Marked Chapter 27 - Fumbling Towards Ecstasy

EPOV

At first I couldn't place the noise invading my dreams as my cell phone ringing – and then I couldn't find the damn thing. Finally extricating myself from the sheets, I fumbled around until I found it on my nightstand. I hit the answer button as I brought it to my ear and cleared my throat.

"Masen," I mumbled, unable to get much more out.

As soon as I heard Jasper's quiet voice say, "Hey, baby…" I was awake. I smiled reflexively, falling back onto my pillow and stretching as I asked him if he'd had a good flight. I felt more whole somehow, just talking to him on the phone, and I asked questions to keep him talking. It seemed like he'd been gone days rather than just hours – especially considering I'd spent most of those few hours asleep.

A glance at the clock showed me it was technically still morning, though not by much, and my smile broadened when I realized Jasper must've called not long after he got in. I was honestly a little overwhelmed by everything that had happened already today. I could hear the change in Jasper's voice, the way he was more relaxed, more confident.

"So, Mama made peach cobbler…"

I chuckled with Jasper, feeling heat climbing up my chest and neck to my cheeks. "Oh yeah? As good as mine?"

"Well, now, it's not really fair to compare… you have certain, ahh… advantages."

I laughed outright. "Just different, then, huh?"

I could hear his grin as he said, "Yeah, something like that." I took mercy on him – well, both of us, really – and changed the subject by asking about his nephews. Jasper talked animatedly about them for a while, making me wish I could be there to meet them. I was filled with an intense longing to hold him. Since I couldn't, I wanted to at least see his face, so I asked if he'd brought his laptop.

As soon as he said he couldn't make any promises about logging on, I grumbled. I could hear how tired he was, and I knew rationally that he'd probably spent quite a long time thinking the night before, but it was hard to remember that. He chuckled and said, "Sorry, sweetheart. I'll try, though."

For once, I felt the freedom of being absolutely honest with him, and I answered, "Good...I miss you."

Jasper said he missed me, too, but it was what came through the phone next in his quiet voice that made my breath catch. "I love you, Princess."

I swallowed, my smile stretching across my face as I said, "I love you, too." After we said our goodbyes, I dropped the phone on the bed beside me and stared at the ceiling with my hands folded on my chest. I shook my head, a disbelieving smile on my face, as I relived that morning when he'd shown up before the crack of dawn.

I didn't know how the hell I'd managed to pull on my pajama pants and stumble downstairs, but I was glad I'd grabbed my robe the second I opened the door. A frigid breeze blew in, chilling me to the bone, but it was the sight of Jasper standing there that had me instantly more alert. I tried to shake the last of the cobwebs from my brain, and the first thing I really heard him say was, "Not without telling you. I had to tell you."

I shivered again. This time, the icy feeling had very little to do with the weather. I felt numb and aching at once, and the words that passed through my lips were quite possibly the first blatant lie I'd ever told him. "It's okay, Jazz…whatever it is, it'll be okay…"

But it wouldn't. It couldn't, not if he told me he'd been with another man. I could feel my body vibrating, like a guitar string pulled too tight. I was poised on the edge, ready to shatter, so I didn't quite understand at first that the noise he made was laughter… that he was smiling.

"I love you, Edward Masen," he whispered.

There was no mistaking it – those beautiful words were meant for me. I inhaled sharply and felt my hands squeezing his elbows. I hadn't even known I was touching him. It didn't make sense, not with what I'd prepared myself to hear.

And I just had to hear it one more time.

"Jasper?" I asked stupidly, silently begging that he'd say it again – that I hadn't deluded myself into hearing what I wanted to hear.

"I love you," he said strongly, deliberately.

I couldn't even say anything. I just pulled him close, kissing him with everything I had, nearly crushing him. His lips parted for me, his tongue darting out to taste mine, and I just wanted more. I wanted to bite and lick and suck and make him mine.

Because he was now.

Just as I'd always been his.

I chuckled, sighing fondly as I scrubbed my hands across my face. God, I wanted him. I'd tried so hard to get him to come inside with me – fuck planes and waiting sisters. I just needed him.

But he'd had to go, and I knew it was the right thing to do. I hadn't exactly been thinking clearly at the time, so it was a good thing he had a more level head. The rest of the short visit had been just as emotional, though that was certainly the best part.

I'd been torn when I learned he read my journal, but there was something so freeing in hearing him say he loved me... something that made me suddenly want to just be honest. Completely honest.

So I didn't stop to think that there might be things in my journal that would be hurtful or worrying. I just wanted him to know me – know all of me – so I gave it to him. It was only after he left that I worried what he might think of the comparisons I'd drawn between him and Alistair or my ranting diatribes about how I was not Paul and wished Jasper could see that.

Still, I thought it was for the best that it was all out in the open. I hoped I was right.

The slight anxiety I felt when I pictured Jasper reading my journal made me antsy enough to get up. Kate was supposed to be coming over sometime after noon so we could work on the pictures we'd taken over the last week. They were for a major marketing campaign for an up-and-coming company, so there was a lot riding on the shots for both the company and Kate herself.

As usual, she'd nearly worried herself sick, and I'd spent pretty much the entire week helping on location and then doing reshoots. We'd worked until late last night, so I hadn't been asleep for very long at all when Jasper had shown up – not that you'd ever hear me complain about that. My only complaint was that he hadn't been able to stay, but neither of us could do anything to change that.

Running my fingers through my hair, I got out of bed and went to my closet, grabbing the first long-sleeved t-shirt I found. I picked up my jeans from the night before and took them both to my bathroom, where I turned on the shower and went to look at myself in the mirror.

My eyes were still bright, and there was a half-smile lingering on my face that I hadn't really seen in a long time. While I waited for the water to warm, I checked out my tattoos in the mirror, trying to decide where I'd get my next one. I didn't know what it would be yet, but I knew it was inevitable that there would be another. My relationship with Jasper was too life-altering for me to let it pass by without some sort of acknowledgment – and I didn't want it to be just the Escher inked along my ribs.

Pushing those thoughts away, I stepped into the steaming water and sighed softly, relaxing my shoulders. After Jasper had left, I'd been unable to resist taking care of myself, but apparently I hadn't done a great job cleaning up afterward. I rinsed off the dried mess and then took my time with the rest of my shower, bathing and shaving my face with more care than I usually did when I was alone. It felt good to pamper myself a little, even though it did leave me wishing Jasper was there with me.

When I was finished and dressed, I went back into my closet and pulled down my suitcase to start packing. For once, I'd done my laundry early, but since I was going to be in Tennessee for two weeks, I was going to be carrying a lot. I spent the next hour or so packing my clothes, and I was just grabbing the stacks of pictures I'd accumulated with Jasper when I heard my front door open.

"Hello?" Kate called, and I heard her keys hit the bench before the door closed again.

"In here," I called as I started making my way from my office to the hallway. I met Kate just outside the kitchen, where she took one look at me and arched an eyebrow.

"What?" I asked as I took the sack she was carrying from the crook of her elbow. "What's this?"

I peered inside, answering my own question even as she said, "Bagels. And coffee." She held out one of the paper cups as I set down the sack. I took it from her, and she leaned against the counter, sipping quietly before saying, "And what's this?"

"What are you talking about?" I asked, but I could hear the strange excitement in my own voice.

She rolled her eyes and snorted, taking another drink from her cup. "Well…" She glanced toward the microwave and set her cup down on the counter by her hip. She held up one hand, ticking off her points. "You were up before I got here. You're showered. You were even downstairs. And you're grinning like you've lost your damn mind. What's up?"

I shrugged and grabbed a platter from the cabinet before opening the bag and dumping the bagels out. "I have no idea what you're talking about."

She snorted and then laughed out loud. "Riiight… you're not as smooth as you think you are, Masen. Out with it."

My smile grew even broader, my chest lighter, at the secret I carried this time. Throughout the past few months, so many of the things I'd had to tell her about Jasper had ripped my heart out. This time, I felt like my heart had finally started beating again, and I kept that feeling to myself just a little longer before I turned around to face her.

I leaned against the bar, both hands beside my hips, and I was beaming like an idiot when I said, "You know how I was bummed yesterday because Jasper was leaving today, and I wasn't going to see him?"

She nodded, reaching out to get the bread knife. She motioned for me to continue as she began slicing bagels for both of us.

"He showed up this morning."

When I paused again, she frowned and looked up, tilting her head. "Seriously, Edward… you're killing me here. I would guess that this is something good, but…" She trailed off, gripping the knife tighter.

"Jesus, Denali… remind me not to piss you off." My eyes were wide as we both laughed. Kate shrugged and went back to her work, muttering something I was probably just as glad not to catch. "You're right, though. It's good. Very good."

She put the knife down and brushed back her hair, giving me her full attention as if she sensed that what I had to say was incredibly important to me.

"He told me he loved me." My voice was softer than I expected, but it was nearly drowned out by Kate's squeal as she launched herself at me. She was squeezing my neck so hard I could barely breathe, and it took a minute for her words to make sense.

"…was hoping that's what you were going to say!" She babbled, swaying back and forth with me. "I'm so happy for you! What did you do?"

She pushed me away then, her hands moving to my shoulders as she peered up at me.

"I told him I loved him, too." I grinned. I'd already told Kate that I'd admitted my feelings to Jasper, so that part wasn't news. Her smile was beaming, and she laughed when I said, "And then I kissed him."

She made a face that clearly showed her disbelief as she mimicked me. "'And then I kissed him.' Yeah, I bet that's all you did. I know how you are…"

I couldn't help laughing as I went to get the cream cheese from the refrigerator. "No, seriously… that was it." I put the container on the counter and opened it while Kate grabbed plates for both of us. We fixed our food as we talked, working together as smoothly as always. "I mean, don't get me wrong. You know what I wanted to do."

She chuckled, nodding once and muttering, "Horny bastard," under her breath.

"Hey now… don't give me any of that. You forget that I already know how you pounced the night Garrett said he loved you."

She blushed and shrugged, ducking her head as she giggled.

"That's what I thought." I reached out, tickling her ribs before I took my plate and coffee to the bar. I settled onto a stool with Kate sitting across from me, and we ate in silence for a moment before I said, "He had to leave, though. It was hard…" I rolled my eyes at Kate's snicker. "But he had to catch his flight, and…"

When I shrugged, she made a face and sighed. She reached out to pat my hand and murmured, "I'm sorry, Ed. That sucks."

"Yeah, it does, but…hell, Kate, I just can't believe he finally said it." She met my gaze, smiling with me, and we talked idly for a few minutes, just reminiscing about hearing the men we loved say they loved us in return.

I polished off one bagel and went for a second, and as I was sitting down again, I said, "So, umm… I gave him my journal, too."

Kate arched an eyebrow and sat up a little straighter. "Really?"

I nodded and picked at the edge of my bagel, suddenly not sure I was hungry anymore. "Yeah. Kind of a long story, I guess…"

It really wasn't, but Kate listened in impenetrable silence as I explained what happened – from Jasper reading it while he was sick to me just needing to get everything out in the open. Her face was carefully blank, so I couldn't tell what she was thinking. It didn't give me a very good feeling, though, and my anxiety grew until I finished with, "So I guess I'm just… a little worried."

"Hmm." The little noise she made was kind of high-pitched, making me feel like maybe I was right to be worried.

I frowned at her. "What the hell does that mean?"

She wiped her hands on her napkin before crumpling it up and dropping it in the center of her plate. "I don't know, Edward…" she sighed. "It's just… well, it can be really hard to read that sort of thing about yourself. You know, someone else's thoughts, totally unedited. There's a reason people usually keep journals to themselves."

I swallowed, glancing down as I nodded.

"What if it's too much for him? I mean, Jasper's not exactly been… steady in all this."

"Fuck, Kate… way to make me feel better."

I heard the scrape of her barstool, and then her warm hand was on my knee while the other went to my shoulder. "Hey… I don't do that whole tell-you-what-you-want-to-hear thing. You know that."

I nodded, not meeting her eye. I knew exactly how Kate was – and it was the major reason she'd been my best friend pretty much since the moment we met.

The hand on my shoulder moved to beneath my chin as she forced me to lift my eyes to hers. "So you'll know I'm telling you the truth when I say this."

I managed a weak half-smile and nodded, trying to look away again. She wasn't having any of it, though.

"What you did is scary as fuck. I have no idea if Jasper is strong enough to read whatever you wrote – especially since I don't know what you wrote. But, Edward, you're the best judge of character I've ever met."

My thoughts immediately turned to Alistair, to the mistakes I'd made with him. I couldn't bring myself to say it, but I didn't have to.

Kate shook my shoulders lightly. "Hey," she murmured, drawing my eyes again. "Yes, I know you fucked up with Alistair. But guess what? You're not perfect. You make mistakes, too. There's a big difference, though… you were deluding yourself with him. He was a charmer, and there was always some excuse, some reason why what he did made sense, logically. But it never added up emotionally. That's not what's going on with Jasper."

"How do you know?" I whispered, barely able to get the words out. Like so many times before, Kate seemed to see into my heart, bringing my darkest fears to light. I so desperately needed to hear what she thought while at the same time I felt an uncontrollable urge to run.

"I just do." She smiled at me, slipping her arms around my waist to hug me. I shifted so that she was standing between my legs, and I held her close, resting my forehead on her shoulder. "For one thing," she continued, pausing to kiss my temple, "you never bothered to stop and look at what was going on with Alistair. You didn't question what he did or how you felt. You just… believed him. You're not that guy anymore, Edward. For better or worse, you're more cynical now, and that's making you go into this with your eyes open."

My hands fisted the fabric of her hoodie as I swallowed hard, unwilling to ask my next question. "Would you tell me if you thought I was making a mistake with Jasper?"

"Yes," she answered without hesitation.

I raised my head, needing to see the truth in her eyes when I said, "Am I?"

She smiled. "Nope. As much as I've wanted to strangle him sometimes, you're not. I've never seen you light up like you do around him… and you know what? He lights up for you, too. Kinda sickening, actually," she teased.

"Really?"

She pushed my shoulder playfully. "Yes, really. Since when do you question everything I tell you?"

I smiled, pulling her back for another long hug. "Sorry. I just… god, Kate, I really think he's it. I can't imagine anyone else for me, and I just want us to work. More than I've ever wanted anything." I felt raw admitting the depth of my feelings so openly. Exposed, somehow.

But Kate just kissed my neck and patted my back before stepping away and saying simply, "You will."

It was on the tip of my tongue to ask – again – how she knew. She must've seen it on my face because she laughed, shaking her head and ruffling my hair. "You're hopeless. I suppose that must be part of your charm."

"I suppose." I grinned, standing up and picking up both our plates. As I passed by her, I paused, leaning down to kiss the top of her head and murmur, "Thanks, Katie-bug."

"Anytime," she said. "Now get your ass in gear because we have a hell of a lot to do before you leave." The smile she gave me was full of wide-eyed innocence. "Please."

Laughing, I took our dishes to the sink, where we made quick work of them. Kate grabbed her bag from the bench where she'd left it, and we headed down to the darkroom to get to work. For the next several hours, most of our talk centered on the shots Kate wanted to make sure came out well, though Jasper and Garrett crept in from time to time.

At one point, she asked about Tanya and the rest of my family. She knew that this week was going to be the week for Tanya – the one where she finally told everyone she was pregnant – and she was nervous for her.

"Yeah, I am, too. A little. That's why I'm staying a little longer."

"I know." Kate pouted as she flipped the light on. "Leaving me all alone until December."

"You are such a drama queen," I muttered, pulling her ponytail. She huffed, straightening it again before her smile returned.

"Nah, I'm glad you're going to be there for her. I still say they just need to move up here."

"You know they say the same thing about me moving down there…"

"Oh, hell no. They can't have you."

I laughed. "Your goodwill only goes so far, huh?"

"When it comes to taking you away? Yes. I'm selfish."

We paused then, heading back upstairs to order Chinese food. The meal and the rest of the evening were passed in the same comfortable way Kate and I always worked together. It was nearly nine o'clock when I walked her to the door.

She wrapped me in a vise-like hug as she said, "You be careful, okay?"

"'Course," I answered.

"I mean it…" she threatened before her eyes brightened mischievously. "I'm not the only one who'll be anxiously awaiting your return this time."

I knew she was teasing me, but I couldn't stop the goofy smile on my face at the thought of Jasper. That just made it worse, of course, and Kate was still laughing when we said our goodbyes and she headed out to her car. I stood in the doorway, watching as she got into her car, and once she was on her way down the street, I finally went back inside.

My flight wasn't until noon the next day, so I decided to put off packing a little longer. I grabbed my laptop and climbed the stairs, where I changed into pajama pants and crawled into bed. It was early for sleep, of course, but I was hoping that Jasper would change his mind and decide he had the energy to talk for a while.

I was more than a little disgruntled at not being able to show him just what his words had meant to me, and from the way he'd kissed me, I thought he might be a little frustrated, too. I put my cell phone on the nightstand and then stretched out, logging into Skype. One way or another, I was sure I'd here from Jasper before he went to bed – though I would definitely prefer to see him.

I don't know what I expected, but I half-hoped that Jasper would ping me right away. Unfortunately, that didn't happen, and the longer I sat there waiting, the more unsettled I became. I picked up my phone several times to call, worried that he'd read the journal and was freaking out, but each time, I put it back down. I forced myself to breathe, to calm down, but as soon as I saw him appear on Skype, I couldn't wait any longer.

He answered my call immediately, and the smile on his face made me breathe easier. "Hey, baby…"

"Hey, Cuddles. It's damn good to see you."

I couldn't quite tell, but I thought he blushed. His grin widened, though, and he ducked his head as he said, "It's good to see you, too. I miss you. Did you and Kate get finished?"

"Yeah, just a little while ago. Did you finally get to see everyone?"

He nodded but didn't answer right away. "Yeah, at dinner a couple of hours ago. It's kinda weird being back home…"

As I listened to him talk, I slowly realized there was something he wasn't saying. His jaw clenched every now and then, and he seemed to be steering clear of… something. I just had no idea what. Finally, I said, "So what's wrong, baby? You seem upset."

He sighed and ran his fingers through his hair. He looked down at his lap and then back up at me with a small smile. "You know, it's scary how well you know me."

"Scary?" I asked, trying to keep my voice light.

He flashed a smile. "Yup. But really nice, too." He cleared his throat and shifted, leaning back against his headboard. The picture shook for a moment as he adjusted, and then he was in focus again, closer than before. "I just got pissed off at Chuck. Nothing new, really… he's always been able to push my buttons."

He shrugged, and I hated the sadness I saw on his face. I half-reached out to smooth away his frown before I realized that was impossible and dropped my hand again. "I'm sorry, sweetheart. What did he say?"

He huffed, shaking his head. "Doesn't matter. He's a fucking idiot." He muttered something under his breath that sounded like, "Dead wrong, too."

I frowned, unsure what to say. I didn't want to get in the middle of Jasper's family business, but I hated seeing him upset, too. "Do you want to talk about it?"

His smile spread slowly across his face before he shook his head again. His eyes darted across the screen, making me feel like he was taking in every feature of my face. "No. I don't really want to think about him right now."

"Oh?" I asked, surprised by how quickly my playful mood returned.

Maybe Kate's right. I am a horny bastard…

I chuckled, and Jasper's grin turned crooked. "What's so funny?"

"Just something Kate was teasing me about earlier…"

Jasper raised an eyebrow curiously. "You know you can't leave it at that."

"I'm sure you can guess."

"Oh, really? Let's see…well, knowing you and your one-track mind…"

He trailed off suggestively, and I couldn't help but laugh. "Well, now that you mention it… it might've been something like that."

His smile was melancholy, and he reached out toward his computer screen. Strangely, it was almost like I could feel his caress, his fingers brushing my cheek. I sighed softly, and Jasper murmured, "Yeah, I've thought about you a lot today, too. Wish we could."

I didn't like how sad he seemed, especially now, knowing we had two weeks to be apart. "I know, baby. Don't you worry… I'll be taking damn good care of you just as soon as I get back from Tennessee."

"Good care of me?" he said. "Seems to me like it should be the other way around, darlin'… I haven't really had a chance to repay you yet."

His eyes were bright and mischievous again, and I leaned forward, resting my elbows on my knees as I lowered my voice and murmured, "Nothing to repay. But I wouldn't mind having a little fun right now… if you're up for it."

I saw him glance to the right, presumably toward the door, and he sighed as he looked back at me. He was wearing a small pout when he said, "Better not… not exactly a lot of privacy here…"

If he thought I was going to let a little thing like that stop me, he was dead wrong. I dropped my voice as low as I could, since he still had to be able to hear me. "Jazz, do you have any headphones there with you?"

He furrowed his brow. "Yes… in my computer bag…"

A smile flitted across my face. "Good. That's good. Tell me… is there a lock on the door?"

He half-smiled, his tongue wetting his lips. "Yes… what do you have in mind?"

"Can you be very, very quiet, Jasper?" The last was said in the authoritative tone I'd used with him during the shoot. I couldn't see him clearly enough, but I could imagine the way his eyes darkened, and my suspicions were confirmed when he answered in a husky voice.

"Good god, Edward… what are you trying to do to me?"

"Can you?" I persisted.

"Yes."

That one definitive word was all the encouragement I needed. I smiled. "Perfect. Now, first things first… go lock the door and come back here wearing your headphones."

He hopped up off the bed, but before he disappeared, I said, "Jasper?"

"Yeah, baby?" He stopped in his tracks, leaning over to look at me.

I smirked. "Only your headphones."

"Fuck," he breathed, and then vanished from sight.

I stood up quickly, leaving my pants in a puddle on the floor. I took a minute to shift things around, propping up my laptop on pillows until I was satisfied that Jasper would have a good view. I had just settled back against my headboard when he reappeared.

"Jesus," I whispered at the sight of him in nothing but a bulky headset. He was already semi-hard, letting me know he was enjoying this as much as I was.

He apparently heard me; he grinned and paused where he was, stroking himself slowly. He didn't say anything, but he bit his lip to help keep silent. I watched him, my eyes widening as he hardened. Finally he grew still, and I shook my head, trying to gain control of myself.

"Are those things wireless?" I asked in amusement.

"Yup," Jasper answered with a grin. "Seriously doubt this is what Mike had in mind when he got them for all of us, though."

We both laughed as Jasper climbed into bed, but one look at his firm ass was enough to make me forget whatever comment I was going to make about Mike. "Fuck, Jazz…"

He froze, half in the bed, and wiggled his ass teasingly. I couldn't help moaning, and my hand inched its way toward my cock as I watched him. "I want you to lie down on your stomach…" I murmured. He glanced at me over his shoulder.

"You heard me." He chuckled and looked around for a second before turning to face me. I was just about to get onto him for not listening when the camera was jostled, and I realized what he was doing – moving the laptop so I could see him. All of him.

"Nice…" I whispered. He glanced at me again, smiling. It was strange in a lot of ways, being the only one talking, but it was empowering, too. I had the sense that Jasper would do whatever I told him to do… and that was hot as fuck.

He moved to his hands and knees, and I inhaled sharply when his ass came into focus. I saw him reach for his cock, and clucked my tongue. "Uh uh… not yet, baby…"

He threw a pout my way, but I just smiled. "Don't worry. You'll get what you need… we both will. But we're going to play a little first…"

He watched me for a moment and then smiled, lowering himself to the mattress when I reminded him of where he was supposed to be. He spread his legs for me, letting me see every curve, every plane, every inch of where I wanted to be just then. I'd never seen anything more arousing than my Jasper, so ready for me, and I wished like hell that I could be there to give us both what we wanted.

Since I couldn't, I made the best of it. "Fuck, you're beautiful, baby. Did you know that? What I wouldn't give to be buried in you right now…"

He moaned quietly, making me smile even as I said, "Shh… quiet now." He shifted his hips, and I gripped my cock, squeezing lightly. "Oh, hell yes… do that again… yeah, that's it. Thrust your hips like that…"

I had to fight to keep my eyes open and focused on him. I didn't want to miss a second, but every time my hand sped in response to the unparalleled stimulation on my screen, my eyes drifted closed. I had to slow myself down, taking deep, even breaths, or I would be finished before Jasper even came close.

I watched in fascination as he rolled his hips into his sheets time and again. The way his muscles flexed and relaxed was unlike anything I'd ever been able to see with him before, and I was enthralled. When his hips picked up speed and I saw his hands fisting the sheets, I snapped out of the stupor the hypnotizing sight had lured me into.

"Turn over, Jazz," I whispered gruffly. He tensed for a moment as if struggling with himself, and then he flopped onto his back.

His face was flushed, his lips parted, and he was breathing heavily. "Fuck… so fucking close, baby…" he half-whined.

I smiled and murmured, "I know, love. I'm sorry… just had to see you."

He smiled fleetingly before his eyes closed as he bit his lip. His hands clenched into fists, and he shifted his hips again. My eyes were drawn to the movement, and I said quietly, "Stroke yourself, sweetheart – the way you like it…"

I barely heard his whispered, "You, too. Let me see you…"

Our eyes were locked on our screens as we both began stroking our cocks. It was nothing we hadn't done together before, of course, but it all felt so new. I was aching and swollen, and I knew it wouldn't take much to send me over the edge.

Shifting my cock to my left hand, I reached out with my right, feeling blindly for the bottle of lube in my nightstand. As soon as I had it, I poured a few drops into my palm, giving a needy hiss at the cool, slick feeling as I stroked myself faster.

Jasper moaned softly and spat into his hand, his eyes focused on my dick as he worked himself over. I was breathing heavily through my parted lips, so absorbed by the sight of his reddened flesh disappearing and reappearing that I almost missed it when he whimpered, "God, Edward… come for me, please. Have to… need…" He broke off with a grunt, his eyes closing briefly before snapping back open.

His plea was too much, and I quickened my pace, pumping myself harder and faster than before. I felt my toes curl, felt the tingling in my hips as they began thrusting up from the mattress. I tried like hell to watch him, but it was with my back arched and my eyes clamped shut that I called out as I felt sticky warmth spraying across my chest and hand.

I panted, my strokes slowing as I took a quavering breath and worked my way down from blissful heights. When I opened my eyes, Jasper's head was thrown back, his mouth open and his stomach glistening pearly white. I shook my head, amazed that he'd managed to stay absolutely silent when I knew I hadn't even tried.

I chuckled as I collapsed onto the mattress, and Jasper lifted his head, opening his eyes with a crooked grin. "You sound…" He shook his head, changing what he was about to say. His voice was gruff when he murmured, "I'm going to need to hear that in person real soon."

We laughed quietly, and then Jasper said he'd be right back. I stood up with a grunt as he moved off camera. The next few minutes were spent in relative silence as we each cleaned up. When I finished in the bathroom, I slipped between my sheets without bothering to get dressed again, but Jasper had on his pajama pants when he came back into view.

"Thanks, Princess," he said with a soft smile.

"Thank you, Cuddles," I answered. He gave me that crooked grin that I loved before yawning and stretching his arms over his head.

"Guess I better get to bed…" he said. I could hear the regret in his voice as plainly as I could see it on his face. "Morning comes early on the ranch."

I shook my head, laughing quietly in disbelief. "You know, someday I'm going to have to see you in action on this ranch of yours."

For some reason, his smile grew more melancholy, and he reached toward the screen again. His hand fell just short, coming to rest on his keyboard. "Yeah, I hope you do."

I bit back my frustration as I realized that he didn't seem to want to talk about it just then. I knew it probably had to do with his family, so I could understand his hesitation, but that didn't help me relax any. What did, though, was his quiet, "I love you, Edward," just before he told me good night.

"I love you too, Jasper," I answered, wanting to say so much more. "Take care of yourself, okay, sweetheart? You're still recovering."

He nodded, giving me a brief smile. "I will. Thanks… you, too. Call me when you get there tomorrow?"

I told him I would, and we spent a few more minutes stalling and exchanging goodbyes. At long last, we broke the connection, and I sat, staring but unseeing, for several minutes before I finally shut my laptop down. I wasn't nearly as relaxed as I'd been just after our mutual orgasms, but I felt drained and ready to sleep. I shifted the laptop to the floor and made sure my alarm was set before curling up on Jasper's pillow. It still smelled faintly of him, making me smile as I drifted off at last.

The blaring of the clock was the next thing I heard, letting me know I must've slept soundly through the night. I didn't have time to fuck around, so my feet hit the floor even as I was turning it off. I sat on the edge of the bed, scrubbing the sleep from my eyes before I finally pushed myself up and got to work.

The morning was a blur of checking lists as I finished packing, making sure I had everything I'd need for the two weeks I'd be there. As I was leaving for the airport, I sent Jasper a text letting him know I was leaving, but I didn't hear back from him. I assumed he was out somewhere doing… something. Whatever people actually did on working ranches.

I made a mental note to ask him as I waited in line for security. I checked my phone a few times, but there was still nothing by the time I boarded and had to turn the phone off. The flight was short and uneventful, so I tried my best to get some work done. There was nothing pressing that I really had to do, though, which meant I spent a lot of the time in the air just staring out the window, thinking about Jasper.

I was remembering his impromptu visit when we touched down, and the silly smile was still on my lips when I finally got to walk to baggage claim what seemed like hours later. As I waited for my bags, I glanced around for Tanya. Lifting up on my toes, I peered over some taller guy's head, but before I could see much, I felt a weight crash into my back. Arms wrapped around me tightly, and I could feel a face burrowing into my spine.

I laughed, patting her hand as I dropped back down to my heels. She let me go long enough for me to turn around, and then she threw her arms around my neck, squeezing the air from me. "I am so glad you're here!" she squealed.

I couldn't help laughing again as I swung her back and forth. "With a welcome like that, I'm glad I'm here, too."

She let go then, stepping back to look at me. Her smile was sheepish, but her eyes were bright. "Sorry. It's just been incredibly hard dealing with all this alone…" Her hand drifted down to her belly, and when she cradled the small bulge there, my eyes widened.

"Oh my god! I wasn't expecting…" I stepped forward, replacing her hand with mine, and she laughed.

"You can't feel anything yet. Sometimes I think I can…"

We began talking over each other excitedly, asking and answering questions so quickly that I'm sure no one else could've followed the conversation. I was only half paying attention when the bags began coming out of the chute, but Tanya motioned to my suitcase smoothly, never pausing as she told me about how it was getting harder to hide her condition.

I gathered my bags as I listened, frowning slightly when she said, "The morning sickness is killing me. Emmett thinks I've had the flu for about a month, but I… I think Mom suspects it's..."

She trailed off, her hand fluttering nervously at her waist before she ran her fingers through her hair and flashed me a fleeting smile. "Something else," she finished.

"I'm sorry you're still sick, Tanya… that's got to be miserable. Can you take anything?" I knew her plan was already in place for telling the family, so there was no sense in trying to talk her into anything else. She refused to tell them before Thanksgiving, just in case they took it badly. My heart had broken for her when she said she wanted one more good Thanksgiving memory, no matter what happened.

She shook her head as we began walking toward the exit. "Not really," she said. "I mean, it's not that bad. I just feel sick a lot… gingersnaps seem to help."

"What a hardship," I chuckled, bumping her shoulder. "Having to eat your favorite cookies all the time…"

She shrugged, all wide-eyed innocence, but her lips curved up in an impish smirk. "I'm parked this way," was her only answer as she began leading me across the parking lot. She was picking me up alone today under the guise of being out to run errands anyway, but we'd really just wanted some guaranteed time alone to talk.

When we reached her car, I put the bags in the trunk, and she slammed the lid before turning to lean against the back bumper. "Enough about me, though. You look…" She tilted her head, studying me carefully. "Happy. Really happy. What happened?"

I grinned, glancing at the ground as the memory of Jasper standing on my doorstep came back to me. I rubbed the back of my neck and glanced up at Tanya. "Jasper told me he loves me," I said simply.

Like Kate, I'd talked to Tanya about my fears and the way I'd been hurting, if not to the same extent. She reacted in true Tanya-fashion: she threw her arms around me and squealed, "Oh my god! When? How? Why didn't you tell me?" The last was a demand spoken when she pushed me away, holding me at arms' length and frowning at me.

Laughing, I ruffled her hair. "Because it just happened yesterday, Shortcake. I decided to tell you in person."

She humphed. "Yeah, right. You just forgot all about me the second he said it. It's okay to admit it."

Shrugging, I grinned and pulled her close. "Maybe… but not the way you make it sound. There was just a hell of a lot going on yesterday."

"Well, you can make it up to me on the way home. Want to stop for ice cream? And you can tell me all about it."

There was nothing for it but to smile and agree – and, in truth, I didn't mind talking about it at all anyway. We chatted the whole way to our favorite ice cream shop, though she insisted on waiting for the story, as she referred to it, until we had our caramel sundaes in front of us.

"Alright, now start from the beginning…" she said with a grin. "And don't leave anything out."

"Yes, ma'am," I muttered, hiding my smile. I started at the beginning, with being woken up by the incessant knocking and the doorbell ringing. As I spoke, I watched her expression change from an annoyed frown to an astonished smile. She stopped me often, asking questions and wanting to know exactly how Jasper had looked and what he'd said – and how he'd said it. I felt an echo of the amusement I used to feel back in high school when Tanya babbled about the guys she was interested in.

In fact, watching her animated excitement over my news brought a familiar question to my lips – one I'd sworn I wouldn't ask again. I couldn't help myself, though, and it just bubbled out. "Tanya? Are you sure you don't want someone to share your life with?"

She frowned at me, taking a bite of her melting ice cream before answering. "I never said that. I just… I've never met anyone that I wanted to be with all the time."

"But you've never really looked, have you?"

She wrinkled her nose, making a face at me. "Not you, too…" she muttered under her breath.

Something about her attitude made me more stubborn, so I forged ahead. "I'm serious, T. I want you to be happy. You always seem so excited for us, so ready to hear about the people we love. I'm just trying to understand, sweetheart. Why don't you want the same for yourself?"

She raised her head, studying my face for a long moment before she said, "Why do you like other men?"

I frowned, shifting back in my seat. "What does that have to do with anything? I'm just attracted to men. You know that."

With a faint smile, she nodded. "I do. And I need you to know that I've just… never met anyone who did that for me. Not really. I'm happy with my life how it is, Edward. Can you accept that?"

I watched her in silence, a sickening feeling growing in my gut as I understood what she was saying. Without realizing it, I'd been judging her, forcing my own beliefs, my own desires onto her, just like so many people had done to me. I slid my chair around beside her and put my arm around her shoulders, pulling her close. I kissed the crown of her head and whispered, "Of course I can, Tanya. I love you – all of you. You know that, right?"

Her arm slipped around my waist as she nodded. "I do. That's why I want you there when I tell them."

We sat that way in silence for a moment, her head on my shoulder and my head resting on hers. Then I pulled away and said, "You know they're going to be fine with this, right?"

"Sometimes." She gave a weak chuckle. "And then sometimes I worry Daddy'll throw me out and…"

"No way. It won't happen." I took her hand, squeezing it as I looked down at her. "Seriously, T. You're their daughter. They accepted me," I reminded her.

"Yeah, but…" She trailed off, biting her lip before she sighed and looked up at me. "But I'm their daughter. And this is a choice I'm making, not…"

Again, she stopped, leaving the words hanging in the air. I knew what she was getting at – that it was a little easier to accept me because I wasn't their son. It stung, but I could understand her fears, even though I still thought she was wrong. I wasn't sure how to respond in words, though, so I pulled her close and kissed her temple again before letting her go. We both finished our ice cream in silence.

When we stood up, she hugged me tightly and said, "You know they love you, Edward. Right? We all do."

I smiled, smoothing her hair back as I nodded, even though she couldn't see me. "Yeah, I do. And you know they're going to be happy for you, right?"

Tanya took a deep breath and then nodded, stepping back to smile up at me. "Come on," she said. "Enough emo… let's go home. Mom's making apple pie."

Our laughter was a little subdued, but it was still there. Tanya linked her arm through mine and guided me back out to the car. Our conversation switched to lighter topics as she told me what Emmett and Rosalie and the rest of the family had been up to.

It seemed Rose had just sold the car we'd worked on the last time I was down. I was a little surprised, since it had only been a little over a month, but when Rosalie set her mind to something, she was unstoppable. Tanya let slip that Rose was hoping I'd help her pick out a new car to work on, so I knew how at least part of my trip would be spent.

Soon enough, we arrived at the house where I'd spent part of my childhood. We climbed out, and I walked to the trunk, where I took a moment to let my eyes wander. I smiled at the familiar front porch, the pond where Tanya and I always talked, all the little quirks of the landscape that no one else would notice but that said "home" to me.

One of my homes, anyway.

My thoughts, naturally, drifted to Jasper. It was clear to me that he was becoming my home. I never felt more complete than I did when we were together. I tried to contain my smile as I reached in to grab my bags, but it was beaming by the time we walked up the porch steps.

Aunt Livy was waiting with a warm hug and an appraising eye. She missed nothing, but all she said was, "You look good, dear." After hearing that neither Tanya nor I needed anything to drink or snack on, she shooed us both out of the kitchen.

Tanya chuckled, shaking her head as she murmured, "Some things never change, huh?"

She tried to help me carry my bags, but I was having none of it. Instead, she followed me up the stairs and down the hall to my room, where she sat on the bed while I started unpacking. When I pulled out my phone to check the time, she hopped up with a grin.

"I'll get out of your way for a bit…" She kissed my cheek as she breezed by, stopping at the doorway. "Tell him I said hi," she said with a wink before shutting the door.

I didn't have long before dinner time, but Tanya was right – I did want to call Jasper. I hit the number to call him and settled on the bed, hoping like hell that we'd get a chance to talk. When his phone went straight to voicemail, I sighed.

I ran my fingers through my hair, realizing a few words in that he'd changed his message. I was grumbling to myself, unhappy about having to leave a message and wait even longer to talk to him, but then I heard why he'd changed the message.

I swallowed hard, smiling to myself as I heard him say, "If this is Edward, I'll call you as soon as I can. I miss you."

I blinked, smiling like a fucking fool at the slight Texas drawl in his voice. It was heavier than usual, likely from being back in that element, but it was his words that left me speechless. The phone beeped, and I scrambled to gather my wits, leaving a message that I missed him, too, and looked forward to talking to him. Just before I was about to hang up, I said, "Oh! Almost forgot… Tanya said hi. I love you, baby."

I stared at my phone for a moment before standing up and pocketing it. I usually turned it off before dinner at Aunt Livy's table, but I'd be damned if I was going to miss a call from Jasper after a message like that.

Once I'd washed up and made sure I was presentable, I went downstairs to see how I could help. Tanya was already there, setting the table, so I joined her. Just a few minutes later, Uncle Everett arrived, and everything seemed to happen quickly after that.

He still had me wrapped up in a hug when Emmett and Rose breezed in, arguing good-naturedly about the upcoming football games. When I heard Emmett say, "I bet you…" I clapped Uncle Everett on the back and stepped away with a grin. No doubt this would end with Emmett doing something embarrassing, and I couldn't wait to hear what it was.

Rosalie interrupted my fun, though, by rolling her eyes and ignoring him as she hugged me and kissed my cheek. "Hey, Slacker!" she said. "Glad you could fit us into your busy schedule."

She patted my cheek with a wink as she walked away, not giving me time to answer. Emmett swooped in immediately, lifting me off the ground and trying to crush my ribs. "Fuck, Emmett!" I muttered, hitting him on the back.

"Language!" Aunt Livy called from the kitchen.

Emmett gave a shit-eating grin as he put me down. "Yes, Edward. Language!" he said in his most annoying feminine voice.

"Emmett McCarty, don't think I don't know why he said it!" I laughed as Emmett's face fell, and then we both went into the kitchen as she called for us to come help. He punched me on the shoulder as we walked and then grabbed me in a headlock, rubbing his knuckles in my hair.

I heard the sound of Aunt Livy's wooden spoon smack his arm even as I punched him in the ribs, and he let me go. It was stupid and childish, but it was one of the many things that always felt like home.

When I straightened, Emmett winked at me, grinning, and I rolled my eyes in return. We helped carry food to the table, and then we all settled in for dinner. We talked and laughed, passing mashed potatoes and refilling drinks until we were all stuffed.

It was amazing to me how it always seemed as if I'd never left, no matter how much time passed between my visits. We grew up, of course, and our situations changed, but the sense of home was still there.

After dinner, we went our separate ways. I was tired from the trip, and everyone else besides Aunt Livy had to work the next day. When I got back into my room after telling everyone good night, the first thing I did was check my phone, even though I knew he hadn't called. I debated calling him again, but I smiled when I realized that, for once, there was no sense of dread. He was just busy; I trusted that.

So I went to my old bookshelf, running my fingers along the spines of the books before pulling out The Eye of the World. I tossed it onto the bed and then changed into my pajama pants, deciding to pass the time reading. Settling against the headboard, I spread my quilt over my legs, smiling at how much it felt like old times.

I had just finished the second chapter when my phone rang. Marking my place with my thumb, I balanced the phone on my shoulder. "Hello?"

"Hey there, Princess… how's it going?"

I grinned, turning down the corner of the page and putting the book on my nightstand. "Hey yourself. I'm doing fine. Got here okay and all that… how are you?"

We talked for a few minutes about how both our families were doing. Jasper filled me in on the work he'd done on the ranch that day, which seemed to involve a whole lot of manual labor. His voice held an excitement that was different from the way he talked about… well, most anything else.

"You really like it, huh? Do you miss it?"

He paused before he answered. I took the time to slip beneath the sheets, lying on my back as I stared at the ceiling. I could just feel him pressed against my side, and I closed my eyes, running my fingers through my hair.

"Sometimes, I guess. It's just different, you know? I spend most of my time behind a computer now, so it's kinda nice to be out on a galloping horse every once in awhile."

The image that statement conjured made me groan, and I turned onto my side. "Christ, Jazz… you should know better than to tease me like that."

He laughed. "Hey, you asked the question. I can't help it if your mind's in the gutter."

"Yours is, too; don't even pretend. If I was the one talking about being out there on a horse…"

He growled playfully. "I'd be pulling you off that horse and having my way with you."

I grinned. "Oh, would you now? Maybe I need to find a horse farm back in Boston."

"Maybe." He chuckled. "Speaking of… you do know that I'll be back in Boston before you are. You better expect some payback, Dr. Masen. Did you bring your headphones?"

"Yes." I paused and then couldn't help laughing. "I packed them after… ahh… well, you know."

When he laughed this time, I joined in. We talked for a few minutes more, just catching up on each others' plans for the rest of the week. I told him that Tanya had decided Friday was the big day, and he told me to give her his best. I smiled quietly as I thanked him, and then he changed the subject, asking, "So are you heading to bed, or are you going to do something else tonight?"

"I'm probably just going to read a little and then go to sleep… knowing Emmett, he'll decide I need to go to work with him tomorrow or some shit."

"Oh, really? What are you reading?" When I told him, he hummed and said, "I don't think I know that one."

"Seriously? It's one of my favorite fantasy series. You've never heard of it?"

"Nope," he answered, prompting me to describe it – probably in too much detail. He laughed at the excitement in my voice, and when I was finally winding down, he murmured, "You're cute. You know that, right?"

I grumbled a little, smiling as Jasper told me he'd have to check it out. Before much longer, we were saying good night. I was overcome with a sense of relief and rightness when I realized that, unlike our previous trips, I wasn't worried. I didn't feel like there were things I couldn't say or questions I couldn't ask – and I wasn't worried about what Jasper was doing when we weren't talking.

When we hung up, Jasper's assurance that he loved me warmed my chest, making me sleepy and content. I muttered under my breath as I had to get up to turn off the light, but I was asleep nearly as soon as my head hit the pillow again.

The first part of the week passed in much the same way – hanging out with various members of my family during the day, chatting with Jasper at night. We had a few Skype conversations, but they were all clean… for the most part. Both of us had people around, and we didn't want to risk being overheard, but I could tell from Jasper's expression that he was just as frustrated at the distance as I was.

To occupy myself during the day, I took long walks on the family property or drives around the countryside. I took my camera along, snapping pictures whenever the mood struck, but they were mostly for my own enjoyment rather than for work. It didn't take long for me to realize that I needed a new journal, since many of the sights prompted a response from me that I would've loved to write down. I bought a cheap new one at the grocery store downtown, and then that went along on my little journeys, too.

Thanksgiving morning found me up bright and early, just like always. It was one of the few days I ever voluntarily got up before dawn, and that was all thanks to how much I enjoyed helping Aunt Livy in the kitchen. It was times like that – when it was just the two of us working together – that let me feel the most connected to her. I knew on some level my craving for those moments stemmed from losing my mother so early. I was sure she did, too, but we never talked about it. She just made sure to give me a few extra hugs… and put me to work.

Within minutes of my appearance, she'd kissed my cheek and had me chopping onions and peeling potatoes. With the oven going and something cooking on every burner, I was sweating in no time, but I just rolled up my sleeves and kept going. Throughout the morning, the rest of the family joined in here and there, but they mostly went about their own business.

I smiled as I checked the turkey, content somehow to know that Rosalie and Uncle Everett would be out in the garage while Emmett was in the attic pulling out the Christmas decorations he always insisted on putting up on Thanksgiving. Piano music drifted in from the living room, placing Tanya for me, and I paused for a minute, listening to the tone of her song. I didn't recognize the composition, but I relaxed a little when I heard the light, playful notes, knowing that she was happy.

The day passed so quickly that I barely had time to think. I felt a little melancholy from time to time, and it didn't take me long to realize that I just missed Jasper. I wanted to know his traditions and habits as well as I knew the rest of my family's. Not knowing his usual routine, though, I didn't want to bother him, so I decided to wait until that night to call.

Around noon, I took a small break to eat. I was just taking a bite of the grilled cheese sandwich Aunt Livy made me when my phone vibrated in my pocket. I pulled it out, flipping it open to find a picture message. Jasper and Emily grinned up at me, their arms around each other, with the message, "We miss you!"

I laughed at the ridiculous expressions on their faces, and then I snapped a quick picture of myself before I sent it back to them with a similar message. I went back to eating, and then a few minutes later, I got a second text from Jasper.

Really, I miss you. Sure you can't come home early?

It was so tempting to just write back, "Hell yes!" but I knew Tanya was counting on me. Regardless of how the family took the news, there was so much to be done, and I didn't want her to have to face it alone.

Afraid not. Tanya's telling them tomorrow. But you better damn well believe I'm planning to lock you in my house as soon as I get back. I might let you out after a few days.

He sent back a pouting, joking message about how disappointed he was. I knew it was true, and that put a smile on my face just like his acceptance did. He asked if there was anything he could do to persuade me, and I told him he could always try. I was just finishing my sandwich when his last message came in.

Damn it, have to go help Chuck. Don't think this is over yet, Dr. Masen. I can be very persuasive.

When I laughed outright, Aunt Livy hummed under her breath, smiling even though she studiously ignored me. She took a pie out of the oven even as I shot back a message to Jasper.

Can't wait to see you try.

Slipping my phone in my pocket, I walked over and kissed Aunt Livy's temple, murmuring, "Sorry. Guess I got distracted."

"That's quite alright, dear. I remember when a certain young man caught my eye…" The knowing twinkle in her eye made me smile, but what she said next made me laugh. "Of course, you see how that turned out now. Just you be careful."

I hugged her close, chuckling with her. She and Uncle Everett were one of the best-matched couples I'd ever met, but she rarely passed up an opportunity to tease him – which was, naturally, part of their chemistry.

It seemed like no time at all before it was time to get cleaned up for dinner. I went to take a quick shower while everyone began moving food to the table. By the time I returned, everything was ready, and we set to the serious work of dishing up food. There was a mixture of joking and occasional sentimental statements, and I gorged myself on both food and good times with the family.

We were all grunting and moaning about eating too much when Aunt Livy asked us if we were ready for dessert. Rosalie actually looked a little sick at the thought, and Emmett rescued her by saying, "Come on! Time for more football!" as he pulled her from the room by the hand.

I followed them and was just settling on the loveseat when my phone rang. Jasper's name was flashing on the screen, so I stood up again, stepping into the hallway even as I said, "Hey, baby."

"Hey, sweetheart," he answered, and I could hear the smile in his voice. He asked about my Thanksgiving and told me he was sorry he couldn't be there with me.

"Yeah, I know. This being apart thing sucks."

I listened automatically for that pause – the one that had always hinted that Alistair was more than okay with his time alone. I could've kicked myself for the moment of doubt, but it was reflexive. I breathed a sigh of relief when I didn't hear it.

Instead, Jasper said immediately, "Yeah, that's why I was asking if you could come home early."

His voice was playful, but before I could comment, I heard a muffled rustling as if he'd covered his receiver. I frowned slightly, trying to figure out what was going on. Then he said, "So… there's someone here that wants to say hi. Is that okay?"

I chuckled, sure it was Emily. She was likely giving him a hard time, and it made me happy to know she wanted to talk to me, too. "Sure," I said, "that's fine."

"Alright…" he murmured, and then his voice lowered as he said something I couldn't hear. I waited for a moment, but the next voice I heard wasn't the one I was expecting at all.

My teasing greeting to Emily faded on my lips when I heard an older woman say, "Happy Thanksgiving, Edward. This is Jasper's mother, Claire. I hope you don't mind, but I just wanted to say hello to the man who's put this smile on my son's face."

My cheeks flamed at her words, both with the shock of being caught off guard and with self-consciousness. I heard his low rumble in the background, and I wondered if his expression matched my own just then. I recovered just in time to say, "Oh, Mrs. Whitlock! Happy Thanksgiving! I'm sorry; I was expecting Emily…"

I realized as the words left my mouth that I was babbling – and stupidly so. Needing a little more privacy, I headed for the stairs even as I listened.

"Now, none of that. Call me Claire, honey. Jasper tells me you're a photographer?"

The warmth and question in her voice drew out my answer, and I settled on the edge of my bed as we talked. She was easy to talk to, though I guess that shouldn't have been a surprise since Jasper was the same way. She somehow kept my words flowing with questions and comments that provoked more explanation, and before I knew it, we were laughing together as I told her about my trip to the zoo with Jasper and Emily.

"Emily showed me some of the pictures from that trip. You have quite an eye, Edward."

"Thank you, ma'am," I murmured, finally at a loss for words.

"I'll give you back to Jasper now," she answered easily. "I hope you have fun on your trip – and don't be a stranger, now. I'm sure Jasper will give you our number." That was said with an air that let me know she was pinning Jasper with a look that ensured that he would do exactly as she wanted. With a few more warm words, she said goodbye.

"You there?" Jasper said.

"Yeah, I'm here." I laughed. "I wasn't expecting that."

He chuckled, and I could hear the mischievous quality in his voice when he murmured, "Yeah, we were talking about you, and apparently I couldn't answer fast enough for her. She asked if we could call you. I didn't see why not…"

Warmth bloomed in my chest at the thought that not only had Jasper been talking about me, but apparently his family – his mother, at least – was accepting of me. I settled back against my headboard, running my fingers through my hair. "Thanks, baby," I said quietly. "That was perfect."

"You sure? I hoped you wouldn't mind."

I laughed, shaking my head. "Seriously. I couldn't have asked for more today. Well, I could've, but you know… you're all the way over there."

"I know. Sucks, doesn't it?" I hummed my agreement, and he muttered something I couldn't quite hear. When he spoke up again, he sounded a little distracted. "We're about to play some games, so I gotta go. But we just wanted you to know we were thinking of you."

"I've been thinking of you, too, baby. Thank you for calling."

"Of course. I'll call you later, okay?"

"Sounds good. Go have some fun. I love you."

His hurried manner was instantly gone as he said, "Love you, too, Edward. I'll talk to you soon."

We said goodbye, and I stared in amazement at my phone for a moment. Then I shook my head and stood up, slipping it into my pocket before I left my room, taking the stairs two at a time.

Everyone was focused on the game, so I was able to slip in largely unnoticed, except by Tanya, who grinned at me. She didn't comment, though, and we spent the rest of the night absorbed in football, pausing only for dessert at halftime.

When the last game went off, Emmett insisted on a video game tournament, which ended up being just me and him. The girls begged off, heading to bed early. I wanted to do the same, especially since I knew what was coming the next day, but Emmett wouldn't hear of it. I didn't really mind, to be honest, and it wasn't often that we got to have nights like that now that we were both adults and out of the house, so I caved.

Which is why I was still sitting on the floor, my ass asleep and my thumbs developing calluses again when Jasper called around one in the morning. The first thing he did was apologize for calling so late, and I told him I didn't mind at all.

When he found out why, he laughed and teased me about being a kid. I just shrugged, the phone balanced between my cheek and my shoulder. "Yeah, probably. But you don't seem to mind." He said he didn't, of course, and I was struck by a sudden thought.

"Hey," I said, sitting up straighter. "Did you want to say hi to Emmett?"

"Emmett? Yeah, sure," he said with a hint of amusement.

My eyes were focused on my cousin, whose smile brightened as he dropped the controller and turned to face me. I realized that this conversation could turn into a personal hell for me, but Jasper was bound to meet Emmett sometime. It might even be easier to get the first meeting over with on the phone, though I somehow doubted that.

I gave Emmett a warning look as I handed the phone to him. Just before he took it, I muttered, "Don't be a dickhead."

Emmett's innocent look did nothing to reassure me, but I still had a hard time biting back my grin when he said, "Jasper! Hey… good to talk to you, man."

I moved to sit on the couch, groaning when the movement sent needles shooting through my legs. I stretched them out in front of me, grunting again when I shifted, and Emmett laughed.

"Damn, J, you're good."

I frowned as I glanced over at him, but apparently Jasper didn't know what he was talking about either because Emmett explained, "You're not even here, and you've got Edward all moaning and panting."

Rolling my eyes, I threw a pillow at his head. He dodged it, grinning at me, and I could hear Jasper laughing through the phone. Whatever he said had Emmett rolling while I just shook my head.

"Seriously?" Emmett cut his eyes to me. "I didn't know that… I'll have to keep that in mind."

"What?" I asked, but he ignored me. I heard Jasper's protests through the phone and figured Emmett was just fucking with me.

He confirmed it when he said, "Oh, he likes that, huh? Nasty, man. I don't even want to know how you found that out. I hear he likes it when you pull on his-"

Emmett's words cut off when I tackled him, knocking him to the ground. I tried to wrestle the phone from his hand, and I could hear Jasper laughing on the other end. I punched Emmett in the ribs and then picked it up off the carpet where it had landed. He didn't try to get up, just lay there laughing as I stood back up.

"Sorry about that," I said. "That would be Emmett."

"So I noticed." I could hear Jasper's grin. "Sounds like a pretty funny guy, actually."

"He definitely thinks so."

Said funny guy was back on his feet smiling at me with his hand out. I shook my head, and he hit my chest with the back of his hand before taking the phone from me.

I raised an eyebrow but let him have it. He winked and flopped down on the couch. "Hey, man. Sorry. I can't resist giving Edward shit."

I sat beside him, my tension fading as he and Jasper settled into actual conversation. He asked about Jasper's programming and told him a little about his job as a construction superintendent. Their conversation evolved, morphing into excited chatter about football. Both the Titans and the Cowboys had won, and they got into a heated debate about which team was better. Once I was sure the danger had passed – for the moment – I went into the kitchen to grab something to drink.

I opened the refrigerator, only to be faced with leftover turkey that reminded me how long it had been since dinner. I made a couple of sandwiches, grumbling under my breath, "That fucker better be behaving…" If he wasn't, I'd eat the damn sandwich in front of him.

After I'd fixed them both just the way we liked them, I pulled a couple of beers from the bottom shelf and headed back into the living room. Emmett's eyes brightened when he saw what I was carrying, and he said, "Speak of the devil… he just walked back in." He wiggled his eyebrows at me, and I sighed, wondering what he'd been saying. His smile was actually reassuring for once as he shook his head, though, and he told Jasper goodbye before saying, "Here's Edward again."

He handed me the phone and picked up one of the plates I'd put down. Before he took a bite, he flipped the channel on the TV, tuning in to a detailed analysis of the upcoming playoff picture that absorbed his attention nearly as much as the food did.

"Hey, baby," I said as I settled back into my own seat on the couch. "Hope that wasn't too bad."

Jasper laughed. "Nah, it's fine. He's pretty much exactly how you described him."

I snorted and rolled my eyes as I agreed. Jasper yawned, and I could hear his groan as he stretched, making me miss him just that much more as I imagined falling asleep beside him. I told him he should get some rest, and he agreed, but just before he hung up, he said, "Hey, call me tomorrow and let me know what happens, okay?"

My eyes cut to Emmett, who was wiping mustard from his chin, his eyes focused on the screen. "Yeah," I answered, "I will. I think everything'll be fine."

"I'm sure it will… just a little nerve-wracking."

I made a small noise of agreement before saying, "Alright, we both need to get to sleep, I think. I'll talk to you tomorrow. Love you, Jazz."

Emmett grinned although he otherwise pretended he hadn't heard me. Jasper murmured, "I love you, too, Princess. Talk to you soon," and then he was gone.

I dropped the phone onto the coffee table and picked up my sandwich, sitting back to eat it as Emmett smoothly moved into a conversation about the analysis taking place on the TV. We spent another half hour or so that way before we both headed upstairs to bed.

I fell asleep in no time and was awakened early the next morning by a weight settling on the end of my bed. When I opened my eyes, it was to find the room barely lightened by the gray dawn outside. There was just enough light for me to make out Tanya's silhouette, her hand stretched out to pat my calf.

"Sorry," she whispered. "I know it's ridiculously early. I couldn't sleep."

"'S okay," I mumbled as I sat up and ran my fingers through my hair. I blinked a few times, trying unsuccessfully to stifle my yawn. Throwing back the covers, I put my feet on the floor and shook my head, feeling slightly more awake. I reached over to take Tanya's hand and then thought for a moment. "Come on… let's go make everyone breakfast."

I caught her grateful smile in the dim light, and she squeezed my hand before slipping silently from my room. I rummaged through the drawers to find a shirt and then headed downstairs behind her.

I found her in the kitchen, which seemed too goddamn bright that early in the morning. She was just starting a pot of coffee when I walked in, and she turned around, leaning against the counter with her hands tucked behind her. She looked for all the world like a kid who knew she was going to be in trouble.

I smiled wryly at her. "You know it's going to be okay, right?"

She sighed and nodded tightly. "I know."

Chuckling, I shook my head and then walked over to hug her. I kissed the top of her head and murmured, "You're an adult, Tanya. They love you. It's going to be fine."

I stopped just short of saying, "I promise," because there was this tiny voice in the back of my mind that worried about Uncle Everett's reaction. I truly believed what I was telling her, but that didn't stop the annoying little, "What if?"

She squeezed me tight and then let me go, tilting her head up to give me a nervous smile. I ruffled her hair. "Come on, Shortcake. You start the grits, and I'll get the eggs."

We were working in companionable silence when Aunt Livy walked in, tying her robe. "What's all this?" she asked, her voice between appreciation and accusation.

Tanya turned, managing a smooth smile as she kissed her mother on the cheek. "We just thought we'd fix breakfast for everyone."

"How nice!" Suspicion lingered in Aunt Livy's eyes, but she didn't comment further as she fell into helping us get everything ready. Biscuits went into the oven, bacon on the stove, and before long, Tanya was washing her hands in the sink.

She looked a little pale as she dried them on the dish towel before carefully hanging it back on the stove handle. "I guess I'll go wake everyone…" she mumbled.

She disappeared before either of us could answer, and I watched her go, wishing I could make this easier on her somehow. I didn't look at Aunt Livy as I went to the refrigerator for the orange juice. I poured us all glasses and took them to the table, busying myself with moving the food as well. I could feel her eyes following me, but this wasn't my news to share – and I hadn't kept the secret this long just to give it up now.

Before much longer, everyone was gathered around the table with bleary eyes. I noticed Rose watching Tanya speculatively as she settled her napkin on her lap, and I wondered just how much she'd guessed. She, at least, seemed to realize that this early morning was courtesy of my cousin.

We ate in relative quiet, occasionally commenting on our plans for the day, most of which consisted of football and leftovers. Rosalie was adamantly refusing to go out on Black Friday with Emmett, who wanted some new video game, when Tanya put her fork down and cleared her throat.

A hush fell over the room almost instantly, and I realized that Rosalie wasn't the only one who had noticed the undercurrent in the room. When every eye turned toward Tanya, she smiled a little nervously, her hands dropping into her lap. One hand went to her abdomen even as she said, "So… I'm sorry to wake everyone so early. I just…" She paused, taking a deep breath, and then her smile became sweeter. "I wanted to tell you all at once."

I wondered if anyone else noticed her eyes flicker to me. I schooled my face the best I could, but she muttered under her breath, "Mostly."

Raising her voice, she shifted her eyes to her parents as she said, "I'm expecting a baby in April."

Her cheeks were flushed, but her eyes were happy, and I thought she'd never looked more beautiful. As the silence stretched, she bit her lip, and I reached across the table. She met me halfway, slipping her hand into mine. I squeezed it, and then suddenly everyone was in motion.

"Congratulations!" Rose exclaimed, hopping up to hug her. Tears spilled from the corners of Tanya's eyes as she held her sister-in-law close.

"Thanks," she whispered, and Rose hugged her once more before letting her go. Emmett was there next, offering congratulations of his own. His eyes were strained with worry, and it wasn't hard for me to figure out where his thoughts were.

His concerns were reflected on Uncle Everett's face, and it was then that I noticed no one had asked about the father. At least Tanya was going to be spared the explanation – they all clearly understood that she'd gone through with her idea from the summer. The chatter between Rose, Emmett, and Tanya stopped as Uncle Everett stood. He walked around the table, and Tanya stood to meet him.

He hugged her, kissing the top of her head, and rumbled, "You let us know how we can help, sweetheart." His voice was gruff, and his lack of a congratulations wasn't unnoticed, but Tanya swallowed and nodded, smiling as she hugged him fiercely.

I missed Aunt Livy standing, but she was there beside them, reaching out to stroke Tanya's hair. "Congratulations, dear," she murmured. "This calls for a celebration."

Tanya's worried eyes followed her mother out of the room, and I didn't need her pleading look to follow. I could tell as well as she could that something was off; I just hoped Aunt Livy would talk to me about it – and that she would come around, because I had a feeling Tanya was going to need a lot of support in the months to come.

I gathered some of our plates, stacking them so I could free one of my hands. When I walked by Tanya, I patted her shoulder and glanced down, winking at her. She smiled, a hint of excitement showing through her much more obvious nerves. Her eyes flitted to the kitchen, and I nodded.

When I stepped through the doorway, Aunt Livy was busy at the sink. Her back was to me, her shoulders shaking from the effort of scrubbing a pan vigorously. I walked silently to the sink and put the dishes I'd brought down on the counter before stepping to the other side. She finished her work and handed me the pan, which I rinsed without comment.

In truth, I didn't know what the hell to say. I had no idea what she was thinking, but I had a feeling that the wrinkles on her forehead weren't all from age or concentration. I was still debating how to begin when she broke the silence.

"I know what you're thinking," she sighed.

Her confident statement brought an amused smile to my lips because I, for one, had no fucking clue what I was thinking. I covered my reaction by moving to put the pan in the drainer, giving her time to continue now that she'd started.

"You're thinking she's an adult, and I have to let her grow up. I should be happy for her." She turned around suddenly, drying her hands on a dish towel before swinging it up on her shoulder. "Well, let me tell you something."

My eyes widened at her defensive tone. I half-expected her to shake her finger at me, but she just put her fists on her hips and peered up at me defiantly.

"I am happy. In just a few months, I'm going to have my first grandchild to cuddle and spoil rotten." Her voice sounded anything but happy as her tears threatened to spill over. "I'm just worried. She has no idea what she's getting into, how hard it is. I had your Uncle Everett, and even so, there were days when…" She trailed off, shaking her head, and then she poked my chest with her finger. "That's my baby in there. I want her to have everything."

She opened her mouth again but then closed it, turning away abruptly. Shaking her head, she cleared her throat and went back to the dishes without any further comment. I stood there for a moment, unsure how to react, and then I reached out, putting my hand on her shoulder.

"I won't say I understand," I began finally. She made a small noise somewhere between a snort and a sniffle. "I don't have kids, so…"

She nodded, reaching up to pat my hand. She clucked her tongue when she realized she'd gotten me wet. After drying off her hands, she gave me the towel. I slowly dried my own hands before trying again to make her understand.

"Tanya just… she doesn't need the same relationships we do. Everyone needs different things… wants different things…" I trailed off, floundering as that strange fear surged again – that maybe they were only okay with me because I wasn't their child.

When I didn't speak for a time, she turned to face me. I couldn't meet her gaze, so I stared at the floor, crossing my arms over my chest. She sighed and stepped toward me, nudging my chin up so I was forced to look at her.

"I know," she whispered, giving me a watery smile. She patted my cheek and murmured, "Maybe she'll find a nice young woman to spend her life with."

I laughed, the tightness in my chest lightening at her not-so-subtle reassurance. I pulled her close, resting my chin on her head as I hugged her. "I don't think that's really what Tanya has in mind."

She squeezed me once and then patted my back, kissing my cheek before letting me go. "I know, sweetheart… I know."

As she stepped away again, she smoothed her hair. Her smile was stronger, her eyes a little brighter and filled with the same sparkle I'd always associated with her happiness. "It'll be alright," she said. Just that quickly, our roles had reversed, and she was reassuring me like she had so many times throughout my life. "We just all need a little time. Don't you worry none, okay?"

"Yes, ma'am," I murmured with a smile.

She nodded once. "Now you go on back in there. I'll be out just as soon as I get a chocolate chip coffee cake in the oven. I think we need a little something to celebrate with."

At the mention of Tanya's favorite snack, I felt tension and worry melting away. I moved to do as she asked, and when I entered the dining room again, it was to find Rosalie chatting away to Tanya, whose eyes shifted to me immediately. They both grew quiet until I smiled at them reassuringly and said, "Aunt Livy will be out in a minute…just as soon as she whips up her chocolate chip coffee cake."

The smile that spread on Tanya's face was dazzling, and I could see her relax. She nodded to me, her expression morphing into a delighted grin as she patted the chair beside her.

"Think I'm going to head upstairs for a few minutes, actually…" I grinned and winked. "Take a shower since someone didn't give me a chance this morning."

She laughed. "Yeah… thanks, Edward."

"Anytime, Shortcake." Before I'd turned away, she and Rosalie were discussing plans for turning Tanya's spare bedroom into a nursery. As I walked up the stairs, I pulled my phone from my pocket, checking the time. It was still before 7:00 in Texas, but I had a feeling Jasper wouldn't mind an early call.

Hell, he was probably awake anyway.

The phone was already ringing when I walked into my room, and I stretched out on the bed as his voice, husky from sleep, came through the line.

"Hey there, gorgeous."

ooOoo

A/N: Just a reminder that there's still time to join in on the Twilight No Stress Love Fest. Grab a prompt (or two) and write a little something - or get creative and draw, or make a banner. You have until February 10th to get your entries in. So go on, spread a little love!

http://community.livejournal.com/twi_love_fest/

All entries are anonymous so that by the end you can guess who wrote/created what.

Also, just a reminder that both SorceressCirce and naelany are contributing to the Round Robin story, called The Big Gay Story, and you can find it here:

http://www.fanfiction.net/s/6612778/16/

naelany will be up this Friday!

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Chapter 26 - Chapter 28

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