A/N You guys are lucky today! :P

Chapter 8

Bpov

Once in a while,
right in the middle
of ordinary life,
love gives us
~a~
Fairy Tale

The very next day Jake and I brought Lizzie to the house. She loved the porch and the small front yard garden. Repeating over and over how pretty it was. Once inside her eyes were lit with joy. Wandering around the house she found several hiding spots that seemed designed for little ones. It made me realize how much thought Jake had put into this house. That he had actually wanted kids at some point and it warmed me.

I knew it was a lost cause before we made it to the princess room. Lizzie squealed with joy hugged Jacob's leg and stumbled into the bedroom that had been set up just for her. She immediately began chatting with the dolls and setting up a messy tea party. The two of us were completely forgotten.

She seemed so relaxed and so at ease that how could I deny her this home? It would be a fresh start with her father. It would also be an adjustment, but if things with Jake kept progressing wouldn't this be the next step anyways?

"I had a baby-gate installed." Jake's soft voice broke through my inner musings.

I turned my head and he indicated to the hand carved wooden gate attached to the banister. It appeared to lock the steps and it was an easy open for adults. The thought of Lizzie sleeping in her own bed away from me filled me with anxiety. Not because I thought she would have trouble adjusting. She appeared to really enjoy her new room. No, I was worried how I would adjust...

"It's wonderful." I smiled.

I was still in awe of Lizzie's room. For her age the room was enormous, however it was something she could definitely grow into it. It had a small table and chairs set. Walls were lined with bins filled with toys and color coordinated for easy clean up. There was a beautiful wooden bench that opened to be a toy box, so many dolls and pretty things.

"Come here a minute." Jacob insisted grabbing my hand and gently pulling me into the master suite.

He led me to one of the squashy black arm chairs; it was like sinking into a fluffy cloud. I could tell I would spend a lot of time in these chairs.

"I wanted to show you something." Jake smirked.

I watched him walk over to the dresser and carefully lift a large tablet and brought it over to me. On the screen was a full view of Lizzie's room. She was sitting on the purple rug with 3 dolls and she was giving one of them a sip of imaginary tea.

"I had it installed early this morning." He explained proudly, "That way if you're ever worried about her or if you're afraid she'll wake up crying..."

He pressed a small button and her chatter came out of the speaker.

"Dwink your tea Bessy." she scolded her doll, "It going to be cold."

I smiled and felt tears springing to my eyes. It was such a thoughtful gesture and something that completely put my mind at ease. I watched her for a few more minutes marveling in the fact she didn't seem to mind our absence at all.

"This is wonderful." I told Jacob thickly.

"I thought we could talk for a few minutes." he smiled shyly.

It would never cease to amaze me how shy he could seem, so boyish. "Well I think it's safe to say we accept your proposal of moving in." I teased lovingly.

"I thought you might." he chuckled, "I moved my things into the guest room next door."

I processed that and opened my mouth to say something, but he raised his hand and I closed my mouth allowing him to continue.

"I figured it might be too much for us to start sharing a room so soon. I want to make this an easy transition and while I hope that one day hopefully soon we can take that next step... I don't want to rush you."

"Wow Jake." I started at him completely gob smacked, "You've grown up."

"Always the tone of surprise." he teased.

Our laughter was interrupted by my cell phone ringing, "Hello." I answered.

"Hi Bella." Emily's voice came over the small speaker.

"Hey Emily!" I greeted, "What's up?"

"Well I'm having a slumber party at my house with all the kids and wanted to invite Lizzie along." Her tone was hesitant and hopeful.

"That would actually work great tonight." I gushed, "We'll be moving our stuff today..."

"About time Jacob showed you the house." she laughed, I could almost see the smile lighting up her face.

"Yeah. What time should I bring her over?" I asked.

"Bring her over whenever you want. I won't mind."

"Thanks, Em." I grinned.

We exchanged goodbyes and I pressed end on my phone before shoving it back into my jeans pocket.

Jacob was staring at me quizzically and I just shook my head, "Lizzie's been invited to a sleepover."

Jake was on his feet in an instant, "Well why don't I have the guys help bring over the stuff you got. Then I have a few errands to run... Wanna have dinner with me tonight?"

"I'd like that a lot." I smiled.

I watched as he fled the room and presumably the house and I was left wondering what on earth he had in store for tonight. Not one to dwell on things I decided to go into Lizzie's room and explore. She had a large walk in closet with built-ins and it was insane how much clothing was already in there. I was starting to get angry because I'd met all of my daughters needs on my own for so long I didn't need charity. But there was a small note pinned to the first outfit.

An item for ever day I've missed

-Jake

Looking at the items she had enough clothes and shoes for the next 2-3 years all in bigger sizes.

Feeling suddenly grateful I packed a small bag of clothes for her with the little cute suitcase.

"Lizzie baby, how would you like to stay the night with Aunt Emmy?"

"EMMMMMY!" she cried happily, clapping her hands in approval. The exaggerated head nods only made me chuckle.

I easily scooped her into my arms kissing all over her face. Her smile was infectious and I was powerless to resist her.

"Momma." she whispered into my neck.

"What is it sweet girl?" I asked pulling her to look in her eyes.

"Lijah there?"

"Yes." I chuckled ruffling her hair.

The trek to Emily and Sam's house was nice. Being out in nature feeling the sun on my skin, the feeling of being home is something I can never describe. Plus it was a rare non rainy day. The sky was slightly overcast, but no rain. The green was mesmerizing, Lizzie LOVED it.

We got to Emily's and a young girl about 5 was on the front steps.

"Hi Bella." She greeted happily, "Hi Lizzie."

"CWARE!" Lizzie yelled, taking off in a dead run towards the girl.

Emily stepped out just as Lizzie launched herself into the older girls arms.

"Bella, this is my niece Claire... I'm sure Jake's mentioned her."

Quil...

"Yes. It's lovely to meet you Claire." I smiled.

"Thank you." She giggled, "Come on Liz lets go see Elijah."

"LIJAHHHH" Lizzie called as the two entered through the front door.

This left Emily and I giggling, "Wow."

"Yeah the 4 of us are going to have some fun tonight." Emily told me, gesturing to the house.

I followed her inside and the smell of cookies perfumed the air. "You've been busy." I chuckled.

"Well I thought we would have a fun girl's night." Emily chuckled.

"I can see and enough sugar to put them all into a happy coma!" I shook my head not really angry just amused.

"I've been meaning to ask." Em paused, "When is little Lizzie's birthday?"

"October 31st." I told her with a shrug.

"Halloween?" She asked incredulously.

"Yep."

"That's different." she laughed.

"Well Lizzie loves it. She gets presents and strangers give her candy."

Emily laughed loudly at that, "That would certainly do it."

We sat at the kitchen island enjoying a hot mug of coffee, while the sound of laughter and joy came from the den.

"So what are your plans for this evening?" Emily asked.

"Well Jake asked me to dinner... But I don't know. I think it's going to be different." I explained blushing.

"How?" She asked leaning forward.

"I don't know, he was so excited he practically ran out of the house."

"It's still like that with Sam and I." she gave me a secret smile, "He can be quite romantic."

Her voice was softer and more syrupy than normal and I fought the urge to gag. Never really being one for normal girl talk...

"Well I just want to know what he has in mind." I frowned, "I don't have anything to wear."

At this Emily jumped up her eyes bright with excitement. "Wait right here."

While she took off up the stairs I walked to the doorway of the den and peaked in. As usual Mickey Mouse was on the tv. Claire was sitting in one over the over-sized chairs with a coloring book and a handful of crayons. Lizzie and Eli were sitting side by side on his Mickey Mouse couch holding hands...

Covertly I pulled out my phone and snapped about a dozen candid photos of the super cuteness before walking back over to the island. Emily came back into the room holding a garment bag.

She unzipped it and inside was the cutest black mini dress crafted from a partially-lined knit floral lace in a fit and flare silhouette with 3/4 sleeves and a scoop neckline.

It was a classic date look and I could wear my hair down and wild.

"It's beautiful." I told Emily truthfully.

"I bought it not that long ago, only it doesn't quite fit..." she chuckled.

I looked down at her abdomen and noticed the small protruding bump. "OH." I gasped.

"Shhh, it's still not public knowledge." she blushed.

"I'm happy for you." I told her.

"Here put this on, I have a cute pair of black pumps you can borrow for the night."

My phone beeped and I pulled out my phone.

Where are you?

I smiled at the text from Jake…

Still at Emily's I replied.

He didn't reply so I took that as a good sign.

It only took a half an hour for Emily to transform me. The dress fit perfectly on my small frame and the lacy sleeves felt like silk.

Emily wished me luck and I left her house with so many thoughts running through my mind. What kind of message would this send? Would this be over dressed? Would this send off the sex vibe? Did I want to send out the sex vibe? Did I want sex with Jacob?

Yes.

Yes I did.

It had been so long that I couldn't remember exactly if I liked it or not. I knew it gave me my Lizzie. But at the same time...

I got to the house and I could smell the sizzling smell of beef. I walked through the front door and Jake was in the kitchen behind the stove and I could see 2 large steaks on the griddle pan, there was a large chopped salad in a bowl on the table and what looked like roasted or baked potatoes in tin foil in a baking dish.

"Smells fantastic in here." I told him feeling my stomach growl.

He looked up with a smile and his eyes darkened with desire.

And I felt my stomach clench and suddenly I wasn't hungry anymore...

A/N Okay so this chapter isn't as long as the last one… But hey 2 updates in one day! I just wanted to prove to you guys that I'm back!