A/N: Hello Faithful Readers! So, this chapter is very long. I thought about cutting it in two, but decided you could probably use a nice long chapter. Again, thanks so much for the reviews. They really make my day!
CHAPTER 43
Bella POV:
Jacob and I helped move Carly's things into the farmhouse where she would be staying with Carlisle and Esme. Her temperature was hanging around 91, which was still considered a fever for her, but she was drinking water and even ate a few bites of a banana which made Carlisle feel better, so I was hoping she would be well soon. He also finally got her to accept a cup of blood and after, her color looked much better.
Jacob stayed out of her sight for now, as he didn't want to upset her, and even though I appreciated his thoughtfulness toward Carly, I really wished there was some way that we could all be together. I wanted more than anything for Carly to be a part of the family that Jacob and I would be with our baby. I decided not to give up hope. It could happen someday, and I would just have to be patient. Yeah, me . . . patient.
Emmett moved into the farmhouse too, leaving the log cabin empty for now. I hoped that being away from Carly would help Edward to realize what I had been going through for the last three months. Part of me wanted him to suffer greatly, yet, I also knew how hard this would be on Carly. Carlisle would not allow Edward even the chance to say goodbye to Carly before he left, which I felt was justified since I never had that chance when she was stolen from me, but I had to admit that it hurt when Carly asked about her papa several times, until finally Carlisle told her that her papa and Aunt Rose had to go away for awhile and that they would miss her very much. Seeing those tears in her big, beautiful eyes, I knew she didn't understand exactly why, but yet, she didn't ask again. Maybe she did understand more than I thought.
Esme cooked a nice meal for Quil, Embry, Jake and I that evening, then after dinner, I spent a little more time with Carly, with Carlisle or Esme always present just in case. She seemed to be a little more comfortable with my presence now, which made me very happy. She even allowed me to help Esme with her bath, and I held her and read a story to her before putting her to bed. Hopefully, the damage that Edward and Rose had caused would not be permanent.
After Carly went to sleep, I made my way downstairs to the kitchen to make myself a cup of tea. I was exhausted, yet I wanted to sit and relax with some tea before trying to make my brain stop long enough to sleep. Looking around, I wondered where Jacob was as I took the tea kettle from the stove and turned to the sink to fill it with water. I heard the back door open and thinking it might be Jacob, I turned to see Emmett standing there with a foul look on his face. "Emmett? What's wrong?"
"It's Edward. He is insisting on talking to you before he leaves."
Just the sound of his name now caused the anger to rise up in me again. "He's here? Now? I thought they left already."
With a shake of his head, Emmett explained, "They went to hunt before going back to the cabin to pack. Jasper is ready to go now, but Edward insisted on seeing you." He then added, "But you don't have to see him, Bella. I can tell him no and send him away. I don't want you upset anymore than you already are."
I gave Emmett a small smile as I set the tea kettle down on the counter. I loved how Emmett was so protective of me. Curiosity got the best of me as I wondered what else Edward would have to say to me. Finally, I said, "It's alright. I'll talk to him."
"Alright, but I'm staying with you. Is that OK with you?"
"Yes, big brother. I would appreciate that."
After throwing me a smile, Emmett turned away to say something to Edward then he opened the door further and allowed Edward to walk in front of him before he stepped into the kitchen and closed the door behind him. Edward looked much different than the last time I saw him when he was so angry and filled with such . . . hate. Now, his dark eyes had gone amber again and he looked so . . . defeated. "Thank you, Bella, for allowing me to see you before I left. I want to explain things to you . . . "
"Explain?" I asked, wondering what the hell kind of game he was playing now. "What could you possibly have to explain, Edward? You used our child . . . our baby, to get revenge on me. What about that don't I understand?"
"Bella, please, just listen to me. I know you're angry and you have every right to be. What I did was wrong . . . very wrong, and I am sorry. But please, just listen? I need to get this out."
Letting out a sigh, I nodded and slowly pulled a kitchen chair from the table to sit down. I felt whatever bullshit he had to say to me would be better taken sitting down.
Edward did the same and sank down into a chair across from me, while Emmett crossed his arms over his massive chest and stood somewhere between us, at the ready in case he would be needed. Edward started by saying, "Bella, do you remember when you asked about the money I left you in the bank and I told you that I left it for you because I still cared about you?" I gave him a brief nod to let him know I remembered, and he said, "I do. I still do, after everything."
Edward looked away for a moment and I wondered where this was going. I was not really up to hearing him declare his undying love for me after what he did, so I said, "Edward, stop. I can't listen to you tell me you care after what . . . "
"Bella, please. It's important to me that you understand why." Exhaling my frustration, I finally nodded to him to go on and so he began again, "Like I was saying, I still care, but I wasn't thinking clearly . . . I know that now. After Carly was born, I was just . . . amazed at this beautiful little creature that we had made and the more time I spent with her, the more in love I became with her and . . . with the idea of us becoming a family. But every time I looked at you, I saw you with him, and I remembered that you still carried a piece of him inside you."
Instinctively, my hand went to cover my belly where Jacob's baby still grew as Edward went on, "I was angry, and hurt and so confused . . . I decided that it would best to get away from you for awhile. So when Alice came to me with her vision of the Volturi coming for Carly, I took that as my opportunity to run away from you. I was hoping I could find some peace over this whole situation."
"So, I took Carly to Island Esme because I knew the Volturi wouldn't find us there. It was very difficult when I first arrived, remembering how Carly was conceived," again Edward stopped for a moment to look at me, but I looked away. I didn't want to trip down memory lane remembering our honeymoon right now, so I said, "Go on."
Edward got the hint. "The more time I spent with our daughter, I finally realized what a miracle she really was. Just like you tried to tell me when you were pregnant." He stopped and gave me a small smile, but I stayed stone-faced. I didn't want to show him any emotion at all.
"Well, anyway, I spent every moment of every day with our daughter, feeding her, changing her, bathing her . . . just sitting and holding her. It was wonderful, and I hoped that it would heal the hole in my heart and that I could go on living with just Carly and that would be enough. But . . . it wasn't enough."
I braced myself, knowing there was still more. "One day, Carly showed me her memories of you and asked why you weren't with us. I stupidly explained that because you were human and different from us, you couldn't be with us. She seemed satisfied by that answer, but no matter what we did, Rose and I couldn't relieve the sadness in her at your loss. I realized then that no matter how hard Rose tried, she could never be a substitute for Carly's real mother. Carly needed you . . . you were her mother. And . . . I still needed you. So, I became obsessed with the idea that somehow, you and I and Carly would be a family."
"So you taught her to want to hurt me? That I was a human that was only good for food? How would that make us a family?" I couldn't believe how warped his mind had become!
Shaking his head, Edward answered, "No, that was Rose. She was afraid that I would lure you back to me somehow and she would lose Carly forever. I didn't realize what she was telling Carly at first because I was so wrapped up in trying to come up with a plan to get you back. But when Carly showed me what Rose had been teaching her, some . . . disgusting, warped part of me realized that I could use that to my advantage to get you back."
"What?" I cried in dismay. I waited, but as Edward seemed hesitant to go on, I prompted him with, "I have to hear this, Edward. Tell me."
Very quietly, he explained, "I decided that if Carly bit you, that maybe since she was so small and only half vampire, her venom wouldn't be enough to kill you, but it might be enough to change you."
"Oh my God," I sighed as I dropped my head into my hands. I could barely believe what I was hearing!
"Bella, I never wanted you dead, and I wasn't out for revenge, or to punish you," Edward said quickly. "I thought that if Carly changed you, that . . . you wouldn't hate her for it, and somehow you would realize this is what you wanted all along and we would be a family," Edward explained, his voice fading toward the end.
My stomach churned at the thought of how close his plan had come to fruition. If Jacob hadn't jumped in front of me . . . my hand clutched at my shirt over my unborn baby as I said to Edward, "But my baby . . . I'm pregnant, Edward. Did you forget about that?"
"No. My original plan was to wait until you had born your baby, then I was going to suggest that you use the money I set aside for you to visit Carly, and . . . we would do it then." Throwing a glare toward Emmett, Edward added angrily, "I had no idea that my brother would betray me and come crashing through the door with you in tow. That was not part of the plan."
Again, I dropped my head into my hands as my brain tried hard to comprehend what Edward was telling me. He was even more warped that I thought. Looking up at him, I asked incredulously, "And you expect me to believe you did this because you love me? What kind of love is that, Edward? That's not love . . . it's, it's . . . about possession."
Edward shook his head as he insisted passionately, "Bella, I do love you. I will always love you. It's not too late for us . . . "
As he reached for my hand, I pulled back and hissed, "Don't touch me!"
"Bella, please!"
"No," I insisted as I pushed back my chair to stand and shook my head. "No, Edward. You took my daughter away from me and poisoned her mind against me all out of selfishness! Now I have to hope to God that the damage isn't irreparable. I will fight for my daughter. I will be her mother again, but not anywhere near you. I don't want you around my daughter ever again. Do you understand that? Never!"
Edward stood and faced me as he said slowly, "Carly is my daughter, too, Bella. I know what I did was wrong, and I am sorry for that. But you will not take her away from me. I will go away for now and take some time to . . . adjust . . . but I will see her again."
"We'll see about that," I warned him, my anger flaring.
"Don't forget that according to our divorce decree, I have full custody," Edward took glee in reminding me.
"And I could have you arrested for kidnapping her and taking her out of the country without my knowledge," I threw back at him. "But do you really want to play that game? Go through the court system? Do you want to do that to Carly?"
Seeing my distress, Emmett finally stepped up to say, "OK, that's enough. I think it's time to go, Edward."
Turning his glare on Emmett, Edward hissed, "Shut up, Emmett. You are not my keeper!"
"Maybe not, but I won't allow you to hurt Bella any more than you already have. She's exhausted and needs to rest. You may not care about the baby she's carrying, but I do."
"And why is that, Emmett?" Edward asked. "Why did you jump in so quickly to save the dog who impregnated her? I would think you would want him out of the way as much as I do."
"That's where you're wrong, Edward." Slipping his arm around my shoulder, Emmett explained, "Again, I only care about Bella like a sister . . . and unlike you, I can see how much she loves Jacob and how much it would hurt her to live without him. That's the difference between you and me. I don't live for my own selfishness. I can love someone and care about them and be concerned for their thoughts and their feelings . . . it's a great concept. You should try it sometime."
I smiled at Emmett as I leaned into him and said to Edward. "I am very thankful for Emmett. He brought me to my daughter and saved Jacob's life. Those are things that I will be indebted to him for for the rest of my life." Then with one final look at Edward I added, "Good bye, Edward," as I turned back to the sink, picked up the tea kettle and turned on the water to fill it.
"We will talk again, Bella. This isn't over," Edward insisted as I heard Emmett, "Enough. Let's go."
After the door closed behind them, I set the tea kettle down into the sink as my hand was shaking so much, I couldn't hold it still long enough to fill it. Dropping my head as I braced myself against the counter, I couldn't believe what I had just heard! How could he do what he did and tell me it was out of love? That he wanted us to be a family?
"Bella? Are you alright?" I heard from behind me as the door clicked shut.
Turning, I rushed into Jacob's waiting arms and let him hold me together once again. "I am now," I mumbled into his bare chest as I wrapped my arms around his waist.
"I saw Emmett drag him out of here. What did he say to you?" Jacob asked, his voice strained. I could feel how tense his body was and knew it probably took every once of strength he had to restrain himself from ripping Edward apart.
With a sigh, I stepped back and said, "You won't believe it. He's more twisted than I thought."
I gave him the short version on what Edward had to say and watched his face contort in anger as I talked. "Are you fucking serious?"
"Yeah. This was all some plot to change me and . . . God, it could have worked if you hadn't jumped in front of me," I said slowly as I slid down into the kitchen chair and dropped my head into my hands.
Jacob lowered himself to kneel beside me and I felt him rest his head on my shoulder. "I would never have allowed that to happen, Bells. You have to know that. I will always fight for you."
I turned my head toward him and smiled. "I know. You're my knight in shining armor."
"Well, I don't know about the shining armor, but . . . "
I cut him off by leaning over to kiss him on the lips. "Thank you, Jacob. Thank you for always standing by my side. For loving me, for protecting me . . . "
This time, Jacob cut me off with a kiss . . . a long, drawn out, lingering kiss that sent out a shiver through my whole body. When he pulled back, he smiled and said, "I love you, Bella."
"I love you, too. So much," I returned as I leaned my forehead against his. We sat there like that for a moment or two before Jacob stood up and asked, "So, I see you were trying to make a cup of tea. Why don't I do that for you?"
"Thanks. I couldn't get my hands to stop shaking enough to fill the kettle."
As Jacob moved around the kitchen, I sat there at the table, still somewhat in shock, and realized that what I wanted more than anything at that moment was to go home. I knew Jacob was more than ready to go home . . . so were Embry and Quil. I would miss Carly terribly, but I was rather used to that, and at least now I knew where she was and that she was in good hands with Carlisle and Esme . . . "Jake? I've been thinking that . . . maybe we should go home tomorrow."
"Are you sure?" I heard him ask from behind me.
"Yes. I'll miss Carly, but, now I know where she is and I know that she will be well cared for, so, I think it's time."
Jacob stepped over to sit down in the chair beside me. "Whatever you want to do is fine with me. If you want to stay for a couple more days . . . " Jacob offered, but I stopped him with, "No, I want to go home."
"OK," Jacob nodded with a smile. "Now we just have to figure out how we're going to get there."
"What?"
"We don't have a car, Bells. The guys and I came wolf, and you rode with Emmett."
"Oh, yeah." I had completely forgotten that! "Well, maybe Emmett wouldn't mind driving us home?"
"Why don't I ask him?" Jacob suggested. "And then I'll let the guys know we're leaving first thing in the morning."
With a nod, I said, "Yeah, that's fine."
"OK." Just then, the kettle whistled and Jacob got up to get it. After a few minutes, I had a cup of hot tea in front of me and Jacob left me with a kiss on the forehead to make his way outside to find Emmett, Embry and Quil.
Deciding I would be more comfortable sitting in one of the chairs by the fireplace, I picked up my cup of tea and walked into the living room to find Carlisle sitting there, reading the newspaper. "Hello, Bella. Enjoying some tea, I see?"
"Yes. Trying to relax some before I try to sleep."
"I see. I believe I heard voices earlier . . . you and Edward?" Of course he would have heard. I just nodded and sipped my tea as he asked, "Are you alright?"
"I suppose," I sighed as I sat down in the chair opposite Carlisle by the fire. "I just can't believe all this was done to Carly to . . . to get me to be a family with him and her. I mean, how twisted is that?"
"I can't say I understand it either."
We sat there in silence for awhile as I sipped my tea then I informed him that we were going home tomorrow morning. "I feel good leaving knowing that Carly will be here with you and Esme. I will miss her so much, but, I know it's for the best."
Smiling, Carlisle leaned forward and said, "I promise you, Bella, that we love Carly and we will take good care of her."
"And . . . you'll keep Edward away from her?" I hated to ask, but I had to know.
"Yes, I will. I hope that someday he can be her father again, but not now."
"Thank you."
"And I hope that we can bring her to you for a visit at Christmas."
"Do you think that's possible?"
With a smile, Carlisle told me, "Jacob has promised to talk to his father as soon as he gets home. He's the one that suggested it."
Jacob. It was sweet of him to offer, but I wasn't too sure Billy would go for it. Especially when he saw the bite mark on the back of his son's neck. Letting out a yawn, I set my tea cup down onto to the small table by the chair as Carlisle offered, "You can sleep tonight in the bedroom you used before to nap in, if you like."
"Thank you, I think I will," I said as I stood picked up my tea cup. Then I turned to say, "Good night, Carlisle, and . . . thanks again for everything."
With a kind smile, Carlisle stood and just patted me on the shoulder as he said, "Good night, Bella."
After taking my cup to the kitchen, I took the stairs slowly as suddenly I felt at least a hundred years old. The last couple of days had been horrific . . . something I definitely wanted to forget. I stopped at Carly's room first to peek in. Esme was sitting in the rocking chair, quietly reading a book and she smiled as she noticed me. "How is she?" I whispered.
"She's sleeping peacefully. I checked her temperature about 15 minutes ago and it's down another degree," Esme reported.
"Good. Um, I'm going to try and get some sleep. I'll be next door if you need me."
"Alright. Good night, Bella."
"Good night." Walking on to the bedroom I used earlier in the day, I closed the door then made my way to the bed where I sat down to kick off my shoes, wondering if Jacob would stay outside with the guys, or if he would sleep here with me. Smiling to myself, I was pretty sure he would find his way here. I decided to try and get as comfortable as possible, so I slipped out the jeans I had been wearing for three days now, turned off the light and climbed under the covers to settle in for the night. It wasn't long before I heard a tap on the door then Jacob's voice calling softly, "Bella?"
"Yes, Jake, I'm here."
Closing the door, Jacob explained, "I just wanted to make sure I had the right room." He quickly walked to the bed and it creaked as he laid down beside me.
"I had a feeling you would find me," I told him softly as I snuggled close to him. This was what I had been longing for . . . that feeling I only found in Jacob's arms. That feeling I was safe . . . that feeling of home.
"I know it will be hard for you to leave Carly, but I have to admit, I am so ready to go home."
I smiled at that. "I know, me, too."
As Jacob held me, I felt all the tension leave my body and before long, I was sound asleep.
In the morning, I woke to find Jacob already up and gone. I quickly pulled on my jeans and shoes, made the bed, and after using the bathroom, I walked to Carly's room, to find it empty. Wondering where everyone was, I made my way down the stairs and heard voices coming from the kitchen. As I stepped into the room, I was very happy to find Carly sitting in a wooden high chair, smiling as she picked up Cheerios and put them into her mouth while Esme was at the stove cooking. "Good morning," I called out as I entered and moved to the table to pull out a chair and sit down beside Carly.
"Good morning, Bella," Esme answered. "I'm making pancakes. Want some?"
"Of course, I do. I wouldn't miss your pancakes for anything," I told her as I smiled at Carly.
Esme beamed as she turned to pour the batter onto the griddle and I turned to Carly to say, "Good morning, sweetie."
"Mama, eat?" Carly asked as she held up a Cheerio.
"Oh yes. I like Cheerios."
Carly smiled as she held the Cheerio up to my mouth, so I leaned forward and let her push it between my lips. As I chewed it, Carly clapped her little hands and I felt my heart burst at seeing her so happy.
"Oma?" Carly called out to Esme. When she turned, Carly asked, "More?"
"You need more Cheerios?" Seeing Carly nod, Esme took the box from the counter and sprinkled a few more onto the high chair tray. "There you go."
"Thanku," Carly said as she stuffed one into her mouth.
"Looks like she's feeling much better this morning," I said to Esme as I got up to get myself a cup of coffee.
"Yes, I believe she is," Esme agreed as she flipped pancakes. "Her temp is almost down to normal. It was 89 when I took it this morning."
"Do you know where Jacob is?"
"I believe he's outside with the other boys. I told them I was fixing breakfast, so I'm sure they're close by," Esme assured me with a knowing smile.
Moving to the back door, I opened it and called out, "Jacob!" I only had to wait a few seconds before I heard him call back, "Coming!" It was cold this morning . . . I could see my breath as I stood there waiting for Jacob, rubbing my hands up and down my arms to keep warm.
"Morning, Bells," Jacob smiled as he walked up to take me in his arms and kiss me.
"Mmm, warmth," I said into his bare chest.
"I feel so used," Jacob teased as I put my cold hands just inside the waistband at the back of his shorts.
Leaning back, I looked up into his face as I asked, "Are we leaving right after breakfast?"
Jacob nodded then asked, "If that's OK with you?"
"Yeah, that's OK, but I think I want to shower first. Carly is awake and feeling much better. She's in the kitchen eating Cheerios. It's so cute," I told him with a smile. Then I quickly invited, "Come and see her."
"I don't know if I should, Bells. I don't want to upset her."
"Let me talk to her first. I'll let her know that you won't hurt her." Seeing Jacob's hesitation, I added, "At least stand at the door and look in."
I took him by the hand and led him to the door then I went inside to sit down beside Carly again. "Carly? Mama has a friend that wants to see you. His name is Jacob and he is very nice. Mama loves him very much and . . . well, Mama would like for you and Jacob to be friends." I glanced at Esme and caught the worried look on her face, so I mouthed to her, "Please?"
Setting the spatula down, Esme moved over to Carly to say, "You can trust your mama, Carly. Jacob is a nice man and he won't hurt you. I will hold your hand, honey. Is that alright?"
Carly looked between the two of us then finally nodded. Looking at the door, I motioned for Jacob to come in. I watched Carly as Jacob slowly opened the door and walked inside. He stopped a few steps away from her and said softly, "Hello, Carly."
I could see in Carly's eyes that she recognized him as the person she bit and immediately, she reached out to Esme in alarm. Esme took her from the high chair to hold her in her arms as she cooed, "It's alright, honey. Jacob is your mama's friend. He won't hurt you. I'll hold you, don't worry. You'll be safe."
Jacob gave me a worried look as he said, "I don't think this is a good idea, Bells. I don't want to scare her."
Getting up from the table, I stepped over to Jacob and took his hand. "It's alright, Jake. Just go slow."
Finally, Carly looked straight at Jacob and he smiled at her. "Hi, pretty girl. You look just like your mommy." Jacob glanced at the high chair and then reached over to grab a few Cheerios from the tray as he said, "And I see you like Cheerios. So does she." Then he held out his open hand with the Cheerios on his palm to Carly. I held my breath, wondering what she would do.
Carly reached out and plucked a Cheerio from Jacob's hand and popped it into her mouth then smiled and said, "Thanku." What happened next could only be called a miracle. Carly held her arms out toward him and said, "Jacob."
Jacob looked at me with shock in his eyes, and I nodded quickly to let him know it was alright. Turning back to Carly, he slowly took her into his arms and held her rather awkwardly, as I realized he had probably never held a small child before. Then Carly put her small hand on his cheek and I could see by the amazed look on Jacob's face that she was showing him something.
Esme and I just stood there watching and waiting until finally Jacob nodded and said softly, "Yes, I know. I'm sorry about that too. But it's OK, as long as it never happens again. You can never bite anyone like that ever again, OK?"
Carly nodded her little head then turned to me to ask, "Mama love Jacob?"
With tears in my eyes, I nodded and answered, "Yes, baby. Mama loves Jacob very much."
Carly nodded at me then turned back to Jacob and said, "More Cheerios?"
Jacob chuckled at that as he told Carly, "Yes, you can have more Cheerios." He held out his hand to her and smiled as she proceeded to pick them up one by one. I felt like my heart would burst at that very moment. Was there a chance that we could be a family together? I hoped so . . . I really, really hoped so.
Saying good bye to Carly was emotionally one of the hardest things I ever had to do. Carlisle had come in and after I had kissed and hugged Carly for at least the tenth time, he took her from my arms and told me, "I promise, Bella, we will find a way to visit for Christmas. And you know you are always welcome to come here anytime."
Esme, who was standing next to Carlisle, spoke up then as she added, "And we hope you visit often."
"I know. Thank you so much, both of you, for eveything. I know that Carly will be fine with you."
After yet another round of good byes, Jacob finally pulled me out the door to where Emmett was waiting with Esme's SUV to take us home. Jacob had sent Embry and Quil on home earlier this morning, so it would be just the three of us on our little road trip. Seeing the huge tears rolling down my cheeks, Emmett asked, "You OK, sis?" as he folded me into those huge arms of his.
"Yes, I'm OK. But let's go now before I change my mind."
With a chuckle, Emmett opened the back door of the SUV and waited for me to climb inside then he closed it and hopped into the front behind the wheel as Jacob crawled into the back beside me through the opposite door.
"OK, now, kids. No sex in the back seat while I'm driving," Emmett said as he looked at us in the rear view mirror with his signature grin. "This isn't prom night in the limo, you know."
Jacob whacked Emmett on the back of the head as he ordered, "Just drive, will ya?"
Emmett guffawed as he put the car in gear and started down the drive, while Jacob looked over and asked, "How long is this drive?"
"About 4 or 5 hours," I answered with a sniff as I wiped at my eyes.
"OK, funny man, turn on some tunes and don't forget to stop for Bella to pee at least once an hour," Jacob ordered.
"Yes, sir, bossman," Emmett shot back as he turned on the satellite radio and hit the rap/hip hop station. Soon the SUV was booming with a rap beat as Emmett bobbed his head in time to the music.
Turning to Jacob, I said sarcastically, "Turn on some tunes? Yeah, great idea."
Jacob actually snickered as Emmett began singing along with Tupac, "California . . . knows how to party . . . "
As I settled back into my seat and watched the Canadian scenery fly by, I felt that familiar ache creep back into my chest the farther I moved away from my little girl. But I also couldn't help looking forward to going home.
Emmett parked the SUV beside my dad's cruiser in front of my house around one in the afternoon and we all climbed out just as Dad opened the front door. "Hey, Dad," I called out.
"Hey, Bells," he returned just before he folded me into his arms for a quick hug. Stepping back, he asked, "You OK?"
"Yes, Dad, I'm fine. And Carly is much better, too. Her temp was down to normal before we left this morning."
With a smile, Dad replied, "Good, I'm glad. So, when am I going to get to meet this granddaughter of mine? I mean, can I meet her? Is she . . . "
"Yes, you can. What happened with Jake was . . . well, Carly is much better now, and without her father around to poison her mind any further, it shouldn't happen again. Carlisle wants to bring her here for a visit at Christmas. And we are welcome to visit them anytime, so if you can't wait until Christmas, we can always drive up there."
Dad nodded then turned to Jake. "So, how are you? You OK?"
"Yeah. Doc says I'll be just fine, thanks to this goon over here," Jacob said as he nodded toward Emmett.
Immediately Dad grabbed Jacob into a hug, pounding him on the back before he released him and then held his hand out to Emmett to say seriously, "Thank you, Emmett. Thank you very much." As Emmett shook his hand and mumbled "No problem," I could see in Dad's eyes how much he meant that. I already knew he loved Jacob like a son, but glancing over at Jake, I realized that now Jacob knew that, too.
Then clearing his throat, Dad announced, "Come on, let's get inside. It's cold out here."
I smiled at Jacob as he took my hand to lead me inside then I turned to see Emmett open the car door. "Aren't you coming in?" I asked him.
"No," Emmett replied with a shake of his head. "I better get back."
Dropping Jacob's hand, I walked back to Emmett and put my arms around him. "Thank you, Emmett."
"Sure, sis," he murmured as he held me close for a moment. Then letting me go, Emmett added as he put his cold hand to my stomach, "Take care of yourself and this baby, OK?"
"I plan to," I returned with a smile. "See you at Christmas?"
"Definitely."
Then Jacob stepped up to hold out his hand. "See ya, buddy."
Completely ignoring Jacob's hand, Emmett picked Jacob up into a big bear hug and shook him a little before setting him down again with a grin and saying, "Yep, see ya buddy."
Jacob shook his head, but couldn't quite hold back his laughter. "Man, I'll never get used to being around a vamp like you."
"Well, you better, because I am always going to be around. I'm an honorary member of the wolf pack, remember? You can't possibly get rid of me now."
"Oh my God, what have I done?" Jacob asked in mock horror as he put his hand over his eyes.
Emmett's laughter was contagious and had Jake and I joining in until finally, he said, "I gotta go. Take care you guys."
"We will. You, too," I said. And with that, Emmett climbed into the car and drove away.
Turning to me, Jacob said, "You're cold. Come one, let's get inside."
With a nod, I turned and walked with Jacob into the house where I stopped just inside to take a deep breath. I smelled food . . . something cooking. My dad did not cook. I immediately turned and walked to the kitchen where I found Sue Clearwater standing at the stove, stirring something while Dad set the table. "Um, hi Sue," I said hesitantly.
Setting her spoon down, Sue turned to say with a smile, "Hello, you two. We thought you might be hungry when you got home, so I made dinner."
Wow. Sue Clearwater, in my kitchen, making dinner. I wasn't sure I was OK with this, but then I looked at the smile on my dad's face and realized it didn't matter how I felt. If Sue made him happy, then I would have to be OK with it no matter what. Putting a genuine smile on my face, I said to Sue, "Thanks. That's really nice of you. What are we having?"
I caught a wink from Dad as Sue answered, "I made my grandmother's special recipe spaghetti sauce, and we have salad, and homemade yeast rolls and for dessert, my triple layer chocolate cake. But you'll notice there are two pieces missing as I could not get it out of the house without Leah and Seth sampling it. It's their favorite."
Jacob laughed at that then said, "Speaking of Leah, I need to talk to her. Is she at home?"
Turning to Jacob, Sue replied, "She was when I left, but I'm not sure when she was going out on patrol. But she is not happy with you, you know."
"Uh, yeah, I know. I got that when I talked to her on the phone. I'll call the house first, I guess." I reached into my pocket and held out my cell phone, and Jake took it with a smile before saying, "Thanks, babe."
"Babe?" I asked. "Did you really just call me, 'babe?' "
With a wink, Jacob moved quickly to the back door and made his escape. I rolled my eyes and sighed as Dad laughed. "I hate to ask, but do you think I have time to run upstairs and change? I showered this morning, but I've been wearing these clothes for four days now, and I really want to put clean clothes on."
"Sure honey. This sauce can simmer a little longer. Go ahead," Sue replied.
So I made my escape up the stairs into my room where I grabbed clean underwear, a bra, t-shirt and a pair of clean sweatpants from the laundry basket on the floor then peeled the dirty clothes from my body to slip into the clean ones. After sitting on the bed to put on clean socks, I pushed myself from it, promising that I would be back for a nap in a little bit, then made my way back downstairs to my family. I found the three of them sitting at the table, Jacob eating his salad and a roll. Seeing me, Jacob apologized with his mouth full, "Sorry, Bells. I couldn't wait. I'm starving!"
"That's fine. I'm sorry I took so long, but I feel sooo much better," I told him as I sat down beside him.
"Yeah, I plan to go home and clean up after we eat."
"So, you and Leah OK?"
With a smile, Jake nodded. "Yeah, she promised she wouldn't kick my ass, but I'm not so sure she won't."
I smiled at that as Sue served up the food then we all chatted as we ate. Everything was delicious, and I enjoyed seeing Sue's face light up as I told her that. Maybe it wouldn't be so bad having another woman around. Then I smiled as I realized I couldn't wait until my mom came to visit at Christmas. Now that would be fun.
After we finished, Jacob kissed Sue on the cheek and thanked her for the meal. "Everything was delicious as usual, Sue."
"Thanks, Jake. Glad you enjoyed it."
Then he turned to me and kissed me before saying, "I'm going to head home and clean up."
"Alright. Call me later?"
"I will." Then Jacob kissed me again, a little longer until I heard Dad clear his throat. Stepping back, Jake just grinned at Dad and said, "See ya, Charlie."
"Take care, Jake," Dad returned right before Jake closed the back door behind him and he turned his gaze on me.
"What? Do I really have to remind you yet again that I'm pregnant?" I asked.
With a shake of his head, Dad just turned to say to Sue, "Feel like a walk?"
"Yes, I do, thank you."
"Well, I feel like a nap," I told them. "I have a lot of sleep to catch up on. You two behave, alright?" I added as I put my hand on the banister as I took the first step up the stairs.
"Ha, ha, very funny, Bells," Dad returned quickly.
"Thanks, Sue, again for dinner. It was delicious and very nice of you."
"You're welcome, honey. I'll see you later," Sue said as Dad helped her into her jacket. It was nice to see my father acting so gentlemanly.
With a wave, I turned and made my way upstairs to my room and flopped down onto my bed. Oh, how I missed you, my comfortable bed. Scooping the pillow up under my head I settled into a comfortable position and was asleep in no time.
