A/N: Here be lemons…

It was Spring before Bella found herself thinking about the future. Was it with Paul? Could she let herself fall again? She knew he wouldn't hurt her physically or emotionally as Roux had but could she take the risk that he could take a permanent place in her life?

Snorting, she realised how pathetic she sounded. When had she ever played the insecure card? She was Bella Swan and if Paul Lahote had stuck with her through all this crap, then he was bound to stay for the long haul.

She'd wasted too much time doubting herself and him, well, no more.

XxX

When Paul arrived, he found the house quiet. Bella was waiting for him on the porch. She took his hand and pulled him bodily closer. He gave a grunt as he took a moment to read her eyes before she pulled his head down to hers.

There was nothing casual about the kisses exchanged. Paul felt Bella's lips taking what he had wanted to offer for so long, inviting the animal within to take what was his.

They broke apart and she took his hand again, pulling him inside and towards the stairs. He stopped her briefly.

"Are you sure?"

She rolled her eyes at him and pulled him upstairs and he made sure to ask no other questions. They reached Bella's room and she pulled him down for another kiss before breaking apart to undress each other. They stood before each other, naked, before they reached for each other. Bella felt Paul lift her and carry her over to the bed. He kissed every inch of her body, laughing as her breathing peaked, before settling in between her legs.

She felt him ease into her and rest briefly on top of her. He nuzzled her neck before moving again, drawing her reaction, allowing her to climax before he joined her.

Afterwards, they lay wrapped up in each other's arms. Bella faced Paul and he gently dropped kisses on her forehead. She nuzzled his chest as his hands stroked her body. She was unaware that tears were falling.

"What's wrong?"

She shook her head but he persisted.

"You'll laugh."

"I'll try not to." He countered.

"I didn't think it could be that way."

"What do you mean?"

She looked him straight in the eye, though her words were hesitant. "Both of us getting what we wanted."

He pulled her closer, hating her ex all the more.

"He's gone. He's never coming back."

She let his words settle, before they were disturbed by a much more pleasant reaction to their proximity and state of undress.

XxX

Paul eventually moved in to the Swan household. He relinquished his former home back to the Council and become a permanent member of the family shortly after proposing to Bella. They agreed to wait until after Bella graduated and Paul spent the next few years showing Bella that she wouldn't regret their union.

When the day came, there was sunshine, a great omen for the marriage. All the family had their role to play. Charlie was walking Bella down the aisle, Precious was maid of honour with Skye and Grace making the cutest flower girls. Kit, Leon and Rusty were to serve as ushers along with Sam. Salvatore was the ring bearer. Emily had opted to do the catering as her gift to the couple. In the years passed, she often helped Bella with her orders and found it gave her an outlet other than that of Pack mother. She also found that she never had a shortage of people willing to sample her goods.

Jared stood as Paul's best man and watched his friend sneak a peek as the music started, to see Bella dressed, not in white, but in a shimmery silver-grey, that matched his own wolf.

Paul grinned as she approached him, kissing her deeply.

The pastor gave a cough and instructed him to wait until after the ceremony.

Refreshments were held at the Council hall where speeches were given before the happy couple left for their honeymoon.

Paul had arranged for them to spend a week in Mexico, where he intended to wine and dine his wife. They would make the most of the peace before returning to the family home.

Leon had graduated and earned a scholarship out of state and would be moving out after their return. Kit continued to work with Sam and had decided to branch off on his own. Paul let him know that he would be welcome back if he needed to. Precious was taking classes with the intention to open her own salon. In the mean time she offered home visits to build up a regular custom-base and was often seen about town.

Rusty had fallen in love with a girl from his class. She was feisty and independent as he was and had taken news of his other side very well.

Salvatore was showing a talent for school sports and as his confidence grew, he found himself able to survive the team atmosphere.

Skye was showing signs of being an Earth demon and had focused on botany as a way to control her gifts.

For now, Grace wasn't showing any signs of any particular preference. She held a charmed life, being the pet of the family as well as having a good father figure in Paul to match Mamma B.

Paul and Bella had spoken about having a family of their own one day but had no immediate plans. They were both content to enjoy their life as it was. Some of the older Council felt that as one of the Pack, Paul should be providing the next generation, as some of his brothers had already set about doing. However, in this Paul and Bella were of one mind. No-one would tell them when to have a family. They supported anyone that felt ready to make the leap but did not feel as inclined to reciprocate.