Ready for You

Beta-Kitchmill

14

About a week later I get a surprising call from Jacob's father, Billy. Although Jacob and I grew up together in Washington, where my parents still reside. Billy chose to come to California and retire to a community about two hours inland from us. He said after his wife, Jacob's mom died, he had no reason to stay there and he wanted to be closer to us, but he doesn't feel comfortable driving California freeways, so if he sees us it's always us going to him. Billy has always been a kind, quiet man of few words, but since everything has happened with Jacob he has not reached out to me. I've wondered if it was his way to show support for his son, to give us privacy, or if he hasn't known what was going on because Jacob didn't tell him. I've tried not to feel hurt by this; I've been too busy to give it much thought really.

"Hi, Billy," I answer in my usual tone.

"Hi, Bella." He sighs. "Bella, I owe you an apology. I had no idea. Jacob has been calling me his usual once a week phone call and he never said anything until today. And I'm just...how are you, Bella? How are the girls?"

"I'm okay, Billy. And the girls are wonderful, growing so fast. Would you like me to send you some pictures?"

"I would love that. Jacob has sent me a few, but I feel so…He didn't tell me, Bella. He said that you were tired and busy with the girls and that I shouldn't call you directly. I knew I shouldn't have listened to him. He was just so adamant that my calling would bother you."

"At first I was in shock and not fit to talk to anyone, but I had to put the girls first and I did what I had to do to get by. You and I have always had a good relationship, Billy. I would never mind you calling me, but I did feel it was your place to reach out to me, not me to you. He is your son, after all, and I didn't know how you would react to all of this."

"Besides yelling and letting him know how disappointed I am in him, there isn't much I can do. He's an adult, but, Bella, I don't want to lose you and the girls...ever. No matter what Jacob does, please let me be in your life and the lives of my granddaughters."

"Of course, Billy. I will send you photos and keep in touch. Your seeing them this weekend, right?"

"Yes, and I can't wait. I've only met Sophie the one time. I bet she's grown. And my little Ellie, I hope she remembers me," he says sadly.

"Of course she will. She loves her Papa."

"Good. Good. I wish you were coming with them. I miss you too." He pauses. "Do you think this can be fixed?"

"I miss you too, Billy, but no, Jacob has done irreparable damage to our marriage. I have no intention of fixing it, just fixing myself and being the best mother I can be to our girls."

"I understand, but I will miss seeing you. And I'll help with the girls, I hear that little one is particular and prefers her mother. Smart girl." He laughs.

"Call me if you need anything while they are there. It's going to be so strange without them here," I say sadly. "And Billy, did Jacob tell you about the custody agreement?"

"No, just that he gets overnight visits once a month now and he'll be bringing them here to see me. Is there anything else?"

"Um, ya," I pause, clearing my throat. "He has to visit you alone, drive and stay there alone."

"Ohh," he says realizing what I'm saying. "Don't worry, Bella. He will be alone. I made my opinion on everything very clear. She is not welcomed in this house and if he tries to bring her or I even get a glimpse of her anywhere near here I will immediately call you. He deserves every limitation on his time with the girls. Now go out, have some fun. You deserve it, Bella. You deserve to be happy. I'm sorry my stupid son ruined the good thing he had with you. He will regret it some day. The love of a good woman is really all a man can ask for. He wanted his cake and eat it too. Those are the people who end up alone with nothing. I don't wish that for my son, but he has set himself up for heartache I'm afraid." He sighs. "I will be calling again soon, Bella."

"I look forward to it, Billy. Thank you and take care of yourself," I say affectionately.

"Bye, honey," he says before hanging up.

I spend the next few minutes going through my phone and sending him a bunch of cute photos of the girls.

A/N

First off...Thank you, thank you, thank you for giving this story so much love. We passed 1000 reviews!

People were asking about Jacob's parents, so there is Billy. He's a good one, another supporter of Bella.

Wonder how that overnight visit went with Sophie? LOL