A/N: Sorry! I know it's been awhile since my last update. I want to apologize for the long delay; it was a little difficult due to writers block and life getting the better of me. I just wanted to say that you guys are amazing! This story has finally reached over a hundred reviews; it truly means the world to me. I really never thought that it would get this far. As usual I do not own anything related to twilight and all rights go to their respected owners. I used some songs lyrics in this chapter and I failed to do so before but I do not own any of those either.

1: Max Schneider -"Nothing Without Love" if you haven't heard of him go check out his YouTube channel. He is truly amazing and he does great work.

2: Florida-Georgia Line – "Stay"

3Years Later

J.P.O.V:

There was a dark, gloomy cloud that seemed to follow me around for months after Bella left. The first three months in Nashville were spent with rain-infested days that reminded me so much of home, and her. I fell head first into my music; I spent most of my time in a recording studio with only a few hours to sleep, trying to distract myself from the thoughts of her. To say that sleep was my friend like it is to most people would be an understatement. Nope, for this Indian it was just haunting memories of what I had lost. Emptiness. That is what I felt. Without Bella, it isn't much of a life worth living. That girl took something from within me when she walked out that door three years ago. As much as I tried to move on after the first year and I met plenty of women, but none of them were my Bells. It was just a void that couldn't be filled; I think this is my own rendition of Karma to say the least.

When they say "what goes around comes around" well that is one for the books cause they hit the nail on the head with that one. Yea, it's all on this big boy; I, as a man will live the rest of my life trying to get forgiveness for that fuck up. I will never truly be able to explain in words what or how much she means to me. I thought that I knew what I wanted, but after growing up a little, I now realized a lot of her actions were because of the things I did or the way that I handled the situation. Even though my Bells was ready for me, I was nowhere near ready for her. I was an immature lil'punk that thought you could fix anything with nice words and great make up sex, but with her things need to be handled delicately and I failed to realize that she wasn't just any other woman. Bella was the only girl that I ever saw, I mean like really saw. I always knew she was the one that I could settle down and grow old with since we were kids, but I just took her for granted. You don't know a good thing till it's gone.

RING. RING.

"Hello?"

"Hey Bro. What's going on with you?"

"Nothing same shit different day. What do you want Paul?"

"Why is it your damn ass is always thinking I want something? Damn dude that's how much you think of me, never mind that I knew you before you were famous or that fact that I am your brother-in-law."

"You're right man."

"I know I am always right, just ask your sister."

"I think I'd rather not."

"So anyways are you still coming this weekend, you know your dad will kill you if you don't come home for the Fourth?"

"Yea, I have some last minute things to put together but I will definitely be there this weekend."

"Cool, well the boys and I are planning on doing a bonfire/cookout so are you down with that?"

"Yea sure, sounds great. I'll see you guys this weekend."

"Alright later Bro, just a heads up Charlie will be here."

"And what is Chief Swan going to do, arrest me? Yea, Paul I think not. Later Man."

Hanging up the phone, I leaned back into the couch and glanced at the ceiling. Sighing I sat up, grabbed my notebook and pen, dragged my guitar to my lap and drummed my thumbs along the frame while humming. I snatched the pen from my mouth and jotted the first lyrics that came to mind.

We are
Nothing without love
We are
Nothing without love

Let me tell you about a girl on replay in my mind everyday
Wish she would never go away, please stay.
Kissing you from head to toe, say I love you so you know
That I'll never I'll let you go, I'll take the burn, to touch your flame

I could have everything that this world has to offer
But without you it wouldn't mean a thing.
I could have the riches baby on a silver platter
But I would trade it all for just one ring

Cause we are nothing without it
We are nothing without it
We are nothing without love.
There's just something about it, we can't live without it
We are nothing without love.
Nothing without love

We are
Nothing without love
We are
Nothing without love

People we all take love for granted
We don't know what we got until it's gone
People we all take love for granted
We don't know what we got until it's gone

TOTGA…

The rain pelted against the car as we drove the winding roads that led to my father's home. It had been a few months since I had been here last, and I watched, with no amount of eagerness, as the tall, green trees flanking the roads sped by in a blur.

I jolted forward as the driver slammed on the breaks, I shook my head. How the hell did this dude get this job? I grabbed my things as soon as I stepped out and I was engulfed in embraces from family and friends.

I had just pulled away from my dad when someone clapped me hard on the shoulder. "Finally back, I see." Came a soft, firm voice.

I peered into the aging eyes of Charlie Swan, Bella's dad, and the words were stuck in my throat. "Ahem," I cleared my throat and tried again, "Yeah, it's been a while. How are you?"

How is she, I really wanted to ask, but I didn't think that would go over so well with Charlie. The question was on the tip of my tongue, but I had to bite it away and keep focus on the other man. He was looking at me strangely, almost like a puzzle he was trying to figure out, and I started to wonder, did he know? Did Bella tell him anything, everything? From the way he was scrutinizing me, I'd say he did. He must not be too happy.

"Good, I'm good son." Charlie said nodding his head, so I just ripped the band aid off and went in straight for the kill.

"Good." I glanced around taking in everyone's expression and they all reeked of anxiety. I nodded my head and continued "So Charlie how is Bella doing?"

Charlie looked at me long and hard before smacking his lips loudly. "Don't know, haven't talked to her in a while." He said, folding his arms on his chest.

"Bullshit." I frowned. "Seriously? She doesn't talk to you that often?" he was lying, but I couldn't be sure.

"Yeah, she talks to me every now and then. She yaps more to Crystal than she does to anyone else." He said, shrugging once. "You know how girls are."

Something about Charlie's demeanor was off he was trying to hide something from me and I instantly became livid.

Scoffing I said "Yea, I think I have to disagree with you there Charlie as I'm sure you know from past actions, I don't know shit about girls or how they even work. But hey no harm, I understand she is your daughter and you have to protect her. "

"Yeah, especially from you." Charlie said his voice deep and dark. He had a look of pure anger on his face, like he wanted nothing more than to tear me limb from limb and the worst part was that I couldn't blame him at all. I deserved it.

After saying hello to everyone, I went to my room and changed in to some dry clothes; I had decided to get some air and try to clear my head. I stepped onto the porch and noticed Charlie sitting there on the top step with a beer in his hands, staring off into space. Going against my better judgment I sat down alongside him, and cleared my throat, "I'm sorry for not doing right by your daughter but for what it's worth and I know that it is probably not much but I do love your daughter."

Clearing his own throat he turned giving me a nod and a soft smile, "I know you do son."

Charlie and I sat there in uncomfortable silence awhile before he broke the thick air that had formed between us. "You know I'm not perfect son as you know Bella's mother left when she was just a baby. I know I didn't help with the problems we had but I did love her. I think of you as my son, just as Billy thinks of Bells as his daughter. I am going to tell you a little something that might help you. I know a little of what you might be going through. See, I loved Renee enough that she was like the beat of my heart, and that scared the piss out of me." Nodding my head in agreement. "I did what I thought was right or at least I thought was right at the time. It wasn't till after many years looking back I realized that maybe I was the one that pushed her away. I am not perfect and never said that I was, but Bella is and will always be my first priority. I know you are young and things are scary but I know that you love her. Hell, your dad and I have always known. I am only telling you this because I don't want you to make the same mistakes that I did."

I swallowed the football in my throat. "You mean push her away?"

What seemed like an eternity passed before Charlie's head bobbed in a nod. "Yeah, push her away." The elder man hunched forward and clasped his hands together. He looked as if he was struggling with himself; I could tell there was so much he wanted to say, but nothing was coming out. Finally, "You won't get another chance to make it right." He said, standing. Dusting off his wet pants, his old, brown eyes hardened in a glare. "Make this one count."

I scoffed. "What makes you think that Bella will even give me another chance? Huh? If I was her I wouldn't even give me another chance."

A smile tugged at Charlie's lips slowly. "Then you don't know her as well as you thought you did." Giving me one last look, Charlie nodded, tucked his hands in his pockets and walked off, leaving me alone. Man, that was...sorta strange. Charlie and I just had a moment, and the fact that we were still alive and not dead wasn't lost on me at all. I fully expected him to whip out his gun and pump me full of bullets, but he didn't. Instead, it was like he was giving me his blessing, as if he wanted me to go after Bella.

Meanwhile in New York…..

The last, dying rays from the sun shimmered upon the New York skyline as the sky slowly grew dark, welcoming the night. It's been two years, nine months, thirteen days, seventeen hours, forty-five minutes, eighty-eight seconds since the day I left. Life had changed so much since that day; to say that I missed Jake would be an understatement. Jake's life took off after he left for Nashville; he is certainly today's hottest commodity. He was just what the music industry was looking for. He was tall, dark, handsome, and apparently sex on legs with a raspy voice to go with it. It was easy to keep up with him; he became a star overnight. If you wanted to know what he was up to all you have to do is GOOGLE it. I spent most of my time being a coward, when I moved to New York I changed my name from Bella Swan to Isabella Kahne. Yep, like I said coward.

I ended up settling into a studio apartment located on a quiet tree lined block on the Upper Eastside of New York. The apartment entrance led through a small foyer that enhanced the exposed russet brick walls and the dark, mahogany hardwood floors. There was a bar that separated the small kitchen from the rest of the living space that would have to be utilized for a bedroom/living room. There was a small bathroom hidden off to the right of the kitchen. The kitchen was stored with fresh appliances as well soft beige granite countertops. I utilized the living area with a lot of help from IKEA, yea they can work wonders for small spaces.

To the left of the apartment I chose a custom white curtain at the head of the queen size bed; it help hide the exposed brick as well as add a pop of color. I had chosen this setup so I could hide the closet racks positioned behind the headboard, that way there was some closet space for the apartment considering there were no closets. On the opposite wall, there were custom white shelves, and cabinets for extra storage that surrounded a 62' flat screen TV. There was a small, gray sofa separating the two spaces, and the sofa had an extension on left side that was nice because it sat right at the apartment window and overlooked the quiet street. I had chosen a white and gray scheme throughout the apartment, that way things didn't seem so dark.

The first year I was here I took some much need time for myself. I spent most of my days cuddled up on the couch watching sappy movies and writing in my journal. If you would have told me then that I would be a successful business woman of a small bakery BON-BON'S and author of a best seller on the New York Times, I would have laughed in your face.

One day, while in Lower Manhattan I stumbled across a swanky corner spot that was up for rent. I decided right then and there that this was the spot for my new location; it didn't take long to get it up and running; everything was already set up to my liking. It only took a few months to get everything together for an opening, which, unbeknownst to me was great success. Bon-Bon's was a small bakery where you could come in and grab a snack with your laptop or a book, whichever you prefer. Bon-Bon's was entered in for a new business editorial for The New York Times, it turned out to be great for my success as they gave the company a great review in the editorial.

My cell phone buzzed, startling me. I dug in my pocket fast, "Hello?"

"Heygirlwhereyouat?" Crystal's voice rang from the receiver.

"Home. Where is the fire?" I asked surprised by her muffled words.

"Hey look I hate to bring up the past but have you seen Jake's new music video?" she asked in an alarmed tone.

"Umm, no why would I watch one of Jake's videos?"

"Well Seth showed it to me. I guess thinking that I might show you; I honestly think that you need to see this one."

"What the hell for Crystal? I really don't want to see him. It's only going to make me miss him."

"Just, watch it, okay? It just might tell you something important." Her voice was soft and pleading and I could just picture her on the other end gripping the phone to her ear.

"Okay but let's don't and say I did, how about that? Will that work for you?" I said aggravated. "I mean what is there left to say huh?"

"Don't start with me girl! I'll come through this phone and whoop your ass!" She gritted loudly, the calmed the next instant. "I'm tellin' ya, ya gotta watch it."

"Why?" I asked.

She was quiet for a long while. "Let's just say he ain't over you yet."

"Really, he looks pretty fucking content. What's the name of the song? I will go on YouTube and check it out."

"For the love of-" She said, sucking in a deep, aggravated breath, "If I didn't have this store to look after I'd come to New York and beat the shit outta you!"

"Babe," I heard a male say sharply in the background, and I blinked quick, trying to piece everything together. "Wait, you said Seth showed you the video? Is that him there now? Oh my-you're with SETH?"

Static sounded from the phone, and then Crystal was on before another second could tick by. "The name of it's Stay, ok? Just, watch it." She said in a suddenly tired voice. "I'm here if you need to talk." The line went dead.

That evil shit.

Really how bad can it be? Throwing my phone on the coffee table I walked over and grabbed my laptop out of my bag before collapsing on my bed. Once I opened it, I pulled up the website and typed Jacob Black's Stay in the search bar. I clicked on the first video that popped up- it just happens to be Jake's YouTube channel.

I watched the video load, the opening was of some girl with long wavy chestnut hair prancing and swirling down a dirt road, with her back toward the camera. As she peeped back over her shoulder a black Harley slowly become visible to the screen. There on the hog sat a shirtless guy with thick broad shoulders chopped black hair that could only belong to one person Jake. Dressed in light denim jeans and chaps along with black boots, he pulled up beside her; it wasn't long before he held out his hand to help her climb on the back of his motorcycle. I felt sick as I watched her wrap her hands around his waist.

I'd sell my soul just to see your face.
And I'd break my bones just to heal your pain.
In these times I need a saving grace, but time is running out and I'm starting to lose my faith.

But if I told you I loved you, would it make you want to stay?
I'm sorry for the way I hurt you and making you walk away.
(I should have took the time to tell you)
And if I wrote you a love song and sang it to you every day, would it ever be enough to make you wanna come back home and stay?
(I can't go another day without you)
Would it make you, make you, wanna stay?
(Girl you gotta know I love you)

I gasped when I got a full look at the girl. Oh My Goodness she looks like me. I was glued to the screen as the scene changed to a garage, there sat the same girl on a sofa lounged out glancing over the book she was reading every few seconds at Jake- who was sitting there on an old milk crate with greasy hands messing with some part. Jake caught her looking, dropped the part, and dived towards her on the couch, smearing grease on her white shirt. She threw her head back, laughing. What the hell, that's Jake's garage.

My heart's on my sleeve, but it's turning black.
(I guess I know what it feels like it to be alone)
Without your touch I'm not gonna last.
(I know you know that I need ya just to carry on)
It feels like my walls are caving in.
(You'd always hold me before I left you hanging on)
And I'll do anything to have you here again.

But if I told you I loved you, would it make you want to stay?
I'm sorry for the way I hurt you and making you walk away.
(I should have took the time to tell you)
And if I wrote you a love song and sang it to you every day, would it ever be enough to make you wanna come back home and stay?
(I can't go another day without you)

Yeah, the days are cold, the nights are long.
And I can't stand to be alone.
Please know this is not your fault.

And all I want...

Is to tell you I love you and make you wanna stay.
There's gotta be a way, 'cause going on without you is killing me every day.

Near the end, the girl was running down the beach of what looked like La Push, she whirled around facing Jake who was smiling, and motioned for him to come on as fireworks lit up the sky behind her. Jake took off towards her and she giggled harder right before he picked her up in an embrace and swung her around in circles. He placed a kiss on her neck and just like that, she was gone with the wind. Just like that night at Taylor Point Jake fell to his knees.

And if I wrote you a love song and sang it to you every day, would it ever be enough to make you wanna come back home and stay?
(I can't go another day without you)
Would it make you, make you, wanna stay?
(Girl you gotta know I love you)
Would it make you, make you, wanna stay?
(I can't go another day without you)

Would it make you, make you, wanna stay?

Slamming my computer shut, I fell back on my bed and looked up to the ceiling. Okay, that girl looked a hell of a lot me, real close to resembling me. I shook my head. No that can't be me, right. Wow, that so looked like what we looked like before I left for school. No that can't be me, but that should me.

The phone started to ring.

"Hello." I answered.

"Well?" came Crystal's questioning voice from the other end. She read me so well. "Wha'd I tell ya?"

"How do you know that I watched it? huh?" I asked quickly.

I could just picture her lifting the phone from her ear and staring at it as if she couldn't believe I had just said that. "Uh...hello. Have you met me yet? I know you a lot better than you think hun. So? How does it feel to know he still loves you?"

"HOW DOES IT FEEL? Yea, that's how it feels. You think Mr. Black is stupid, uh no he's not. He wanted me to see it." My eyes betrayed me once again they always do; if I had it my way I would pop them out like that dude in Pirates and throw them the fuck away. "Crys you know me, I love him that will never change. But Jacob Black scared the hell out of me." I confessed through broken sobs.

Sniffling I continued "Girl we are like fire and gasoline; we only bring each other tears and trouble. I mean, hell listen to me, I am balling over here like a baby. I don't know how I feel. I don't know. Yea I just don't know." I mumbled.

"You know out everyone I know, I don't think I'm normal. Most people have a weakness for chocolate, alcohol, etc., yea no, not me. Mine is Jacob Black. He is something that I can't seem to shake. I am good if I don't see him or hear him, other than that I'm just hook line sinker."

"Three years wasn't long enough." I heard Crystal mutter on the other end, "I hate him for what he's done to you."

"Girl don't hate him. He really is a great person. I just think him and I have a bond that no matter what life throws at us or as much control we think that we might have it just can't be broken. I loved Nash but I would only hurt him and you know it. Jake is honestly the one I can't live without."

"Huh, so whatcha gonna do now?" she asked serious tone.

"I don't know. Look I gotta go, talk to you later." I said before hitting the end button.

I laid there staring at the ceiling for the longest time thinking about my life. The things I had done, the things that I should have done. Jake knew what he was doing with that video; to say that it bothered me would be an understatement. I know that was what he probably was hoping for.

I sat up, taking a deep breath and opened the top drawer on my bedside table. Pulling out a yellow sticky note, a single tear slid down my face as I read it.

I love you Bella, here is my number. If you need anything 678-555-5588. Love you always.

Trembling, I grabbed my phone and dialed the one number that I had only glanced at over the years. Thank goodness, I remembered to block it. The rings only seemed to make me tremble more, I listened as the ringing stopped, sending it to voicemail.

Hey, it's Jake. Can't get to my phone right now. So if you're smart enough you know what to do.

It was silent for a minute as I waited for the beep, then his voice was there again, clearing his throat, the next words were like a steel knife through my windpipe. They sliced through me, burning, coming from every vain in my body.

Yea, so if this is Swan I still love you.

BEEP.

His broken tone made me weak, and the phone slowly slid out of my grasp. It fell, crashing against the dark hardwood floor, and everything seemed to be in slow motion as I watched the battery and the casing go in different directions.

Crumbling on to the floor, crying, I gathered the pieces and put my phone back together; I sat there for the longest time thinking of the what if's. So I finally broke down and cried for him, for me, the baby that we lost, for all the great moments we shared, for all the hurt we shared, and for everything that we lost.

I noticed that the traffic outside had slowed and darkness had floated along my street; I gathered myself together just enough to collapse on my bed as I fell into a dark slumber.

The snow glistened across the abandoned streets of New York the sun was slowly melting the snow from the rooftops as water was pouring out of the gutters. I stood in the middle of the street alone, as the cold settled in the walls of my spine. So Cold…

BANG….BANG… BANG... BANG…

What the hell, I shot straight up in the bed as cold sweat rolled off my forehead. I shuffled trying to untangle myself from the covers; my head was pounding, and the memory of his voice flooded back.

Looking around I noticed that the morning sun was now sparkling off the hardwood floor; I tried squinting my eyes so that I could make out the numbers on the clock. It read 7:25am. I flew off the bed, tripped over the covers that had gathered at the foot of the bed, and landed face first.

"SHIT!" I yelled.

BANG…BANG…

"Coming!" I screamed, untangled myself, and stalked down the small hallway. I yanked the door open.

"What." I yelled. The door ricochets of the wall.

The vision that greeted me was one I wasn't yet ready for. A pair of small, bluish gray colored eyes blinked slowly from behind a pair of green-rimmed glasses, and faint pink-dusted thin, pale cheeks. A large stack of papers tumbled from the man's long, bony fingers and scattered all over the floor, and he cleared his throat quickly, and looked away. "Uhh...um...I..." He stuttered, trying, and failing to form a complete sentence. He brought one finger to his neck and loosened the neon pink tie holding tight to his collar, and pushed the glassed further up his nose. "Um..." He tried clearing his throat again, his cheeks steadily darkening to a morbid shade of red, "Ms... K... ahne…"

I shifted uncomfortably under his gaze as his eyes raked over my body from head to toe; it made me cringe with disgust, I could just imagine the thoughts that were forming in his head. Clearing my own throat "Morning Riley. Please come in a take a seat while I put on something more conservative, and by all means pick those papers up." I said before stalking back down the small hall leaving a speechless Riley standing in the doorway.

I snatched my black robe off the bathroom hook, put it on, and wrapped it tightly around myself. I rummaged through the boxes and shelves; as space was limited. I was sliding hangers left and right shuffling through everything, throwing clothes on my bed while some landed on the floor. After about fifteen minutes of decision-making, I settled with white skinny jeans, a charcoal top that showed off my lean figure, and a black sweater. I topped my look off with a red scarf and black stiletto heels. I left my long hair down so that the loose curls flowed over my derriere.

Making my way back in the living room where Riley sat quietly on the couch shifting through papers, he looked up over the rim of his glasses with a glimmer of excitement when he caught sight of me. Clearing his throat, he said, "That looks good Ms. Kahne. Really good I might add."

"Um hum, what is on the agenda this week Riley?"

"Oh you know the usual. You have a health inspection for Bonbon's on Tuesday and a book signing at the New York Public Library on Friday."

"Alright, well we need to make sure that Rosalie has everything ready for the bakery inspection. Thank goodness, that Mike works at the Health department to give us a heads up. Also I need a ticket for Friday night."

"A ticket? Where are we going?"

"One ticket, I am going to go home to spend the fourth of July with my dad. You Sir are going to stay here and take care of business like you always do." A small smile smeared my face and I closed the distance between us fast. My stiletto heels echoed like drums on the hardwood floor, but I had a feeling Riley heard none of it. The man watched me like a hawk as I stalked toward him and stopped mere inches from his face, and I could've sworn he jumped when my pale, nimble fingers smoothed back the non-existent wrinkles on his crisp, shirt.

"Thanks, Riley, for everything you do." The breathy, whispered words hung thick in the air, and I didn't know whether to grin or back away as Riley's Adams apple bobbed slowly. The man's bluish-grey eyes were wide behind the thick glasses, and he licked his lips in anticipation of what he thought was to come. It was so simple how such a small thank you could turn into something…unprofessional in such a limited amount of time, and I knew I wasn't helping matters at all. Carefully, I tiptoed to my lanky assistant and placed a chaste, innocent kiss to his cheek. Riley's breath hitched in his throat, and I pulled away fast.

"You're a lifesaver."

Riley shook his head, pushed the glasses further up his nose, and cleared his throat. "T…thank you, Ms. Kane." He said his voice firm and loud. It seemed he had finally gotten himself under control. "I shall." He stood slowly, and shifted the papers in his hand until they were neat as can be. "Have a nice trip." He straightened his clothes-as if trying to discard whatever flint of dirt was lying dormant on his wrinkle-free shirt, and trekked to the door.

TOTGA…

As I stepped off the tarmac at Seattle-Tacoma Airport for some reason, my nerves exploded off the Richter scale.

"BELLA!" A deafening scream pierced the noise of the airport, and at once, I cringed. I'd know that high-pitched voice anywhere. Just as well, that girl had no shame at all. Heaving a sigh, I shook my head and turned, and I couldn't help but laugh at what I saw. Through the throng of people milling about the airport like a fleet of cows cramped together in a small barn, a caramel-colored body pushed through.

It was Crystal, and she looked uncomfortable.

The girl pushed, shoved, and threw people out her way as she fought to get to me, and when she finally cleared them all, she grinned. A wide, good for nothing grin smeared her face in half, and before I could even open my mouth, she jumped me.

"Man I missed you!" She said, gripping me in a tight hug.

I said nothing. I couldn't. Her hands were around my shoulders in such a tight hug, that if she kept it up any longer she might break something. It's funny, she's such a small girl, but she had an iron strong grip. No wonder guys were running scared from her.

"Bella? Say something girl! Didn't you miss moi?" she whispered, and then pulled away.

I took that chance to breathe. "I couldn't breathe." I wheezed out, holding my throat. "I'm back for 2 minutes and you're already trying to kill me?"

She snorted. "Sorry." Looking behind her for nothing in particular, she turned and grabbed my hand. "C'mon, let's get your luggage."

I was constantly looking over my shoulder as we made our way through the crowd of madness, something was unsettling in my stomach- you know that feeling you have right before you sometime big happens. Yea, that is how I was feeling. As Crystal and I waited for my luggage to be brought around on the carousel, a tall slender brunette was standing on the opposite side of us giving me the biggest go to hell look that I have ever seen. If looks could kill, I would be dead. I glanced over my shoulder just to make sure that the look was meant for me. Obviously, it was meant for me. I looked down at my feet trying break her stare. Looking back towards her I noticed a broad-shouldered guy approached her, an placed his callous hands along her waist, and a Cheshire smile spread along her lips. She placed a kiss to the guy's lips; she was obviously claiming her territory. My heart dropped as the black baseball cap that sat a-top the guy's head was unforgettable because that hat belonged to no other that Austin Nash.

I froze.

Crystal, instantly picking up on my rigid stature, followed my eyesight, and froze right alongside me. "Well hell!" She said, snapping out of her momentary surprise, "I'll be damned it's Nash!" She said her voice neutral. "He looks good." She commented, and then took notice of the brunette he was embracing, and returned the girl's look with the same amount of enthusiasm she was showing me. "Who's the bitch?"

"Umm, no idea." I said shrugging my shoulder and returning my attention back to the carousel.

"Hm." She said, "Well let's go find out." Faster than I thought, she grabbed my hand and proceeded to drag me over to Nash, all the while dodging passengers here and there.

"Hey country boy!" She yelled, pushing past a tall man with dreads hanging halfway down his back, "Long time no see!" We stopped within a few feet of them, and my insides were squirming. I didn't want to do this. Oh why oh why did I let her drag me here again? Thinking of him was one thing, but facing him was another. The fact that he moved on wasn't making it any easier. In that one moment I stood rooted to the spot beside my best friend, and across from my ex-boyfriend, the feelings that I'd once had for Nash came swimming back to me at all once. It hit me hard like a freight train, and for a moment I didn't know what to feel. Love, sadness, happiness, attraction, it all came back in waves, and I was suddenly thankful Crystal's grip was so tight; if it wasn't then I'm sure I would've fallen flat on my ass. Inwardly, I chanted for him not to turn or look our way, and I bit the crap out of my tongue when he did.

Turning slowly looking like a deer in the headlights, he lowered his head and cleared his throat. "Hi. Um yeah longtime no see Crys." Nash's grip tightened around the slender waist of the tall brunette and he placed a kiss upon the girl's temple. Funny, I remember that move and I knew he was comforting her. "Ava this is Crystal a friend of mine from Florida and this is Bella." He never looked me in the eye as he glanced over my shoulder.

Scoffing she looked me dead in my eyes with a wicked glare "Bella, her I have heard of, but it's nice to meet you Crystal. I'm Ava, Austin's girlfriend."

Crystal smiled, but I can tell it wasn't meant to be nice at all. She didn't like this girl, and neither did I. "Nice to meet you." I said my voice neutral. Nash wouldn't look at me; did I disgust him that much? "She's charming." I said, directing the comment more to Nash than anyone else.

Crystal's grip tightened on my arm. She gave me a warning look from the corner of her eye, and I knew she wanted me to play nice. This girl was already testing my patience, and I wouldn't be afraid to go crazy on her, even if she was Nash's new girlfriend.

"So, Austin." I said, calling him, "You're a long way from Georgia."

"Yea, I never left." He spat with venom in his voice.

I swallowed the words hot on my tongue. I deserved that. But still, did he have to be so mean? I left for a reason, not because I didn't love him. But if that was the way it was, then fine. So be it. Two could play that game.

Crystal opened and closed her mouth like a fish on the verge of gasping for air, and just when I thought she was going to speak, someone else's voice cut into the air.

"Bella!"

I turned fast.

"Dad?" I knew confusion was written all over my face. I spared a look to Crystal, only to find her stifling a giggle. She had her fist in her mouth, a vain attempt at trying to stop her laughter. "Crystal..." I said, my voice dripping with warning.

She took her hand out and shrugged, looking less than sorry. "Surprise."

I dashed to where my dad stood and wrapped my arms around his neck for a loving hug when a faint smell of him filtered through my nostrils. I stepped back and looked passed my dad a few feet away, and what I saw before me was jaw dropping. Standing there in black faded jeans with busted knees and a white pull over with the sleeves roll up to his elbows, his jaws were in a tight forming grip. His dark eyes held a glimmer of hope mixed with anger at the sight of Nash with his arms still wrapped snuggly around Ava. After all the feelings that I had just felt from seeing Nash again, it was nothing in comparison to the way the man in front of me was making me feel. No, he held my heart in his strong calloused hands. If I didn't see what I saw, right now he would definitely have been the one that got away. My body was betraying me; it was being pulled of its own accord. Before I knew what was happening everyone faded and the only thing I saw was him. A soft "Jake" fell from my lips. I ran as fast as I could, not tripping one time as I reached him, almost like the move out of the movie Dirty Dancing. When I jumped he placed his hands along my waist, hoisted me up just a little and we held our gaze. Slowly, he lowered me and pressed my body into his, and I wrapped my legs around his waist. I kissed him as hard as I could, tighten my grip on the nape of his neck and gently pulled at his hair. Soft moans escaped my lips without my permission, and I didn't care who saw or what they thought. Pulling away, he nipped at my bottom lip before placing an Eskimo kiss along my nose. In a rugged breath, he smiled and said "Hey."

My chest heaved. "Hey."

It was a while before he next spoke. "Welcome back." he said, still keeping his hands firm on me. It was like he didn't want to let go, and I couldn't blame him, for some strange reason I didn't want to let go either.

"I..." I stopped, and cleared my throat. I was out of breath; I had to compose myself before asking the question that was hot on my mind. "What...what are you doing here?"

Jake pulled me closer. A rugged hand trailed to my face and gripped my chin in a soft, but firm grip. "Remember what I said to you before you left?" At my silence, he continued. "I told you that I would wait, wouldn't I? And that I wouldn't stop fighting for you?" His finger trailed up the side of my face, and he pushed some hair out of my face. "This is me keeping that promise."