Disclaimer: I've said it before, but because I have to I'll say it again…. I own nothing!

A/N: Slowly more and more readers are finding this story, and I'm hoping that you're enjoying it. I'm sorry it takes me so long to update, just hang in there with me. REVIEWS are extremely motivating J Not that I'm begging or anything. I just like a little insight and criticism

A Winding Road

Chapter 7

Jacob stayed for more than two hours laughing and talking lightheartedly while I organized Rachel's wedding plans. He didn't enjoy the task, and neither did I for that matter, but we both seemed to enjoy just being together. The evening had certainly been a turning point in our relationship. I was convinced that I had proven my intentions to him and that he trusted me. With that weight off of me I could focus on being a friend that was clearly needed and although I tried to dismiss them, hopeful feelings of something more began to swim around me.

I was too keyed up after he left to sleep. I watched another mindless movie and relived the special moments of the night until a dreamless night of sleep took over. The last image in my mind was that of Jacob and Cooper.

The next morning after we dropped Paul off at home, Rachel and I met Alice for breakfast at the Forks Diner. The only thing that Alice and Rachel had in common was their friendship with me. Their personalities were as opposite as night and day, and I seemed just passive enough to be a good friend to both of them. They tolerated each other well enough to enjoy a few outings for my benefit. It was often uncomfortable for me because the topic of conversation tended to be Bella-centric.

"You seem sun-shinier today, B," Alice noted.

"Really?" I asked innocently, adding a third pack of sugar to my coffee.

Rachel just glanced between the two of us in between sending and receiving a text from Paul.

"Well, you're smiling more."

Rachel seemed to be too engrossed in her texting conversation to participate, but I feared that she would give Alice too many details about last night. She hadn't probed like I anticipated that she would but I was holding my breath waiting for her to drop the bomb. Part of me hoped she didn't pick up on the connection that Jake and I had, but it was almost visible, even Paul alluded to it. I was growing anxious as she tossed the phone into her open purse on the floor. I did the only thing I could do and threw out the one topic I hated to talk about, but knew they'd love even more than talking about my life-weddings. Soon enough they were chatting back and forth discussing the details of their respective weddings. Although Alice had changed her date several times, she had every detail down to the wire and with Rachel's wedding just around the corner it was a perfect match. I felt pleased with my cunning sidestep, and in between their rants of seating order, catering costs, and reception locations, I found myself thinking of Jacob.

Just as our food arrived I heard a familiar giggle coming from the entrance. Rachel and I looked up at the same time and Cooper was running to us; Jacob a few steps behind him. My breath stopped in that moment when his eyes locked on mine and small flutters stirred in my stomach. After a long second I remembered to breathe. He had on a tight fitting green tee shirt and dark jeans. His skin was radiant against the emerald cotton, and I had to refocus my stare to the table to prevent from embarrassing myself. Each time I saw Jacob there seemed to be an intense physical attraction.

"Belll-bbbaaa" Cooper said excitedly running to my lap.

"Hey bud."

"What no love for your favorite auntie?" Rachel teased.

"Sow-ry," he said with a pout.

"I can't seem to get away from you," Jacob said ruffling the back of Rachel's hair. She rolled her eyes.

Alice looked Jake over. It was unavoidable and I knew I'd have to introduce them.

"Jacob this is my friend Alice," I said with notable disinterest.

"Nice to meet you," he said politely extending his hand to her.

"Yes finally, I've heard so much about you," she said with a pause. "And of course Cooper too," she finished smiling at the boy. I could feel the flush of red run through my cheeks.

"Do you want to join us?" Rachel asked.

"Uh, no. We've already eaten. I actually came to ask you to watch Coop while I finish up a project at the garage."

"I promised Charlie I'd come in today and get his paperwork ready for court tomorrow."

"Oh."

"I'm not doing anything," I announced. Alice looked at me sourly. I had reluctantly entertained the thought of spending the afternoon with Alice's family, including Edward. I could sense there was a scheme in her plan and I was more than willing to do anything to get out of it. Luckily, I hadn't fully accepted her invitation.

"I couldn't ask you to do that," Jacob said.

"I insist," I replied persuasively.

"Alright," Cooper interjected.

"If it's okay I'll just take him to Charlie's."

"Sure. I'll just be a little while. Coop, behave yourself."

"Bye daddy," he said grabbing a piece of sausage from Rachel's plate.

The afternoon was pretty quiet. Cooper didn't have a whole lot of entertainment at Charlie's but we made do with some markers and paper. By the time Jake got back Cooper was napping on the couch. I met him at the door to keep him from waking up Coop.

"Bella, thanks again. You're the best," he whispered.

"Just taking care of my boys," I laughed. "Besides you saved me from a dinner with Alice's family."

"Are they that bad?" He asked interested.

"No. Not at all. Alice always has an ulterior motive," I explained. He nodded and I wasn't sure if he understood the full meaning but I realized I didn't want to elaborate. "Wanna sit down?"

"Thanks." Jacob walked to Charlie's recliner and I sat at the edge of the couch on the open end.

"Looks like you two had a big day." I turned to see Cooper lost in sleep with a small pucker on his lips.

"I should probably invest in some activities for him when he comes over." I realized after the statement came out I was giving some degree of permanence to our friendship. I thought perhaps I should have been more cautious. Had I earned enough respect to think that I was to be a practical part of their lives? Jacob didn't react to the statement and I breathed a little easier.

"Is Charlie working?" he asked.

"Yeah, he's been getting ready for this trial coming up. Hopefully he'll be able to rest a little easier when it's over."

"It comes with the job I suppose."

"Can I get you something to drink?" I asked tending to my manners.

"No, thanks. You know you could still make dinner with the Cullen's," he said with notable intrigue.

"Don't say that or I'll have to make you wait outside." A sweet mischievous grin crossed his face and he settled deeper into the recliner. A few quiet seconds passed.

"I was thinking that I could just drive you home every evening, you know as a favor to Charlie." He'd definitely taken me off guard and I studied his expression. His eyes were bright and I couldn't help but sense that Charlie was a cover and that gave me a small inflation of hope. I was definitely thinking of Jacob in a way that I knew was dangerous. I was putting my heart on the line, and I wasn't entirely sure that my heart had even healed. But healing is a process, and whatever stir of emotion, be it fate, destiny, or just loneliness, I allowed myself the satisfaction of falling deeper and deeper into an ocean of wonderful uncertainty.

"I'm sure Charlie will appreciate it," I finally replied with great emphasis on his cover.

"Do you really like it here? I mean in Washington." he asked, dismissing our former topic of conversation.

"I think so. I mean it's not exactly where I thought I would end up. But I love Charlie and I'm glad for the opportunity to get to know him better. What about you? Are you glad to be back at home?"

He considered the question for a few long seconds. "I guess I haven't thought about it. I keep thinking it's a temporary situation."

I wanted a better explanation but Cooper started to wake up. A deep yawn escaped his mouth and he sat upright. His eyes focused slowly but eventually brightened as he saw his father.

"Hey bud, you ready to get home?" Jacob asked as Cooper made his way into his father's lap.

"What about Belba?" he asked still sleepy.

"I think we've bothered Bel-la enough for one day. We need to stop and check on Papa anyway." Jake went to see Billy almost every day. He never stayed a great length of time, but he did make sure he was eating, and taking his medicine. It was easy to see that Billy's situation was hard for him to deal with.

"But she can come with us," Coop urged climbing down from his lap. Jacob stood to his feet.

"I should wait for Charlie," I interjected. I knew how unrelenting the child could be. He could always handle "no" better when it came from me. "I'll be over tomorrow," I reminded him hoping to save Jacob some three year old anguish. He gave me a quick hug, and Jacob gave me a thankful smile. I waved to them until they pulled from the curb. The two of them had such a special place in my heart. I couldn't imagine a life without them.

That evening Charlie called to say he was watching a game at Bernies, a restaurant- sports bar combination just outside of Forks, conveniently located inside an old barn. I had been there a few times as it was one of the only local venues for any type of entertainment. It was a unique place to say the least.

With Charlie out of the house I decided to take a hot bubble bath and go to bed early. As badly as I wanted to, I couldn't sleep. My mind was consumed with racing thoughts and I found myself trying to evaluate my life. I knew I needed to decide on a career. Working at Newton's had been okay for now but I needed to be more ambitious. Did I want to continue taking classes at community college or did I want to focus on something more valuable? And then of course through all my thoughts were Jacob and Cooper.

Tired of thinking and tossing in the bed, I went downstairs for a glass of water. Just as I hit the bottom step the phone started ringing. I made it by the third ring.

"Hello," I answered, assuming it was Charlie.

"Bella. Where you asleep?" Jacob asked on the other line.

"Uh, no," I stammered.

"Am I bothering you?"

"Not at all," I said reassuringly. It was almost relief to hear his voice. Had I missed him? I thought maybe that I had.

"Listen tomorrow is supposed to be unusually sunny and I mentioned to Coop that we could go to the park. He insisted that you come with us. But I thought I'd ask you before you got caught off guard. I know it's hard for you to tell him no and I don't want you to feel obligated if you had other things to do."

"I'd love to go with you guys. I really do enjoy spending time with him." It wasn't a lie. I'd rather be with Cooper than almost any other person in the world and the fact that Jacob was there was an incredible bonus. Once again, hope began to soar.

"He'll be excited."

"Great." I thought the conversation would end. It seemed the call had served its purpose. But instead of goodbye, he continued with general conversation.

"Did Charlie get home?" he asked.

"Not yet. He's at Bernies watching a game," I explained, grabbing a bottle of water from the fridge. Charlie's phone cord barely reached and I made a mental note to buy a cordless phone.

"We saw him today when we visited dad."

"He didn't mention that he was going by."

"He comes by pretty frequently." Charlie never mentioned his friend much anymore. It was painful for him too.

"Really? I should probably go visit him more too. Is he doing okay?" I didn't really need to ask. Rachel kept me well informed on her father's condition, but it seemed appropriate to show some concern for Jacob's sake.

"He's about the same. Some days are better than others."

"Are you okay?" I could tell he was bothered, and I surmised it had to do with this visit. When he left, his mood was carefree and light and now he seemed down. "I can't imagine how hard it has to be."

"It's not something you get used to. He seems to gradually get worse."

"I'm really sorry. I can sympathize with you."

"Thank you. I guess I should let you get back to whatever it was you were doing. I'll see you tomorrow. Good night."

"Goodnight Jake." I placed the primitive phone back in the cradle on the wall. Something was happening and the hope soaring in my heart had me believing that it could be more than friendship.