"Marry me, Isabella?" he asked, his beautiful eyes shining up at me. Everyone watched on as he continued to kneel infront of me, holding up a black velvet box with an obviously expensive ring nestled in.

"Yes," I shook my head, smiling. "Yes, of course," I told him again, watching him slip the big diamond on my finger. I momentarily thought about how the big jewel seemed to overpower my small hand but quickly forgot it when I was picked up and spun around while applause came from all over.

"I love you, Isabella Whitlock," he whispered in my hair. I internally cringed for a fraction of a second, as always whenever I heard that name, but it faded, as always. It'd been five years, I'm used to it by now. Maybe one day I wouldn't even think about it.

"I love you, too, Jake," I told him, my chin resting on his broad shoulder. He was so tall that I could only reach if he was holding me. I was tiny, very petite, pale skin and soft features, while he was tall, more than a foot taller than me, with muscles, tan skin and features hard as a rock. To me it seemed that we were such opposites but everyone said we were a lovely couple so I let it be, believing them.

The contiuous clapping reminded me that we were still not alone, so I let go of Jake. He got the hint and placed me down. I turned to everyone and blushed, as was my norm, letting my cheeks turn a deep pink. Jake put his arm around my shoulder and smiled as pictures were taken, no doubt they would end up in the paper. At least I looked good. I had thought we were just going to a party for one of Jake's collegues but apparently this was an engagement party, my engagement party, set up by Jake. I was just the last to know.

I had met Jacob Black at the release party of my first book two years back. Apparently, it was a success and it had seemed that most of Chicago's elite had all been invited. Jake was and still is top defense lawyer in the city and Chicago's most wanted bachelor. We had talked briefly, chatting about my book and such and then we parted. I didn't remember seeing him for the rest of the night but I wasn't looking for him either.

The next day I got a call from my publicist telling me that I recieved flowers at the publishing company. They were big and expensive and completely over the top. They continued on for the rest of the week until I called him and we went on a date and people seemed to say that "the rest was history".

"At least we don't have to tell anyone," he whispered in my ear while chuckling, refering to the group of people around us. I blanched for a moment but quickly covered it and smiled back up at him.

There were still a few more that needed to be told.

/

"So, I was thinking," Jake started while we were walking down on a path by the lake. It was the beginning of September and the humidity was beginning to go away and was being replaced by gentle breezes. I closed my eyes for a moment, relishing in the soft wind caressing my face. "How do you feel about New Years?"

"What do you mean?" I asked curiously, looking away from the endless lake into his brown eyes. He had a firm grip on my hand and kept playing with my engagement ring. It was slightly uncomfortable seeing as it was so big and kept scratching the sides of my pinky and middle finger but I let him continue, knowing how much he enjoyed it.

"For the wedding," he told me as if it was obvious. Oh yeah. The wedding. Of course, I had thought about it but not nearly as in depth as people were expecting. I wanted to take my time with this. Let myself appreciate it. I didn't get to do that last time.

"New Years? This New Years?" I asked cautiously and he shook his head eagerly. Four months? Four months? He wanted to get married in less than half a year? Suddenly it didn't seem that I was going to be able to take my time. I was being rushed. Again. I started to panic in my mind, letting it slowly take over.

"I know it sounds quick but I don't want to start another year without you being mine," he told me earnestly and all I felt I could do was give a smile, my nerves enabling me to speak. "So, that being said, I think we should fly out soon and tell your parents."

I stopped walking. My parents? I looked up at him with wide eyes and repeated the question in my head out loud. The panic was growing bigger, almost as big as that little town back up in Washington.

"Of course. I need to meet them don't I?" he asked without giving me any option on the answer. I nodded reluctantly. "See? Besides," he smiled, putting his arm around my shoulder. "I wanna see where you grew up." That stopped me once more, this time my resolve seeled. He would not see that part until I was ready for it, and I sure as hell wasn't ready now.

"Hold on," I stopped walking once more and lead us to a small bench. We sat down and Jacob watched me intently while I looked at the water for a moment, trying to collect my thoughts. "Maybe I should tell them by myself," I told him carefully. He looked like he was about to argue. "No. Just listen to me." I waited until it looked like he was doing as I said. "They don't even know we're that serious," or that you even exist. "And I don't want to spring meeting you and finding out our engagement all at once."

"Ok, I understand that but Isabella, I have to meet them. Soon," he told me seriously. I didn't want to but I had no reason to refuse his request. He wouldn't understand.

"Alright. Then I'll convince them to come here, to Chicago. They can see my life here and meet you during. How does that sound?" I just didn't want him in Forks for anything, ever, if I could help it.

"Ok, Isabella. If you think that's best," he told me, although he looked disappointed he didn't get what he wanted but that was just how this had to play out. He couldn't go there.

"I do," I assured. He hugged me tightly to him.

"I love you, Isabella."

"I know," I whispered, looking out at the water once more, the light hitting it, making it look like sparkling emeralds in some spots. A color I was all too familiar with. "Me too."

Author Notes: So, here's the beginning! What did you guys think?
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