They’re both fine and you have a grandson.” She almost laughed at the goofy grin on Damon’s face.
“A grandson…” he muttered in wonder. “Wow,” he said as he ran a hand over his hair. Thomas reached over and shook his hand. “I guess congratulations are in order for both of us,” he said with a wide smile.
“That they are,” Damon agreed. “That they are.”
He then looked down at his watch. “Shit, I’m late.”
~o0o~
Jasper slowed his pace as he approached the bed and nodded to his mother as she slipped out quietly. Bella smiled at him and held out a hand. “Come, meet your son,” she invited. He took her hand and perched himself on the side of the bed, his eyes drinking in the sight of the tiny being suckling at his wife’s breast.
“He has your hair,” she told him and he nodded as he stared.
“He does, doesn’t he?” he murmured as he reached over and stroked the wispy curls with his fingers. He looked up into his wife’s eyes. “He’s beautiful,” he said and leaned in to kiss her softly. “Thank you,” he whispered and kissed her again.
They both laughed softly as the baby began to fuss and Jasper sat back. “Already territorial, huh son?” he asked with a smile as the baby blinked at him.
“Would you like to hold him?” she asked and he grinned.
“Absolutely.”
Jasper scooped up the baby and held him up to look at him. He gently bounced him and looked at his wife. “What are we going to name him?”
She fixed her gown and shrugged a shoulder as she tied the laces. “I had one in mind but I didn’t want to name him without talking it over with you first.”
“Well, let’s hear it,” he said as he gave the baby a kiss on the cheek. He chuckled as the baby coo’ed and waved a fist.
“I was thinking we could call him Jacen Jasper. We could call him Jace for short.”
“Jacen Jasper Whitlock,” he muttered while staring at his son. “Jace…” he said with a smile. He looked at Bella. “It fits him. I like it.”
She let out the breath she’d been holding and smiled. “Good,” she said. “Now, why don’t you go show him off daddy? I’m sure they’re all anxious to see him and I’m a bit tired, to be honest.”
His brow furrowed. “Are you all right? Really? Do I need to fetch the doctor?”
“I’m fine Jasper! Just tired. I did just give birth you know? It’s a bit exhausting.”
He nodded and rose from the bed but she stopped him with a hand on his leg. He looked down at her. “Could you send in my father after he’s seen the baby?”
“All right. Anything else? Are you hungry?”
“No,” she said through a stifled yawn. “Just tired, and I’d like to see my father before I sleep. I’ll eat when I wake up.”
“Okay,” he said while shifting the baby to rest in the crook of his arm. “I’ll send him in.”
He kissed her cheek and walked out, closing the door softly in his wake.
Damon walked in several minutes later with a wide smile. “You do good work kid,” he said as he leaned down to kiss her forehead.
“Thanks Dad,” she answered with a tired smile.
He sat on the side of the bed and studied her a moment. “You need blood, huh?”
“Yeah, I do. This took a lot out of me.”
“I can imagine,” he muttered while loosening a cuff and rolling the sleeve. He held out his wrist to her and she took it and bit, drawing a small hiss from him. “Easy there tiger. I’m sensitive, you know?”
She rolled her eyes as she sucked and he smirked. “Gonna leave me any?” he joked after a bit and she let go.
“Thanks,” she said as she laid back against the pillows.
“Never a problem,” he answered while fixing his cuff.
She eyed him for a minute. “You missed your dinner date.”
He nodded. “I did.”
“Who is she?”
He smirked. “My bitch of a maker.”
Bella’s eyes went wide. “Katherine?!”
“The one and only. Well, I take that back. Seems the genes replicate every now and then, but she’s the real bitch of the lot.”
Bella frowned. “Then what the hell are you doing with her? I mean, isn’t it dangerous, you even being seen by her in this time? What if something goes wrong? What if…”
Damon covered her mouth with a hand because she was getting more frantic with each word. “Calm baby girl. Everything’s fine. Human me was shot and killed by my father two days ago, just as it happened before. No harm, no foul.” He dropped his hand and she nodded.
“So, what now?” she questioned.
He shrugged. “I’m still here and you’re still here which means I can do as I please with dear Kat. It won’t change a thing at this point. Sure, it’ll mess with her future, but I really don’t give a rats ass. I’m gonna have some fun. It’s past time for some payback.”
“Dad,” Bella said with a warning tone.
He shrugged. “I know what I’m doing. It’ll be fine. She won’t get the best of me this time around. I’m ready for the bitch.”
Bella stared down at her lap. “I know you loved her,” she murmured. He tensed.
“That was a very long time ago.”
She took his hand and squeezed it. “Just…promise me, you’ll be careful.”
She looked in his eyes and he nodded. “I promise.”
“And…guard your heart?” she begged.
He stared at her for a beat. “I will.”
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.