Babies, Babies, Babies

Disclaimer: all characters and copyright belong to Stephanie Meyer.

A/N-thanks for the kind reviews, Nikki.

Part Thirty Five

The bonfire glowed brightly. It made Bella's skin appear translucent. The flames highlighted the dark flecks in her eyes as they roamed toward Emily and Sam who were receiving congratulations from all the others after announcing the pregnancy. Bella noticed that Leah was missing. She scoured the beach searching for her but there was no sign. Had the she-wolf been pre-warned that Emily was going to make a big announcement, Bella had an inkling this must have been the case. To find out her love rival was now going to be a mother must have killed her. Leah had still not let go of her love for Sam, perhaps never would. Bella had seen how hard it was for her to keep being around Sam day after day, not only that but sharing head space with him as well. It had to be sheer torture.

Bella recalled seeing Leah earlier in the evening. Charlie and Sue had made their big announcement first, after already making sure to tell Leah and Seth their news. Charlie had already gotten Bella's seal of approval. She had noticed the two Clearwater siblings had struggled to show happiness at the news. They both missed Harry dearly and it must be hard on them to see their mother with another man, even if it was someone as decent and reliable as Charlie. Bella had no problems with her dad's engagement. It had been many years since he and Renee had divorced. It was as if they had never married. Toasts had been made to the happy couple, much like what was going on now with Sam and Emily. Charlie had made a stuttering speech, his face turning red with nerves. Sue had rescued him by cuddling close to his side and kissing him sweetly on the cheek. It had been a happy moment and Bella would always treasure seeing the glowing happiness on her father's face.

"What's going on in that head of yours, beautiful?" Jacob's voice startled her. He handed her a glass of sparkling wine and they both held up their glasses toward Sam and Emily when they looked their way.

"Nothing much." Bella sipped the wine. It had gone warm but the fizz melted on her tongue and sent a pleasant ripple down her throat as she swallowed. "I was just wondering about Jet and Marlon…" Her brow furrowed as she thought about the children. Charlie and Sue had left earlier on with Billy in tow. They were going to watch the children while Jacob and Bella spent some time relaxing.

"They're fine." Jacob leaned forward and kissed her. He could taste the wine on her lips. He intensified the kiss, slipping his tongue between her lips and tugging her closer. Bella reciprocated at once. She nearly dropped her glass as the wine slopped over the top and fell onto Jacob's shirt.

"Oops." Bella put a hand over her mouth and giggled. "I've ruined your shirt."

"Who cares?" Jacob quickly whipped off his t-shirt and chucked it on the sand. "I was getting too hot anyway."

Bella's eyes roamed his upper torso. She would never get over how well defined Jacob was. She touched his chest and let her fingers wander across the dips and valleys of his impressive muscles. His skin was silky smooth. "You are so beautiful." She smiled up at him as he laughed again before capturing her lips in another heated kiss. Bella felt like she was going to explode. This time she did drop the wine glass as she threw her arms around his neck and pressed her mouth harder on his.

Suddenly a shower of water was thrown over them. Bella squealed and pulled away from Jacob, who was now glaring at Embry and Quil who were nearly bent double laughing. "Get a room, dude." Quil teased as he avoided a punch on the shoulder from Jacob.

"Jeez, will you ever grow up, Ateara?" Jacob had to smile.

"Not in this lifetime." Quil winked at them both before he turned on Embry and began to wrestle him. The two fell onto the sand and began to play fight.

"My money's on Quil." Bella bet Jacob as she watched them roll around on the beach.

"Nah, mine's on Embry." Jacob shook his head in amusement at his friend's goofing off. He slipped an arm across Bella's shoulders and pulled her close. In the end he was proved right. Embry did a victory dance around the bonfire when he overcame Quil with a surprise move. "Told you." Jacob laughed at Bella's disgruntled expression as he yanked her toward the tables which were still groaning with food.

The bonfire was still burning brightly. Bella rested her back against Jacob's warm chest. His arms were wrapped around her and she was sitting in between his long legs. His body heat kept her toasty warm, and the combination of the wine and beer she had drank had given her a calm buzz. She smiled at everyone around her. Emily was sitting on Sam's lap, feeding him a marsh mellow she had cooked in the bonfire. Embry and Quil were talking quietly together. Jared and his imprint Kim were wrapped around each other, kissing occasionally and lost in their own little world. Others that Bella vaguely knew wandered around the outskirts. Many of them had paired off into small groups or more intimate couples. It was a relaxing scene and Bella was glad that the bonfire had gone ahead after all, despite her initial misgivings.

"You, okay." Jacob murmured as he kissed the shell of her ear. Bella shivered with pleasure as he moved her long hair to one side and continued to kiss the back of her neck, teasing her skin with his tongue as his lips pressed down lightly.

"I am more than, okay." Bella pressed her back harder against him and dropped her head onto his shoulder giving him better access to the front of her neck. But suddenly she felt Jacob stiffen. Her eyes widened as she turned to look at him. "What is it?"

"Rachel." Jacob ground out. He pointed toward the edge of the beach.

Bella strained her eyes, it was so dark and the light from the bonfire didn't spread that far. It took her a moment to locate Rachel. She was standing next to Paul Lahote. He had been absent from the bonfire until now. Bella couldn't believe he had brought Rachel with him. He had to know things were still very raw for Jacob regarding his sister's betrayal. Bella's eyes followed Rachel as she marched across the beach determinedly. She had spotted Jacob and Bella and was heading directly for them. Paul stayed protectively by her side. Her head was held high and she ignored the stares she was receiving from the others. The whole beach had gone quiet; you could hear a pin drop.

"What are you doing here?" Jacob demanded. His hold on Bella tightened as he glared up at his sister.

"I want to talk to you." Rachel held up her hand when Paul tried to speak. He fell silent and looked apologetically at Jacob. He obviously hadn't wanted to bring Rachel to the beach, but had no choice but to accompany her when she refused to stay at his house.

"Well I don't want to talk to you right now." Jacob snapped. "Leave."

"No." Rachel said stubbornly. She fell to her knees in the sand as she faced her brother. Tears were shining in her dark eyes as she looked at him imploringly. "I need you to speak to dad for me. He can't in good conscience banish me, this is my home. I gave the cheque back, that has to count for something…."

Bella pressed her hand on Jacob's knee as she felt him begin to shake. She cursed Rachel for showing up and ruining what had been a pleasant and relaxing evening. It seemed that Jacob's sister still didn't get it. "Please do as your brother says, Rachel." Bella replied in a gentle tone.

Anger flashed in Rachel's eyes as she pursed her lips and glared at Bella. "Stay out of this."

"Rachel." Paul muttered warningly. He grabbed her arm but she shook him off.

"NO." Rachel's quick temper got the better of her yet again. She stood back up and glared at all the people staring at her. "NONE OF YOU HAVE THE RIGHT TO JUDGE ME." She pounded her fist on her chest. "I am Quileute, just like all of you." She pointed at each individual person until she reached Bella. "I am not the interloper here. She is. She has taken my sister's children, made herself at home in my house, and turned my family against me when all I was trying to…."

Jacob was on his feet in an instant. His eyes glowed fiercely as he stood in front of Rachel. She cowered under the force of his gaze. "Do not open your filthy mouth anymore. Get out of here." His voice was low but there was steel behind it. "Take her Paul." He ordered his pack brother.

Paul grabbed Rachel's arm again and pulled her after him as he strode purposefully away. Rachel fought him, but his grip was too tight. She glanced over her shoulder toward Bella and Jacob, her face was awash with tears but her eyes were still alight with anger. "Becca will be back soon, you can count on it." She yelled at them. "That will spoil your game of happy families. They are my sister's children, not yours. You have no claim on them, none…." Her last words were swallowed by the dark.

Bella stood next to Jacob; her eyes were filled with tears. She was totally shaken by the vitriol spilling from Rachel's mouth. She felt cold inside as Rachel's words stabbed her right in the heart. "Bells." Jacob's arms were around her instantly as he cradled her close to his chest. "I am so sorry you had to listen to that."

Bella said nothing. Slowly the other pack members looked away. All the joy had been sucked out of the evening. Everyone felt mortified for Jacob and even more so for Bella. Sam began to direct the others to dampen down the bonfire and begin to clear up what was left of the food and drink. He gave Jacob a sympathetic glance. "We'll finish up here. You take Bella home. I'll take your patrol shift tonight. Stay with her."

"Thank you." Jacob said huskily. Bella still hadn't said a word; her face was hidden against his chest. When they started to walk, her legs were so wobbly that she stumbled. Jacob picked her up in his arms and held her tight as he strode back home.

A/N-thanks for reading!