Catch the Falling Sky
XXI
I
When she hastily stumbles into his arms, bags dropped onto the floor and forgotten already, he thinks that this might be the best Christmas gift he could have asked for.
Mail and phone calls were no substitute for her teary laughter, her small hands pressed against his back, head buried in the crook of his neck.
"I missed you, Jake," she sighs, nuzzling her nose gently against his sensitive skin.
It is too much, but he is careful not to make her feel rejected as he sets her down again, smiling at her.
"Missed you more, Bells."
"I doubt it."
II
"So, how is Carlos doing? Does he miss me?"
"It's been so ridiculously hot here this week, he's just hiding in his house all day long. But I think Embry imprinted on him. You should see those two. Even my Dad agreed with my suspicion. Embry is… enchanted by Carlos."
Their hysterical laughter gets chopped off by the bad connection every now and then, but they do no mind.
"And you really can't come here over the summer?"
"I really can't. No money. At all. And I don't want to ask Charlie."
"I miss you, Bells."
"I love you, Jake."
III
It has been one year since he last saw her, and when she is walking towards him, he knows for sure what has become clearer to him over the last months.
She is crying when she falls into his arms, and he can just hear her gasp as he presses his lips against hers. More urgently then he intended to do, but so much softer than that fateful kiss they shared before.
He cradles her face in his hands, fingertip brushing over her cheeks, feeling her shiver in his arms when he pulls back.
"I love you so much, Bells."