AN from ShavehC: Thanks so much to everyone who is reading this story. This story is bluebaby's brainchild and I'm so happy she asked me to be a part of it. The response we're getting is overwhelming and you guys are simply awesome. I don't really have a whole lot to say this time but I tend to talk a little more the deeper I get into a story. Just a warning. Anyway, I'll be quiet now and let you get on to the next chapter. Thanks again and Keep the reviews coming!

AN from bluebaby: Like my partner in crime said, I'm so happy you all like our story. I'm super happy that Shaveh agreed to work with me on it; she's amazing! My jaw is on the floor at how many people have responded to this fic. It's insane! You guys rock. I'd also like to mention my other story Homeless Heart. I'd love it if you guys would check it out and leave it some love. I promise you won't be disappointed. Without further ado, we present ch 4!

Chapter 4

JPOV

"Bella, why are you pacing back and forth?" The celebration was finally over and now the only two people left on the bank of the river were Bella and I. I wonder what's got her knickers in a bunch.

She'd been fine while we were saying goodnight to everyone, but now she seemed to be restless. I hope she isn't worrying about tonight because I meant what I said. I will not force anything on her. If I did that I'd be no better than the pale faces who massacred my people months ago. Any chance of a happy life would be gone if I wronged her like that. The light in her eyes would be gone. Never. The thought of…no I can't. I can't imagine because that's not me. But any man who dare try to force himself upon her better run and hide.

"Bells, if this about the kiss earlier I don't expect anything to..."

"Oh no Jake it is not that at all. The kiss was very nice and I look forward to doing that again, maybe in a few minutes." She winked and smiled. "I am worried about my mother's arrival tomorrow. My father purposely made sure she would not arrive until after the wedding. She is going to be furious."

"Your mother hates my people too I assume?" They had no reason; they don't even know us.

"It's not that. My mother was best friend's with Edward's mother Elizabeth before she died and is still good friends with his aunt Esme. My mother wanted me to marry Edward."

Who in their right mind would want their daughter marrying that annoying troglodyte? Does her mother have some sort of fascination with golden ferrets? I wouldn't wish marriage to him on my worst enemy! And he is my worst enemy! How could she have wanted Bella to marry someone like him? He has no soul, no kindness and certainly does not understand Bells. He's too standoffish and uptight.

"Ah, I see. I wish I knew what to say to make this better but I don't and honestly, I don't want to focus on that tonight. This is our wedding night Bells and even though neither of us is all that excited about being forced into this marriage we are going to make it work."

"You're right; we can worry about this tomorrow. For now, let us go to bed. I'll even let you kiss me again." She giggled.

I started walking towards her and her giggles stopped immediately. She narrowed her eyes at me, taking a step back as I moved forward. Again, I stepped closer to her until I had her back pressed against one of the trees on the riverbank. I felt like a wolf closing in on its prey. Those big doe eyes, those soft pink lips, and that crimson blush upon her cheeks.

"You are my wife now Bella. If I want to kiss you I can, whenever I want." She smirked at me. She is definitely a little vixen. Her inner animal has yet to be released. Hmhm, my little she wolf.

"Hmmm, a little arrogant aren't we Mr. Black?" Yes, yes I am. Only with you though.

"It is my nature Mrs. Black." I bent my head towards her and softly pressed my lips to hers. Heaven.

Next morning

BPOV

"Bells stop it!" Jacob yanked my hand out of mouth to keep me from biting my nails.

We were standing near the camp waiting for my father to come back with my mother and the rest of Edward's family. I'm positively nervous and can't help but fidget and bite my nails. It's a habit.

"I need you to tell me who exactly we are waiting for besides your mother."

"Edward's parents Dr. Carlisle and Mrs. Esme Cullen, Alice Whitlock, and Emmett, Edward's brother." I was really excited that Emmett was coming; we've been best friends since we were kids, despite the fact that my mother said it was un-lady like to be that affectionate with a man who wasn't a relative. Mother is always very proper.

"Alice Whitlock? Is she related to Jasper?" He asked as he leaned against a tree. His long air dancing in the breeze.

"She is his wife but they lost a few babies last year. She kept getting pregnant and then kept losing them. She carried the last one full term and when he came out…he was dead. She had a bit of a breakdown after that. Alice doesn't really talk anymore. Everyone keeps trying to convince Jasper to send her away but he loves her too much." Jasper is a true gentleman. Very kind. He loves her more than life itself. True love. Something I didn't get the chance for. Who knows…maybe…

"I can't imagine the pain of losing a child. My heart cries for her." He's so kind.

"She has lost three children. I do not want to imagine the pain she is going through. Anyway, you have nothing to worry about from her. And for Edward to have been raised by the Cullen's he is nothing like them. Carlisle and Esme are wonderful people and Carlisle is a great doctor. Emmett is a bit intimidating to look at but he is a sweetheart underneath it all. He is my dearest friend." I can't wait to see my Emmy Bear.

"That does not sound so bad. So what...oh there they are." My parents came out of the clearing then with Carlisle and Esme on their left and Emmett on their right. Jasper must have collected Alice himself. Guess this is it.

My mother saw me and smiled, until she looked down and noticed my hand in Jacob's. I didn't pull away because I had nothing to be ashamed of. Jake made a much better husband than Edward would have even if it had only been a day. At least with Jacob I was allowed to have my own mind and express myself. That is what I like most about him; he's so open-minded, like me. Nor is he controlling. More importantly, I could be myself with him.

It took them what seemed like forever to reach us.

"Isabella, sweetheart come to your mother...I have missed you!" She held out her arms and I ran to her. Even though I was scared at how she would take this, I missed her. "Mmmm, sweetheart how are you enjoying the land? No one has hurt you have they?" She was still holding me but I knew her eyes were fixed on Jacob right now. I pulled away and smiled at her.

"Mother, the land is beautiful and all the people are so nice. You will love it here." What's not to love? Mountains, rivers, meadows, it is breath taking.

"I am sure I will. Now why don't you introduce me to your friend?" She was watching Jake through curious eyes.

"Of course mother. Jacob Black this is my mother Renee Thompson. Mother this is Jacob, my husband." Esme gasped and my mother laughed.

"Isabella dear, that is not funny and you should not make such jokes." When my face remained serious, my mother's laughter stopped completely. "You were making a joke weren't you? Isabella? Charles? What on earth is going on here?"

"Why don't you come with me darling and I will explain everything."

"Don't you darling me Charles Thompson! You tell me this moment why my daughter is calling THAT man her husband! A native for all things. Not that there's anything wrong with natives, but he's not Edward!"

I turned to see Jake inwardly groan and shudder. I felt horrible. This tirade of hers had to end now. It was embarrassing.

"Now mother why don't you let father explain everything to you on a tour of the camp?" Please don't fight me on this. Please oh please.

"No. Why have I come find her married? Why was I not told? There must be some reason. My own child married and I wasn't even here! What lunacy is this?"

What surprised me in that moment was the person to interrupt her was not who I'd thought it would be. I thought for sure it would have been father, but no, it was Jacob.

"Ma'am," Jacob said very politely. "I know you're confused and angry, and for that I am sorry. There was never any intention of hurting your feelings. But I promise you that your daughter will be well taken care of. I will be the best husband to her that I can."

My mouth hung open as well as everyone else's. The most shocked looking person was my mother. Father just stood there unsure of what just happened. And the Cullen's, well Esme's mouth was agape and Carlisle seemed pensive. The most shocked expression was Billy's for he seemed rather unfazed by it. He seemed proud in way. I was a bit taken back, but grateful.

"Jacob is a good kid. A good hunter and future leader of our people. We see Bella as family and hope you do to. We welcome you and your friends to our land."

"But…but…"

Carlisle cleared his throat, which earned him a look from Esme. "Renee, perhaps you should take that walk with Charles. It would be best to listen to his explanation before going off in a tangent. It's very un-lady like." For moment, I thought he was being serious, that was until he looked at me with a smile.

A huff. A groan. And a grunt. "Fine. Charles, let us take that walk shall we. I expect a full and detailed explanation of." She turned to Carlisle and Esme. "Sorry. We will meet up with you later. Maybe Isabella and Jacob can show you around while you wait."

Jacob looked at me and then to his father who simply nodded.

"Wonderful idea mother."

My mother gave me this 'we will talk later' look, took my father's arm and off they went. I let out the breath I didn't know I had been holding and looked to Carlisle. "Thank you for that. We are very grateful you stopped her. I don't know how much longer she would have gone on."

"It's no problem dear. I could see how it was bothering you and your young man." He replied softly.

"Jacob, this is Dr. Carlisle Cullen and his wife Esme and this is Emmett Cullen." Jacob shook hands with both Emmett and Carlisle and then bent his head and kissed Esme's hand.

"It is very nice to meet you Jacob. You two are married I heard? That is...wonderful." Esme said with false enthusiasm.

"Well Bella, I cannot believe you got married and I was not there. I feel horrible about it." I smiled at Emmett and he winked. "Are you even going to pretend that you missed me?" He opened his arms and I ran into them, throwing my arms around his neck.

"Isabella, Emmett, please. I believe we have told you both many times before that that is not appropriate behavior. I realize that we are in the middle of the woods but we must still remain civilized."

"Esme, dear that was a bit rude. This is not the woods; this is Jacob's home and Isabella's as well now." Carlisle said softly.

"Ah yes, I did not intent to offend, please excuse me Jacob, Isabella." I rolled my eyes and Jacob made a grunting noise. Well at least we're on the same page.

"Mother, father, let us leave Bella with her new husband now. We need to get familiar with the lands and father did you not say that you needed to speak with Charles?" Carlisle nodded and then they all walked away.

It did not escape my attention that Esme continued to look back at Jacob and me as they passed with a clear look of confusion and disgust on her face.

"Jake, can we go back to the camp as well? I would like to visit with Alice for a moment." Even if she would not know I was there.

"Of course we can Bells." He grabbed my hand and we headed to the camp.

The entire way there, Jake rubbed soothing circles on my hand with his thumb. It's funny how one tiny little gesture can be so comforting. If anyone else had done this, I don't know if I'd feel this calm. He has such a way of making me feel better. One simple smile of touch of his hand and instantly I feel warm inside. It's like being around the sun when I'm with Jacob.

I spotted Alice and Jasper sitting on a log with Jasper trying to get Alice to eat some pieces of fruit he had laid out. I squeezed Jacob's hand before I released him and started to walk towards them. I could hear Jasper cooing to Alice while she just sat there and stared at nothing.

"Come on Allie, I beg you please eat something." He looked up when he saw me approaching. "Hello Isabella, I am sure you are here to see Allie." I nodded.

"How is she?" I could not think of anything else to say. What do you say to someone who's had so many miscarriages? Are there even words that one can utter to bring some sort of comfort? If there are, then I certainly do not know them.

"Honestly Bella, she is not getting any better. But I cannot find it anywhere in my heart to lock her away. I know she will come back to me, she just needs to get past this." He stroked her hair lovingly. "Alice, sweetheart, Isabella is here. You remember Bella right. Come on Allie say something sweetheart please?" Alice continued to stare, not moving, not even blinking. "I'm sorry Bella."

"It is alright Jasper. I should be getting back to Jacob anyhow. I have plans to spend the night with some of the women of the tribe today, you know get to know them all better."

"Of course Bella, please come visit with Alice again soon. I know it doesn't appear to be so but this helps her." I did not know whether he was trying to convince me or himself.

"I am sure it does Jasper. I will see you both later." I kissed his cheek and Alice's and returned to Jacob.

"Are you alright Bells?" He asks as he takes my hand in his.

"Just wish I could do more for Alice. She isn't talking to Jasper, she didn't even know I was there. There's nothing I can do, I'm useless." I sniffed back some tears.

Jake took that moment to pull me into his arms and run his fingers over my back. "I'm so sorry about your friend. And don't ever call yourself useless again." He pulled away and titled my chin so we were eye to eye. "In life there will be things you can't control. In those times, you have to have hope. Hope that all will be right again. And it will. Your friend will get better because she has you and those who love her by her side."

"Thanks Jake, I really needed that." I leaned up and kissed his cheek.