Back to the Beginning
Disclaimer; all characters and copyright belong to SM.
A/N-thank you for the kind reviews!
Epilogue
Five years later;
"Are we there yet?" Bella whined.
"Impatient much?" Jacob countered, laughing.
Bella tried to lift the blindfold covering her eyes as she tried to sneak a peek. But Jacob caught her. He tugged the eye mask firmly over her eyes again. Bella huffed impatiently. "You're enjoying this." She scolded him.
Jacob laughed again. He put his arm back around Bella's waist and guided her forward. "I promise we're nearly there, honey."
Bella emitted a theatrical sigh. She was having trouble containing her excitement. She was finally getting to see the end results of the project Jacob had been working on for the last year. She had graduated college only the week before. She had her teaching degree and already had a job lined up at the tribal school. Bella was looking forward to knuckling down to work. During her time at college, Jacob had been steadily building up a business of his own. It had taken a lot of blood, sweat and tears, and a huge business loan guaranteed jointly by Charlie and Billy, but finally Jacob was the proud owner of his own garage. It was still in its infancy, but so far the financial projections looked good. Jacob had been able to employ young Seth Clearwater as his apprentice. Embry and Quil were his co-workers. A special little office had been adapted for Billy, he was in charge of the company accounts and he was thriving being able to work again.
"We must be there now." Bella pouted as she stumbled slightly. Jacob chuckled as he kept his arm firmly around her waist. There was a slight giggle. Bella raised her eyebrows. "Is that you Lee?" She demanded. She tried to lift the eye mask again.
Jacob shot Leah Uley a dark look. Sam winked at Jacob. He was enjoying the show. They had just celebrated their one year anniversary. "Busted." Leah smiled, shrugging. "Yes, it's me Bella. Sam's here too."
"Ha ha! I knew it." Bella whipped the eye mask off before Jacob could stop her this time. She was about to say more but became speechless when she got her first glimpse of what Jacob had been working on for months. Her mouth gaped open and her eyes widened. "Is this...?" She couldn't finish her sentence.
"Yes." Jacob chuckled. "Welcome to your new home, honey."
Bella literally screeched with delight. She jumped up and down for a moment before flinging her arms around Jacob's neck. "You kept this quiet for a whole year. I don't believe it. I just…" She was breathless with excitement.
Jacob grinned. He scooped Bella up in his arms bridal style. He laughed again as she began to kiss his face over and over in delight. He loved seeing her so thrilled. Her beautiful brown eyes were shining with happiness. She was vibrating with excitement. "Put me down, Jacob. I want to run in there and…"
"Nope." Jacob popped the P. "I'm gonna carry you inside." He sauntered slowly toward the new building, deliberately taking his time. Sam and Leah followed behind, smiling.
"Jacob." Bella complained. She fidgeted in his arms as she craned her neck to get a good look at the house. It was gorgeous, it was everything she had envisioned or ever wanted. No wonder Jacob had been grilling her about her dream home every opportunity he got. Now she knew why. She couldn't believe it. It was all one storey, in a similar design to Jacob's childhood home, but it was at least three times the size. The wraparound porch gave it a quaint air. Bella smiled when she saw the revamped porch swing placed to the left of the entrance. It was facing the setting sun. Jacob knew how much she loved to sit on the swing in the late evening, a warm mug of coffee in her hand, snuggled against his side, while they watched the sun go down.
Jacob strode up the porch steps, adjusting Bella in his arms as he gently pushed the front door open. It swung inwards revealing the wide hallway. Bella gazed around eagerly, waiting to catch her first glimpse of the interior. It was even more stunning then she expected. The walls were painted a light cream which set off the soft furnishings inside. Bella recognised Jacob and Billy's handiwork as she stared around in admiration. Jacob gently placed her back on her feet. He was enjoying her reaction. He watched as she wandered around the front room, her pretty face a picture of awe. She touched all the furniture, running her fingers over each and every item. Eventually she drifted toward the kitchen. Jacob, Sam and Leah hung back, wanting to allow Bella time to absorb everything about her favourite room of the house. They all heard her squeal with joy as she got her first proper look.
"I can't believe it." She gushed. "I can't believe it."
Jacob exchanged knowing smiles with Sam and Leah. He finally joined Bella in the kitchen and put his arm around her slim shoulders. "You like?" He asked nonchalantly.
"Like?" Bella retorted, throwing her arms wide. "I love!"
The kitchen was huge. It took up the entire back of the house. It was open plan with a massive wooden table placed dead centre. Bella laughed as she noticed that there were enough chairs to cater for each member of the wolf pack, including their fathers. She rushed over there, tugging Jacob along with her. Her fingers traced the smooth redwood of the table Jacob had carved with his own two hands. It was so shiny. Bella bit on her lower lip as she tried to contain her happiness. The kitchen cupboards were made in the same redwood as the table. A large refrigerator dominated one end, and on the other was huge stove. Bella squealed again when she saw it. She pulled Jacob over to the stove and immediately began to inspect it.
"Let me guess you're already planning a huge party." Leah laughed. She could practically see the thought bubble popping above Bella's head.
"We've got to have a housewarming." Bella said gleefully. She whizzed around and threw her arms around Jacob. "I can't believe you kept this secret from me." She whispered adoringly. "God, I really love you, Jacob Black."
"Love you more." Jacob replied as he leaned down to kiss her willing lips. He felt Bella's soft rounded belly pressing into his hip. He couldn't help but caress the small bump with warm fingers. Bella smiled wistfully as she pressed her face into the crook of his neck. She was four months gone. It all seemed too surreal. In a few short months she was going to be a mother. Her mind drifted back as it sometimes did to her old life. The life she had lived before Jacob had saved her. She hoped that the people she loved in her old reality had found a semblance of peace. She would never know, she could only hope. And that in the end is all anyone can do.
The End.
A/N-thanks for reading!