𝐅𝐎𝐑𝐄𝐕𝐄𝐑 | 𝐉𝐀𝐒𝐏𝐄𝐑 𝐇𝐀𝐋𝐄

𝟑 | 𝐎𝐏𝐄𝐍𝐈𝐍𝐆 𝐔𝐏

IT HAD BEEN A WEEK SINCE BELLA AND EDWARD LEFT FOR THEIR HONEYMOON AT ISLE ESMÉ. Carlisle had offered them the island, since no one had used it in years.

Jasper and I were outside, perched in our big tree. His back rested against a thick branch while I lay against his chest, arms wrapped around his in a protective hold. His hands played idly with mine, thumbs brushing lightly over my skin. We talked about everything, our future, embarrassing moments, fears and insecurities, our past, our family. Nothing was off-limits, and everything mattered.

Communication had always been something Jasper and I valued, something I cherished deeply.

There was a time I thought communication was pointless stupid even. All that advice on TV about opening up and expressing feelings felt like lies. Nobody really cared what you had to say. I used to tell people that when they tried to get me to open up.

Opening up had always been hard for me, but Jasper never pressured me. He knew I'd come to him when I was ready, and that trust made all the difference.

I lifted my head slightly, catching his gaze, and smiled.

"You know, I could get used to days like this," I teased.

"Hmm? Days like this?" His voice was soft, teasing.

"Lying on your chest, you talking about our future... maybe trying not to tickle me," I replied, wiggling slightly in his arms.

He chuckled, hand stroking my back. "You're lucky I love you, babe... otherwise, I'd be tickling you until you confessed all your secrets."

"Oh, don't tempt me," I said with a sly grin, resting my head fully against him again.

He tilted his head down, brushing a soft kiss along my temple. "I could stay like this forever. Just us, babe. No one else, no distractions."

I sighed contentedly, letting my fingers thread through his. "I'd like that. Really, I would."

Jasper looked up at the sky for a moment, then back down at me, amber eyes warm and shining. "We could travel the world together... I could show you everything I love, and who knows what else..."

"You're the only thing I need right now," he added softly. "As long as you're by my side, I feel like I can do anything."

I smiled, lifting my hand to rest against his cheek. "Where would we go first?"

"Anywhere you want... Italy, France, England... maybe somewhere in Asia where pale skin and golden eyes don't stand out so much," he chuckled, fingers brushing my hair gently.

"That sounds amazing," I whispered.

He smiled, rubbing tiny circles on my back. "As long as we're together, I could be happy anywhere."

I tilted my head, grinning. "And I'd be happy anywhere with you, baby."

He smirked, leaning down to kiss the tip of my nose. "Good to know, darling... because I plan on keeping you close."

Just then, a sharp shout cut through the peaceful air.

"DELILAH!" Alice's voice rang across the yard.

I groaned, and Jasper laughed, that soft, melodic laugh that always made me smile. I smacked his chest lightly.

"Stop laughing. She's been driving me crazy with wedding prep," I scolded.

"I know, darling. I know," he murmured, pressing a gentle kiss to my temple.

Alice approached, arms crossed and a scoff on her lips. "There you are. Come look at these magazines with wedding dresses," she demanded.

Jasper and I swung down from the tree, landing gracefully on the balcony. I let go of his hand and fell in step beside Alice, leaving Jasper to watch us with a grin tugging at his lips.