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Chapter 9

Jacob made no time changing my tire, and we got a chance to talk while he worked. He owns a body shop in La Push and had just like everyone else read my books.

"Dad, told me that you were back in town. When are you going to come down and hang out Bella" he asked.

"Well I am going to look at houses today, but maybe Sydney and I can come down tomorrow"

"Who's Sydney, a friend?" I forgot that he didn't know about Sydney.

"Sydney is my daughter" I watched for the reaction most single guys had when hearing about a single mom.

"That's great Bells, I will grill some steaks and we can all hang out" he smiled.

"Sound good Jake, and thanks for helping me with my tire" I said giving him a hug, his strong arms wrapping themselves around me filling me with a feeling of safety.

"Always a pleasure to come to the aid of a beautiful lady" he smiled and my cheeks got red.

I headed out to meet Edward, having already called him to tell him I was running late. I met in at the first house, and while it was ok I was afraid of all the work that it would entail to make it what I wanted. So we moved on to the second house and then the third. I was starting to get discouraged when we came to the fourth house, it was a log A frame home, that set back off of the road, the front and the back yard were both nice and spacious with plenty of room for Sydney to play in.

I spoke with the owners and made and offer I was going to use cash from my last book to purchase the house, so we made an appointment tomorrow to have it appraised and inspected and if they both were in good standing, the house would be ready to move into as soon as the paperwork was complete.

"Alice, Rose and Mom are going to have a field day helping you shop for your house" Edward chuckled at the pained expression on my face at the thought of having to furnish an entire house.

"Well let's go have dinner, my treat as a thank you for helping me today" I said and we headed towards the lodge. We were seated and had ordered our food, after the waitress shamelessly flirted with Edward as usual.

"I thought about seeing if you and Sydney wanted to go to the beach with me tomorrow evening" he asked as we ate our salads.

"Actually Sydney and I have been invited down to the Black's tomorrow for a cook-out,
I said, Edward looked up at me as I he thought of Jacob.

"As in Jacob Black, when did this come about?"

"I was late today because I had a flat tire, Jacob stopped and fixed it for me, we talked for a few minutes and he invited me and Sydney over for dinner" I tried to make it sound casual.

"Well that sounds like you two will have a fun night then" our steaks had arrived and we ate in silence for a while. I didn't really know what to say to him, should I tell him that nothing is going on with Jacob, it's not right now, but I couldn't exactly put my finger on what I felt when he hugged me earlier. As if Edward could sense my torn emotions.

"Bella, don't worry about it, it's not like we are dating or anything you don't need to worry about explaining anything to me" he said with a small smile.

"How did you know what I thinking" he nailed it on the head.

"I can read you like a book" he laughed. We finished dinner and headed back to his house, Sydney was sleeping when we got there and Esme told me to let her stay, they had enjoyed her all day. I agreed and said I would be back to get her tomorrow. Heading to Renee and Charlie's my mind was full again, here lately it was never empty of thoughts.

When I pulled in there was a truck parked in the driveway, I began to worry since Renee and Charlie were both away until I saw Jake leaned up against it.

"Hey Bells" he said walking over to me.

"Jake, what are you doing here" I saw him look unsure "Not that I am complaining" I didn't want him to feel bad for coming because actually I was happy to see him.

"I haven't been able to get you out of my mind all day, and decided to come over and say hello, see if you wanted to get a late bite to eat."

"I just ate, but if you want to come in we can have some coffee" I unlocked the door and he followed me in. After brewing a pot of decaf I carried a tray in the living room that had some cookies and snacks on it.

"So how did the house hunting go" he asked eating a chocolate chip cookie.

"It went slowly at first but I found a keeper the fourth time" I showed him the pictures I had taken today, and as he leaned in close to me to look at the pictures on my camera, his body touching mine sent a chill through me. I came to a picture of Sydney and stopped.

"Tell me about your daughter" he asked.

"Well she is 6 years old, and my entire world. She's smart and funny and loves to giggle, she's my best friend" I told him, the proud mama that I am.

"6 years old, is she Edwards" he asked.

I nodded and then told him the whole story, he listened, his face changing to reflect certain parts, and then when I was finished he spoke.

"You won't want to hear this Bells, but he was never good enough for you, I wish I had known I would have helped you anyway that I could"

"I know you would have Jake, and Edward had his own demons to deal with, but he is on the right path right now and Sydney loves him"

"Are you two together?" he asked looking at me, waiting for me to answer.

"No we aren't, we are friends right now and I don't know if we will ever be more then that our history is way to painful to forger about right now, but I told him that he could have a chance to be a part of our lives"

"Well in that case, I know that I invited you over tomorrow night but can I take you out one night this week?" he asked hopeful.

I thought about it for a moment, Jake and I had a good relationship when we were together, I was so wrapped up in Edward though that I never gave him a chance really. But right now in this moment I had a feeling that I wouldn't be disappointed saying yes to him.

"On a date" I asked just to be sure.

"Well yes, unless you aren't ready or looking for that right now" he stammered.

"No Jake, I would love to go on a date with you" I smiled. "Do you want to watch a movie, or do you need to get home"

"Nope I am good, can I pick the movie" he asked afraid that I would pick a chick flick.

"Go right ahead" I handed him the remote and he went through the on-demand movies until he found the one he wanted, and turned on Indiana Jones and the Crystal Skull. I hopped up and turned the lights off, and sat back on the couch, he moved a little closer to me and wrapped his arm around me, the minute his arm was around me, the tense feelings, the worry and the stress I had been feeling lately melted away, I snuggled into him and we watched the movie.

When it was over, I walked him to the door, he leaned in and placed his hand on my chin, tilting it up to his, he kissed me a slow, burning kiss that made me melt my body into his, he placed his hand on the small of my back holding me closer to him as our kiss continued. We ended the kiss, remembering that we both needed to breathe, I smiled at him and he smiled back at me.

"I will see you tomorrow Bella," he said placing a soft kiss on my lips and then heading for his truck, I was still smiling as I locked the door and headed to bed, excited for the following day.

EPOV

I was shocked when Bella told me that she was going to see Jacob tomorrow, I remembered that he was her only serious boyfriend in school. Sydney was fast asleep in my room, when I decided I needed some air. I was in my car and driving before it hit me I was heading to Charlie's.

The strange truck in the driveway caught me off guard, I parked the car on the curb and walked over, I could see through the window as Bella sat talking with a man who could only be Jacob Black, I could tell that she was comfortable with him, and she looked happy.

I went back to my car, sitting there watching her house and feeling a little stalkerish, but I couldn't leave. I needed to know if he was staying the night or whatever was going on. After a while I saw the lights go out but could tell that the TV was on, I drove away and kept driving, my mind going a million different directions.

I had no claims to Bella, especially with our past, but it hurt thinking about her being with him. I drove for a while turning around and heading back towards her, his truck was still in the driveway and the TV was still on. I sat again until I saw lights come on and the door open, I could see them in the doorway, and my breath caught when he kissed her and she kissed him back. I shut my eyes it hurt to watch, but if she wanted to be with him there was nothing I could do about it, I had wasted all my chances years ago. After he got in his truck and left, I headed home. I went to the spare room, and fell into a troubled sleep.

BPOV

I was getting ready to head over to the house to meet with the inspectors, when my phone started ringing.

"Hello" I answered.

"Hello" Edwards familiar voice came through.

"I was just getting ready to head out the door, are you on your way?" I asked grabbing my purse.

"Actually, I got called into the hospital they are down two doctors and needed me, I'm really sorry Bella" he said and he sounded sorry.

"Oh that's ok Edward"

"Mom said to say that Sydney is more then fine there with them while you get the things done that you need to do, ok" he asked and I was grateful that he had arranged someone for Sydney.

"Tell her thanks, and I will call you later, ok"

"Sounds good, Bye Bella" he said ending the phone call.

Crap, I did not want to go over there without Edward, how would I know what needed fixed and if they were going to try and pull something over on me, Charlie would have went if he was home. Then it hit me, I just hoped he was home. I picked up the phone and dialed Jacob's number, begging him to answer.

"Hello" the sound of his voice through the phone made my knees go a little weak.

"Hi Jake, its Bella"

"Hey Bells, you aren't cancelling tonight are you, everyone is excited to see you, and so am I"

"No we are coming, I was just wondering if you were busy right now"

"No, I was just working on some stuff around here, whats' up"

"Well I know its last minute but Edward was supposed to go with me to meet the inspector for the house I want to buy and he got called to the hospital, would you come help me not to get ripped off"

"Of course, I am on my way there as we speak" he said and I heard his truck start up.

He pulled in after me and I hugged him, "Thanks for coming to my rescue again"

"I wouldn't be any where else"

We walked through the house; Jacob was looking at different things, asking all the questions that I didn't think to ask. He also pointed out things that he could fix for me for cost and such.

Jake agreed with everything the inspector had said needed fixed, and I was certain that this was the house that I wanted, so I filled out the papers and started the process, if all went well I would be able to start moving in as soon as the money transferred.

We were heading out, and I was going to go get Sydney when I saw Edward's Volvo pull into the driveway, looking at Jake, I headed over to meet him.

"Hello" he said politeness in his voice as he looked at Jake.

"I didn't think you could come" I asked. "Edward you remember Jacob Black, he was kind enough to come help me with the tour" I said hoping he didn't feel bad for missing it.

"Jacob, it's good to see you again" Edward reached out and shook Jake's hand.

"Bella, I am going to head home I will see you in a little bit" Jake said, leaning down and kissing my cheek, I saw Edward look away as he did this.

"We'll be there as soon as I pick Sydney up" I smiled, he drove away.

"Are you guys dating again" Edward asked his eyes full of pain.

I took a deep breath and let it out, "He has asked me out on a date and I said yes"

"Do you have feelings for him?"

"I do, I can't say what they are as I just saw him yesterday for the first time in six years" I felt bad, but I liked the way that Jacob made me feel.

"Well I need to head back to the hospital I just wanted to make sure that you were ok here, but now that I see that are" he was getting back into his car.

"Edward, don't be upset you and I are not together, and while we are working on a relationship of some sorts we have both discussed that fact that being together as a couple may never be possible with our history."

"Bella, I know I hurt you and I have no right to tell you that I love you after everything that I put you through, but it's the truth, but you are right just because I love you doesn't mean that I am the right guy for you."

"I love you Edward, I always have and part of me always will, but right now are main priority needs to be Sydney, and then our relationship will go from there, but I do like Jacob and I am sorry if that hurts you"

"I just want you to be happy, and if he makes you happy then that's great" he smiled a little smile and backed his car up and out of the driveway. I headed to the Cullen's calling to let them know I would be there shortly and to have Sydney dressed.

"When are we going furniture shopping" Alice pounced before I was in the door.

"As soon as I know everything is a go" I said.

"Momma, I can wait to have my own room can it be purple and gold" Sydney asked after giving me a big smile.

"Purple and gold" I asked looking at Alice.

"Yes Momma, a Hannah Montana room" she said and I smiled.

"If that's what you want, I will make you a deal" I said smiling at my smart little girl.

"What's that"

"If you promise to keep it clean when its done, how would like Auntie Ali, and Auntie Rose to help you make your room extra super special" I said seeing her face light up as well as her Aunts.

"Really" they all three exclaimed and I could see the wheels turning in their heads.

"We can go over to the house soon and you guys can help me decide what to do with it, but we need to get going little lady" I said and we headed off to La Push.

"Where are we going Momma," Sydney asked.

"We are going to a cook-out at Momma's friends Jacob's house and everyone can't wait to meet you" I smiled, hoping that my daughter would like Jake.

We arrived and I was shocked at how much Jake had done to Billy's house, it looked amazing, we walked around to the back and was greeted by all my La Push friends.

Emily, Kim and Leah made over Sydney and she took to them quickly. Jake came over and gave me a small kiss on the cheek, and I introduced him to Sydney.

"It's very nice to meet you, your mommy told me all about you" he smiled at her.

"Mommy is letting my paint my room purple and gold at our new house" she told him all about her Hannah Montana room and he listened to every word she said.

Watching her interact with Jake comforted me, because she had only known Jared and Edward, and if I was going to have a relationship with Jake her opinion mattered to me the most.

We ate and talked with everyone, Sydney loved all the little kids that she got to meet and play with, I knew she missed her friends, as she was playing it gave Jake and I time to talk.

"She is amazing Bella, she is a miniature you, but with coordination" he said laughing at the last part.

"She's my life Jake"

"Was everything ok after I left earlier, Edward seemed shocked to see me" he asked putting his arm around me.

"We talked and he understands, and said that he wants me to be happy"

We talked a bit more about the house and La Push, when Sydney came running over.

"Jake, will you push me on the big swing, please" she smiled and he went off with her and I watched them talking and laughing. We left after it got dark, Jake finalizing our date for the following night.

"So did you have fun Peanut" I asked as drove home.

"I had the best time playing with Sammie, Claire and Brian" she rattled off the kids that were there. "Jake said that he can build me Hannah's Montana's Guitar for my room"

"He did, well that was very nice of him" I said waiting to see if she gave her opinion of Jake.

"Yep, he is going to come look at my room and see how big is can be" she said excitement in her voice. "I like Jake Momma, he is very funny and he can push me super high on the swings"

"I'm glad peanut, Jake is a good friend of Momma's" I said, happy that she liked him.

"He makes you smile and laugh Momma, and I think he likes you. Sammie said that he likes you even though you have cooties" her tone dropped a bit.

"What's wrong peanut" I asked.

"I just worry about Daddy, I don't want him to think that I like Jake more then him momma"

"Daddy would never think that sweetie, he will be happy you made a friend" I told her trying to reassure her.

"Will he be happy that you made a friend too" ok how to answer that one.

"Well Daddy wants Mommy to be happy too" I hoped that would be enough.

She fell asleep a few minutes after that and I put her straight to bed and headed there myself.

I took Sydney over to the house to sign a final form, and she was so excited picking out which room she liked the best and talking about what she wanted and where. I took her over to the Cullen's she was going to stay there over night while I went on my date.

I took her bag upstairs and as I came back down, I was pulled to the couch by Alice and Rose.

"So Bella, what's this about a date with Jacob Black tonight" Rose asked.

"Well he asked me and I said yes"

"Do you like him" Alice asked as if we were back in high school.

"I think I do, he makes me smile and I don't have any worries when I am with him, it feels nice"

"Well he was good for you in high school too, you just were occupied at the time to see how good he was" Alice said.

"You guys aren't upset; I mean I would have thought you would want me with Edward"

"Bella, after everything you guys have been through, if you were to ever be together I couldn't see it happening for a good while, there is too much pain to heal before that will happen" Alice said holding my hands.

"I know, but I hate to see him hurting" I said.

"Bella, he made his own bed years ago, you are allowing him back into your life and into Sydney's life that is more then he could ever had dreamed of" Rose said.

"Come on" Alice said pulling me up. "Where are we going" I asked.

"You have a date, and its been forever since we got to play Bella Barbie with you" and I knew better then to fight.

As they were getting me ready and chit chatting about this and that, we started talking about the house.

"Can you meet me there tomorrow in the afternoon, we can do a walk through and you can help me decided what needs what?" I asked knowing they would say yes.

"Afternoon huh, Bella's planning on getting wild tonight" Rose smiled and laughed as I smacked her arm.

"What you are big girl and big girls have needs to, just don't do anything I wouldn't do" she said.

"So that leaves the field wide open" I laughed, and it was her turn to smack me.

"Stop it Bella" Alice said and I looked at her. "What" I asked.

"Stop feeling bad, Edward can't expect you to be alone forever and you need to have a life, whatever relationship you two have whether it be friends or maybe one day more, right now you need to focus on making you happy." She said and I knew she was right.

When they finished, I did look good so I kissed Sydney good bye and headed to Charlie's where Jake was picking me up, after dressing in skinny jeans and a dark blue cashmere sweater, I heard him knock on the door. Answering it I looked him over, he looked really good in a dark orange polo and dark blue jeans that set off his russet skin tone off nicely.

"Bella you look amazing" he said leaning in and kissing me.

Dinner was wonderful, afterwards we went for a walk back on the pier and then headed home, we curled up on the couch and watched another movie this time my choice and I picked "What Happens is Vegas".

We were snuggling on the sofa him lying behind me, as his hand started rubbing slowly up and down my arm, then he made soft circles on the bare skin of my belly that was peaking out from under my sweater, each touch was like electricity. He leaned in and placed soft kisses on my neck. I turned over and met his lips with my own, my tongue ran across his lower lip asking for entrance and his lips parted. Our kisses became more passionate and his went under my sweater running up and down my back.

My own hand went under his shirt and rubbed across the muscles of his chest; he moaned at my touch and kissed me harder then before. Rolling over so that I was slightly over top of him, he kissed me neck and lips. I leaned down and did the same to him, my name escaped his lips in a whisper.

"Bella"

"Jake, can I ask you something?"

"Anything"

"Will you stay tonight" he looked at me.

"I'm not saying that I am ready for anything to happen besides this, but I don't want you to leave"

"Me either, Bella and I want to keep seeing where we can go from here, are you interested in that too"

"Are you asking me to be your girlfriend Jake" I smiled at the thought.

"Yes I am, will you?"

"I will Jake, now let's go where we can be a bit more comfortable" and he picked me up and carried me to my room.

I changed into PJ's and grabbed him some of Charlie's sweats and a shirt and we continued our make-out session, not going any further for the time being, and we talked more.

"I need to tell you something" I said looking up into his black eyes.

"What Bells"

"I'm sorry for not really giving you a chance the first time we were together, my mind was wrapped around something else, and it wasn't fair to you, and I can't say that I don't have a lot on my plate right now, but I feel something very special for you and I promise that I will not push those feelings aside Jake"

"I know that you were crazy for Edward in school, and that you have had a rough road because of him, you will always be tied to him because of Sydney but I care about you a lot and I believe you when you say that you are in it this time, and I can't wait to show you how special you are"


AN: Now don't get mad at me for bringing Jacob into the story it just seemed to fit, There isn't anyway that Bella and Edward can just jump into a relationship with everything that has happened, and Bella needs someone to love her right now. She needs to see that life can be happy.

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