AN: This chapter is rather lengthy...sorry. Well not really. It kinda ends in a cliff hanger but not a dreadful one. A lot happens this chapter. We're getting close to the wedding. The next chapter will focus on the end of the cliffhanger and wedding prep, then the wedding + honeymoon, and I'll go into a few weeks of their marriage and end the flashback.

If you have any suggestions, especially with the up and coming chapters make them. If you have an idea for a great wedding vow, tell me. If you think that they should go to Florida for their honeymoon or Hawaii or anywhere tell me.

Read and review.

Chapter 3
Engagement

I woke up with the sun shining in my eyes and reaching over I found a small note written in scratchy handwriting on a note card. It was from Jacob.

My sweetest Bella,

Sorry I had to go last night, but I didn't want to get my dad suspicious or have him worrying. I think you should go talk to Edward today; he'll find out sooner or later. Good luck and I'll see you later today; maybe we could go into town or something?

Love,
Jacob

He was sweet and thoughtful, and right. I had to visit Edward today. I hated that I would upset him, and I knew I would crush him but I also knew he would understand. I got dressed in very casual wear. Alice would see this coming and Edward would at least be prepared. I grabbed a purse and put my cell phone in it and the little black velvet box. I would hate to return it; it meant so much to him for me to have it. It was settled, I was leaving Edward I told myself this over and over. I didn't need convincing but I wanted to just go home and crawl in bed.

I picked up my keys from the counter and walked slowly to my truck. Charlie had gone fishing and wouldn't be worried about where I was. I ventured to the Cullen's once my car reluctantly started, the trip felt so eerie and not odd but I felt so wrong, almost odd. It was odd that after those few months when I was alone that I would now be leaving him, it was oddly ironic. Heat built inside of me as I made the curve that leads to the Cullen residence. Anxiety welled over me leaving my hands clammy and my heart pumping.

I reached the house and pulled in. I took a deep breath; I pushed my nerves back into the depths of my consciousness, I wiped my hands off and approached the door. Alice opened it given me a sullen disapproving look. She hated me. No she was disappointed. Edward approached and then the arms he held out to hug me immediately dropped, he must have read Alice's mind.

"Hello."

"Edward we, we need to talk."

"Y-you're leaving m-me for that fucking dog," he at first cracking a bit and quickly became angry.

"Edward," I handed him the tiny black velvet box in which he handed to Alice. She then was gone up the stairs and out of sight. I heard loud sobs from the upstairs bathroom.

"See what you've done! All because of that dog. He made a pretty speech he pre-wrote and then he sold it to you and you bought his shit!"

I had never seen Edward this angry, he was suddenly scary; but behind all of that there was nothing but sorrow and for once I could see straight through him and into his emotions. He was torn apart, literally but he understood.

"Bella, I understand he was there for you but I want you to know that I love you…"

His body looked fragile and worn now, his hands rested on his lap and his head soon went to it. I could still hear Alice as she dried up and walked down the stairs. She had been crying, she was more than distraught, her best friend and sister was leaving her. Then she appeared downstairs, her eyes droopy and she wouldn't dare look me directly in the face. Edward pulled her close and held her, her tiny frame was swallowed by his and he swayed her back and forth, hugging tightly.

"Edward, I have to go now," I couldn't take anymore, not if I didn't want to back down and reverse my decision.

I walked out, started my car and drove home to an empty house for which I was glad. I methodically walked up each step, and carried myself to my room. I sat on my bed and allowed myself to fall back and onto the bed. I lifted up the covers and crawled in, then kicked off my converse. I didn't care that I wasn't in comfortable clothes and I didn't care that I could be out doing something, taking advantage that Charlie isn't here, I just laid my head down on the soft pillow and tears began to trickle their way down. Then I began sobbing and I didn't know why, I had made the right decision. I loved Jacob and he was more right for me than Edward. I loved Edward dearly and while it seemed I was just an obsession I could have been taking it wrong, yet I love Jacob just as strongly.

I eventually drifted into some kind of sleep and woke up in the evening to Charlie coming in. I dreamed of nothing, and I was not refreshed when I woke up

"Bella?" Charlie called.

"Yes?"

"Are you sleeping?"

"Just woke up…why?"

"Jacob said he came down to see you earlier and you didn't answer…"

"Oh." I was kind of shocked Jacob talked to Charlie like this, I guess because we were going to get married that changed things even if Charlie didn't know.

I made my way downstairs, and Charlie gave me a weird look that meant he knew something was going on. I reached into the refrigerator and pulled out the ingredients necessary to make Fajitas. I needed something to occupy my so I could think. I washed off a skillet and started my work. I carefully took the chicken out of the wrapper, turned on the stove, and spread the butter along the bottom of the skillet. It sizzled and crackled as the heat intensified. I sliced the chicken into strips and seasoned it with spices that would give it a unique flavor. As the chicken cooked the house started to smell like chicken and I could tell Charlie looked pleased. Once finishing up cooking any side items that would go with I only had heating up the tortillas left, and I still needed to stay occupied. I needed to think though my choice was still the same. I felt anguish and I didn't know why, I still hated Edward's pain though I wouldn't let that interfere.

I heard a knock on the door, it was probably Jacob.

"Bella I'll get it, just worry about dinner." Charlie said, I guess he wanted to be helpful since something weighed me down enough to sleep the day away.

"Well hello Jacob…"

"Bella's up now right?"

"She's making dinner."

"Good."

Jacob must have needed me for something, he looked nervous and approached me unusually slow.

"Good evening Bella…"

"Hi Jacob!"

"Did you…tell Edward?"

Charlie was listening in, obviously interested in why Jacob had come over twice looking for me. He could have just asked but that wasn't Charlie. I suppressed a blush, knowing Charlie's inferences were going to be true this time.

"Yea…"

"Bella, I know it must hurt to hurt someone you love dearly…but it had to be done," He began whispering after saying that, "Would you like me to visit you tonight?"

"I think that would be good."

I left it open for interpretation, wanting to keep him suspicious.

"Bella, is dinner ready? And what is going on in there?"

"Almost Ch-Dad, I'm heating up the tortillas…."

"I guess you haven't told him yet?" Jacob asked. He wished I had; it was written all over and in between his tone.

"No, I pretty much just got up an hour ago."

"Dad! Dinner is ready!" I shouted.

"Great!"

Charlie was always appreciative and enthusiastic.

"So Jacob what is going on? How are you?"

"Well Bella dumped Edward, and," Charlie was positively and absolutely more radiant than I had ever seen him in any given time ever. "I wanted to ask you something…"

"Go ahead Jacob." Charlie was beaming.

I blushed, heavily. I knew he would say that or something of the sort however it was still embarrassing for him to say it.

"Charlie, I love Bella, and I have for quite sometime. She's absolutely beautiful, but you know that. She brightens up my day and I hope I do the same for her."

Jacob paused and looked at me, I was shocked and blushing an even deeper red. I was flattered. This was beautiful. Edward had asked Charlie as well though but regardless I loved hearing the things he said.

"Are you asking me…"

Jacob interrupted, "I want to marry your daughter."

"You have my utmost consent."

Jacob began to tremble and sweat formed upon his brow and made his hands clammy. He reached into his pocket and simultaneously bent down. He was proposing right here in front of Charlie. I didn't like that, at all but I knew Charlie would. Before he began, I agreed to marry him as he took my left hand in his and slipped a handcrafted ring upon it.

Charlie's eyes sparkled, he was about to cry. I was on the verge of tears, so completely happy knowing that I would be complete now and forever.

"I have already made arrangements for the wedding to be on June 25th down on the First Beach in La Push. Billy just got a license to officiate marriages, so if you don't mind he will be doing so…"

"No, it sounds perfect."

"I need…a dress." I said, feeling uncomfortable.

"Of course Bells, we'll go shopping for one this weekend. Or I could have Emily take you."

"I'll go with Emily, since she'll be the Maid of Honor."

"Sounds great. Thank you so much Charlie, but I need to get back down to the reservation."

"Take care, son."

He was already calling him son. Charlie was definitely over excited. Jacob came towards me, squeezing me, and kissed me lightly on the forehead before he left.

"Bella, I'm so happy for you, but where are you going to stay?"

"We're staying with Emily and Sam until Billy finishes the house he was fixing up for Jacob."

"I'll go help him this weekend." Charlie announced.

"I'm going up to bed now, I'm still exhausted."

"Night Bella"

I marched up the steps admiring my engagement ring. It was entirely too beautiful, I loved the way it sparkled and shined. My mind began to wonder to the future and I was glad that Jacob had graduated early so he could join me in Seattle this fall. Seattle was one of the schools I applied to yet I never told Edward, it was a safety school.

I changed into cotton shorts and pink t-shirt which was unusual for me to wear but it matched. I definitely would miss Alice's shopping sprees, though I hated to admit it. She really did know how to put together a killer outfit.

Charlie slept on the couch again, he must have fallen asleep watching the game. I closed everything but my window and turned off the light and drifted to sleep. It was two hours later that Jacob arrived; he gently came in and gently closed the window. Jacob walked over to me, and got in next to me, ultimately waking me.

"Jacob."

"Hello Bells. You no longer have to worry about the engagement to Edward."

He was implying something as he began kissing me.

Okay another thing to review...any thoughts on the set up or anything? Also most importantly would you like a mini lemon? Not full blown intercourse. Jacob would but it just wouldn't be right in that setting...with Charlie on the couch downstairs.

R&R