The rest of the pack filtered in for dinner, and if they had any reservations about accepting Bella back into their lives, they didn't show it. Kim was thrilled she was back, and the two of them chatted about the newest novels they were reading, and Bella confessed that although she still wrote, it was on the back burner for now while she was looking for a job.

"What kind of job are you looking for, Bella?" asked Kim.

Bella took a sip of her beer. "Well, I'm qualified to teach English Lit, but most of the schools I've applied to already have teachers in place for the next year. I'm not sure what I'll do. I may have to expand my search further out than I had planned. I do have an interview scheduled next week for a small company in Port Angeles that tutors all age ranges. Even though I'm not qualified to teach at college level, I'm sure I could find work at the community college tutoring there as well."

"Bella, is that place called New Horizons by any chance?"

"Yes, it is. I think there is another tutoring center as well, but I'm pretty sure it's just an extension of the alternative school."

"Well, Bella, this is your lucky day", laughed Kim.

"How so?" Bella was intrigued.

Kim raised her eyebrows at her. "You know somebody who works there."

"I do? Who?"

"Me."

"Kim, you're kidding! What do you do there? Would you be willing to give a recommendation?"

"Of course I would! I'm the HR person for them, and should be sitting in on your interview. There's a few people who have applied for the position, but since I already know how you would work with other people, I can give the office manager a good indication of how you would fit with us. What I'm trying to say is that unless someone comes in with a Master's degree the job is basically yours."

"Kim! I owe you one! I know it's not a done deal, but you have no idea how stir crazy I'm getting by not working!" Bella reached over and hugged the small girl, more appreciative than she could have ever imagined.

Kim was practically jumping for joy. "You're welcome, Bella. Yay! This is so exciting! I'll have someone to shop with on my lunch hours!"

Jared groaned. "Great. Can anyone offer Bella a job somewhere else? No offence Bella, but you haven't seen the damage this girl can do shopping."

Kim swatted him playfully. "Oh, just be quiet, Jared. I know how much you spend on all of your little techie toys."

Jared smiled at his girl. He loved playing with her. "Kim, computers are not 'techie toys' as you call them. Besides, you know I'm just teasing you." Truthfully, she was a frugal person who was a good bargain hunter and he loved seeing the triumph in her when she came home proud of all her 'steals and deals' as she referred to them.

Jacob leaned back in his chair, half listening to Quil's latest story about Claire and her ballet recital. He smiled happily at Bella, pleased at how well dinner had gone. Everyone had eaten themselves sick, raved over her cooking, and not a single person had mentioned the vamps. He was full, so full and thought that this was was how his life should be. One huge family, teasing each other, helping each other, living life together. If he had his way, this would be their life, his and Bella's. Not just now, but for the rest of their lives. Looking over to the piece of driftwood over the fireplace, an idea started to slowly form in his mind. He'd have to talk to Billy about it, and it would take time, but sooner or later, Bella would be a permanent part of his life. There was no harm in thinking about their future.

Bella was equally thrilled and kept stealing little glances at Jake across the table. If she had been nervous to sit down with everyone, she hadn't shown it. Even Rachel hadn't scared her off with the stares she kept sending her way. When everything was finally eaten, Embry leaned back in his chair and looked over at Bella.

"Bells, sweetheart, that was the best meal I've had in a long time. If Jake here doesn't marry you, I will." He turned his head to Jake and winked.

Jacob pretended an angry expression on his face. He loved that his best friend was teasing Bells, taking the lead on reinstating her in their world. "Listen Call, don't forget that's your Alpha's girl you're talking to."

Embry gave him a wicked smile. "Yup, I haven't forgotten. That's why I'm letting you have first crack at her." The whole table burst out laughing. Bella giggled and blushed beautifully.

"Thanks for the compliment, Embry", she replied saucily. "Maybe someday I'll take you up on that proposal. Hey, Emily, would you mind helping me with dessert?"

Collin and Brady sat up a little straighter in the seats. "There's dessert?"

Jake looked over at the two boys who appeared to be ready to bolt into the kitchen after Emily and Bella. "There is, and if you pups are smart, you'll wait your turn."

"Uh"

"Tell you what boys, why don't you go in there and offer to carry plates outside. Collin, let Bella know that we're going to eat out back."

"Sure thing, Jacob."

"Oh, and Brady, if everyone doesn't get a piece of that dessert, I'll know why. Don't even think about sneaking any."

"You think I'd do that?", huffed Brady as he followed Collin to the kitchen door. Jake just raised an eyebrow at him. "I don't think, Brady. I know."

Everyone got up from the table to walk outside. Jacob started clearing the dishes, and was surprised to see his sister hanging behind to help.

"Jake, are you sure about this?"

"What, clearing the the dishes?", he joked. "I dunno. I mean it has to be done sometime."

"Come on, Jake. Be serious for once. You know what I'm talking about. Are you sure you want her back in your life?" Rachel jerked her head towards the kitchen door.

Jacob looked long and hard at his big sister. She was tough as nails, but she had a kind heart that not many people saw. He knew that she'd been observing Bella throughout dinner and forming her own conclusions.

"Rach, sit down for a minute", he asked. Rachel sat and he put his hand in hers. "Rach, Bella is a good person. The fact is, we've both made mistakes. I was a kid, and I couldn't understand why she chose the other guy over me. If we had just been a couple of teenagers instead of having supernatural creatures in the mix, maybe this wouldn't be so hard. It's not her fault that I went off the deep end when she left." He was quiet for a second, debating on whether or not he share the rest with her, quickly deciding it would be in the best interest of his family that he did. "There's something else that I need to tell you about. It's pack business that I don't want you to get angry with Paul over, but it might explain a few things. Now, Rach, I haven't told my pack yet, and I'm trusting you not to talk about it".

Rachel eyed him warily. "Ok, baby brother. Lay it on me."

He spoke low and quiet so that the wolves outside wouldn't hear him. "Sam and Emily knew that Bella never married. She was here for visits. They knew she was human. Emily saw her in the grocery store, and Sam had Paul and Jared patrol at Charlies when she came home for breaks. Sam didn't think I needed to know. In fact, his exact words were 'you needed to get over her and find your imprint'."

"Are you fucking kidding me?" Rachel was enraged that Sam would interfere with her brother's life that way.

"I wish I was, Rach. He alpha ordered Paul and Jared not to tell anyone, and forced Emily not to say anything either. Because of that, Bella didn't think I wanted anything to do with her. I confronted Sam about it, and things didn't go well. Leah went over there and laid into him and Emily. Apparently Emily has had enough, and the next thing I know she's having a slumber party at Leah's."

"I wondered why the hell she's been staying there, but Paul told me to keep out of it. Is that why he isn't here tonight?"

"Well, he was invited, and I'm sure he'll show up at some point. Embry told me Sam hasn't seen Emily in a week, so I'm guessing he's in pretty bad shape by now. I'm just hoping we can avoid a scene."

"Jake, this isn't right. I mean, not only keeping this from you, but he asked my future husband to keep secrets from his Chief. Poor Paul. I can't imagine what this has been like for him. Jake, you really need to end this shit with Sam. Sooner or later you're going to have to take over full alpha status."

"I know Rach, and I will when the time is right. Now isn't that time. I'm not ready yet. Just do me a favor, and give Bella a chance. She's been hurt by all of this too, and she really is here trying to show everyone she's changed. I'm proud of her. She's a strong person. Hell, she's even made friends with Leah."

"I will, Jake, but you're my baby brother, and I don't want to see you hurt again."

"Rachel, I'm a grown man, and this time I know what I'm getting into. I could walk away from her now, but I don't want to. I've loved her since before I understood what love really means. I'm going to marry her someday, if she'll have me. I really think if you give her half a chance you'll like her. Besides, Leah tells me she drinks that expensive tequila you like so much."

Rachel smiled wickedly. "Think she's got some in that kitchen right now?"

"I saw her buy the bottle at the liquor store today."

Rachel got up, hugged her brother grabbed some dirty dishes and headed for the kitchen in search of friendship and tequila.

"Hey, Rach?" She turned to him. "I love you, Sis." Rachel smiled over at him. "I love you to baby brother."