So... I hope you are into sentimental stories... because that's what this is going to be...

Also, I'm taking Arms down... nobody seems to be biting and that's why I haven't updated. No point in wasting my time.

One more thing, make sure to check out my other story, "The Proposal"

I own nothing...

JPOV:

I pick up the picture of my Isabella. It's old and faded and time has done many things to it. However, it hasn't done anything to mar the beauty that she is. My breath hitches every time I think about her, and if I could cry, I would.

We'd met some years back; during the war, to be precise. I was a soldier in the Confederate Army and she was the daughter of a prominent business man.

1863...

My unit was stationed in Louisiana. Things weren't looking good, but we managed to find a few places where our troops could lay low when need be. Mr. Charles Swan owned a farm where he raised all different animals and grew cotton. That was the thing to do back then.

He would let our unit camp out on his property from time to time, only a few at a time. However, one time was all it took for me to become completely taken with his daughter, Isabella. She has long flowing locks formed into ringlets down her back and her heart shaped face was one of innocence.

She and I would stay up talking all night when it was my turn to watch post. I would try to think of funny or clever things to say to her, because I loved the way she laughed. I loved the way she looked when she laughed.

I remember walking down to the creek once to wash my hands and face. I didn't like asking to use the baths in the houses and Mr. Swan offered to let us use the workers' quarters. I didn't use them because I didn't agree with slavery. Why was I in the war? Well, that's just what you did when you're loyal, I suppose.

When I had went down to the creek to clean up, I had found myself submerged in the stream. I came up sputtering and ready to murder somebody when I heard her laughing.

"Looks like you got in a little over your head, officer." I pulled myself out of the water and shook my hair, drops of water hitting her in the face. It only served to make her laugh harder.

Smiling, I pulled my shirt off of me to wring it out and saw her face. I had never seen that look before; not from her nor any other woman. It truly puzzled me until she grabbed my face and kissed me for all she was worth. I was taken aback at first but soon found myself wrapping my arms around her tiny waist and pulling her as close to me as I could. For months I had found myself in her company and tempted with desire to just kiss her. I, however, knew my boundaries and wouldn't step over any lines.

This? This was different. She didn't kiss me shyly. She kissed me with purpose and with need. I don't know how long we stayed that way, but it was amazing. She was amazing.

The night before we had to leave she came to me, as I was watching post. Her eyes were puffy and she would sniffle every now and again.

"Mr. Whitlock, I cannot bear the thought of you leaving me tomorrow." She said. I wanted to hold her, to kiss her, and to tell her everything was going to be alright. We were moving to the west to help with the invasions from the North.

"Isabella," I ducked to look into her eyes. "Please let me write you." She smiled faintly. "It would do my heart well to know that I can at least speak with you." She nodded and handed me her handkerchief. "Please take this with you. That way, you can always have a little piece of me."

I could feel my eyes begin to water as I reached into my pocket and pulled out a pocket watch. "My daddy gave me this before I left. It was his. I'm giving you this to let you know that I WILL be coming back for you, Isabella. As soon as this war is over, and as God is my witness, I will be back for you."

The next day, I left with my unit for Texas. It was going to be a long journey, but I had the knowledge that I would hear from my Isabella.

One month later... 1863

"Major Whitlock! You have a letter." The petty officer yelled for me as he sorted through the mail. I rushed over as soon as possible and snatched the envelope out of his hand. It still had the faint smell of her perfume, and was sealed with a kiss.

Quickly and carefully, I tore open the letter. It read:

My dearest Jasper,

It has been nearly a month since I last saw you. My heart aches knowing that I cannot see you or talk to you. I have been keeping your pocket watch with me at all times. I truly miss you, Jasper.

I am finding it difficult to sleep at night, knowing that you are so far away. It seems silly, I know, but things just are not the same as they once were.

The workers were asking about you today. They truly do miss you. Henry has taken to teaching them how to read. He said that if you were man enough to do it, then so was he! You have truly changed the lives of so many here, you have no idea!

My father tells me that I will survive all of this, and that you are a good man and he believes you will honor your promise to come back. He says that we can be wed as soon as you come back. Of course, you will have to ask me properly.

I count the days until we meet again.

With all of my love,

Your Isabella.

My breath caught in my throat and my heart beat furiously. We could be wed! I could ask her properly and we could be husband and wife! I grabbed a bit of paper and began to respond.

My Isabella,

I truly miss you, as well. There is not a day that goes by that you are not weighing on my mind. I do not wish you to worry about me, as I am very good at what I do. Perhaps, you should worry about those who oppose against us!

Please tell Henry that I am very proud of him for the work he is doing. He will truly inspire them, of that I am sure.

As to your request that I ask for you hand? I will be honored to ask. However, I want to do it when I can fully enjoy our time as husband and wife.

Please write back, as reading your letter was the highlight of my day. I will be looking forward to your next letter.

Always,

Your dearest Jasper.

I sent the letter with the petty officer and read and re-read the letter that I had gotten from Isabella. Her scent lingered on the paper and I could only go to sleep and dream of her.

Present day...

I packed up my things, taking extra care of the things that belonged to, or related to, my Bella. All of the letters that she had written me were safely put into a plastic tote box and all of her pictures were sealed in another one.

"Are you ready?" Alice asked me. She was my rock. After everything that happened, she found me and loved me for me. I smile sadly at her, and nod.

She knew of my love for Isabella. She understood it. She, too, was a victim of circumstance. "Yeah, sure." I tell her. Alice is aware that I can't love her the way she deserves to be loved, but it doesn't deter her. I'm her best friend, and if nothing else, we have that.

"Hey," she walked over and put an arm around my waist. "You never know, maybe you will see her one day and everything will be just as you remember it." She smiled radiantly at me. I know that I must have had a pained look on my face because she smacked my arm. "Don't give me that look, Jasper. Things happen for all sorts of reasons. Obviously. You never know what the future holds." Meddling little pixie.

1864...

I would soon be arriving in Louisiana and home to my Bella. She had taken to signing her name that way in the letters. I was a bit nervous, as my unit got closer.

"Hey man, you gonna' ask Bella to marry you, or what?" Peter asked. He was my best friend in the unit and I confided him with all of my secrets. I just nodded and smiled.

"I don't have a proper ring for her. I managed to fashion one out of a piece of metal back in Texas. It's not the most romantic thing, but it symbolizes what it needs to." I tell him.

He slaps me on the back. "You two are going to be really happy; I can feel it."

We continued on our journey until I could see the large white house just up the road. The smile on my face couldn't be contained if I wanted it to and I was sure that the sounds of the drums alerted the Swan family of our impending arrival.

And before I knew it? Bella was rushing down the drive on her horse to greet us, or rather, me. Once she got to me she'd practically launched herself off of the horse and sobbed in my arms. Soothing her I said, "Shh, Bella. It's okay, darlin'. I'm here now. Don't cry, sugar."

Without word, she pulled back, wrapped her arms around my neck and kissed me like she was never going to see me again.

That night...

"Major Whitlock, it truly is an honor for you to join us for dinner this evening." Renee, Bella's mother gushed. I simply smile my gratitude in return. My palms were sweating and I knew that the moment would pass me by if I didn't do what I came to do.

Clearing my throat I stood up. "Mr. and Mrs. Swan, I have a very important question to ask of you." Mr. Swan's mustache twitched a bit with his smile and he nodded his blessing to go on. "As you know, I am very fond of Isabella. I would like to ask for your blessing that I marry Isabella as soon as possible."

Renee gushed and jumped up and kissed me as Charles stood up and shook my hand to congratulate the two of us. Bella bit her lip and looked at me; again with that look that I just wasn't used to. "Well, I see no reason to wait. You two should marry this weekend; before the unit has to take off again." Bella and I looked at each other and smiled in agreement. The sooner the better.

After dinner Bella and I walked outside to take in the night air. I reached into my pocket and got down on one knee. "Isabella Marie Swan, I have loved you ever since the moment I laid eyes on you. I now know that all things are possible, because you are in my life. You just make everything better, darlin'. And, I know that, no matter where I am or what I'm doing, I will always have you to come home to and to share my life with. Will you do me the honor of being my wife?" I opened up my palm to show the ring I had fashioned out. It was actually very ornate and dainty. Took me a damn while to make it just right. She muttered that it was beautiful while she nodded her head yes. "I know it doesn't look like much, and I promise to get you something better when I get the money."

"No, it's beautiful. I don't want another ring." Her words warmed my heart and I felt my eyes brim with tears. I did not deserve this woman.

The wedding...

"Do you, Major Jasper Whitlock, take Isabella Marie Swan to be your lawfully wedded wife?"

"I do."

"And do you, Isabella Marie Swan take Major Jasper Whitlock to be your lawfully wedded husband?"

"I do."

The preacher smiles at the two of us. "What these two share in love let no man divide. I now pronounce your husband and wife. You may share a kiss."

I lifted the veil from Bella's face and kissed her tenderly for the first time as my wife.

We danced and ate cake and the boys in the unit got to mingle a little with some of the single ladies that Bella was friends with, but Bella had other ideas. It seemed that she couldn't get to her room fast enough and I was dragged, not really, behind her in a hurry.

"Husband of mine, I do believe we are supposed to consummate the marriage." She all but growled. "I want you Jasper."

"As you wish, darlin'." I took my time loving her. We undressed each other slowly, placing kisses on every available inch that we could get to. If I thought she was beautiful with clothes on, she was even more beautiful nude.

As I was about to enter her for the first time I looked into her eyes. We were both new at this, believe it or not. "I love you always, Isabella Whitlock." I pushed easily into her and watched her face for any discomfort. I saw some, but mostly love.

"As I love you, Jasper. Now please, make love to me, for I fear I might explode." I pumped slowly in and out of her essence. It felt amazing and I could tell her pain was slowly turning into pleasure and I wanted her to feel all of the pleasure that I could give her before I got my release.

I don't know if it was minutes or hours but what we shared was nothing short of miraculous. It felt as if the heavens parted and I swear that I could have felt the earth shake beneath me. Minutes later we were snuggled and falling fast asleep.

Present day...

I look at Emmett and Rosalie and Carlisle and Esme and envy the love they share with each other. Alice and I are nothing more than friends. Hell, I haven't even touched another woman since Isabella. Alice respected that my heart just wasn't in it and we just remain thick as thieves. She reminds me a lot of Bella, as far as her caring demeanor.

On my way to school I can hear what everybody is saying about me. They say I look like I'm in pain. Edward thinks that I'm a loose cannon and that I'm going to fly off the hinges any day now with bloodlust. I have no interest in draining a human of their life. Not after what happened to me...

1865...

Bella waved goodbye to me as I left with my unit. It was our turn to go back to Texas and the thought of leaving her killed me. We had been trying for a child off and on for the past year, but it just seemed that it wasn't in the cards for us right now.

Peter kept going on about this girl named Charlotte that he was awfully fond of and that he was gonna' ask her to marry him when we got back. The war was going to end soon, as we were getting beaten left and right.

Once we got to camp, I patrolled around to investigate the area and look for any enemy soldiers. There I saw a trio of beautiful women who looked like they were weeping. I hopped down from my horse and offered my help.

"May I ask why you are crying?" I asked the younger looking one.

"We've lost our parents and we cannot find them anywhere." She sobbed. I had looked at their faces and swear that their beauty was unrivaled, only after my Bella. But what came next shocked and frightened me.

Another woman came out of nowhere with blood red eyes and an ultra bright smile. She inspected me and took me in. "Hmm. I believe he will do nicely." Then everything went dark.

I felt fire for three days and the only thing I could think of was my Bella. I didn't know how I was going to get the word to Bella that we had come under fire and that I may never return home. I wanted to weep and to scream but I couldn't wake. I had hoped in my heart of hearts that everything I was experiencing was a nightmare but it was no use.

After the 3rd day I had awaken to a burning in my throat and no recollection of anything but my Bella. I knew I had to get back to her and let her know that I was okay.

"Good, he is awake. Make sure you get his little friend and meet me back here. They're going to make a fine addition to my army."

Peter and I had been taken in by a coven of vampires. My chivalry had gotten me turned into a dead man walking. This Maria person was to blame for the whole thing and every time I tried to escape to get back to my Bella, she was there to capture and torture me.

I could barely recall Peter after my change, but he remembered me and Charlotte. He kept telling me not to run, that it would only make things worse, and that there was no way that we could go back to our women. They would surely be condemned to die by our own hands if we were to get close enough.

However, I didn't care. Peter and I broke free one night when we went out to hunt and never looked back. We made it back to Louisiana in record time; I had no idea that I could run so quickly. But what I saw when I looked through the window that night broke my dead heart into a million pieces.

Bella sat with her back toward me holding a letter and sobbing. Seeing as my eyesight was beyond perfect I was able to read what it said.

Isabella Whitlock,

We regret to inform you that your husband, Major Jasper Whitlock, has been reported missing from his post. The Confederate Army has declared him dead, as it has been nearly a year and no traces of him. We do sincerely apologize, and give our deepest heartfelt sympathy. He truly was a great man.

It wasn't signed, but it was personalized. Somebody had taken the time to at least write her and let her know that I would not be returning home. I cried and dry sobbed as I watched her heart break. Her mother and father rushed in and gathered her in their arms.

"Why him? He was as good a man as they come! Why him? Do you know that Charlotte got a similar letter? Peter disappeared the same night as Jasper. He went looking for him and neither of them ever returned." Bella sobbed.

I felt some sort of wetness form in my eyes but nothing fell. This happened a lot lately.

"Honey, if Jasper is still alive, he will find a way to get to you. There's nothing or no one on this earth that he loves more than you." Charlie told her.

But I wasn't alive; not in the literal sense, anyway. I couldn't go to her like this. I ran into the forest and stayed there. Peter joined me shortly afterward and we sat a sobbing mess in the forest line, feeding off of animals when we got hungry. It wasn't as satisfying as human blood, but it was more humane than killing an innocent person.

Eventually, Peter was able to walk around town and pretend like he came home to Charlotte. She had found out what was going on; the real truth. Her heart broke for Bella; that she would never get to hold me again. Peter changed Charlotte. How he did it? I have no idea. I thought about just taking Bella and changing her, but I felt it was selfish and that she deserved a long life.

One morning I bid a farewell to Peter and Charlotte, leaving behind the love of my life and my only reason for existence. I prayed that if there were any God in the heavens that he would take my life, but death never came.

I was feral and a lethal weapon. I had come across many other nomad vampires that had attempted to stake their claim, but to no avail.

Present day...

"So, has anybody seen the new girl?" Rose asked. She came off as a cold hearted bitch, I snorted internally, but she was really quite sweet.

"What new girl?" I ask while pretending to eat something off of my tray. Edward tensed up for a second.

"No." He whispered. "That can't be right." I could feel his pure shock and anguish radiating off of his body.

"What's the matter, Eddie?" Emmett asked. "What can't be right?"

"Jasper, I think we need to go." Alice looked at Edward for some reason and he nodded slightly. Before I knew it I was jerked up by my arm and was getting escorted to the door, but I didn't get very far, because I smelled the most beautiful scent in the world. I knew that scent. That scent was forever ingrained in my mind.

My head turned sharply and my heart broke and leaped for joy at the same time. "Bella." I whispered.

Well? I know that it was a super long first chapter and introduction, and it probably didn't seem to make sense at first, but hopefully it does now! Should I continue it? Just leave your opinion in a review!