A/N: As promised - a new story involving Emma and Jake. There are of course multiple issues and conflicts they will have to go through before finally realizing they are meant for each other. I really wanted to discuss the age gap in a modern context but I still reduced the age gap so there is a 12-year difference between the two.

I have always been a reader but am very new to writing so would love some honest feedback/comments/reviews.

Also, does someone know if there is an easy way to upload multi-chapter stories? I currently upload individual chapters in the doc manager and do it that way. Is there a way to upload an entire story and then just select the chapter I want to post? Thanks.

Chapter 1

"Dad, you are being completely unfair!" Emma Woodhouse declared loudly, her dinner completely forgotten in front of her. Emma might look dainty and delicate with her honey blonde hair and slender build but one look into her fierce green eyes made it clear she was not planning on backing down.

"Emma, I just don't think you are ready," began her father, Henry Woodhouse. "It isn't that I don't trust you, it is other people I don't trust."

That particular statement definitely did not have the desired effect Henry was probably going for. Instead, it made Emma see red. "You don't think I'm ready? I'm twenty-two years old. I am probably the only person I know who still lives at home. It was fine to stay in Highbury during my undergrad degree, but do you have any idea how hard it is to get into this master's program, and you think I should give it up because you don't want me to move away from home?"

Emma could see the guilt in her father's hazel eyes, but he still didn't say anything to indicate he was going to accept that she was moving away from home for her master's degree. Emma's stubborn nature was definitely genetic, as the two glared at each other, clearly at an impasse. Her green eyes battled with his hazel ones as the father and daughter not only both wanted their way but also wanted the other person's approval and blessing.

Henry had always been overprotective of his two daughters', especially after his wife had passed away in a car accident. Regardless, it had never occurred to Emma that he would be so resistant to the idea of her moving away. He had always encouraged both Emma and her sister Isabella to explore their passions and study whatever they wanted, and now for him to say no was just unfathomable.

Emma studied her father for a few minutes trying to figure out a new plan of action. She usually got her way with her father by asking him nicely and when that didn't work, she used his sweet tooth to her advantage. This time no amount of begging or chocolate cakes seemed to be working.

Henry Woodhouse was in his fifties, and although he didn't have as much hair as he once did, he was still a good-looking man who clearly took care of himself. This was in part because when he wasn't sneaking the occasional sweet, he generally followed a very regimented diet and exercise program. His wife's unexpected death had made him much too aware of his own mortality and the fear of something happening to him and leaving his daughters alone had made him obsessed with his health. The care with his diet and exercise made him healthier than people half his age. On the flipside, his fears had made him hyper aware of every little ache and pain leading him to be perpetually convinced every little thing would be the end of him. His need to overanalyze every situation was understandably his biggest weakness and was the reason he was having a hard time with the thought of Emma leaving home to live by herself in a city that was six hours away.

"Dad," Emma took a deep breath and tried to calm herself down and explain things for what felt like the million times. "You know I want to be in the fashion industry. It isn't easy to get into that field. This program at Donwell University only accepts about twenty people each year and they essentially guarantee an internship at one of the top fashion houses or magazines. This is a huge step towards establishing my career."

"Emma, you are the one who keeps telling me that fashion is all about creativity and being different, and now you want to be one of the masses by working at some design house or magazine? Why don't you create something and sell things online? Why do you need to leave the comforts of your home to move to a city that is six hours away and where you don't know anyone?"

"Dad, even if I want to eventually start my own business, I still need to have a solid resume that shows I know what I'm doing."

Emma couldn't believe her father was being so stubborn about this. She had agreed to stay in Highbury for her undergrad degree because it had seemed to make the most sense. It certainly hadn't occurred to her that her father would have made such a huge fuss if she had brought up the idea of her moving away sooner. She didn't remember her dad being this resistant when her sister had gotten married five years ago and moved away (albeit just across town).

"You know I don't really need your permission anymore, right?" Emma said quietly.

The complete silence that followed this statement made Emma immediately wish she could take those words back. She could see the stricken look on her father's face and just hated knowing she had hurt his feelings. Emma was determined she would be making the move, but she was just as determined to have her father be happy about this decision. She loved him too much for it to be any other way.

The sound of cutlery against a plate was stark in the resounding silence and made both father and daughter turn their head in unison and glare at the interrupter. Jake Knightley had been sitting quietly across from Emma waiting for the argument to finish so they could all go back to eating. However, instead of the conversation ending, things seemed to be progressing from arguing into the dangerous fighting territory. Just when Jake had decided to discreetly return to his meal, Emma's comment had caused a lull in the conversation, thus his eating had thrust him in the spotlight.

"Jake!" Emma ground out in exasperation.

"Jake…" Henry repeated slowly as if noticing him for the first time.

Jake cleared his throat, "just ignore me and continue your discussion."

Jake had been part of so many family dinners throughout their lives that it was perfectly natural to have a heated discussion with him at the dinner table without any embarrassment. He was the son of her father's long-time friend and the Woodhouse and Knightley families had dinner at each other's houses at least once a week. When Jake's parents passed away while he was in his last year of his undergraduate degree, Henry had taken Jake and his younger brother John under his wings and become a de-facto father figure. Jake especially had availed Henry's mentorship and come to him over the years to discuss every major career and business decision. At this point, Emma couldn't remember any major milestone in her life without the Knightley's being present.

He was basically family, especially after his younger brother John ended up marrying Emma's older sister Isabella. Emma knew that if Jake hadn't been physically present, she probably would have called him to vent about how unfair her dad was being, or her father would have called him to ask for his help in making Emma see reason. He would have heard about this argument either way.

It was almost funny that he was both their go-to person for advice or that Emma was so close to Jake given that he was twelve years older than her. Growing up, Emma had spent more time following John and Izzy around, who were both six years older. Jake had been so much older that he hadn't really registered much on her radar except as someone who was always lecturing her about something or other. It wasn't until John and Izzy started dating and then got married that Emma had started to take all her life problems to Jake.

Henry looked at Jake with a gleam in his eyes. "Jake, I understand that you have accepted a teaching position for one year at Donwell. The same university that Emma is planning on doing her masters at."

"Yes," Jake agreed, still mostly distracted by the food in front of him

Henry now had a wide smile on his face as he continued, "It isn't that I am against Emma moving but I don't think it is safe for her to live by herself. I have an idea… how about you two live together for the year? Jake, if you were there, that would make me feel better knowing Emma wasn't by herself. That way I don't have to worry about her being alone. I know you will keep an eye out for her. You would both be at the same university anyways."

"What?!" both Emma and Jake simultaneously yelled.

This now had Jake's full attention and both Emma and Jake stared at Henry Woodhouse as if he had lost his mind.

"Henry… What?... I… I don't think that is a very good idea," Jake finally got out, in obvious shock over this suggestion.

Henry had now turned pleading eyes towards Jake, "you don't have to say yes right away. Just think about it and then decide. It's just… after Emma's mom passed away, I had vowed never to leave my girls alone if I am able to. I don't want to hold her back, but I can't move there myself. I must consider my work and the weather in Donwell makes my gout act up. I also noticed the last time I was there that I kept sneezing and my throat felt scratchy. I am worried my seasonal allergies are becoming worse and I won't be able to breath there. But what if something happens to Emma and she is by herself?"

"You have got to be kidding me. Absolutely not!" Emma interrupted loudly. She couldn't believe her father thought this was an acceptable solution with her living with Jake Knightley.

Although Jake Knightley was only thirty-four, he was the managing partner at a small but successful law firm. And while Henry hadn't had the temperament to expand his own single person practice, Jake had found the perfect balance for taking educated risks to start and expand his firm, which specialized in policies, complaints, and cases relating to corporate and employee ethics.

Emma had forgotten about Jake's plan to take a year-long sabbatical from his law firm and teach some courses at the university. It wasn't enough that he had a law degree, had simultaneously gotten his MBA, and started his own firm, he now also wanted to add teaching to his resume. Most people had secret dreams of becoming rock stars or actors, apparently, Jake Knightley's secret dream was to be a professor. Emma hadn't been able to stop herself from bugging Jake ever since she had found this out.

Regardless, Henry had clearly latched onto his idea with both hands, hoping this would make his beloved daughter happy. "How about it, Em? Jake? You can move to the city for your program and I don't have to worry about you being alone. And Jake couldn't ask for better company than having Emma there."

Jake was adamantly shaking his head no, his dinner completely forgotten in front of him.

Emma could see the gleam in her father's eyes signaling he had already made up his mind. She jumped in desperately, "Dad, I don't think this is a good idea. Jake's a single guy, I'm sure he wants his privacy."

Henry scoffed at this argument, "Jake is pretty much family. It would be like living with an older brother."

"Henry, I understand your concern. Of course, I will keep an eye out for her, but I don't think I need to live with Emma to do that," Jake said gently.

Henry took a deep breath and let it out slowly. "No, of course you are right. I was just being silly. It's just you say that I have always been there for you in your life and if there is something I need, all I need to do is ask and you would do it for me. I worry about Emma being alone and I thought maybe you could help me out but don't worry Jake, I understand you can't do this for me. I will see if I can manage my workload and figure out a way to move. I mean you were already moving there but it's okay. I will also make an appointment with my doctor to find out my options to manage my gout and what to do if I go into anaphylactic shock from my allergies."

Emma closed her eyes, instinctively knowing the battle was lost and this would be Jake's downfall. He respected her father and considered him to be his mentor and would never be able to stand firm in the face of her fathers' obvious guilt trip.

Just as she suspected, Jake was looking down in guilt. He quickly looked up and said in a firm voice, "Henry, I do understand where you are coming from and yes, I would be happy to live with Emma if that would make things easier for you."

Emma couldn't believe they were being serious. Did they think she needed a keeper? She wondered if she should give in to the compromise gracefully, but this was not what she had in mind for her first real university experience. She loved Jake in a vague sort of way as one would anyone they have known their whole life. She even generally liked him which wasn't always easy with his tendency to try to better her character all the time. He was one of her closest friends, but that didn't mean she wanted to live with him, especially when he was literally meant to be acting as her babysitter!

Now that Jake had made up his mind, Emma could see them both giving her expectant looks as if she was a child and was supposed to be thankful for their permission. Emma just shook her head and pushed herself away from the table and walked out of the room. She stormed up the stairs and slammed the door loudly to her room. The loud bang made her feel slightly better even though she knew Jake would tell her she was being childish. There were a lot of things he thought she was childish about and her not accepting this compromise with grace was probably one of them.

It hadn't even been a few minutes when she heard the door to her room open and Jake peek his head through. "Emma, can I come in for a second?"

"No, you may not."

Jake, of course, ignored this and entered the room while giving her a disappointed look. "Emma, you are being childish!"

"And you are such an easily manipulated suck up!" Emma retorted angrily.

Emma glared at him as he calmly took the chair from her study table and pulled it close to her bed. Jake was a good-looking guy with thick, wavy brown hair and brown eyes covered by glasses. He was at least six foot three, and the height added to his persona of being capable of handling any problem in life. Emma figured that if he wasn't so uptight and serious all the time, he would have a long list of girls wanting to be the future Mrs. Knightley.

It wasn't that Jake was lacking in girlfriends or interested females, but he was basically married to his company. His focus was on expanding his firm, leaving him with very little time for a serious relationship. Now with this sabbatical he was planning, he spent even more time trying to iron out all the business details while developing course material for the business ethics class he was planning on teaching.

'Of course, Mr. Straight and Narrow would be teaching ethics of all things' Emma thought sourly.

Emma sat up on her bed and clutched her pillow against her chest. She sat in petulant silence waiting for Jake's lecture to start.

She didn't have to wait long before Jake began. "Emma, you wanted to join the master's program and now you get to, what is the issue?"

"You seriously have to ask what the issue is? You guys are acting like I need a babysitter. I'm twenty-two and have never lived alone. Most people move away at eighteen, I get that my Dad wasn't ready, and I never pushed it but am I expected to live at home the rest of my life? Besides, you can't honestly say you actually want to live with me"

Jake sighed, "Emma, you are right. It wasn't what I was originally planning. But try to understand how hard this is for your Dad? He has been a single father for most of your life and he might seem overbearing to you, but he means well. You know the history, your father had never been a risk taker but the one time he decided to do something daring and attend a meeting for a lucrative job, your mom got into a car accident. That was one of the few times my family wasn't in town either and your father carries that guilt that your mom was in the hospital all alone. She passed away all alone. He wasn't here and suddenly you girls were left all alone until they were able to track him, and he was able to come back for you guys."

Emma wondered if it would be acceptable to cover her ears, so she didn't have to listen to Jake. She knew this story even better than Jake did, it was her story after all. She had only been six at the time, but she still remembered the feeling of sitting in the police station holding her sister's hand and trying to understand what was going on. She remembered Izzy at twelve, trying to act like a grown up and stop herself from crying while telling her it will only be a few more minutes before their mom came to get them. Those minutes had turned into hours which had become the next day before the police had been able to track down their father and get him home.

She still remembered seeing her strong father collapse and break down when he had run into the temporary shelter they had been taken to due to the length of time it took their father. The care workers had tried to make things as comfortable for them as possible but there was nothing they could have done which would have made that time easier. Their mother, of course, had never come home.

Emma closed her eyes against the sudden tears and warring emotions. Her entire life had been shaped by that day. Her father had stopped trying to expand his own law practice but instead had turned his focus on raising his two daughters. The sisters had become even closer, their bond forged through trauma and heartache. And if her dad had never allowed the girls to go to their friend's houses for overnight sleepovers, or sent them to camp, they had always understood and never asked for more. How dare Jake tell her she was being childish. All her life she had stayed home and said no to her friends to avoid hurting her father… but this opportunity could change her entire life. At some point, she had to do this.

Jake nudged Emma until she finally looked at him. "Give him credit for trying Emma. My agreeing to your dad was only meant to help you both out. I know how much this program means to you and I will be there anyway. Don't worry, I am not planning on cramping your style. You can do what you want, and I won't get in your way. Besides, it might be nice to have a friendly face around in a new city."

"You just feel guilty because you feel like you owe my father," Emma mumbled crossly. She knew she was being unfair and finally sighed. "I know, Jake. I appreciate your offer. I know you certainly weren't planning on having a roommate along, so I appreciate you taking on babysitting duties."

"Maybe you could be like my live-in housekeeper and cook and clean for me," Jake teased, trying to get her to smile. "Emma, of course, I would try to help both you and Henry. You are right that I do owe him a lot in my own life but cut him some slack. It isn't that he wants to hold you back from fulfilling your dream but there are just some things in life that are hard to get over. For Henry, the thought of someone being alone is synonymous with him losing a loved one."

Emma gave Jake a small nod followed by a weak smile. "That would be a no to your cooking and cleaning offer unless you finally want to try my breakfast smoothie with the spinach and kale in it, in which case I will make that every morning. More importantly, if we are going to be roommates, does this mean we get to do facials and paint each others' nails?"