Waiting For My Real Life To Begin
by Laura Spudzmom
Chapter 30
“Hey, Bonnie, how’s it going?”
Snapping out of her thoughts, Bonnie focused on Elena’s face as she slid into the opposite seat of the booth. They were meeting for lunch, but so much had changed in Bonnie’s world, she’d been deep in thought—or lost in shock, really.
Just that morning, she’d awoken in a different, more affluent house, something she was still trying to wrap her head around. ‘The Bennett Estate’ She snorted. She wasn’t sure what all had changed, but she sure as hell knew her financial status had.
“Things are…” she started weakly, “Okay? I guess. I mean…” She leaned forward, grasping her friend’s hand. “What do you remember of Damon and his daughter? Do you remember her showing up and all of that? Do you remember what we did?” She had to know, before spilling what she knew.
Elena’s eyes went wide before confusion clouded her expression. “Damon’s daughter…yeah,” she muttered. “Of course I remember her. Who wouldn’t remember something like that? You really okay, Bon?”
Instead of answering, she asked another question. “Where do I live? What do you remember of that?”
Now Elena eyed her friend as if she’d lost it, or at least, she did for a moment before tilting her head with a creased brow. “Holy shit,” she mumbled before gaping at her witch friend. “Why do I have two different sets of memories about some things? What the hell’s going on?”
“Oh, thank god,” Bonnie breathed while dropping her head into her hands. “It’s not just me.”
“Start talking, Bonnie. What’s going on?” Elena demanded.
Bonnie peeked up from her hands before dropping them to clutch the coffee cup on the table as she met and held Elena’s gaze. “Things are changing, and I think it’s because of Damon and his daughter’s little trip. So far, I’ve only noticed things about my life, but who knows how far this reaches.”
Elena sucked in a breath as she went over things in her memories. “Katherine,” she muttered before gaping at her friend. “There’s no Katherine in this new set of memories. Holy shit. What have they done?”
Bonnie’s brows shot up. “Knowing Damon, do you really have to ask?”
Elena leaned forward, her voice low as she spoke, “You think he killed her?”
Bonnie shrugged. “Maybe?”
“And this is bad, why?” Elena asked before smiling at the waitress who plunked down a menu while promising to return for the order as she hurried away.
“I never said it was bad…just, wow…” She blinked and shook her head. “Have you talked to Stefan today?”
“No, not yet.”
“Call him. We need to figure out how many of us now have two sets of memories. I mean, if it’s the whole damn town, this could cause mass confusion at best.”
“Shit,” Elena muttered. “Tell you what, you go talk to friends and family who weren’t part of the ‘going away party’ for Damon and Bella, see what they remember of the past and present, and I’ll go talk to Stefan and the others who were there.” She glanced at her watch. “Then we meet up at the boarding house at about 5 to compare notes and figure out how to handle this, sound good?”
Bonnie scoffed. “Yeah, now to do that without looking like a complete nut case…”
Elena shot her a sympathetic look. “Be subtle?”
“Thanks for that sage advice.”
Elena cringed. “Sorry, it’s all I got.”
Bonnie sighed. “Okay, go. I’ll meet you at 5…if I don’t get hauled off to the loony bin.”
Elena stifled a giggle and Bonnie raised a brow. “If I do, you better get my ass out.”
Elena held up two fingers while stifling a tiny smirk. “Scouts honor.”
“Yeah, like that helps. You were never a scout,” she grumbled while pulling some cash from her pocket.
“Put it away, I got this. I’m gonna order a latte to go before heading out,” Elena said and Bonnie nodded.
“Thanks, I’ll see you later.” With that, she slid out of the booth and headed out the door.
After ordering her latte, Elena pulled out her phone and texted Stefan while she waited. Hey, you home? I need to talk to you. ~E.
Yeah, I’m here. What’s up?’ ~S.
‘Uh, just wait. I’ll be there after I get my coffee.’ ~E.
‘Okay, see you then.’ ~S.
“Here ya go, hun,” the waitress said as she placed the to-go cup on the table. “Anything else I can get ya?”
“No, this is it, thanks.”
With a nod, the waitress left and Elena tossed money on the table before walking out to her car. When she got there, she frowned at the sight of Bonnie’s car sitting next to hers with no sign of her friend anywhere. “What the hell…?” Walking around the car, she sucked in a breath, a chill crawling up her spine as she spotted her friend’s keys on the ground.
Pulling out her phone, she scrolled through and called Bonnie’s phone, whispering ‘oh shit’ when a ring tone sounded from the phone lying on the ground beneath the parked car. With shaking hands, she disconnected, found Stefan’s number and pressed send.
“Hey, thought you were coming over?” he said in answer.
“Yeah, that was the plan,” she muttered, “but now I need you here. I think something’s happened to Bonnie.”
“You at the Grill?”
“Yeah.”
“Okay, be there in five.”
When he got there, he parked, hopped out of his car and walked up to her, his head dropping as he stood by Bonnie’s car for a drawn out moment.
“Well? Anything?” she asked when she couldn’t take his silence anymore.
With a slow nod, he met her gaze, slow fury building in his green eyes, and her heart sank as he ground out a name through clenched teeth, “Edward Cullen.”
~o0o~
“What do you want with me?” Bonnie pleaded, her wary gaze barely tracking the erratic pacing of the cold one before he stopped to pull the tacky hotel drape aside for a peek outside.
In a breath-stealing blur, he appeared in front of her, his icy fingers gripping her chin painfully. “You’re going to help me,” he purred as a smirk curved the corner of his lips.
Despite her fear, she yanked her face away from him and scowled. “I only help people I like, and after today, I think it’s safe to say you’re a huge prick, so good luck with that.”
He sneered. “You think I care how you feel about me? I don’t. Your good regard is not required for you to do what I tell you, and you will do it if you want to live. You see, you don’t have any power over my kind, dear heart, not like you do over the softer vampires.”
Swallowing heavily, she did her best to calm her heart and bury her fear. He was right though. She’d already tried the headache thing on him and it hadn’t seemed to faze him at all. “Just what is it you want my help with?”
He smiled and it was chilling. “I thought you’d never ask.” Striding to the closet, he pulled an old fashioned dress from the closet and threw it at her before pulling out more antique looking garments for himself. “Go into the bathroom and change into that,” he instructed as she stared at him in dawning dread. He smirked while working the buttons of his shirt. “We’re going on a little trip, you see, and must dress for the occasion.”
“You can’t do this. I won’t let you do this,” she breathed, knowing by the insane look in his black eyes that nothing good would come of this.
“Oh yes you will!” She yelped at the painful grip he now had on her upper arms, tears springing into her eyes as she felt the stress on her flesh and bones. He jerked her forward, hissing in her face, “I can inflict pain in ways that will leave no visible marks and if that doesn’t work, I can always bring in one of your friends and put on a show. Now, is that going to be required?”
A tear finally rolled down her cheek as she shook her head. “No, leave them out of it.”
His brows rose. “You’ll be a good little girl and do as I say, no fighting?” He tightened his grip and she gasped at the pain.
“Yes! Yes, I’ll do it.”
He shoved her through the bathroom door and tossed the dress in after her. “Good,” he said, his tone flat, cold. “Now hurry up. I want to get this done and get back.”
~o0o~
“There’s no way you can change it?” Bella’s tone was flat, resigned, even as she asked the question. She knew the answer before he uttered another word, but she was clinging to hope.
“Bella,” he said with a sigh before turning to face her as she sat, white faced and tense in the parlor chair. “You know I can’t. These are orders and I have to follow them.”
She nodded while staring at her clasped hands, folded primly in her lap. “When do you leave?”
He took a seat beside her and took one of her hands in his. “Not for a week, sugar, and until then, I’m all yours. The Colonel gave me the week off.” She glanced up at him and he smiled, hoping to lift her mood.
She returned his smile, but it was weak and didn’t touch the sadness in her eyes. “That’ll be good.”
He stood and pulled her into his arms, tipping her chin up with a crooked finger. Leaning down, he brushed a light kiss over her lips. “Let’s make the most of this week, sugar. Give me something pleasant to think about while I’m gone? I love you so much, baby doll, but I need to know you’re gonna be strong for me and our son while I’m out there. Can you give me that, Isabella?”
She steeled herself, feeling suddenly ashamed for how she’d been acting. Cupping his cheek, she traced his lower lip with the pad of her thumb, her eyes following its track before darting up to stare into his. “Yes, I can, and…I owe you an apology. I’ve been horrible lately, acting like more of a child than your wife. I’m not sure why, but my emotions have been so volatile lately… This isn’t easy for you either, and I haven’t been supporting you at all. That stops now. I’m an officer’s wife. It’s time I began acting like one.”
He smiled before leaning in to kiss her, the slow passion behind it stealing her breath as his hands pressed her close. Resting his forehead against hers, he murmured, “You don’t know how relieved I am to hear you say that.”
She brushed a wayward curl from his cheek. “I want you to know, I’m proud of you. You’re an honorable man, Jasper Whitlock, one whose son will be proud of when he’s old enough to understand.”
He closed his eyes and kissed her lightly. “It does my heart good to hear you say that.” His eyes opened and her heart thrilled at the love she saw brimming there. “You’re my strength, Isabella…my love, my reason to keep going. You’re what brought me home from my last mission and you’ll bring me back from this one.” He brushed her cheek with gentle fingers. “Have faith in that. I’ll always come home for you, I promise.”
She smiled, and this time, it was genuine. “I’m holding you to that, Major Whitlock.”
His answering grin made her heart skip a beat. It’d been so long since she’d seen it…
“How about we have the cook pack a lunch and we take a stroll to the park?”
“What about Jace?”
He kissed her, just a quick, soft peck before his grin was back and he was tugging her from the room. “We’ll take him of course,” he said as he dropped her hand at the foot of the stairs. “You go get him ready, and I’ll see to everything else. Bring him down when you’re ready.”
“All right,” she said, turning to climb the stairs. She yelped when he gave her a playful swat on her butt, shooting him a mock glare as he laughed on his way to the kitchen.
“You’ll pay for that later, Whitlock!” she called out, shaking her head with a smile as he called back, “I look forward to it, wife!”
Once she had their son freshly changed and ready to go, she made her way down the stairs to her waiting husband, who had a basket in one hand and arm held out gallantly. “Shall we?”
“We shall,” she answered, taking his arm as Jace wriggled in her other.
“Da, da!”
Jasper leaned over and kissed his son’s chubby cheek. “You ready to go, son?”
“Da!”
He chuckled and led his little family to the door, thanking Charles who opened it for them. “My pleasure, Major Whitlock, Mrs. Whitlock. Have a pleasant outing.”
“We plan to, Charles. Thank you,” Bella said with a smile as they descended the steps.
The weather was sunny and mild and Bella took a deep breath, letting it out with a smile as she leaned her head against Jasper’s arm. “It’s a beautiful day.”
He glanced down at her. “It is, but it doesn’t compare to you.”
Her smile widened and she chuckled. “That’s so sweet, Jay…cheesy, but sweet.”
“Cheesy? Not sure what that means, but it doesn’t sound complimentary,” he said with a raised brow as humor danced in his eyes.
She hugged his arm. “It means…” she drew out, searching for a way to explain it. “Well, it means I love you for trying?” she said through a laugh.
He grinned. “All right, so I’ve never been known for my prose, but you are the most beautiful thing in my world, that’s the God’s honest truth.”
“Well, thank you, Major, and may I return the compliment? You’re the most handsome man I’ve ever laid eyes on.” He puffed up proudly and with a playful smile, she continued. “Wait. I take that back…” He met her gaze and arched a brow as her smile stretched into a mischievous grin. “Our son has you beat. Sorry.”
His gaze softened as he looked at his son who’d fallen asleep on her shoulder. “I can live with that,” he murmured with a soft smile and a nod, and Bella fell a little more in love with him at the love and pride she saw shining in his eyes.
When they got to the park, she stood back as he spread the blanket beneath the same tree they’d sat under when he’d proposed. “Here, let me take him,” he said while easing Jace into his arms before carefully lying him on the blanket.
“He’ll probably sleep for a while,” Bella said as Jasper helped her take a seat. “This is his normal nap time.”
He nodded and seated himself, placing the basket between them before leaning back against the tree, his long legs stretched out and crossed at the ankles. “I still wanted him with us. I want to spend as much time as I can with both of you, before…” His eyes darted to hers as she paused in unpacking the food and she smiled.
“It’s all right,” she murmured. “I’m not going to break down if you mention it. We have this week, let’s not waste it on dread or sorrow.”
He leaned over and kissed her softly while tracing her cheek with his fingers. “That sounds good to me.”
Bella jerked back, her eyes darting around the park as a frown marred her brow. “What is it, Bella? What’s wrong?”
She held up a hand, her head cocked as she listened intently. After a long moment, she dropped her hand and shook her head. “I thought I heard something, but I guess not.”
“What was it you thought you heard?” he asked while taking in their surroundings.
She handed him a sandwich while shrugging. “A growl…it sounded like a growl.”
“Perhaps it was a stray dog?” he suggested as he began eating.
She cast her gaze around once more, a feeling of unease tingling just over her skin as she nodded. “Yeah, maybe.”
Shaking off her unease, she took a bite of her sandwich, and smirked as she thought about her mother-in-law’s latest favorite topic of conversation every time she saw the woman. She swallowed and washed it down with a sip of lemonade while eyeing her husband who was now eyeing her back, warily. “So, Jasper,” she began, her tone putting him even more on guard as her smirk grew. “I had a lovely visit with your mother yesterday,” she drawled before taking another bite of food, mirth sparkling in her blue eyes as she watched him knowingly.
He was steeling himself while trying to look relaxed and she could barely restrain a grin at the sight of him. “Oh? Do tell.”
She chewed slowly, swallowed and dabbed her lips with a napkin as he waited, green eyes locked on her as he ate. “Yes,” she finally continued, her tone sweet, demure, and poised to spring whatever it was his mother had inflicted during her visit, he knew.
He cocked a brow and took another generous bite when she finally sprang it on him. “She wants to know when we’re going to give her another grandchild.”
He choked and began coughing and Bella reached over, graciously pounding his back as he rode it out. “Another child?” he rasped and she nodded.
“Um hmm,” she affirmed sweetly as he darted a look at her through watering eyes. She handed him a napkin. “Here honey, you look like you need this.” She grinned innocently and he narrowed his eyes while chugging down some lemonade.
When he’d recovered, he shot her a mock glare. “You enjoyed that entirely too much.”
She laughed and leaned over, kissing his cheek with a smile. “Be grateful, husband. I’ve had to sit through countless hours of it. And she never lets up. I mean, I just weaned Jace, for Pete’s sake! And you and I…we’re both still so young…too young to have an entire brood of children, but does any of that matter to your mother? No, apparently not.”
He smirked. “Convey my apologies the next time you see her, won’t you?”
Her answering smile put him on edge. “Convey them yourself. We’re having dinner at your family home tomorrow evening.”
He sighed and nodded. “Hopefully, she’ll refrain from such a subject in the presence of my sisters.”
Bella laughed. “Good luck with that! Your sisters are almost as bad! The women in your family are obsessed with babies and determined that you and I be as prolific as possible.”
She took another bite and enjoyed his discomfort. It was small recompense for the hours she spent fending off the Whitlock women, while he got away scot-free by being conveniently busy during their visits.
“Well,” he said after finishing his food, “you were able to set them straight, I hope.”
She frowned. “Not really, but it wasn’t for lack of trying, I assure you. They just don't want to listen. They nod and smile and go on talking as if I’d never said a word! It’s maddening.”
He attempted to hide a grin behind the rim of his cup. “I have every confidence in you, sugar. I’m sure you held your own.”
She narrowed her eyes. “Whitlocks…” she grumbled while aiming a swat at his shoulder. He dodged with a laugh before pulling her into his lap for a breath-stealing kiss.
“You’re a Whitlock too, sugar, never forget that.”
Burying a hand in his hair, she pulled him into another kiss before murmuring, “Take me home and remind me?”
He groaned and placed a kiss just below her ear. “Gladly, wife.”
He rose to his feet and helped her up before placing their sleeping son in her arms. “Hold him while I pack up, then I’ll carry him. The basket’s lighter than he is now.”
“All right,” she said, placing a kiss on Jace’s curls while standing aside. When everything was packed, he took the baby, holding the sleeping baby against his chest as Bella picked up the basket. “Thank you for today,” she said as they walked. “It was lovely.”
He peered down at her. “I agree, but it’s not over yet.”
She smiled brightly and hugged his arm. “No, it’s not, is it?”
They’d just stepped onto the boardwalk when she heard a sharp crack, like the sound of rifle fire. “What was…” she began with a look over her shoulder.
“Bella…”
She looked back at Jasper who glanced at her, his face paling rapidly. “Take Jace.”
With a frown, she dropped the basket and took the baby just as Jasper coughed, drawing an anguished cry from her as blood dribbled from the corner of his mouth. “Jasper!” she screamed, her hand hovering toward him as a rapidly spreading red patch soaked through the chest of his shirt. “Oh god, Jasper!” she screamed again as he crumpled face first into the street. “What’s happening?! What’s happening?!” she screamed shrilly, causing people to run toward them from all directions. She collapsed to her knees next to him, her wide eyes locked on a blackened hole on the back of his shirt, the baby still clutched to her chest.
Somehow, a familiar voice penetrated her shock and terror and she looked at the gathered crowd as her father shoved his way through. He knelt and gently turned Jasper over, his eyes closing for a moment as he listened for any signs of life from his son-in-law. There were none. “Bella,” he said, moving to her side to hold her as she cried.
The doctor soon made his way through and knelt, feeling for a pulse before meeting the stricken gaze of the young widow. “I’m sorry, Mrs. Whitlock. He’s gone.”
“No.” She shook her head. “No, you’re wrong! He can’t be!” She looked at Damon. “Daddy?”
Damon pulled her close, kissing her temple before murmuring, “I’m sorry, baby girl. I’m sorry.”
“No, no, no,” she moaned, her voice trembling as she cried.
The old doctor caught Damon’s eye, tilting his head at the baby clutched in Bella’s arms. There was blood, a lot of it, and Damon cursed under his breath as Bella rocked back and forth, still muttering incoherently. “Bella, baby, let me take Jace.”
She looked at him, her eyes vacant as he eased the baby away from her, his heart breaking at the sight of his limp grandson, and the absence of the sweet sound of his heartbeat. At the stricken look on her father’s face, Bella stopped rocking and stared. “Jace? Jace?!”
A tear rolled down his cheek and her lips trembled as she shook her head. “No, daddy, please…no. Not my baby…please…”
“I’m sorry, baby girl…”
She reached out and gathered the still-warm body into her arms and Damon didn’t have the heart to stop her. “No…not my baby too…not my baby…” She buried her face in his curls and began rocking again and Damon turned to the doctor.
“Get some men to move my son-in-law to his home. We’ll…” His voice cracked and he cleared his throat as he beat back the raw emotions that were drowning him. When he had, he met the old man’s eyes again. “We’ll take care of everything from there.”
With that, he stood, helped Bella to her feet and guided her home as she held her son close for the last time.
“Hey, Bonnie, how’s it going?”
Snapping out of her thoughts, Bonnie focused on Elena’s face as she slid into the opposite seat of the booth. They were meeting for lunch, but so much had changed in Bonnie’s world, she’d been deep in thought—or lost in shock, really.
Just that morning, she’d awoken in a different, more affluent house, something she was still trying to wrap her head around. ‘The Bennett Estate’ She snorted. She wasn’t sure what all had changed, but she sure as hell knew her financial status had.
“Things are…” she started weakly, “Okay? I guess. I mean…” She leaned forward, grasping her friend’s hand. “What do you remember of Damon and his daughter? Do you remember her showing up and all of that? Do you remember what we did?” She had to know, before spilling what she knew.
Elena’s eyes went wide before confusion clouded her expression. “Damon’s daughter…yeah,” she muttered. “Of course I remember her. Who wouldn’t remember something like that? You really okay, Bon?”
Instead of answering, she asked another question. “Where do I live? What do you remember of that?”
Now Elena eyed her friend as if she’d lost it, or at least, she did for a moment before tilting her head with a creased brow. “Holy shit,” she mumbled before gaping at her witch friend. “Why do I have two different sets of memories about some things? What the hell’s going on?”
“Oh, thank god,” Bonnie breathed while dropping her head into her hands. “It’s not just me.”
“Start talking, Bonnie. What’s going on?” Elena demanded.
Bonnie peeked up from her hands before dropping them to clutch the coffee cup on the table as she met and held Elena’s gaze. “Things are changing, and I think it’s because of Damon and his daughter’s little trip. So far, I’ve only noticed things about my life, but who knows how far this reaches.”
Elena sucked in a breath as she went over things in her memories. “Katherine,” she muttered before gaping at her friend. “There’s no Katherine in this new set of memories. Holy shit. What have they done?”
Bonnie’s brows shot up. “Knowing Damon, do you really have to ask?”
Elena leaned forward, her voice low as she spoke, “You think he killed her?”
Bonnie shrugged. “Maybe?”
“And this is bad, why?” Elena asked before smiling at the waitress who plunked down a menu while promising to return for the order as she hurried away.
“I never said it was bad…just, wow…” She blinked and shook her head. “Have you talked to Stefan today?”
“No, not yet.”
“Call him. We need to figure out how many of us now have two sets of memories. I mean, if it’s the whole damn town, this could cause mass confusion at best.”
“Shit,” Elena muttered. “Tell you what, you go talk to friends and family who weren’t part of the ‘going away party’ for Damon and Bella, see what they remember of the past and present, and I’ll go talk to Stefan and the others who were there.” She glanced at her watch. “Then we meet up at the boarding house at about 5 to compare notes and figure out how to handle this, sound good?”
Bonnie scoffed. “Yeah, now to do that without looking like a complete nut case…”
Elena shot her a sympathetic look. “Be subtle?”
“Thanks for that sage advice.”
Elena cringed. “Sorry, it’s all I got.”
Bonnie sighed. “Okay, go. I’ll meet you at 5…if I don’t get hauled off to the loony bin.”
Elena stifled a giggle and Bonnie raised a brow. “If I do, you better get my ass out.”
Elena held up two fingers while stifling a tiny smirk. “Scouts honor.”
“Yeah, like that helps. You were never a scout,” she grumbled while pulling some cash from her pocket.
“Put it away, I got this. I’m gonna order a latte to go before heading out,” Elena said and Bonnie nodded.
“Thanks, I’ll see you later.” With that, she slid out of the booth and headed out the door.
After ordering her latte, Elena pulled out her phone and texted Stefan while she waited. Hey, you home? I need to talk to you. ~E.
Yeah, I’m here. What’s up?’ ~S.
‘Uh, just wait. I’ll be there after I get my coffee.’ ~E.
‘Okay, see you then.’ ~S.
“Here ya go, hun,” the waitress said as she placed the to-go cup on the table. “Anything else I can get ya?”
“No, this is it, thanks.”
With a nod, the waitress left and Elena tossed money on the table before walking out to her car. When she got there, she frowned at the sight of Bonnie’s car sitting next to hers with no sign of her friend anywhere. “What the hell…?” Walking around the car, she sucked in a breath, a chill crawling up her spine as she spotted her friend’s keys on the ground.
Pulling out her phone, she scrolled through and called Bonnie’s phone, whispering ‘oh shit’ when a ring tone sounded from the phone lying on the ground beneath the parked car. With shaking hands, she disconnected, found Stefan’s number and pressed send.
“Hey, thought you were coming over?” he said in answer.
“Yeah, that was the plan,” she muttered, “but now I need you here. I think something’s happened to Bonnie.”
“You at the Grill?”
“Yeah.”
“Okay, be there in five.”
When he got there, he parked, hopped out of his car and walked up to her, his head dropping as he stood by Bonnie’s car for a drawn out moment.
“Well? Anything?” she asked when she couldn’t take his silence anymore.
With a slow nod, he met her gaze, slow fury building in his green eyes, and her heart sank as he ground out a name through clenched teeth, “Edward Cullen.”
~o0o~
“What do you want with me?” Bonnie pleaded, her wary gaze barely tracking the erratic pacing of the cold one before he stopped to pull the tacky hotel drape aside for a peek outside.
In a breath-stealing blur, he appeared in front of her, his icy fingers gripping her chin painfully. “You’re going to help me,” he purred as a smirk curved the corner of his lips.
Despite her fear, she yanked her face away from him and scowled. “I only help people I like, and after today, I think it’s safe to say you’re a huge prick, so good luck with that.”
He sneered. “You think I care how you feel about me? I don’t. Your good regard is not required for you to do what I tell you, and you will do it if you want to live. You see, you don’t have any power over my kind, dear heart, not like you do over the softer vampires.”
Swallowing heavily, she did her best to calm her heart and bury her fear. He was right though. She’d already tried the headache thing on him and it hadn’t seemed to faze him at all. “Just what is it you want my help with?”
He smiled and it was chilling. “I thought you’d never ask.” Striding to the closet, he pulled an old fashioned dress from the closet and threw it at her before pulling out more antique looking garments for himself. “Go into the bathroom and change into that,” he instructed as she stared at him in dawning dread. He smirked while working the buttons of his shirt. “We’re going on a little trip, you see, and must dress for the occasion.”
“You can’t do this. I won’t let you do this,” she breathed, knowing by the insane look in his black eyes that nothing good would come of this.
“Oh yes you will!” She yelped at the painful grip he now had on her upper arms, tears springing into her eyes as she felt the stress on her flesh and bones. He jerked her forward, hissing in her face, “I can inflict pain in ways that will leave no visible marks and if that doesn’t work, I can always bring in one of your friends and put on a show. Now, is that going to be required?”
A tear finally rolled down her cheek as she shook her head. “No, leave them out of it.”
His brows rose. “You’ll be a good little girl and do as I say, no fighting?” He tightened his grip and she gasped at the pain.
“Yes! Yes, I’ll do it.”
He shoved her through the bathroom door and tossed the dress in after her. “Good,” he said, his tone flat, cold. “Now hurry up. I want to get this done and get back.”
~o0o~
“There’s no way you can change it?” Bella’s tone was flat, resigned, even as she asked the question. She knew the answer before he uttered another word, but she was clinging to hope.
“Bella,” he said with a sigh before turning to face her as she sat, white faced and tense in the parlor chair. “You know I can’t. These are orders and I have to follow them.”
She nodded while staring at her clasped hands, folded primly in her lap. “When do you leave?”
He took a seat beside her and took one of her hands in his. “Not for a week, sugar, and until then, I’m all yours. The Colonel gave me the week off.” She glanced up at him and he smiled, hoping to lift her mood.
She returned his smile, but it was weak and didn’t touch the sadness in her eyes. “That’ll be good.”
He stood and pulled her into his arms, tipping her chin up with a crooked finger. Leaning down, he brushed a light kiss over her lips. “Let’s make the most of this week, sugar. Give me something pleasant to think about while I’m gone? I love you so much, baby doll, but I need to know you’re gonna be strong for me and our son while I’m out there. Can you give me that, Isabella?”
She steeled herself, feeling suddenly ashamed for how she’d been acting. Cupping his cheek, she traced his lower lip with the pad of her thumb, her eyes following its track before darting up to stare into his. “Yes, I can, and…I owe you an apology. I’ve been horrible lately, acting like more of a child than your wife. I’m not sure why, but my emotions have been so volatile lately… This isn’t easy for you either, and I haven’t been supporting you at all. That stops now. I’m an officer’s wife. It’s time I began acting like one.”
He smiled before leaning in to kiss her, the slow passion behind it stealing her breath as his hands pressed her close. Resting his forehead against hers, he murmured, “You don’t know how relieved I am to hear you say that.”
She brushed a wayward curl from his cheek. “I want you to know, I’m proud of you. You’re an honorable man, Jasper Whitlock, one whose son will be proud of when he’s old enough to understand.”
He closed his eyes and kissed her lightly. “It does my heart good to hear you say that.” His eyes opened and her heart thrilled at the love she saw brimming there. “You’re my strength, Isabella…my love, my reason to keep going. You’re what brought me home from my last mission and you’ll bring me back from this one.” He brushed her cheek with gentle fingers. “Have faith in that. I’ll always come home for you, I promise.”
She smiled, and this time, it was genuine. “I’m holding you to that, Major Whitlock.”
His answering grin made her heart skip a beat. It’d been so long since she’d seen it…
“How about we have the cook pack a lunch and we take a stroll to the park?”
“What about Jace?”
He kissed her, just a quick, soft peck before his grin was back and he was tugging her from the room. “We’ll take him of course,” he said as he dropped her hand at the foot of the stairs. “You go get him ready, and I’ll see to everything else. Bring him down when you’re ready.”
“All right,” she said, turning to climb the stairs. She yelped when he gave her a playful swat on her butt, shooting him a mock glare as he laughed on his way to the kitchen.
“You’ll pay for that later, Whitlock!” she called out, shaking her head with a smile as he called back, “I look forward to it, wife!”
Once she had their son freshly changed and ready to go, she made her way down the stairs to her waiting husband, who had a basket in one hand and arm held out gallantly. “Shall we?”
“We shall,” she answered, taking his arm as Jace wriggled in her other.
“Da, da!”
Jasper leaned over and kissed his son’s chubby cheek. “You ready to go, son?”
“Da!”
He chuckled and led his little family to the door, thanking Charles who opened it for them. “My pleasure, Major Whitlock, Mrs. Whitlock. Have a pleasant outing.”
“We plan to, Charles. Thank you,” Bella said with a smile as they descended the steps.
The weather was sunny and mild and Bella took a deep breath, letting it out with a smile as she leaned her head against Jasper’s arm. “It’s a beautiful day.”
He glanced down at her. “It is, but it doesn’t compare to you.”
Her smile widened and she chuckled. “That’s so sweet, Jay…cheesy, but sweet.”
“Cheesy? Not sure what that means, but it doesn’t sound complimentary,” he said with a raised brow as humor danced in his eyes.
She hugged his arm. “It means…” she drew out, searching for a way to explain it. “Well, it means I love you for trying?” she said through a laugh.
He grinned. “All right, so I’ve never been known for my prose, but you are the most beautiful thing in my world, that’s the God’s honest truth.”
“Well, thank you, Major, and may I return the compliment? You’re the most handsome man I’ve ever laid eyes on.” He puffed up proudly and with a playful smile, she continued. “Wait. I take that back…” He met her gaze and arched a brow as her smile stretched into a mischievous grin. “Our son has you beat. Sorry.”
His gaze softened as he looked at his son who’d fallen asleep on her shoulder. “I can live with that,” he murmured with a soft smile and a nod, and Bella fell a little more in love with him at the love and pride she saw shining in his eyes.
When they got to the park, she stood back as he spread the blanket beneath the same tree they’d sat under when he’d proposed. “Here, let me take him,” he said while easing Jace into his arms before carefully lying him on the blanket.
“He’ll probably sleep for a while,” Bella said as Jasper helped her take a seat. “This is his normal nap time.”
He nodded and seated himself, placing the basket between them before leaning back against the tree, his long legs stretched out and crossed at the ankles. “I still wanted him with us. I want to spend as much time as I can with both of you, before…” His eyes darted to hers as she paused in unpacking the food and she smiled.
“It’s all right,” she murmured. “I’m not going to break down if you mention it. We have this week, let’s not waste it on dread or sorrow.”
He leaned over and kissed her softly while tracing her cheek with his fingers. “That sounds good to me.”
Bella jerked back, her eyes darting around the park as a frown marred her brow. “What is it, Bella? What’s wrong?”
She held up a hand, her head cocked as she listened intently. After a long moment, she dropped her hand and shook her head. “I thought I heard something, but I guess not.”
“What was it you thought you heard?” he asked while taking in their surroundings.
She handed him a sandwich while shrugging. “A growl…it sounded like a growl.”
“Perhaps it was a stray dog?” he suggested as he began eating.
She cast her gaze around once more, a feeling of unease tingling just over her skin as she nodded. “Yeah, maybe.”
Shaking off her unease, she took a bite of her sandwich, and smirked as she thought about her mother-in-law’s latest favorite topic of conversation every time she saw the woman. She swallowed and washed it down with a sip of lemonade while eyeing her husband who was now eyeing her back, warily. “So, Jasper,” she began, her tone putting him even more on guard as her smirk grew. “I had a lovely visit with your mother yesterday,” she drawled before taking another bite of food, mirth sparkling in her blue eyes as she watched him knowingly.
He was steeling himself while trying to look relaxed and she could barely restrain a grin at the sight of him. “Oh? Do tell.”
She chewed slowly, swallowed and dabbed her lips with a napkin as he waited, green eyes locked on her as he ate. “Yes,” she finally continued, her tone sweet, demure, and poised to spring whatever it was his mother had inflicted during her visit, he knew.
He cocked a brow and took another generous bite when she finally sprang it on him. “She wants to know when we’re going to give her another grandchild.”
He choked and began coughing and Bella reached over, graciously pounding his back as he rode it out. “Another child?” he rasped and she nodded.
“Um hmm,” she affirmed sweetly as he darted a look at her through watering eyes. She handed him a napkin. “Here honey, you look like you need this.” She grinned innocently and he narrowed his eyes while chugging down some lemonade.
When he’d recovered, he shot her a mock glare. “You enjoyed that entirely too much.”
She laughed and leaned over, kissing his cheek with a smile. “Be grateful, husband. I’ve had to sit through countless hours of it. And she never lets up. I mean, I just weaned Jace, for Pete’s sake! And you and I…we’re both still so young…too young to have an entire brood of children, but does any of that matter to your mother? No, apparently not.”
He smirked. “Convey my apologies the next time you see her, won’t you?”
Her answering smile put him on edge. “Convey them yourself. We’re having dinner at your family home tomorrow evening.”
He sighed and nodded. “Hopefully, she’ll refrain from such a subject in the presence of my sisters.”
Bella laughed. “Good luck with that! Your sisters are almost as bad! The women in your family are obsessed with babies and determined that you and I be as prolific as possible.”
She took another bite and enjoyed his discomfort. It was small recompense for the hours she spent fending off the Whitlock women, while he got away scot-free by being conveniently busy during their visits.
“Well,” he said after finishing his food, “you were able to set them straight, I hope.”
She frowned. “Not really, but it wasn’t for lack of trying, I assure you. They just don't want to listen. They nod and smile and go on talking as if I’d never said a word! It’s maddening.”
He attempted to hide a grin behind the rim of his cup. “I have every confidence in you, sugar. I’m sure you held your own.”
She narrowed her eyes. “Whitlocks…” she grumbled while aiming a swat at his shoulder. He dodged with a laugh before pulling her into his lap for a breath-stealing kiss.
“You’re a Whitlock too, sugar, never forget that.”
Burying a hand in his hair, she pulled him into another kiss before murmuring, “Take me home and remind me?”
He groaned and placed a kiss just below her ear. “Gladly, wife.”
He rose to his feet and helped her up before placing their sleeping son in her arms. “Hold him while I pack up, then I’ll carry him. The basket’s lighter than he is now.”
“All right,” she said, placing a kiss on Jace’s curls while standing aside. When everything was packed, he took the baby, holding the sleeping baby against his chest as Bella picked up the basket. “Thank you for today,” she said as they walked. “It was lovely.”
He peered down at her. “I agree, but it’s not over yet.”
She smiled brightly and hugged his arm. “No, it’s not, is it?”
They’d just stepped onto the boardwalk when she heard a sharp crack, like the sound of rifle fire. “What was…” she began with a look over her shoulder.
“Bella…”
She looked back at Jasper who glanced at her, his face paling rapidly. “Take Jace.”
With a frown, she dropped the basket and took the baby just as Jasper coughed, drawing an anguished cry from her as blood dribbled from the corner of his mouth. “Jasper!” she screamed, her hand hovering toward him as a rapidly spreading red patch soaked through the chest of his shirt. “Oh god, Jasper!” she screamed again as he crumpled face first into the street. “What’s happening?! What’s happening?!” she screamed shrilly, causing people to run toward them from all directions. She collapsed to her knees next to him, her wide eyes locked on a blackened hole on the back of his shirt, the baby still clutched to her chest.
Somehow, a familiar voice penetrated her shock and terror and she looked at the gathered crowd as her father shoved his way through. He knelt and gently turned Jasper over, his eyes closing for a moment as he listened for any signs of life from his son-in-law. There were none. “Bella,” he said, moving to her side to hold her as she cried.
The doctor soon made his way through and knelt, feeling for a pulse before meeting the stricken gaze of the young widow. “I’m sorry, Mrs. Whitlock. He’s gone.”
“No.” She shook her head. “No, you’re wrong! He can’t be!” She looked at Damon. “Daddy?”
Damon pulled her close, kissing her temple before murmuring, “I’m sorry, baby girl. I’m sorry.”
“No, no, no,” she moaned, her voice trembling as she cried.
The old doctor caught Damon’s eye, tilting his head at the baby clutched in Bella’s arms. There was blood, a lot of it, and Damon cursed under his breath as Bella rocked back and forth, still muttering incoherently. “Bella, baby, let me take Jace.”
She looked at him, her eyes vacant as he eased the baby away from her, his heart breaking at the sight of his limp grandson, and the absence of the sweet sound of his heartbeat. At the stricken look on her father’s face, Bella stopped rocking and stared. “Jace? Jace?!”
A tear rolled down his cheek and her lips trembled as she shook her head. “No, daddy, please…no. Not my baby…please…”
“I’m sorry, baby girl…”
She reached out and gathered the still-warm body into her arms and Damon didn’t have the heart to stop her. “No…not my baby too…not my baby…” She buried her face in his curls and began rocking again and Damon turned to the doctor.
“Get some men to move my son-in-law to his home. We’ll…” His voice cracked and he cleared his throat as he beat back the raw emotions that were drowning him. When he had, he met the old man’s eyes again. “We’ll take care of everything from there.”
With that, he stood, helped Bella to her feet and guided her home as she held her son close for the last time.
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.