CHAPER 14

Jake POV:

After we got back, Leah did hold me to my promise to take her to the mall for new clothes. "I really should get maternity pants, but I promised Mom I would go shopping with her for those."

"You wouldn't want to disappoint Sue Clearwater-Swan."

"No. That would be a bad thing," she said with a smile. I followed her around from store to store, and managed to eat an ice cream cone, a soft pretzel and a slice of pizza in the time it took her to pick out a pair of jeans, two t-shirts and a pair of sweatpants.

"You know, the mall's not so bad," I said as I took a drink of my smoothie. Leah just laughed at me. "What?"

"I think the only thing you missed was Starbuck's and the candy store."

"Ooo, candy? Is that close?" She laughed at me again and drug me out to the car.

When I went back to work, I told Dan about the baby and he gave me the same look Dad did. "Yes, Dan, I'm going to marry her. I recognize the look. It's the same one my dad gave me when I told him right before he asked, 'Are you going to marry her?' "

Dan laughed at that then said, "Well, us dads just care about our kids and want what's best for them. I suppose you'll be finding that out pretty soon." I nodded and then he asked, "How old are you again?" I told him nineteen. "Geez, boy! You're still a kid yourself!"

"Well, it wasn't planned, but it's OK. Leah thought that she wouldn't be able to have kids, so she's pretty excited about it, and I have to say, I am, too."

"Good for you. So, you proposed yet?" he asked as he poured himself a cup of coffee.

"Nope. I want to buy an engagement ring first. My dad gave me my mom's wedding ring while I was home. But I want to give her a ring when I propose, you know? I have some money saved, but I'm not sure if it's enough. I know she'll just want something simple."

"You sure about that?" he laughed.

"Come on, Dan. You've met Leah. I mean, she would like something nice, but if I bought some big fancy ring that I couldn't afford, she'd kick my ass!"

He laughed and said, "That she would. Well, go see Mr. Hansen. He owns the jewelry store around the corner. Tell him you work for me and that I said to give you a good deal or I won't be working on that ancient car of his anymore."

"OK. I'll try that." And I did. At lunch time, I went around the corner and into the store. It was a small store with maybe five glass cases. It looked like it had been here for many years. A man with gray hair and glasses in an old fashioned suit asked if he could help me. I asked if he was Mr. Hansen. He smiled and said, "Yes, I am." Then I told him what Dan said to say. He laughed heartily and said, "Well then, let's take a look at some rings and I'll see what I can do. My car will need a tune-up soon so I promise to take good care of you."

He walked me over to a case full of diamond rings. I told him what I could afford and he showed me several rings. I was drawn to one that was very simple, but really pretty. I could see Leah wearing it. He smiled and told me it was ¼ carat solitaire square-cut diamond on a white gold band. I told him I already had a wedding ring – that it had been my mother's. He smiled at that and told me to bring it in and he would polish it up and make sure it was in good condition. He gave me 30% off of his price and I told him I would be back with the money tomorrow. We shook hands and I walked back to work whistling.

I went to the bank on the way home from work and the next day, I went into the store to pay Mr. Hansen. I gave him mom's ring and he told me it was fine craftsmanship. He polished it up and it looked really nice with the engagement ring. He put both rings in a box and handed it to me as he said, "Congratulations, young man. I wish you all the best." I thanked him and walked out. Now all I had to do was think of how I was going to propose to her. I wanted it to be special, but I had no great ideas. I thought about making her dinner, or taking her out somewhere nice. None of that seemed right. Then I got it. I smiled as I thought about my plan. Now all I had to do was wait until we went back to LaPush.

At the end of the month, Leah had another appointment with Carlisle, so Dan gave me Friday off so I could drive her. We loaded up the car and took off around ten. Leah chatted happily most of the way there. She told me that Rach was insisting on having a "girls night" tonight. I really wanted to propose tonight, but it could wait one more day, I guess.

We saw Carlisle and he told her everything looked fine. She had gained another four pounds, which he said was good. He set another appointment for the end of April and we said goodbye. We pulled up to Sue's house and I parked the car. We got out and went in to find Sue in the kitchen. "Hey kids! Leah, honey, how are you?" she said as she hugged Leah.

"I'm good, Mom. And I only gained four pounds this month! Carlisle said everything looks good," she told her. Then Sue hugged me and said, "Looks like you're taking good care of her."

I smiled and answered, "I try, but she's a stubborn girl." Leah shot me a look as Sue laughed and added, "Tell me about it!" Then I said to Leah, "I need to give Sam a call." She nodded and I walked out to the living room to make the call.

Leah POV:

"So, what's up? Anything new?" I asked Mom.

"Around here? No. Everything's been pretty calm," she answered.

"How's Charlie?" I asked.

"Fine," she said with a slow smile.

"Geez, Mom," I said with disgust. Like I needed that image in my head. I was glad she was married and happy, but I didn't really need details.

"What? I may be old, but I'm not dead! I like being married. Enough said."

"Agreed." I walked to the fridge and took out the orange juice and poured myself a glass.

"How are you and Jake?" she asked me.

"Good. Really good."

"Yea? Any wedding bells yet?" I gave her a look. "Alright, just wondering. I just don't like the thought of shopping for wedding gowns in the maternity section."

"Come on, Mom. I'm just happy that Jake finally admitted that he loves me. That's all I really want. I can wait for the marriage part."

Just then Jake came back into the kitchen. "I gotta go. I'm going to meet Sam and go over some pack stuff. I'll see you later?"

"Um, I'm supposed to be over to Em's by six for girls night," I reminded him.

"Oh yea. OK, well, I'll see you after that. Here's the keys to the car," he said as he handed them to me. "Have fun." He put a quick kiss on my lips, said goodbye to Mom and went out the back door. I saw him stop on the patio and take off his shoes and socks and shirt then he ran for the woods.

"Duty calls," I said mopily.

Mom smiled at that. "Better get used to it, honey. Jake has a lot of responsibilities now."

"I know. I just thought we'd be here longer than five minutes before he ran off." I plopped down onto a chair and drank some more juice. "I'm a little scared of moving back, Mom. I wonder if I'll ever see him. I've gotten pretty used to us spending most of our time together."

"About that . . . you know, we tribal elders have been talking, and we want you to sit on the council, too."

My head came up as I said, "What? Why?"

Mom sat down across the table from me and said, "You will not only be Jake's wife, I hope someday soon, but you'll also be his right arm. You will be the one to help him make decisions, and be there for him when he needs strength. You are very important to Jake and that makes you important to the rest of the tribe."

Wow. I never thought of that. I just sat there trying to digest what she just told me. "Leah?" I realized that Mom was calling me. "Hmmmm?"

"Are you OK with that? Sitting on the council?"

I don't know. Am I? "Yea, I guess. I'm just kind of surprised and . . . I don't know, kind of proud that they would want me."

She smiled and said, "Good. I'm tired of being the only woman there. They tend to overlook my opinion sometimes and I have to get a little loud."

I laughed at that. "Ignore Sue Clearwater-Swan? How dare they!"

She laughed too then got up to go back to chopping vegetables. "What are you making, by the way?"

"Vegetable soup and cornbread."

"Mmm, sounds good. Wish I could stay for dinner, but Rachel, Emily, Kim and I are meeting at Em's for a girls night. I have no idea what that will involve. I'm a little scared, actually."

"Oh Leah. You'll have fun. You need to be around girls for a change. You've been with all those boys for too long. You've picked up too many of their nasty habits. Like that mouth of yours. You're going to have to clean that up before the baby gets here, you know."

"Yea, tell me about it."

Seth came into the kitchen and saw me. "Hey, sis! How are you?"

"I'm good. How are you?"

"Eh. Could be better. I wish I had a date for tonight," he said as he sat down.

"What happened to that girl you were seeing? Um, Kayla?" I asked.

"Kayla? That was weeks ago!"

Mom turned and said, "Yes, at least three girls ago. Your brother is turning into quite a Romeo."

I smiled at him and said, "Seriously? My cute little brother?" I reached out and tousled his hair. He jerked his head away and said, "Cut it out!"

"So are there any girls left in the 10th grade that you haven't dated yet?"

"A few," he said with a smile. "But I have my sights set on the 11th grade now." I rolled my eyes as he stood up. "I guess I'll make a few calls. There has to be at least ONE girl that isn't busy tonight." He walked out of the kitchen and I said, "Good luck with that, Mom."

"Yea, I suppose the next few years are going to be fun with your brother."

"Well, just to warn you, I have found that our wolf pack is very . . . um, physical. Must be something in the wolf genes. I mean I know it's natural with puberty and all to be obsessed with thinking about sex, but geez! I hated being in their heads. It's just not right. I mean, look at me. I'm not even 21 yet and I'm pregnant! Jake's only 19! What does that tell you?"

Mom turned to me and laughed. "Thanks, Leah. That's just what I need. A pregnant unwed daughter and a hormonal teen wolf. Great!"

"Well, on that note, I gotta go. I'll be home later tonight."

"OK. Have some fun."

"I'll try," I said as I walked out of the kitchen. She called goodbye and I picked up my purse and headed for the car.

I drove over to Emily's and parked. I got out and wondered if anyone else was here yet. I walked up the porch steps and opened the door. "Hello!" I called out.

"Hey, girl!" Emily said as I closed the door and walked in. "Come on in!" She walked over and hugged me. "It's so good to have you here." I hugged her back. It was weird for me to be here with her, but I was trying. "Hey, you have quite a little bump going on here!" she said as she let me go. I laughed as I walked to the kitchen with her. "Yea, I know. Mom and I are going shopping in Port Angeles tomorrow for some maternity clothes. None of my stuff fits anymore. That's why I'm wearing sweatpants!"

"I'll have to think about that, too, I guess," she commented.

Before I realized what I was saying, I asked, "Why don't you come with us tomorrow, Em?"

She lit up like a Christmas tree. "Are you sure?" I nodded. I wasn't, but maybe it would be good for us. And Mom would be there to be a buffer, so it could be OK. "I'd really like that," she admitted.

"Good. It's a date," I told her as I grabbed a grape from the bowl on the table and popped it into my mouth. "What can I help with?"

"Nothing. Sit down and relax. Everything is all done." She's a supermom already!

Rachel walked in about ten minutes later with Kim. We all greeted each other and then sat down at the table to eat.

Emily had made lasagna, garlic bread, green beans from her garden, and Rachel and Kim brought some junk food for later. "I would have bought wine, but with Leah and I being pregnant, that's no fun." We all agreed that after the babies were born, we would have wine on girls night.

We talked and laughed and got to know each other a little better. It was especially interesting to see Kim without Jared. I didn't know her at all, except what I had seen in his head. She was quiet at first, but after awhile, she started to relax and talk more. And she was funny! She had us really laughing over some stupid story about a bird that her grandma used to have that her grandpa taught to cuss. She would cuss at us in this 'bird' voice and I laughed so hard, I think I peed my pants!

We cleaned up the dishes and moved to the living room. Then Rachel said, "Leah. You're the only one here that really knows what goes on in our guy's heads. Tell us one thing about our guys that you don't think we would know about them."

My mouth dropped. "Are you fucking kidding me? That's an invasion of privacy, you know. We can't help what we see when we're wolves, but there is an unspoken rule that if you see something that's private, you keep it to yourself."

"Oh come on, Leah!" Rachel whined. "It doesn't have to be something specific. Maybe just something about them that you have learned on your own."

I rolled my eyes and sighed. I knew she wouldn't give up. What could I tell them that wouldn't get me into trouble? They all sat there staring at me. Finally I said, "OK. But you HAVE to promise NOT to tell them that I told you ANYTHING! Got it?"

They all swore they wouldn't say anything. I sighed again and said, "OK, here goes." I looked over at Kim. What could I tell her about Jared? "Um, Kim. One thing about Jared that surprised me is how smart he is. I mean, he's really smart. Sometimes when we are out running, he does math equations in his head! His grades don't show it and I think it's because he's afraid that Paul will make fun of him. Which he would. Because he does."

Kim smiled. "You know, I wondered that. Sometimes when we talk, he'll say something really intelligent. Then, it's like he's embarrassed or something. I always ask him for help with my math homework, and I have to beg him sometimes until he agrees." I nodded and she went on, "I told him the other day I was thinking of taking some college classes next fall, and I asked him if he wanted to. He just laughed and said, 'Yea, right.' "

"You know, I think he'd be a great teacher at the rez school. You should encourage him to, but not while Paul is around," I told her. Rachel started to defend Paul and I put up my hand. "Stop, Rach. I'm not being mean about Paul. It's just a fact. Paul likes to make fun of other people so they don't make fun of him first. Of where he lives, and how his dad is in jail. He's embarrassed by all of that and so he comes off as a jerk so people won't judge him for it."

"Really?" she said.

"Yea. It took me awhile to realize it, but Paul is a good guy. He's just had a shitty life growing up. His grandma does the best she can, but it's hard for him, you know?"

"Yea, I know. He doesn't like to talk about it," she admitted.

"But, he is absolutely amazed that you love him. He doesn't feel he's good enough for you."

"That's stupid! Of course he's good enough!"

Shit. I shouldn't have said that. If that gets back to Paul, he'll kill me! "Look, Rach. I shouldn't have told you that. Please, PLEASE, don't let him know that I told you that."

She smiled. "I won't. I promise!" I gave her a mean look and she crossed her heart with her finger and I smiled.

"You know, Paul is tough and he's someone I really want on my side in a fight. I mean, he has some anger issues. But, on the inside, he's hurting, you know?"

Rachel nodded and said, "I know. It's part of what I love about him."

Everyone got quiet and finally Kim said, "What about Sam?" Then she realized what she said and turned beat red. Em and I just looked at each other. Did we really need to go there? Knowing that we had shared Sam was enough torture.

"Um, I don't think we need . . ." I started.

"Leah, it's OK. Tell me something about Sam," Emily said quietly.

I took a deep breath and said, "I don't know what I could tell you that you don't already know." Except that we had sex in the woods at Thanksgiving and I thought he might be the father of my baby. Yea, you could never tell her that.

"There has to be something," she prodded.

I had known Sam since I was 16. I knew everything about him. I knew his hopes and dreams and what really pissed him off. I knew all about how he hated his dad for leaving him and his mom, and how he wanted to be a better dad than what he had. I knew the things that really turned him on and the little noise he made when he came. What part of that could I really share?

Finally I said, "Sam is rough on the outside and very tender on the inside. He wants more than anything to be a good father and he is scared that he won't be a good one because of his dad."

"Geez, even I could tell that. Come on, Leah," Rachel grumbled.

I shot her a look and said, "What else do you want hear, Rach? Emily and I are just now talking again. You think I want to say something that will make her or I feel like shit? You think we don't know we loved the same guy? It's a little awkward."

"God, I'm sorry," she said hanging her head. "That was stupid of me." Emily just looked at me and smiled. "It's OK, Leah. I know it's a little awkward, but we'll get through this and then it won't be anymore."

"God, I hope so!" I said to her. Then I turned to Rachel. "Look, Rachel, I know you want me to spill some dirt on the guys and believe me, I really could. But they would kill me!"

She laughed at that. "Well, I wouldn't want that. I like having you around."

I looked at her and said, "OK. Look, there's something I've always wondered about Paul. He has a filthy mind, and it makes me shudder just thinking about some of the things I've seen in his head." She just looked at me. "But, I doubt that he's really done any of them. And I think that he would be SHOCKED if you even suggested doing something really filthy."

She smiled. "I'm not so sure about that."

"Really? Think about it."

She did then she laughed. "You might be right. He is a big talker."

I laughed and said, "So, try it and see what happens."

"Seriously? What if he says yes?"

"Well, then you're screwed. Literally!" All of us laughed hard at that one. Then Kim asked, "Jared isn't like that, is he?"

"God, no. Jared is so sweet it's sickening! He is SO in love with you. And he worries about you and wants to protect you. It's pathetic really." She smiled at that. "But, he does have a dirty thought every now and then. I have come to realize that our wolf boys have a genetic flaw that makes them very sexual. And I have to admit . . . I find that in myself as well."

"Leah!" Kim said in shock.

"What? We're all of age here and involved with werewolves. Like you and Jared don't have sex?"

"Well, I didn't say that. It's just . . . we don't get a lot of opportunity. My parents are pretty strict about how much time we spend together . . . alone."

"You just need to be more creative." We all looked at Rachel. "What? Paul and I have done it in some very strange places. Keeps things exciting." We all laughed and then Kim said, "Like where?"

Rachel smiled. "Um, the car, the woods, oh but bring a blanket. It's not much fun picking pine needles out of your butt!" I had to laugh – she was right about that! "Let's see, the bathroom, oh, and the bathroom at the gas station, the ocean, although that one's a little tricky with the current, and . . . "

"Are you fucking serious?" I asked her in awe.

She laughed and said, "I am serious about fucking!" Then she quickly put her hand over her mouth. "I can't believe I just said that!" she said as she began to turn red. We all laughed really hard. Rachel was not one to drop the "F" bomb like me. Unfortunately, hanging out with the pack, you can't help but pick it up. It was so strange hearing it come out of her mouth!

We spent the rest of the evening just hanging out, eating junk food and talking. I had to admit, I really enjoyed hanging out with them.

"You know, the only guy you haven't said anything about is Jake," Kim pointed out to me.

Emily smiled and said, "Yea, Leah. That' true."

"Oh, please don't talk about sex with my little brother. I don't know if I could take it," Rachel said covering her ears in mock horror. We all laughed.

"Come on, Leah. You need to share some dirt on Jake. It's only fair," Kim said.

"Like what?" I asked.

"Um, I heard that he was still a virgin. Was he?" Kim asked shyly.

I shared my shocked look with her. "Kim! I can't believe you just asked that."

"I know I can't either! But was he?"

I had to laugh at her. She was just full of surprises tonight. I took a deep breath and said, "Yes, he was. As much as the guys ragged on him about it, he was waiting . . . for her."

"Oh, yea. Her. Sorry," Kim said.

"Nope, it's OK. As it turned out, her loss was definitely my gain. I am proud to say I was Jacob Black's first and only. I taught him everything he knows. And believe me, he is a very fast learner."

"Ahhh, la, la, la, la," Rached said loudly as she put her hands over her ears. "OK, enough!" We all laughed at that.

It got to be eleven and we heard a commotion outside. I looked at Em and she smiled. "I guess 'girls night' is officially over."

The door opened and Sam, Jake, Paul and Jared came tumbling in. Kim jumped up and went to Jared who scooped her into his arms and held her close. "Can I take you home now?" he asked her with a smile. She said, "Yes, but we still have some time, so we don't have to go right home." She looked over at Rachel who gave her a wink. Kim giggled and Jared grinned as they turned and walked out the front door.

Sam sat down beside Em and put his arm around her shoulder. Paul pulled Rachel off of the couch and planted a big, wet kiss on her and whispered something in her ear. She laughed and looked over at me. I arched my eyebrows and mouthed, "I dare you." She whispered into his ear and I saw his eyes pop and he looked at her with shock. I lost it. Jake came in and sat down by me and said, "What's so funny?" I couldn't tell him! I just said, "Girl stuff."

Rachel was turning red as Paul took her hand and pulled her out the door. I wondered how she would get out of this one!

"So, what did we miss?" Sam asked.

"You don't want to know," I told him. "Trust me." Jake gave me a curious look then his beautiful smile. I leaned over and kissed him on the lips. "I missed you," I whispered.

He kissed me back and said, "Are you ready to go?" I nodded. He stood up and took my hand and pulled me off the couch.

I turned to Emily and said, "Thanks, Emmy. I had a really good time." She stood up and said, "Me, too."

"I hope we didn't get too rowdy for you," I said. She had been very quiet tonight. I was afraid maybe she was disgusted by what we were talking about.

She laughed at that. "No, not at all. It was fun to sit back and listen. I'm just dealing with early pregnancy. You know, the nausea, the tiredness."

"I remember it well!" I hugged her and said, "Get some rest. I'll talk to you later, OK?"

She nodded and Sam stood up and said, "I'll make sure she does." I smiled at him. He was so happy that she was pregnant. And it couldn't have come at a better time.

Jake and I walked out to the car and got inside. He looked over at me as he started the engine. "So you had fun?"

"Yea, I really did. I've been around all you boys too long. You know what I realized? Mom was right! I have a terrible mouth! I'm going to have to clean that up before the baby gets here."

He really laughed at that. I smacked him on the arm and said, "You, too. I can just hear our toddler going to preschool and telling the teacher, 'Numbers are fucking awesome!' " I said with a laugh. Jake laughed and agreed that maybe we could do a little better.

He pulled up in front of my house, next to Charlie's cruiser. This would be the first night that I had stayed here with Mom and Charlie being married. It would be very strange thinking of them sleeping together in Mom's room. I was thinking about that when Jake touched my arm and said, "Leah? Did you hear me?"

I turned to look at him. "Huh?"

He smiled. "I said that I want to stay here with you. Do you think it would be OK?"

I was pregnant. Mom knew we slept together at home. I should have asked her though and I didn't. "I don't know, Jake. I never talked to her about it." I saw that the lights were still on. Maybe they were still up. "Come on. Let's go in."

He smiled at me and we got out of the car. He took my hand as we walked to the door and went inside. Mom and Charlie were still up. They were snuggled close on the couch watching a movie on TV. "Hey Jake, Leah," Charlie called out. "It's good to see you two." He reached over and turned down the TV.

"Hi, Charlie," I said as I walked over and gave him a hug.

"How are you feeling?" he asked.

"Really good. The doctor says that the baby is doing great."

"I'm looking forward to playing Grandpa," he said with a smile. Didn't he think of Bella's baby as his granddaughter? I looked at Mom in confusion for a moment. She gave me a look that said we would talk later.

I smiled and said, "I have a feeling this baby will be pretty spoiled." He and Mom exchanged a look that told me I was right. "Um, Mom? Can I talk to you a minute?"

She looked at me curiously and said, "Sure." I nodded toward the kitchen and started that way as she got up and followed me. "What is it?" she asked as soon as we were alone.

"What's up with Charlie? You told me he saw Bella and the baby. Does he really not know that she's his granddaughter?"

She sighed. "Well, they gave him that stupid story about her being Edward's cousin, so he feels like he needs to respect their story. I think he knows deep down this is Bella's baby, but he can't figure out why she looks as old as she does. Even if Bella was pregnant when she got married, the baby couldn't be a year old already."

I nodded and rolled my eyes. Again, I thought of how stupid Bella was. "Well, I will be happy to let him be a Grandpa to this baby," I said as I put my hand on my stomach.

Mom gave me a big smile and a hug. "Thank you, honey. That means so much to him, and to me."

I pulled away and said, "Well, I really wanted to ask you if it is OK if Jake sleeps here with me. I mean, I know we are not married yet, but I am pregnant and we are 'bonded' or whatever . . . "

She smiled and said, "Yes, Leah. It's OK. I would like to see you married, but I understand. I talked to Charlie about it before you got home. He wasn't too happy about it. You know he loves you both, but he's a stickler for being married first. But he understands about the pregnancy, and he knows that you two love each other and you will be getting married . . . you will be getting married?"

"Mother, please! Yes, we will probably get married at some point, OK?"

She laughed. "Alright. Last time, I promise."

"So Charlie won't give us a hard time about this, will he?" I asked.

"Well, I can't promise he won't say anything, but no, he won't give you a hard time." I wasn't sure what that meant, but I was beat and really wanted to go to bed. I told her that and she smiled and hugged me.

"Good night. Sleep well," she said.

I walked out to the living room and found Jake and Charlie talking about the Mariners. Jake never talked about sports! "You should come to Seattle and we could go to a game. You could bring Dad."

"Yea, that would be great! Seth would love that, too," Charlie said. It did my heart good to hear him include Seth like that.

"Hey, I hate to break up the party, but I am exhausted. I'm going to bed. Good night, Charlie."

"Good night, honey," he said with a smile.

I looked at Jake and nodded and he smiled. He stood up and said, "I'm beat, too. It was a long day. Good night."

Charlie looked at Mom, who gave him a mean look that told him to keep quiet, and he finally said, "Night, Jake."

We walked upstairs and into my room and I shut the door behind us. Jake turned and said, "I take it Charlie wasn't so happy about me sleeping with you?" I told him what Mom told me. He smiled some secret little smile and said, "Well, I can see that they would want us to be married. We'll have to work on that."

"Whatever. I'm tired and I need sleep." I whipped off my clothes and slipped on a nightshirt and crawled into bed. Jake had his shirt and jeans off and crawled in beside me. He threw the sheet over us and wrapped his arm around my waist to spoon with me. "Good night, baby. I love you."

I smiled. "I love you, too." And just like that, we fell asleep.

Jake POV:

I was nervous and pacing. I had gotten up early this morning and run patrol with Embry and Quil and now I was finished and trying to figure out a way to propose to Leah. I had worked it out in my head, but I couldn't figure out how to get Leah to the clearing. A picnic? It was rather cold for a picnic. Of course, it wouldn't be for us. That might work.

I jogged the rest of the way back to the house. I had hidden my clothes in the woods just beyond the house in case Charlie was here when I got back. I pulled on my t-shirt over my gym shorts and then shoved my feet into my shoes. My story was that I had been on a run.

I walked in the back door and Sue was there doing dishes. "Hey, Sue," I said as I closed the door.

She smiled and greeted me with, "Hi, honey." I liked that about her. How she always made me feel like I was one of her kids. She had tried hard over the years after my mom died to let us know she was there for us. I grabbed a dish towel and started drying.

"Thanks, Jake. You do this at home, too?" she asked.

"Yes, ma'am. I told Leah from the start I didn't expect her to do all the cooking and cleaning. Although, I have to admit, I really prefer her cooking. She is a great cook!"

"Yes, she is. When she was younger, she spent a lot of time with my mom. That's where she learned to bake bread."

"Oh man, that stuff was great! I told her she had to make that at least once a month," I admitted with a grin.

She laughed. "Well, good luck with that. When that baby gets here, she'll be lucky to get a shower once every day or so."

"I'll help with the baby, too. I want to be a good dad," I told her honestly. I really did. I wanted to be there for whatever this baby needed from me.

She put down the pan she was washing and looked at me. "Good. I think you will be, Jacob. But it won't be easy. You have a lot on your plate."

"I know," I said somewhat glumly.

She smiled at me. "You do seem a lot older than 19 sometimes." I smiled at that. "But, don't forget that your family comes first, no matter what. Leah and the baby need to be your top priority."

"They are. I promise you that."

"So when are going to marry her?"

I smiled and rolled my eyes. I had been waiting for this. Should I tell her? Could she keep it a secret? "Where's Leah?" I asked.

She gave me a curious look and said, "Upstairs with her brother. She insisted he get his homework done so they are working on his computer. Why?"

I smiled and said quietly, "I'm planning on proposing tonight. I have a ring and everything. Don't tell her."

She squealed out like Leah does when she's excited and pulled me to her in a hug. "Oh Jake! It's about time!" She let me go and I laughed. "I'm doing the best I can here, Sue."

She touched my cheek and said, "I know you are, honey. I'll be happy to have you as my son." I felt tears sting my eyes all of a sudden. I missed my mom so much right now. I finally choked out, "Thanks." She nodded and turned back to washing the dishes.

Leah walked in just then and called out, "Hey! You're back!" I set down the towel and went to take her in my arms. "I missed you," she whispered into my ear. "I missed you," I whispered back.

"He was helping with the dishes," Sue said. "You've trained him well," she added with a smile.

"Mom, that's not fair. He's always helped around the apartment. He does dishes and laundry and . . ."

"I know, he told me. I was just teasing him." She winked then turned back around to the sink.

Leah rolled her eyes and said, "Mom and Emmy and I are going shopping for maternity clothes. Did you want to come, too?"

"Um, I think I'll see what Seth is doing. Maybe I'll hang with him today," I told her.

She smiled. "I knew you wouldn't want to go, but I didn't want you to pout and cry about being left behind."

I rolled my eyes at her and said, "Yea, right!"

She laughed and told Sue, "I told Em we would pick her up at 11:30. Is that OK?"

"Yep. I'm done here. I can go and get ready," she answered.

"OK," Leah said. And with that, Sue left the kitchen. I looked down at Leah and smiled. I couldn't wait to propose tonight. I was getting pretty excited about it. Leah looked at me with squinted eyes and asked, "What are you up to Jacob Black? You look like you're planning something." Shit! I could never hide things from her!

"Nothing. Just thinking about how lucky I am to have you. And this little baby," I added as I ran my hand over Leah's stomach.

"Yea, OK. It's your story," she said. She put her arms around my neck and leaned in to kiss me. "But you're cute, so I'll let it go." I grinned and then kissed her more thoroughly.

"Geez, guys. Can't you go for at least five minutes without sucking face?" Seth complained as he walked into the kitchen. He walked over to the fridge and took out a can of pop.

"You're just jealous, bro. Get yourself a woman," I said.

"Like I'm not trying?" he said as he popped the top and took a drink. "The girls at our school are lame. Maybe I should go to Forks tonight and try to score there."

"Seth! You sound more like Embry every day!" Leah cried.

I laughed at that. He did sound like Embry. I couldn't wait for the day that Embry imprinted. It would be amazing to watch.

"Whatever," Seth said. "I wouldn't mind a little making out. What's wrong with that?"

"Nothing. I just don't like you using girls just to make out. Maybe you could try caring about them a little bit?" Leah suggested.

"Ugh. Feelings stuff. I'm too young for that. I don't want to get married. I just want to fool around a little!" Leah had to laugh at that, and I did, too.

"Good man, Seth. Just don't fuck up and get someone pregnant. Be smart." Then I looked over at Leah and realized what I said. Shit. Fuck. Damnit all to hell! "Baby, I'm sorry. I didn't mean it like that. I mean, Seth is only 16. He's too young to . . . "

"I know. I get it, Jake. It's OK." I looked into her face and wasn't sure she was telling me the truth. I couldn't quite read her expression.

Seth picked up his can of pop and said, "Um, yea, I'm out of here." He quickly made his exit and I looked at Leah and tried to apologize again.

"Jake, stop. I know what you meant. You're right. He's only 16. I said before I thought he was too young to have sex."

"I know, but I feel like such a jerk telling him that when we're standing here pregnant. I shouldn't lecture anyone on that. And I don't want you to feel like I just knocked you up or something. You know it's not like that, right?"

Finally she smiled. I felt relief run through me. "Yes, I know it's not like that. I'm the one that told you sex could be fun, remember?"

I smiled and said, "Yea, I think I do remember that. And you were right. Sex is fun." I leaned down and kissed her long and slow. She wound her fingers into my hair and sighed. When I broke away I said, "I love you, Leah. So much."

"Mmm, I love you, too." She kissed me again and then said, "I have to go get ready to leave with Mom. I'm not sure when we'll be back."

"It's OK. You have fun. But save me some time tonight, OK? I was thinking about doing something different. Maybe a picnic?" I held my breath.

She smiled. That was a good sign. "A picnic? OK, sure, why not." I let out my breath and smiled. She kissed me again then left to go upstairs. Yes! Now all I had to do was figure out what food to pack and what to pack it into. I could do this. I would make this a night that Leah wouldn't forget.