Beta'd by Astrid
From the last chapter.
He stood tall and his voice rang out, clear and proud, "Bella's pregnant."
There was a stunned silence followed by chaos. Seth screamed so loud Leah felt like her eardrum ruptured. He ran up to Jacob hitting him with so much force he almost knocked him down. Everyone lined up to give congratulatory hugs. The only one who didn't join in was Leah. She was just as unhappy as Seth was happy. She couldn't seem to help herself, but she felt sick to her stomach.
Paul noticed how Leah reacted and stormed over to confront her. He tried to speak quietly, hoping Jacob and Bella wouldn't notice. His eyes were dark and menacing, "Leah, what the hell do you think you're doing?"
She stood up and responded to his question with an attitude of her own. Who did he think he was? "Nothing, Paul. I don't know what the fuck you're talking about."
Paul lost his temper, speaking through clenched teeth, "Think about someone besides yourself for once." He was shaking as he leaned closer. "Jake is an good guy, better than the pack deserves. And Bella has been nothing but nice to you. You need to stop being such a damn bitch and blaming us for your shitty life."
The truth of his words hurt. Knowing he was right, she glanced at Jacob. He'd been watching their interaction. Seeing the compassionate look on his face broke her. She felt a huge lump forming in her throat, so she ran. There was no way she was going to let them see her cry. She barely made it to the woods before the tears started falling down her face. She ran a short distance and sat on the ground. Leah felt like her heart was breaking. It was a new break in a long line of breaks.
Jacob waited for a few minutes, giving Leah time to calm down. When she didn't come back he quietly told Bella, "I need to go check on Leah." He ran his hand down her arm, "I feel like I should."
Bella nodded her head in understanding, "I think so too. Do you want me to come with you?"
"No. She will be embarrassed enough as it is." He kissed her tenderly. "I'll be back in a few minutes." His eyes filled with sadness as he remembered the countless times he and the pack felt Leah's pain. She lived in agony, loving a man who would never be hers. Jacob was a little put out with Sam's inability to diffuse the situation with the she-wolf. It had continued for months and was a source of constant conflict in the pack. They could sense his frustration as well.
Jacob felt if there was something he could do to help he needed to do it. He tried to envision how much it would have hurt Bella if he'd imprinted on someone else after they fell in love. Truth be told, Leah handled it better than Bella would have. As he left to look for Leah, he searched for Sam in the group. They silently nodded to each other.
Jacob didn't have to look very hard to find her. He could hear her heart wrenching sobs. He sat on the ground beside her and put his hand on her shoulder. "Leah, I'm sorry."
She knew she was being selfish and uncaring, but it was in her nature to lash out at the ones close to her. "Don't be sorry for me Jake. Your life is fucking perfect. You got the girl and now you will have a baby." Her voice sounded lifeless as she continued. "I just have to get used to it."
Jacob felt exasperated, but he didn't remove his hand from her shoulder. "God, Leah, have a heart," he pleaded. "Life has not been easy for me either. You know all the shit I've been through."
Leah could hear the pain in his voice. They had more in common than they cared to admit. She knew he was talking about losing his mom. His mother had been taken away just when he needed her most. Her death was a sudden shock with no opportunity to say goodbye. How can you measure pain? It hurt to lose her father, but at least she'd been an adult. Leah knew how deep Jacob's feelings were. She'd witnessed his pain. Memories came flooding back. She would never forget the way he looked standing beside his mothers' grave. At nine his heart had been broken.
The last few years hadn't been easy for him either. Falling in love with Bella, who at the time didn't return his affection, really hurt Jacob. Her most vivid memory of his pain was of him lying on the ground with broken bones, screaming in agony. It was a burden of pain she was responsible for. She would take it to her grave. Yes, Jacob knew what heartache was. Up close and personal.
Leah had been so consumed in her own world she didn't pay much attention to anyone else. Sitting in silence, Leah took a few deep breaths and tried to stop crying. She put her hand over his and squeezed. It was the lifeline she needed. After a few minutes, she moved her eyes to his. "No Jake, I'm the one who should be sorry." She sniffed, "I'm such a bitch. I ruin everything."
Jacob choked out a laugh. "No, you didn't. I promise you didn't. Can I ask you a question?" Leah nodded. "Can you tell me why you got so upset? I just want to help." He squeezed her hand. "Please let me help you."
Hearing his sincerity made her eyes fill with fresh tears. "Jake. I…" She paused trying to compose herself. She held her emotions in so much, once the tears started it was hard to stop. "I'm sorry. I really am happy about you and Bella and the baby." She laughed, "I know it doesn't look like it, but I am. It's just… Sam and I were supposed to have the first pack baby."
Jacob felt bad for Leah, but he wanted to pull her out of her pity party. He and the rest of the pack knew she thought she would never be able to have a family. She felt barren, dead as a woman. Tears fell down her face as he took her by the shoulders. "Leah… listen to me." He paused and stared into her eyes. "I know you think you and Sam were supposed to be together and all that stuff, but it wasn't meant to be." He smiled compassionately. "Let me ask you a question. Deep in your heart, way down deep, do you believe in the Great Spirit?" When Leah started to laugh as if he asked a silly question, Jacob squeezed her shoulders. "No, Leah, I'm serious." His voice was deep and commanding. "Answer the question."
Leah gasped. She knew he was asking as the true Alpha. She stared at him as she tried to acknowledge him as a man. Someday he would be their chief, their leader. She felt it. Knowing he would not accept anything less than total honesty, she nodded. "Okay, yes I do."
Jacob felt a sense of peace he was getting through to her. "Well, I think there is a different path for you. I know it's not what you planned but it will be the right thing. Things didn't work out for me right away either. You just have to give it some time."
Leah sighed heavily, "I don't think so Jacob." She looked sadly into his eyes, "No one is going to love me. Paul is right about one thing though. It's not your fault my life is shit."
Jacob stood up and pulled her into a hug. Leah allowed him to embrace her. She didn't usually allow anyone to get close enough to touch her. "You're wrong, Leah. You life is not shit." He stroked her head, trying to soothe her. "Your family and the pack. We love you, you are our pack sister." He wrapped his big arms around her and tightened the hug. "I will tell you one thing Leah Clearwater, if you never have a baby it won't make you any less of a woman." He pulled away to look down at her. "I really mean it."
She was afraid to believe. Her lip quivered as she whispered, "You do?"
Jacob nodded. "I do. You don't give yourself enough credit." He chucked. "You need to get out more. You know, get off the rez a little bit."
Leah teased, "Oh, you think so?" She cracked a smile.
"Yep, I sure do. It would be a good thing for you to meet some new people, broaden your horizons." He grinned.
Leah giggled. "I think I know what you mean."
Jacob leaned his head back and laughed. "Yeah, that wouldn't hurt either. Your life could be awesome if you just gave yourself half a chance."
His words of encouragement lifted her spirits. She hugged him hard. "Thanks, Jake." She sighed. "We better get back. I have an apology to make."
Jacob lightly embraced her once more before they started walking. He wanted to try to make things right and give her the support she needed. The pack could be brutal when it came to their she-wolf. Always ready to be critical and mean, with the exception of Seth. "Yeah and I have a girlfriend to propose to tonight."
Guilt washed over Leah. "We better go then. I have ruined things enough." She looked at the ground as they walked.
"Leah, don't you dare feel bad for having feelings. We need to stick together." Jacob put an arm around her shoulder as he continued. "This is a hard world we live in. We need each other." He turned to look at her. "And I'm not just talking about us being in a pack. I mean as Quileutes."
When the two of them came out of the forest, the pack breathed a collective sigh of relief. No one was more relieved than Sam. He'd been on pins and needles waiting for them to come back. Leah immediately found Bella. As she approached, Bella regarded her expectantly.
"Bella, I'm sorry for the way I acted." She hesitated. Apologies weren't easy for Leah. "It was nothing against you and Jake. I was just being selfish and unfair." She sighed heavily before she continued. "I'm sorry." She didn't want to go into details. "Jake can explain later. Please, forgive me. I am really happy for you."
Bella could see Leah had been crying. Her face was tear stained and her eyes were swollen. "Of course, I forgive you." She reached out to hug her. "It's okay, don't worry about it." Leah returned the embrace, trying in a small way to make up for how she'd acted.
Jacob watched them from a distance. He smiled, happy that things seemed to be working out. He'd really tried to make a difference with Leah.
"C'mon everybody, it's time to eat." Sam tapped a spoon on a tin can to get everyone's attention.
Collin and Brady rushed to the table to make their plates. Sam cleared his throat and held up his hand to stop them. "Um… guys, how about using some manners. We don't want Bella to think you are a bunch of heathens."
Collin and Brady blushed and looked at Bella. Bella didn't like being the center of attention. She looked toward Emily for support. Emily took the lead and made her way to the table. Leah was starving so she loaded down one plate and went back for another one. Collin and Brady made a joke about how much food she put on her plates. She stuck her tongue out at them when Sam wasn't looking causing Emily and Bella to laugh. It was fun seeing Leah a little more carefree than usual.
All the guys lined up to make their plates. Sam was in a good mood as he served the meat, trying to be a good host. He joked as he gave Jacob a big piece of chicken, "Here you go, Big Daddy."
When Jacob sat down beside Bella to eat, Paul chose the spot next to him. "Having a baby huh?" He grinned as he took a huge bite of food.
"Sure am." Jacob reached over to put his hand on Bella's knee. "We're really happy about it, Paul."
Paul smiled. "Yeah, I can imagine you are. It's great news." He scooted his chair forward so he could look at Bella. "Congratulations Bella. I guess we will be seeing you a lot more around here."
"Thanks Paul. I appreciate that." She flushed seeing Paul was being serious. "Yeah, I will be around more. We will be staying with Billy a lot of the time."
"That's good." Paul agreed. "I am sure Billy will be happy about it."
Jacob was stunned. He'd expected Paul to give him hell about the pregnancy. Seeing Paul treat Bella with so much genuine interest made Jacob really happy. He relaxed and enjoyed his dinner.
Everyone ate until they were stuffed. There was a spirit of celebration in the air. When everyone was finished eating, Sam got up and started some music. He called the rest of the guys over and whispered something. They snickered and glanced toward Jacob and Bella. The ones who wore shirts on took them off as they lined up to dance. The music was something Bella had never heard before. Paul tried to push his way in front of Embry, challenging him for position. Embry scowled and pushed back, "Watch it, Paul!"
Sam ordered them to settle down and get serious. They tried to compose themselves and started to dance. It was a ceremonial dance passed down from generation to generation.
Jacob and Emily looked at each other laughing out loud. Not wanting to be left out, Jacob jumped up and rushed over to the group, "Hey, hold up!" He looked seductively at Bella and winked as he took the lead position.
Bella was confused. She leaned toward Emily and whispered, "What are they doing?"
"They're just having a little fun." She reached out to touch Bella's arm, grinning as she described the dance, "It's a coming of age fertility type dance."
Bella flushed, "Oh." She watched them all dance, but was mesmerized by Jacob as he performed. The way he moved his body, graceful yet strong. She'd never seen this part of his life. He had talked about their native dances several times through the years, but she'd never seen him dance. He was sensual and masculine, yet beautiful at the same time. Bella spoke quietly. "It's beautiful… they look beautiful." She looked over at her friend. Emily seemed just as affected as she watched Sam dance.
Emily agreed, "Yes they are." She giggled, "You've never seen them dance before have you?"
Bella shook her head. Emily leaned closer and said, "You should see them in full ceremonial dress."
Bella laughed, "You have got to call me the next time they do that. It must be quite a sight." She turned back to watch Jacob. Her face was flushed watching the sensuous movements of his body. When the dance was over Emily and Bella stood and clapped.
As soon as the song ended Jacob and Sam headed straight for their women. Taking several long strides, Jacob cupped Bella's face in his hands before kissing her deeply. Not to be outdone, Sam lifted Emily up in his arms and kissed her. The pack whistled and chortled as they kissed.
When the sun started to set Jacob realized how late it was getting. "C'mon Bella, let's go walk on the beach." He reached to take her hand. Bella decided she needed to use the bathroom first. While she was busy he borrowed a small blanket from Emily and snuck the ring into his pocket.
As they were leaving, Jacob called out to Sam and the rest of the pack, "Hey guys, we're going for a walk on the beach. We'll be back in a little while."
Sam gave him a knowing look and raised his hand in acknowledgement, "Sure thing, Jake."
After they left, the boys were jumping out of their skins with excitement. It was a full moon which made it even worse. They drove Sam crazy. When he couldn't take it anymore he ordered them to phase to burn off their nervous energy. They ran through the forest laughing and chasing each other.
Jacob and Bella walked hand in hand as they made their way to the beach. Jacob found a secluded spot where there were several huge logs to sit against. It was close enough to the water but they would still be sheltered from the wind. He folded the blanket in half trying to make it comfortable. "Come sit with me. Let's watch the sunset."
Bella giggled as she sat down on his lap. "Oh, you're so romantic." She snuggled against his chest.
They watched the sun get low in the sky. The sunset was just what Jacob was hoping for. The sky looked like it was on fire. The deep red color made it a magnificent sight. Bella shivered when the air started to get cooler. Jacob wrapped his arms around her to keep her warm. They were both mesmerized by the beauty of the sunset. It was the perfect setting. Jacob felt butterflies in his stomach. He moved to get up, placing Bella on the blanket. Bella first thought he'd gotten uncomfortable with her sitting on his lap. When he got on his knees beside her and took both of her hands in his, she gave him a puzzled look.
"Bella, this is the perfect night." He cleared his throat, "Being here with you-"
She interrupted him, "It is perfect Jake. I love it here."
Jacob continued in a deep voice, full of emotion, "I need to talk with you about something... ask you something." He heard Bella's heart rate speed up. Knowing she might get alarmed, he soothed her, "No, this is something good." He smiled, "You know I have loved you for so long. I think it was almost as soon as you moved back to Forks. I love you so much. You have no idea how much. I want us to spend the rest of our lives together." He pulled her against his chest for a moment before he continued.
Bella gave a sharp intake of breath and squeaked out, "Jake..."
"I almost thought you weren't going to fall in love with me. Thank God you came to your senses because I can't live without you." He regarded her with total adoration. "We've been through a lot to get where we are today." Jacob took a deep breath, "All this damn vampire business didn't make it easy, I know."
Bella nodded. Memories flashed through her mind of all the obstacles she'd put in the way. She still had a hard time wrapping her head around the fatal choice she'd almost made with Edward. Several months back, Bella tearfully confessed all about the Volturi to Jacob. She tried to explain their significance in the vampire world and what happened while she was in Italy. She didn't want it hanging over their heads.
Jacob had been furious, even to the point of calling Edward and Alice over for a visit. He also insisted Sam attend their meeting so the pack could be informed of the possible danger. Edward assured Sam it could be many years before they paid a visit to see if Bella had been turned.
Bella had never been so embarrassed in her life. All of her weaknesses were laid out for the pack to see. Sam was kind and told her not to worry about it. He thought they could handle anything that came up if the Volturi decided to visit. They had a huge advantage because Aro did not know about the wolves and Alice would see them coming.
Bella felt like a fool, crying for several days, until Jacob sat her down to have a heart to heart. He insisted he'd completely forgiven her and wanted the past to stay in the past. They agreed not to talk about it unless Alice saw a problem. While she'd been putting her life at risk with someone so wrong, her true love was right in front of her eyes. She was amazed at the man he was becoming. He was fiercely strong, loyal, and courageous. At the same time, he was caring and gentle, especially when it involved children. He was going to be an amazing father.
Jacob kissed her before continuing his proposal. He looked intently into her eyes. "Bella, I know I'm young and make a lot of mistakes." His voice deepened, "I don't have much, but what I do have is yours."
Bella sensed where he was headed and couldn't sit still any longer. She scrambled to get on her knees to face him. Her eyes filled with tears as she covered her mouth with the back of her hand.
His voice was full of emotion, "I've done this a thousand times in my mind." He let go of her hands and caressed her face while trying to retrieve the ring. The hundreds of nights he'd longed for her and worried about her felt like dim memory now. He opened the ring box with shaky hands as he got down on one knee. He looked up, his gaze met hers. "Bella... will you marry me? It would make me the happiest guy in the world." He moved closer. "I love you with my whole heart. No one will ever love you as much as I do."
The tears threatening to spill over fell down her cheeks. Without hesitation she blurted, "Yes, Jacob. I will marry you." She wrapped her arms around him, holding him close. "I love you so much," she sniffed against his shirt.
Jacob whooped excitedly and stood up, pulling her with him. They laughed together and celebrated.
He took her left hand and put the ring on her finger.
Bell looked down and saw the ring. "Jacob, what have you done?"
He answered innocently, "Nothing."
Bella stared at her hand, transfixed by the beauty of the ring. The emerald cut solitaire sparkled in a white gold setting showing off the stone. She whispered, "It's beautiful."
Filled with excitement, she jumped into his arms and he spun her around in a circle. Bella never thought she would get excited about a piece of jewelry, but she knew it was a special symbol of his love for her. She lifted her eyes to meet his as she contemplated how much it must have cost. "You spent way too much, but it's absolutely perfect."
Jacob flushed, knowing she was worrying over money. "No, honey. I promise I didn't. Your dad knew someone who let me buy it at cost."
Hearing that eased her mind a bit. Her father would never let Jacob be taken advantage of. He was often frugal when it came to money. She held it up to the flickering light of the sunset. When she looked up into his eyes she was blown away by the love flowing from him. Her lip trembled with emotion. Knowing he'd chosen it especially for her meant so much. "I love it. It's beautiful."
"You're beautiful." Jacob pulled her against his chest. "I'm glad you like it."
He eased her down to the blanket. Soon, the kiss changed to something more. It was as passionate and intense as any Jacob had ever given her. His arms pulled her close as he moved his whole length atop her. Bella welcomed the weight and the power of his body, moaning as she responded to him. Jacob took his time kissing her as he ran his hands slowly over her curves. His eyes darkened with desire as he caressed her smooth skin. When he started to reach inside the lace of her panties Bella stopped him. "Jake, I don't know if we should. Someone might see us."
Jacob licked his way down her neck, sucking the soft skin into his mouth. "No, they won't, Bella." He glanced around. "It's pretty dark and I promise I'll watch to make sure." His body was desperately yearning for her as he gyrated against her. "I need you."
When he started to lick her breast through the fabric of her dress, she knew she was fighting a losing battle. She smiled a little, "Okay, please make sure no one sees us. I would die if we got arrested for indecent exposure. My dad probably wouldn't speak to us for a week."
"I promise, sweetheart. I'll watch and make sure." He pinched her on the nipple, causing her to shiver, "You know, I can see pretty damn well in the dark."
Bella giggled, "Yes, you can." She unbuttoned his shirt and started touching his chest, "I've always wondered what it would be like to make love on the beach. It's one of my fantasies."
Jacob chuckled, "You're not the only one." He took the blanket and unfolded it so they could cover their lower bodies with it. He grinned as he removed his shorts, "I like the way you think."
They made love as the moon started to rise, murmuring sweet words of love to each other. True to his word, Jacob checked to make sure no one was approaching them. In the afterglow, they watched the moon rise full over the water. They were both mesmerized by the majestic beauty of it.
Bella murmured, "Jake, the moon is amazing tonight. I don't think I've ever seen it more beautiful." She gave a contented sigh and relaxed against his chest.
Jacob swept her hair aside and nibbled down the line of her jaw, lost in her scent. He whispered against her neck, "It is beautiful… so are you." Bella turned slightly so she could reach his mouth, kissing him eagerly.
Their peace was interrupted by several wolves howling in the distance. Bella sucked in breath as she sat straight up, "Oh god, what was that!" The shrill tone was different than anything she'd ever heard. It gave her goose bumps.
Jacob recognized the voices of the wolves. He smiled as he pulled her close, trying to reassure her. "It's just Embry and Quil."
Bella relaxed against him. "Are you sure? It sounds so different." She felt laughter rumble in his chest.
"Yeah I'm sure. Sounds like they're celebrating."
Bella turned to look at him as she processed his words. "Do you mean they are celebrating us?"
Jacob chuckled, "Yeah, I think so."
Bella rolled her eyes, "Crazy wolves."
Jacob kissed her hard. "God, I love you," he breathed.
They huddled close under the blanket, enjoying the night and listening to the ocean. When it started to get late, Jacob noticed Bella was exhausted. He mentioned it was getting late, but Bella tried to get him to stay even longer. She didn't want the night to be over. He finally convinced her they needed to head back. Bella stumbled on some debris as they started to walk.
Jacob reached out to catch her. "Careful, sweetheart."
He quickly chastised himself for not taking better care of her. If she stumbled in the dark she could hurt herself or the baby. "C'mon, my little tired pregnant wife," He swept her up in his arms.
Bella sagged against him. "Thanks, Jake." She snuggled against his warm chest and murmured, "Wife… I like the sound of that."
A/N: This story was nominated for best Jake/Bella pairing in the Non-Canon Awards. If the person who nominated me is reading this... thank you so much! I was so honored just to be nominated. :)