A/N:
You guys are amazing! And we broke 500 comments! Woo-hoo! A round of applause people for Mrs. Bianca Grint for popping the 500 comment cherry! And oh-so appropiate since she LOVES Embry!
Everyone seems pleased with the couples paired in this story so far. Glad to hear it! Guess I'm doing a good job then, huh?
I had a lot of fun writing this chapter and I hope you enjoy it as well.
Thanks to the best Beta ever, WOLFYFANGRL! You rock my socks chickie!
Now, on with the show!
Disclaimer: I own nothing of Twilight except the car that will drive me to Taylor Lautner's new filming location! Yes, I'm serious!
CHAPTER 25
PREVIOUSLY on MY PAST…
"I don't like the idea of someone following me around Jake. It creeps me out."
"Look at it this way… does it creep you out more to know that Edward could be following you around Forks right now, or having someone you know and trust like Emmett to keep an eye on you until they put Edward away?"
I sighed, "OK. Fine. But I'm only doing this to make you feel better."
"Good," he chuckled and kissed me. "Wanna walk on the beach?"
I remembered Rachel and Emmett were behind me. "Uh, not right now. Let's get some dessert. I made caaaaa-ke!" I sang, teasing my ever-hungry boyfriend.
"Cake?" he smiled, picked me up over his shoulder and ran back to the house.
I laughed the whole way at this silly man who loved me more than I could possibly imagine.
BELLA's POV
Not too long after Jake devoured the cake, my dad drove us home. Jake offered to take me home later but he was yawning for the past hour and Rachel was right… I didn't get much sleep after last night's camping excursion!
Don't get me wrong, it was totally worth it and I'd gladly give up a few hours of sleep to be with Jake, but truthfully we were both exhausted and I felt guilty keeping Jake from his dad so much. I know he wanted to spend as much time with me as possible, but I didn't want Billy to think I was monopolizing all of his time until he left.
I was getting out of the shower and heard my cell phone ringing in my bedroom. I managed to snatch it off my nightstand just before it went to voicemail.
"Hello?" I asked breathlessly.
"Geez Bella! What could you possibly be doing to have you all out of breath? Ha! I know… is Jake there?" Cara laughed.
"Very funny, Cara! No, I just got out of the shower. Hang on one sec while I throw on some clothes, kay?"
I grabbed a long-sleeved t-shirt and some boy shorts and hopped on my bed, reaching for my phone again.
"OK, I'm back. How are you? I feel like I haven't talked to you in ages!" I say excitedly.
"I'm good. I've been thinking about you lately," she said quietly.
"You have? What's wrong? You don't sound like yourself. Is everything ok?"
"Um, I'm alright. I've just had a few rough days. Don't worry about me. I want to hear all about your Jake!" she said, changing the subject.
I giggle, "I have so much to tell you! But first, tell me what happened to upset you."
"It's no big deal. Hey! Your birthday is coming up!"
"Ugh! Don't remind me! You know I don't like to celebrate it."
"Will Jake still be there on your birthday? When does he leave?"
I sigh, "He has to report really early Thursday morning. So, no… he won't be here. I don't even know if he actually remembers when my birthday is."
"Oh, I'm sure he does. But I didn't forget either!"
"Cara…" I warned.
"What?" she feigned innocence. "It's too late for me to change your gift now anyway so you'll just have to deal with it."
I groaned in protest.
"If all goes according to plan, your gift will arrive sometime this weekend. But enough about that… have you and Jake done it yet?" she screeched.
"CARA!"
"Don't 'CARA' me! First you tell me that you fell asleep in his bed the night you got there and the next time we talked you asked me about how to give a blow job! I figured by now you'd be going at it like rabbits!"
"Well…"
"You DID?"
"No, not exactly."
"What does 'not exactly' mean?" she hedged.
"Let's just say Jake wants to send you a basket of bananas as a thank you gift."
I had to pull the phone away from my ear as my best friend laughed, hooted and hollered into her cell.
"OK girl… give me DEEE-TAILS!" she laughed.
And I spent the next hour on the phone, telling Cara every exciting sexual detail I've experienced since moving back to Forks.
JAKE'S POV
After Bella and Charlie left last night I got to spend some time with my dad. We didn't do much; just hung out on the porch, shooting the shit, as they say. I enjoyed it and I think he did too. But something he said during our conversation had my mind reeling as I got up early this morning to put my plan in motion.
"Jake, you know what this weekend is?"
"Well, for me it'll probably be scrubbing down the decks and eating some crappy mess food. Why?"
He chuckled, "It's Bella's birthday, son. You didn't forget now, did you?"
"Of course I didn't forget! But her birthday isn't until the 13th… CRAP! The 13th is in a couple of days! Argh!"
"You probably haven't even looked at a calendar since you got home, have you Jake? Don't beat yourself up. You won't be here for it but you could leave a surprise for her to open after you leave or do something to celebrate before you take off."
My dad had given me a great idea… I was going to celebrate Bella's birthday with her before I left. But I wanted this to be perfect since I couldn't actually be here on her birthday. I would need some help to get everything I wanted accomplished. I started putting my plan in motion last night and sent out a few texts. I got up this morning and made a couple of phone calls and the only other person I still needed to help me was snoring down the hall.
"Rach! Get up!" I yelled as I stormed into her bedroom and jumped on the end of her bed.
"Jake! You jerk! Go away!" she screamed and threw a pillow at me.
"C'mon! I need your help sis!"
No response.
"Raaaaaaa-ch!" I whined.
"Ugh. Fine! I'm up! What is so important that you needed to come in here at…" she pauses and looks at the clock. "…6:30 in the morning?" she shrieks. "Jake are you insane? I'm going back to sleep. Whatever you need help with can wait til after 8 o'clock."
"I need you to get up now."
"NO!"
"OK, fine. But what should I tell Emmett when he gets here in 15 minutes?" I teased.
She sat straight up in bed, eyes wide and hair like medusa. "What? Why is he coming here… now?"
"Because I asked him to. Now get up, get dressed and I'll explain everything," I said and left her room.
Ten minutes later, a much more presentable Rachel appeared in the kitchen.
"OK Jake. I want to hear why the hell you woke me up and why you invited Emmett over here so early."
"I have a plan and I need your help with it."
I went on explaining everything to Rachel and when Emmett knocked on the door, I was actually happy to see him. OK, so maybe it was because I was being selfish and needed him to help me out today, but after our talk and agreement last night I felt a little better about him dating my sister.
After a few more calls and texts, my plans were finally set into motion. I smiled to myself thinking about what Bella's reaction would be to her birthday surprise.
BELLA's POV
It was just after 10 in the morning when I heard a knock at the front door. I couldn't believe I slept that long, but then again, I didn't get much sleep the other night *snickers* and I was on the phone with Cara for a while last night so I guess my body needed it.
The knocking continued and I mumbled to whoever the impatient person was on the front porch that I was coming and to hold their horses. Geez!
I opened the door to find Sami and Rachel practically bouncing up and down with huge smiles on their faces.
"Uh, what's going on?" I asked cautiously.
Sami looked like she was going to burst as neither replied but continued to smile.
"OK, you two are definitely up to something. Tell me," I said, placing my hands on my hips.
The next 15 minutes consisted of them trying to force me to get dressed as I protested until they told me what was going on.
"Fine! You're so stubborn Bella!" Rachel said exasperated.
"Don't Rach, you'll ruin the surprise," Sami whispered.
"What surprise? I hate surprises," I grumbled.
They eyed each other nervously.
"Jake has a surprise planned for you today. He's really excited about it…" Sami began.
"…And he's been working like crazy to make everything just right. Please don't ruin this for him," Rachel pleaded with me.
I looked back and forth between the two of them. Jake had a surprise for me? The idea that he would try and plan something on his own for me made my heart swell. But I kept my emotions in check and didn't let Jake's two little helpers know how happy I truly was.
"Oh alright," I huffed. "But I'm only going along with this because I don't ever want to do anything to upset or disappoint him."
They nodded at my acceptance and ushered me into the bathroom to make myself more presentable. I tried repeatedly to have them give me some clues as to what I'd be doing but they wouldn't budge.
Once we left the house, Sami claimed she was hungry and we stopped at a local bakery. Rachel nodded to the person behind the counter as I eyed the delicious pastries in the glass cases.
"For you miss…" the worker said to me.
"Me?" I asked surprised.
She nodded and handed me a small bakery box tied close with string.
I pulled the bow and opened the lid. Inside was a chocolate-filled croissant… my favorite! I smiled wide when I read the note taped to the inside top of the box.
Sweets for my sweet.
Love,
Jake
I gave Rachel and Sami a questioning look.
"Go on and eat it Bella! Geez!" Rachel laughed.
"C'mon!" Sami smiled. "This is just the first of many surprises for you today."
I took a bite of the yummy pastry, thanked the worker and followed them out the front door. Sami was texting when we got in the car. I asked her who she was talking to and I received a glare that made me realize I needed to shut up and enjoy whatever surprises my 'sweet' had in store for me today.
JAKE's POV
**Just left the bakery. It was yummy in her tummy! LOL.**
I laughed reading Sami's text. The girls were supposed to let me know after they left each location so I could finish getting the big surprise ready for later. My friends and sister really came together and helped me out. I had the basic idea of what I wanted to do and when I told Embry and Quil my plan, they offered to help and then Sami, Rachel and Emmett added their suggestions to make the surprise even better.
I was nervous about everything working according to plan and also very excited to see her reaction to this surprise. I started second-guessing myself this morning after Rachel and Emmett left. But Embry quickly calmed me down.
"Dude! Relax. Bella will love it!"
"I hope so."
"Man, you're going to make all of us work even harder with our girls once they hear about what you planned for Bella."
"I don't want her to get the wrong idea, ya know?"
"Trust me… she won't," he winked.
"What's with the wink? Do you know something I don't know?"
"Let's just say that a little birdie told me that you're moving in the right direction."
"Can you be any more cryptic Em?"
"I can't betray Sami and tell you what she said, but rest assured… your plan and your big surprise is perfect," he said smiling.
I smiled, remembering our conversation earlier this morning and texted a thank you back to Sami.
BELLA's POV
I wasn't paying attention to where we were going when I saw Rachel take the exit towards Port Angeles.
"Uh, guys? Where are we going?"
They smiled at each other and Rachel eyed me in her rearview mirror, "To the next stop on our adventure!"
I grabbed my phone to call Jake when Sami reached back faster than I thought was possible and snatched the cell right from my hand.
"Hey!"
"Sorry, Bella! You can't call Jake."
"Who said I was going to call him?"
Sami laughed, "Yeah right! We know you too well."
"Fine! Let me at least call my dad to let him know that I might not be home in time to make dinner," I whined.
"Don't worry about Charlie," Rachel said. "He knows you're out and he's going to eat with my dad tonight."
"Oh. I guess you guys have just thought of everything now, huh?" I teased.
"Nope. Not us…"
"Jake!" they both said in unison.
I huffed and crossed my arms over my chest. I wasn't upset by any means, but I was frustrated that I didn't have a clue where we were headed or what was in store for me the rest of the day. About a half-hour later, my mood had improved as my crazy friends in the front seat blasted the radio and sang out of tune at the top of their lungs. Rachel parked and I exited the car with a smile on my face.
"OK you two… where to next?"
They each grabbed a hand and started to pull me towards the shops. Sami was nearly skipping and I had trouble keeping up with Rachel's fast pace but I came to an abrupt stop when I saw where we were headed.
"Oh no! No way!" I said, freeing myself from their hold and turning back towards the car.
Rachel blocked me. "Bella! Stop acting like a child!"
"Just go inside," Sami tried to persuade me.
I slumped my shoulders in defeat and followed them in.
"Hi! Welcome to Blue Moon Day Spa," the clerk behind the desk said.
"Uh, hi. I'm Bella… Bella Swan," I said softly after being not-so-politely pushed forward by Rachel.
The clerk looked at my two prison guards on either side of me and smiled brightly.
"Yes, oh yes! We've been expecting you!"
I rolled my eyes at the fact that everyone in this town seemed to know where I was headed today or what was happening… except me!
"First, I've been instructed to give you this," she said and handed me an envelope.
I opened it slowly and couldn't help but smile when I saw it was a note from Jake.
Bells,
I hope you have figured out by now that today is full of surprises and it's a day all for you.
Since I won't be here next week to celebrate your birthday, I wanted to do something special for you today. Don't worry… we'll see each other later and spend the evening together. I know you're not big on surprises, so please don't be too mad at me. I just wanted to do something special for you since you never do anything nice for yourself.
I love you more than you know.
Jake
PS – the day at the spa was Rachel and Sami's idea!
"Right this way," the woman said when I looked up from the letter and she led me to a changing room.
Walking away, I looked over my shoulder to see Rachel texting on her phone as Sami gave me a little wave. Evil bitches, I thought. I hate to have my hair or makeup done! This is pure torture.
JAKE's POV
I felt my cell buzz in my pocket with a new text as Embry and I were leaving Emily's house.
**She's being a bitch but it's cute. At the spa now. Let you know when we're headed back.**
"Everything OK?" Embry asked.
"Yeah," I laughed. "Rachel said Bella isn't happy with her spa appointment."
"Good thing that wasn't your idea then!"
We hopped in Quil's Jeep and took off to put the finishing touches in place.
RACHEL/SAMI's POV
"She's going to kill us when she finds out it was our idea for the day spa!" Sami laughed as we left the spa and walked along the shopping plaza.
"Who in their right mind would pass up a day to be pampered? Oh, please! Don't touch my hair! I actually like my toes unpainted!" Rachel mocked in Bella's voice.
"She's one of a kind; that's for sure!" Sami said.
"Yeah, and she's totally perfect for my brother. She's so unselfish and supportive. I don't think I could've picked anyone better for him," Rachel said seriously.
"And it's so cute that they had their first kiss together all those years ago," Sami sighed. "It's like fate or destiny… or something."
"Fate would've kept them together and he wouldn't have slept with that slut Mya."
"C'mon Rach, don't go there. This is supposed to be a good day for Bella."
"You're right. Let's go and piss off our birthday girl a little more!" Rachel giggled as they walked into a boutique.
BELLA's POV
I have to say, when the stylist finished highlighting, cutting and blow-drying and turned me around to face the mirror… I was stunned. I looked – beautiful. I never look beautiful; I'm not ugly but I've never considered myself to be beautiful… cute maybe on a good day, but beautiful? Never from my point of view… except today. The stylist cleared her throat when I continued to gape at myself in the mirror.
"Oh my! Thank you! It's just perfect!" I cried and threw my arms around her for a big hug. She seemed taken back at first but then returned the gesture. Just then, Jake's two evil helpers walked back to her station and gasped when they got a good look at me.
"Bella! Oh… wow! Just wow!" Sami beamed at me.
"Bella, you look…" Rachel whispered.
"Beautiful," the stylist finished, earning a smile from all of us.
They asked to see my nails since I had a manicure and pedicure done as well.
"OK, this is just something little from us. I promise we didn't pay a lot for it and…" Rachel started explaining.
"…And just consider it an early birthday present from the both of us, OK?" Sami asked hopeful.
She handed me a silver box with a purple bow on it. I pulled off the lid to reveal a gorgeous little black dress. It was a sheath, with a boat neck and had a slight shimmer or sparkle to it when the light would hit it a certain way. It wasn't flashy or slutty, it was simple and well, beautiful… just like me today.
"Oh guys! You didn't have to do this!"
"We know. But we wanted to," Rachel smiled.
"And we thought you might be a little under dressed in your jean shorts and t-shirt for when you meet up with Jake soon!" Sami giggled.
"I was hoping we'd find something like this so I brought you some low heels to borrow too," Rachel said, handing me a bag.
"You can change right in there," the stylist said and pointed to a dressing room.
I got changed and when I saw myself in this new beautiful dress with my hair and nails done, I looked and felt beautiful for the first time in a very long time. I thanked the stylist again before leaving and followed Rachel and Sami back to the car, where I had hoped they would be driving me to see Jake.
JAKE's POV
OK, pants and shirt pressed… check.
Shoes shined… check.
Flowers for Bella… check.
Everything at our final destination was all set up thanks for my two best friends. All I had to do now was shower, shave and meet Bella at the resort.
Exiting the shower, my phone was buzzing with a new text message.
**Be prepared to be floored little bro. There are no words to describe her. Have fun tonight. We're heading back now.**
Floored? Floored good or floored bad? Uh oh. I started to panic a little and worried that she might think my surprise was a little presumptuous and going a little too far.
"Breathe, son," my dad said as he wheeled himself into my room. "What's got you in such a tizzy?"
"I'm just afraid that Bella's gonna get the wrong idea when we get there. I wanted to do something nice for her and I never expected all of these things to fall into place today. If it wasn't for Embry, Quil and even Emmett I'd be taking Bella to the diner or something and putting a candle in a cupcake to celebrate her birthday. But now…"
"Calm down Jake. She's gonna love it."
"How can you be sure? You don't even know what I have planned."
He raised an eyebrow at me. "Son, you never could fool your father. You forget I was once young and in love myself."
"I know dad, but…"
"But nothing Jake. If you're doing what I think you're doing then all I can say is when she sees all the work you put into making this day special for her, she'll be over the moon."
"I hope so… I just don't want her to think I am assuming since…" I trailed off, not wanting to tell my dad all the details for tonight.
"Since you've gotten her friend to cover for you and you're taking her somewhere overnight that she might assume you want to have sex?"
"Dad!"
"Am I right?"
I nodded. "But how did you know? And if you know, does that mean Charlie… oh god!"
"Settle down. Let me handle Charlie. He's coming here for dinner and he'll be so preoccupied with the big game tonight he won't be wondering if his best friend's son is trying to steal his daughter's virginity," he laughed.
"That's not funny dad!"
"Yes it is! For me at least!" he continued cracking up and then got serious. "But promise me one thing… be safe. If she isn't ready, then don't push her. But if she is… then you need to be prepared."
"I know dad. It's taken care of," I said feeling a little uncomfortable admitting to my dad that I might be having sex in a few hours.
"Good," he nodded and started to wheel himself out of my room. "And have fun!"
I looked at the clock and saw that I had about 30 minutes until I was supposed to meet Bella. I finished getting ready and threw everything I needed for tonight into my bag and headed out, thanking my dad on the way for letting me borrow his car.
BELLA's POV
It was late afternoon by the time we got back on the highway and headed back towards Forks. The girls asked me all about my day at the spa and while I would never spend the money on myself for something like that, I had to admit that it was fun to be pampered for a few hours.
When we eventually drove past my street and continued down the road, I began wondering where they were taking me.
"Are we going to meet Jake now?" I asked excitedly.
They both nodded.
"Where? His house?"
They shook their heads no.
"The beach?"
Shaking heads again.
"Ugh! C'mon guys! Give me a clue here!"
Sami began texting again and held up a finger, signaling me to wait a second. Once her phone buzzed with a new message she finally spoke.
"OK. Jake said to tell you and I quote 'You better be hungry Bells. And when I kiss you tonight, I hope you see fireworks.' End quote," Sami relayed.
I blushed at his message and the my evil friends in the front seat giggled. About 10 minutes later we drove past the turn for La Push and Rachel kept on driving.
"Where are we going?" I whined. "Please?" I asked when we turned down a street that I had never been on before.
"We're almost there," Sami said.
"Almost where?" I asked, looking around for a clue.
They didn't respond and it wasn't necessary as I saw a sign that said James Island Resort and Lodge. The car came to a stop and my two friends turned in their seats to face me. I gulped nervously.
"OK, Bella. We're here," Rachel smiled. "Just go to the front desk in the lobby."
"Where's Jake?"
Sami giggled, "Get in there to find out!"
I smiled and thanked them both for everything today.
"Have fun!" Rachel yelled.
"I want details tomorrow girl!" Sami laughed as they drove away.
I took a deep breath and entered the huge wooden doors. It was like walking into a massive log cabin. The cathedral ceiling went up several stories. There were wooden beams and rustic furnishings as far as the eye could see. And it was just beautiful. I approached the front desk and an older man raised his head and smiled at me.
"Can I help you?"
"I, uh, I think so. I'm Bella Swan. I think I'm supposed to meet someone here," I said nervously.
"Yes, yes – of course dear," he said and began sorting through some papers on the counter in front of him. "Here we are. This is for you," he said handing me a flower.
I blushed and accepted the single red rose.
"And this…" as he slid a note card across the counter to me.
I smiled, thanked him and turned around for some privacy as I read what I hoped to be my next clue as to where I could find my Jacob.
Bells,
I haven't seen you yet but I already know that you're the most beautiful woman in this place.
I left a trail for you to follow. I hope you can find me.
All my love,
Jacob
I turned back to the man. "Excuse me, but do you know which direction I should be headed? He said there was a trail…" I paused as the man smiled and pointed down the hall.
I walked slowly until I found a gentleman standing outside the elevators holding a rose similar to mine.
"Miss…" he smiled and passed the stem to me.
I nodded, blushed and continued down the hall as directed.
Then I saw a woman with another rose. She smiled sweetly, nodded and gave me the flower.
This went on as I continued down the hall, being met by several strangers - each waiting with a red rose from Jake for me. My smile continued to grow, along with my love for him and the number of butterflies in my stomach, as the bouquet in my hand became larger.
I approached a wide set of terra-cotta tile covered stairs. When I looked down and saw a boy who looked a lot like Jake and his friends did when he was younger standing at the bottom - holding a rose, of course.
"This is for you," he blushed and shoved the rose at me before he turned and ran away. I laughed at his sweet innocence and realized I was now holding a dozen long-stemmed red roses. Someone clearing their throat made me lift my eyes to the sight in front of me. What I saw left me speechless.
JAKE's POV
I could tell she was approaching by how excited little Steven was. He kept looking back at me and up the stairs to where Bella was. His actions would've been funny if I wasn't so damn nervous.
I had spent the day trying to do everything to make this day special for her; to let her know how much I loved her. I hoped when the evening was all said and done she was able to comprehend just how much she meant to me.
Little Steven was across from me so when Bella reached the bottom step, she faced him and didn't see me standing there. It wasn't until I cleared my throat to get her attention that she turned to look at me.
At that very moment, I felt like the world had stopped spinning; that the water in all the seas ceased moving and my heart skipped a beat. I never imagined my Bella could look any more beautiful than she did right then. She was literally breathtaking and she was all mine.
It took a few moments for either of us to actually breathe, move or speak. When my feet started to receive the frantic messages my brain was trying to send, I slowly approached her.
"Bella," I whispered reverently, her name never sounding so sweet as it rolled off my tongue.
I cupped her left cheek with my hand and stood in awe of her beauty - her new dress, shoes, hair - it was all beautiful and all very Bella.
I finally lifted my other hand and gave her the final rose.
"13," I smiled.
"13? I - I don't understand," she said.
"You have a rose for each day that we have shared together since you returned to my life."
"Oh Jake! That is just... thank you," she whispered.
BELLA's POV
When I was finally able to pull my eyes from his gorgeous frame, I looked around the room. We were in a restaurant that had a wall of windows that overlooked a beach and the ocean. It was amazing.
"Jake, this place is incredible," I said as he placed his hand on the small of my back and guided me to a table facing this breathtaking view.
"I'm glad you like it."
"But this," I motioned to the restaurant, flowers and my hair, "this is all too much! It must have cost you a fortune!"
"Honestly, it didn't."
I raised my eyebrow in disbelief.
"I swear! OK, I paid for the day spa and for dinner but everything else from earlier and the rest of the night are favors from our friends."
"Our friends?" I asked confused.
He nodded, "Obviously, Sami and Rachel helped me out today."
I smiled and nodded.
"Well, I had an idea last night of doing something special today for your birthday with a little scavenger hunt and taking you out for dinner. But when I bounced my ideas off of Embry and Quil, they suggested this place."
"You know I don't need any fancy dress or expensive dinner or anything… you look great by the way Jake," I blushed.
"Thanks Bells, so do you. Your dress and hair are just… you look amazing. But I only got you the day at the spa at Rachel and Sami's persistent suggestion," he smiled. "They can be ruthless, you know!"
I laughed in agreement.
"I know you're not a materialistic person so I wanted to get you something you would never get for yourself and when they said the spa, I just went with it," he shrugged. "I hope you're not mad about that."
I shook my head no. How could I be mad after all the hard work he put into today and getting me to this beautiful place for dinner?
"But we could've just went to that Italian place in Port Angeles. This is going to cost you an arm and a leg!"
"You never let me spend any money on you Bells. Since we've been together, I've only taken you on one – just one – official date. So let me do this, kay?"
I nodded.
"Good," he smiled. "Now, let's eat!"
We ordered an appetizer and nearly an hour later, with terribly full bellies, we still made room for a delicious dessert. I was thankful that Jake didn't tell the staff it was my birthday and embarrass me by having them sing or something. I wasn't sure they would even do it in a place as fancy as this, but I was relieved when they didn't.
Once Jake paid the bill – that he forbid me from seeing – he led me up the stairs and outside to a deck that sat just above the restaurant windows. The outdoor setting was inviting and romantic, with fire pits, cozy couches and chairs and outdoor standing heaters.
We took a spot in one of the soft couches, close to the railing, and enjoyed the dreamy sunset in front of us. We sat in silence as the orange, red and gold colors danced across the waves below until the ball of fire disappeared completely from the sky.
"Jake this has been the most amazing and fun day I have ever had. Thank you," I whispered the last part as I leaned up to kiss him.
Our private moment was broken when I heard a loud bang, causing me to pull away from his soft lips and jump in my seat. I looked towards the sound of the noise and saw fireworks going off directly in front of us.
Jake chuckled, "I couldn't have planned that better if I tried."
"Fireworks?" I asked stupidly.
He nodded, "I didn't pay for those! Seriously Bells! I don't have that kind of money!"
I laughed with him.
"But I did know about the fireworks display planned for tonight… that's actually how we ended up here."
We didn't speak during the rest of the spectacular fireworks display. There must have been a barge in the water where they were setting them off because they were so close and looked like they were just for us. I looked around the deck and saw a few couples and families had joined us outside to enjoy the show as well.
After an amazing 15 minute performance, followed by a full five minutes of a grand finale, everyone clapped in appreciation.
"Wow! That was great! I love fireworks and I can't remember the last time I saw them," I said giddily.
"I'm glad you liked it Bells."
"You said you knew about the fireworks? How?"
"Well, you can thank Emmett. His family owns this restaurant and when Rachel told him about my idea for your birthday dinner, he let her know that they were having a fireworks demonstration tonight. There are some big wigs in from Seattle and Port Angeles or somewhere, staying here at the resort and the show was used as a promotion to get them to use this company for their yearly fireworks displays in the city."
"That's cool!"
"Yeah, so he suggested we have dinner here and watch the fireworks."
"It was perfect. Thank you for a wonderful day Jake."
He kissed me and then said, "You're welcome, but it's not over Bells."
"It's not?"
He shook his head and looked nervous. What the heck could he be nervous about now?
JAKE's POV
She really seemed to like the fireworks. She thanked me and assumed our date was coming to a close. God, how do I tell her that we have a room here at the resort without looking like I did it just to get laid? I had to tell her but didn't know how she would react. Would she get upset and run out of here?
We've done pretty much everything but have sex so maybe she would want to spend the night with me… it didn't matter if she wasn't ready yet. I'll be honest, I was more than ready but there was no way was I going to push her.
The things we were trying and exploring were very fun and she satisfied my needs each time... but this was big. I didn't want her to think I expected sex or anything. She was staring at me and I had no idea how long my inner dialogue had lasted.
Say something stupid! I told myself.
"I don't want our night to end Bells," I whispered and stroked her face.
"Me either Jake. I never want our time together to end," she said sadly. "But we both know that you're leaving the day after tomorrow."
"I know. That's why I want to take advantage of every moment I have with you."
"Me too."
"Good," I said and took a deep breath. "Because we have a room upstairs just for us," I added quickly, searching her face for any signs of rejection.
Her eyes went wide and her mouth formed the perfect 'O' when she gasped. Was that a good sign or not? God, I hope I didn't scare her away! I would have given anything at that very moment to be a fucking mind reader and know what she was thinking!
BELLA's POV
A room? Upstairs? For us? We're spending the night? Together? Does that mean he wants to…?
Oh god!
Breathe, Bella, breathe! I screamed at myself.
A/N:
So... will our favorite couple do it or not? I know the answer already! **sticks out tongue**
You'll find out in the next chapter... PROMISE!
At this point in the chapter, please realize that Jake has about 36 hours until he has to report for duty. *sigh*
But I assure you, the story won't end there! I'm not sure exactly how long My Past will be but I'll continue as long as you want me to! Deal?
OK, you know the drill! Review for your chapter 26 preview!
Thanks again to everyone who has taken the time to share their thoughts, ideas (some are genius in fact!) and personal notes about the story.
You have no idea how happy it makes me to see your reaction to each chapter. I hope it comes across to you the way I wanted it to and each review lets me know if I did a good job.
So, thanks again... for all the love and support!
Juls