A/N: True to my word, here is another chapter! I've got some FUN chapters coming up, or at least I think so! Tell me what you think, your reviews really do help me keep on track!

"Hey this is Jake, leave me a message!" Jacob's recorded voice greeted me warmly and was followed by the familiar voicemail beep.

I sighed, "Jake," I wasn't really sure what to say that wasn't in the last twelve voicemails, "Call me."

I hung up and returned to Billy's kitchen. I had come over straight after work hoping to catch Jacob between work and patrol shifts but he must have gone straight to patrolling. It had been a week since the Fourth of July and I had only seen him in passing. He would text me throughout the day but my phone's vibrate was about the only action I had gotten. Not that it was all about the physical, I just missed him. Billy set his glass of water at the table near his plate and gave me a sympathetic smile.

"He's just trying to keep you safe, Bella." He smiled gently.

"I know," I said, returning to the table where my stew sat ready to be eaten, "I just miss him."

Billy filled his bowl and groaned appreciatively at the smell, "Well, I hope you keep on missing him because that means you keep bringing all this delicious food."

It was true; I was here even more than normal hoping for just a glimpse at Jacob. The waiting was worse than the horror of the beasts that could be lurking everywhere to find me. I barely touched my food, even though I had spent ages cooking it. My stomach was unsettled and even something as basic as stew couldn't even ease my tension.

Billy looked up at me after he finished his second bowl full, "Jacob is lucky to have you. You remind me so much of Sarah."

I was taken aback. I didn't have many memories of Sarah but from the occasions that anyone talked about her, I knew that she was that amazing woman that anyone would love as a friend; the one to make a quilt for newlyweds and new mothers, the one always toting a casserole and a shoulder to cry on. "Me? I'm awkward and I have no idea how to soothe anyone."

Billy laughed, "You need to give yourself more credit. You may be awkward with people you don't know, but you keep up with all of the crazy characters that come through this house. You feed the entire pack, which is worse than feeding an army, you were there every day when Jacob was sick, you delivered a friends baby, and you've been here every day keeping me company. That sounds a lot like Sarah to me."

His compliment made me blush, "I like being here, with everyone."

Something occurred to him and his face brightened, "I have something for you." He disappeared for a moment, rustling through drawers in his bedroom before he came back holding a simple wooden box. He handed it to me, beaming. "I was going to give this to you after you two got officially engaged but I think you should have it now.

I opened the old box lid carefully and gasped when I opened it. Nestled among an old white embroidered handkerchief was the most beautiful turquoise bracelet I had ever seen. Five turquoise stones were set in a silver cuff and were surrounded by intricate, swirling metal carvings. I gingerly lifted it out, "Billy… I… this is beautiful…"

"I gave it to Sarah as a wedding gift." Billy explained, "The handkerchief is hers from our wedding."

A tear streamed down my cheek, "Billy, I can't accept this."

I noticed tears in Billy's eyes too, "Sarah would want you to have it. Consider it her wedding gift to you. You are part of this family now. You have always been like a daughter to me."

I slid it on my wrist, letting its weight comfort me when nothing else seemed to. I was out of my chair and gathered him in my arms in an instant, both crying with joy as we hugged for what seemed like ages. When I finally returned to my seat we kept talking about everything and anything.

I felt sorry for Billy. With Sarah dead, Rachel as far away as she could possibly be, and Jacob always gone on some mission or another, there was a lot of time he spent alone. I was glad he had Charlie and other friends on the Res, but I made it my personal goal to keep him company as often as I could.

"Well, Bella as much as I love talking like this, I really should hit the hay." Billy smiled, "You are welcome to stay and see if you can catch Jacob. He has to sleep at some point. And don't worry, no news is good news right?"

I nodded, "I suppose you're right. I think I'll head home. I'm sure Charlie will be missing me around the house lately."

"Tell him that we need to go on a fishing trip soon." Billy smiled, "Drive safely, Bella."

By the time I got home I was shocked to see the lights on in the living room. I made my way into the living room and slumped down on the couch, exhausted. Charlie looked at me curiously, "You okay, Bells?"

"Yeah, Jacob and I keep missing each other." I said honestly. I looked down at my new bracelet and rubbed a thumb across one of the stones.

"Whatcha got there?" Charlie's interest peaked, "Isn't that Sarah Black's?"

I nodded, "Billy gave it me."

Charlie stood up from his chair and sat next to me, looking at the bracelet. "Things must be getting pretty serious with Jacob then, huh? Billy wouldn't just give this up."

I looked Charlie directly in the eyes, "I love him so much."

Charlie's mouth didn't move but I could see his eyes smile, "Well, you are the sun of his life. One look at the boy would tell you as much."

I laughed lightly, thinking of how if anyone was the sun, it was Jacob and not me. "He's a good man."

Charlie nodded, "He treats you right and I've never seen you so alive and happy. He gets a vote from me."

"A vote?" I questioned.

"For marriage." Charlie smiled, "If Billy is giving you this, I'm sure a proposal isn't too far away."

I thought about how the thought used to terrify me but now, it thrilled me, "I certainly hope so."

"You know who else is going to want a say in it?" Charlie mentioned.

"Mom." I said with a sigh.

When I moved to Florida, Mom constantly drilled me for information on my life in Forks. More than once she said that she liked the sound of Jacob. Especially once she saw pictures of him. I am still convinced she stole a particular picture of him shirtless.

"She'd want to meet him before you get engaged." Charlie stated, "You know how she likes to think she has control over some part of your life."

I nodded. I understood where he was coming from but right now wasn't exactly the most convenient time to be bringing Renee home, rogue vampires and all. "I'll let Jacob know that he needs her approval too."

Charlie wrapped his arm around me in a side hug, "I'm happy for you, Bells. You know I never made it a secret of my dislike of you marrying the Cullen boy, but you and Jacob… now that's one marriage I can stand behind."

I laughed, "Me too." I kissed him on the cheek, "Good night, Dad."

I got up and left him on the couch, floating on wings all the way into bed. This time when I dialed Jacob's number I was greeted by something other than his voicemail. "Bells!"

"Jake." I said with a contented sigh, "It's good to hear your voice."

"I miss you, Bells." Jacob suddenly sounded exhausted.

"You'll never believe what happened today." I smiled.

"What happened today?" Jacob played along.

"Your dad gave me your mom's turquoise bracelet." I said, still in disbelief.

Jacob let out a low gasp, "Are you serious? That's a huge deal, Bells."

"I know. He said it was his way of welcoming me into the family. And when Charlie saw it, he said that he approved of us getting married." I couldn't stop my wide grin.

"Wow, this was a big day, huh?" He sounded a little sad, "I'm sorry I missed it."

I yawned, "Good thing we have the rest of our lives for you to make it up to me."

"I'll start thinking of ways right now." He laughed, "You sound tired. You should go to sleep."

"Wait, before you go, any news?" I asked the question I wasn't sure I wanted the answer to.

Jacob sighed, "Nothing yet. I thought I could her scent earlier but it was old. She's a fast one."

"Just keep yourself safe, okay?"

"I'm always safe." Jacob said cheerily but his voice didn't quite convey as much encouragement as I'd hoped. "You should really go to sleep. I don't have to patrol tomorrow night, can we go on a date?"

"Yes, please. I need to see you." I tried to keep the desperation out of my voice.

Jacob laughed, "It's a plan then. Goodnight, Bells. I love you."

I was fading fast, "I love you."

I don't even remember hanging the phone up before I slipped into blissful dreams.