Hello everyone. I just wanted to thank you guys for reading and leaving me nice reviews :) I was kind of writing this on a trial basis just to see if I got any feedback, but now that I have I've decided to keep writing. Please continue to leave reviews! I desperately need the encouragement.

This chapter is long and straight up sappy, but don't hate me. I promise there is still an actually plot, it won't be all fluff.

Also, as a few of you have noticed, sometimes I directly rip off from the books and the movies. I am really trying to keep characters in character and stay in a realm of possibility. I do use a more omniscient POV to explain the stories of different charactes. I hope it doesn't seem to disjointed.

I just want to say however, that I do not own anything. Stephanie Meyer created this wonderful world for us. But please review and I love you guys! -Morgan

* * *

I was less disoriented than usual, even though I'd never woken up here before. I was with Jake. I didn't wake up shivering either. His body temperature was a perfect contradiction to the winter seeping in through the walls.

I watched his chest rise and fall and remembered that our relationship was different now. I searched myself for regret, but found none. I think subconsciously I realized this had been a long time in coming. Eventually, I would've found someone in my life, a Mike Newton, as Ed… he, would say. I was lucky it wasn't a Mike Newton, but a Jacob Black, a soul mate of sorts.

I scooted closer to him and put my hand on his healed chest, I'd decided to commit myself to this and honestly, it felt nice to be this close to someone again; closer, in fact, physically than I had even been able to be before.

The tangibility of it all was nice. Jake was right, werewolf or not, he was very human. A human that would be a presence, not a void, in my life.

I watched his eyelids flicker lightly, indecisively, unsure whether or not to wake up. I knew the feeling, afraid to shatter a dream of reality.

His eyes opened and he looked down at me in wonder for a long second, then painfully slow, he placed a soft kiss on my forehead. When he pulled away he was grinning. Happiness radiated from him and my mouth involuntarily smiled as well. He brushed a stray hair from my face to stare into my eyes, into me, my soul.

The moment was intensified by the unbroken silence, but I couldn't handle this much so soon. Baby steps.

I looked down. "I should go. Charlie and…" I trailed off, having really nothing to say.

"Ok Bells," he smiled knowingly, seeming content.

I hadn't gotten a step from the bed when I felt a big, warm hand grab mine and pull me toward him. I thought about being annoyed, but then Jake grabbed my face and kissed me like we were parting for days. It didn't have frightening intensity but a happy intensity that was altogether new. There was no worry or uncertainty in this kiss; it was not catalyzed by danger or desperation. It was just… human. I felt a familiar flush in my face that had been absent for months and the feeling was so pleasant and unexpected, I couldn't help but laugh at the past few days that had changed everything.

I continued laughing freely, until Jake looked up petulantly, "Are you laughing at my kissing technique?!"

This set me over the edge. His face that had been stern and serious lately, was comically offended, His forehead creased and lips pouting comically. I shook my head no, fighting the silent laughter.

"Yeah, yeah." He grumbled and turned over unhappily, "Well, I'm going back to sleep. Someone has an annoying habit of talking when they're asleep and keeping other people awake." I saw the corner of Jake's mouth draw up in a smug smile.

The flush in my face burned even deeper, this time with embarrassment.

"What did I say?!" I exclaimed, mortified.

He turned back over to look up at me.

"Oh you know, some of your deepest darkest secrets. That's all," he shrugged nonchalantly.

My hands balled into fists at my sides, I wanted to hit him, it wouldn't even hurt him. He smiled mischievously, probably guessing my thoughts. I was mustering up a good yell to force a confession out of him when he grabbed my wrist and pulled my entire body on top of him and tightly held me there. His lips went to my neck as he trailed hungry kisses up to my face. My breath caught in surprise and pleasure. I had a pressure in my chest where all my pent up desires were trying to escape.

I tried to recall the reasons this should not be happening, I wanted to know what I said last night, our parents would probably be home soon, I wasn't ready for this… but when his teeth grazed my earlobe, the shivers shook away all those thoughts and I realized I wanted this just as much as Jake did. The realization was terrifying and exciting.

I ran my hands down Jake's neck to his chest and then stomach, feeling the contours of his body, I traced the pale crescent of skin just above his shorts. His body tensed under me and I responded instinctually by pressing my hips into his. His groan made my blood race even faster.

Jake flipped us over, so he was on top of me and I wrapped my legs around him. He lifted my shirt just slightly to kiss my stomach and then he ran his warm hands under the back of my shirt, lifting me into him while he was pressing down. The tension left me breathless and when our lips met, it was everything I wanted.

I wasn't being careful with Jake, I didn't have to, and he certainly wasn't being careful with me. I bit down lightly on his full lip, and opened my eyes to look into his,. When we made eye contact, he wasn't the only one who shuddered. I thought about how long I'd spent fighting this exact moment off, only to realize now that it was always inevitable. This is what would've always happened between Jake and I, no matter the circumstances.

I broke off our lips only to pull my body closer to his, to entwine my fingers in his hair and smell the sweet, musky scent from his neck that was better than any cologne. He exhaled, and laid me beside him, not breaking our embrace. I was still surprised at how I ached for him to be close to me. I was relieved at how easy this would be, and I couldn't help but wonder if I had been fooling myself thinking that the most I could feel for Jake would be familial love and friendship.

He nuzzled his face in my neck, a very wolfy gesture that made me smile. I felt his lips move against me neck when he whispered hoarsely, "You said you loved me."

I stopped breathing and was very still for a moment as I worried at the impression that might've given Jake, but I was the one who said it. I meant it. Why hide it from him?

He could take it however he'd like, because it was all going that direction anyway. I forced myself to breathe normally again.

"Oh." I responded quietly.

"Bells?" he said a little clearer. I could still feel his lips and I wondered if he too could hear my heart beat a little heavier.

"Hm?"

"I love you, too."

With that he looked up and gave me a brief, sweet kiss on the lips. The thought of leaving now did not appeal to me, I wanted to be with him, but Charlie would need support when he got home. I had to go.

"I really have to go," I could hear the sadness in my own voice.

"I know," he replied dreamily.

"Maybe you can come over tonight."

"Are you going to introduce me to Charlie as your official boyfriend?" he asked, a little too cheerily.

I cringed inwardly. "If it would make you happy" I hoped he could hear the reluctance in my voice.

"Yes, it would," he said with an impish grin.

"Fine."

"Honey, you're going to have to get used to it."

I wasn't disturbed by his term of endearment, it sounded natural, like he'd called me it for years. He'd probably wanted to, I realized sadly.

"Bye Jake."

"Bye Bella."

We looked at each other for another moment before I turned and walked out the door.

On the ride home I ran over in my head what I would say to Charlie, just to be prepared. I wasn't worried about his judgment. In fact he would be excited, elated even. It would be nice to have him approve of who I wanted so fully, a stark contrast to… Edward.

The name still sent off a ripple of heady discomfort, but in the afterglow of Jake it was no longer a sharp pain. If I was going to have a relationship, I needed to let go of my past as much as possible, even if that only meant desensitizing myself to it.

I had barely put eggs on the skillet when I heard the cruiser pull up to the house. Charlie trudged in, looking downcast.

"Hey Bells."

"Hi, Dad," I walked over to him and he squeezed me tightly to his chest.

"You making breakfast?"

"Yes and don't even pull the 'I'm not hungry.' You're eating."

Charlie managed a small laugh. "Wouldn't dream of it."

I beamed at him.

I felt his eyes on my back as he observed my cheery behavior.

"Something goin' on Bella?" he inquired.

"What do you mean?" I feigned innocence.

"Well… you just seem… I dunno… happier. Especially for it being so early. You're usually a little cranky." he said tactlessly.

"Well thanks," I replied with light sarcasm. "I guess I am happy," a slight smile punctuated my reply.

"Hey, is it ok if Jake's over for dinner tonight?" I asked.

"Of course, he's always welcome. I'm surprised you even asked. Is there an occasion?"

"Um.. no, not really," I shifted uncomfortably.

"Not really or no?"

"Not really, I'll tell you tonight."

Charlie grunted. He wasn't one for surprises.

* * *

I decided to make it an occasion by putting on one of the few skirts I owned. It was grey and high-waisted, made out of simple cotton it stretched perfectly over my hips. I tucked in a dark blue shirt and braided my hair messily to the side. I went out of my way to put some make-up on as well. I was fidgeting with my appearance in the mirror when I heard the doorbell ring.

"I got it!" I yelled as I bounded down the stairs, concentrating carefully so I wouldn't trip.

When I opened the door I laughed. Jake looked a little uncomfortable in a long-sleeved white button down and jeans that weren't cut off.

"Wow, I'm impressed. You actually put on a shirt." I teased

He didn't even react to my quip, instead he stared at me.

"Hello?"

"You look…. really pretty," he finally managed.

I just smiled at him. He grabbed my hand as he walked in and we went to the living room.

My dad looked up at us, then down at our entwined fingers. He raised his eyebrows.

Jake squeezed my hand in encouragement. I stumbled over my words. "Um… dad. Jake and I are sorta… well, we are, dating now. Officially."

Charlie just looked at us for a second, seeming to process what I'd said, then he all but jumped off the couch to shake Jake's hand enthusiastically.

"Good for you Jacob! It's about time." He said, grinning the whole time.

I sighed. I knew he would be happy, but really? He looked like he might choke with happiness.

"Does Billy know?"

I sighed again. Old women.

"Yes," Jake replied to my surprise, "I told him this morning. He was excited for us too."

I should've known. I could only imagine the looks I would get when the pack would find out through Jake's explicit and private thoughts. Greattt….

After that, dinner was pleasant. Charlie's mood was lifted by the news and he and Jake bantered about sports and cars. I was content to observe them, seeing a nice ritual forming. This was easy, it felt like family.

Charlie pushed himself away from the table.

"Wow, Bells. That was great. I'm stuffed."

"Yeah, well no one said thirds was a good idea," I replied.

Charlie started to gather his dish, but I spared him.

"Don't worry about it Dad. Jake and I will get it."

"You're the best, Bella."

I smiled. Charlie was easily pleased. It was one of the many things about him I'd learned to appreciate and love.

He plodded into the living room to give Jake and I some privacy and fall into a food coma. I wondered idly if that might be dangerous after three servings of my grandmother's spaghetti. Probably.

I carried an armful of plates, carefully, to the kitchen sink and started scrubbing them. I didn't realize Jake behind me until I felt hands on my hips and a warm breath tickle my neck. I thought about pushing him away, but then his lips were on the back of my neck, then behind my ear… He turned me around and pressed himself to me. He leaned down and kissed my collarbone then lower and lower until he was over my frantically beating heart.

"Jake." I gasped.

"Sh. Charlie will hear you," he looked up with a playful smile on his face.

"That was your fault!" I laughed. "Stop distracting me and help me."