To the readers of Open Up Next to You:

The SEQUEL has been written and is ready to share!

It is titled Tender is the Night and will be posted starting Tuesday, January 24th, FFn permitting. If you are following me as an author or have me on alert, you will find out the pairing as soon as that story is posted.

Here is a glimpse of chapter one:

"Alice! Jasper! Bella!" Carlisle had called into the rain that pelted around them in the veldt. On the southern plains of Africa, the Cullens were taking advantage of the current political uncertainties to hunt bigger game.

I didn't know they were coming! Bronwyn had groused privately. Her words were surrounded by images of her own uncertainty as she brought up Bella's appearance at the few family functions that had been graced by the triad's appearance over the past forty years. Images of Bella's face, of his own during that first unnerving night when Bella's internal shield had dropped (Or had she pushed it out? Edward had never dared to ask her.) while the Whitlock Coven had enjoyed their own post-hunt lovemaking, flashed through his awareness.

Edward winced internally and pulled Bronwyn close against his side. "I'm sorry. I knew they'd been informed and invited, but I didn't say anything because I didn't want to worry you over nothing." The Whitlock Coven did not always accept invitations.

Comforting his wife was easier than dwelling on the thoughts of the Whitlocks. Jasper's instant assessment of the group gathered already under the simple canopy they had erected against the weather was predictable.

Emmett's finally settled down, good. Don't want to embarrass him in front of Rose. Ed's here. Great. You listening? No spouting off on Isabella this time! Probably isn't listening anyway. He's all wrapped up in his mate. Alistair – he's red-eyed again. I absolutely understand. Kate's a stronger person than I am. Carlisle – at least there's no paternal vibe this time. Finally. No aggressive flares. All right. Good. Jasper's thoughts relaxed somewhat as he led Alice and Bella under the protection of the weatherproofed tarpaulin.

Alice was impossible. Reciting the latest supernatural thriller in English in the forefront of her mind. La da da, Edward. Ahem. Rhys burrowed into the thick fog, hiding himself from his tormentors. He felt them, though; their anger pressing tangibly against his spine –

He vacated her mind instantly and checked on Bella. No, she wasn't letting anyone in, today.

Thank you again for spending the time with my really out-there AU. I hope you will enjoy seeing Bella, Jasper and Alice again and that you will take the time to get to know her mate.

He makes an appearance in chapter one. He is from Twilight Canon, not an Original Character. And I think he's perfect for her.

See you soon in Tender is the Night!

~LJ