"We'll consult with our communications expert," Jasper says serenely, turning his head again to watch Alice hang up the phone and hop back off the railing. Impulsively, Jasper's fingers slide along Natasha's to lace them, without gripping, just resting there together. "How's everyone?" he asks Alice lightly as she slides the door open.

Alice takes a few steps in and pauses in delighted surprise at seeing Jasper touching Natasha so easily. Without a moment of hesitation, she blurs across the room and settles into Natasha's lap, draping her legs over Jasper's thighs with a bright smile.

"They're fine," she says, resting her head against Natasha's shoulder. "Carlisle's thinking about going back to medical school, and Emmett brought a polar bear back to the house."