A/N: Hello once again! Thank you to all the loyal followers of this story! Here's an updated chapter for your reading pleasure. Feel free to review as always... HAPPY READING :)

CHAPTER FIFTY - TWO

(BPOV)

The morning passed by with ease and for the first time in a long time, I felt at peace. My heart and mind no longer plagued with the worry of Jacob's feared impending trip to Voltera. I wasn't so naïve to think that this meant all was seemingly well, or that Aro wasn't watching me close, but I took immense comfort in knowing Jake would be here and not choosing to bring the battle to them.

I was on my second cup of coffee and reading the morning paper when my cell rang, the caller I.D. telling me it was Emily. I eagerly answered it with a smile.

"Morning."

"Good morning. Sam just got home a while ago and told me the good news. I'm so happy to hear the two of you talked everything out."

"We did and he's agreed not to go for now."

"I'm more than relieved for you." She replied, her returning smile evident even over the phone. "Listen, I was wondering what your plans were for the day tomorrow?"

"Well, I planned on making a much needed run to the grocery store... Thanksgiving is fast approaching and I have yet to connect with Charlie and see what his plans are..."

"Maybe we could go together and then head to Port Angeles after for some shopping for us? I need some new jeans. My old ones are too tight now. With the extra 15 pounds I've packed on from baby weight."

"Em, you look great. Radiant even. So... Clothes shopping?" I asked.

"Yes! Please come with? It would give us time together to catch up and get Little Levi out for the afternoon?"

Her always warm and welcoming tone had me already eager to go.

"Okay, lets meet here at around noon?"

"Works for us!" Emily beamed.

"Great. It's a date. So how did little Levi do last night after we left?" I asked.

"Not great. He slept until the wee hours of the morning and then decided he was done sleeping." She sighed heavily.

"You sound tired, Em?"

"I am tired and a little discouraged if I'm being completely honest." She admitted.

"What's wrong?"

"I'm just overwhelmed I think. Been hard breastfeeding him these last few days. I can't seem to keep him full enough."

"Have you gone back to the doctor? They should be able to help you. Give you some tips?"

"I have a follow up appointment next week. I'll bring it up to her then and see what she says."

Her tone sounded defeated and I got the feeling that her exhaustion played a big role in that.

"Try to take a nap today? Maybe some rest will make you feel better? Anything I can do?" I offered.

"That's really sweet of you, but I think our day out tomorrow will help me a lot. Just to have a change in scenery for the afternoon." She replied.

"Well, please don't hesitate to call us if you ever need anything else. You know I'd come right over."

"I know and I love you both for that. Please tell Jacob that we said thank you for the offer to keep Levi over night sometime soon. That was really sweet of him to offer for us to get a break."

"... absolutely..." I replied, unaware he had even offered our babysitting services. The knowledge of his kind gesture bringing a wide smile to my face.

"I'll see you at noon tomorrow?"

"I'll be waiting!" I replied. "Love you."

"Love you too, Bye..."

I hung up with the same wide grin in place. Jacob had offered to keep Levi for them. It was beyond kind and made me only love him all the more.

It was hard to believe that the Thanksgiving Holiday was soon upon us and I was no more prepared than I was a few weeks ago for it. I had to get ahold of Charlie and find out what his plans were. I hadn't seen much of him as of lately and found myself missing him a lot more today than usual. I called him a few times but it went directly to his voicemail.

I assumed he was probably working another double shift down at the station.

By the time Jake came back home with a sobered Billy in tow, I was showered and dressed for the day and eagerly awaiting the chance to take my truck into Forks so I could see Charlie.

I met them both at the door, holding my hand out with a smile in search for my keys.

"Hey, where are you headed off to?" Jake asked, pulling me in for a kiss.

"To Forks for a bit. You have patrol this afternoon anyway, right?"

"I do... till the evening."

"I wanted to see Charlie for a while. I miss him." I sighed, meeting Billy's gaze.

"Mind asking your old man if we could gather for Thanksgiving at his house this year? Would be real nice to have everyone there?"

A wide smile formed on my face at the thought of everyone together under his roof. It would be wonderful.

"Sure! I don't see why he would mind! I'll ask him when I see him today."

Billy smiled and wheeled himself in toward the kitchen, leaving Jake and I lingering there by the front door.

"Will you be back when I get home from patrol?" He asked, his warm and soft lips brushing mine as his hand wandered down to my backside.

"Yes, I definitely will." I breathed, trying to remember that we were certainly not alone.

"Good..." He whispered, playfully swatting my backside with a wink as I turned to leave. "I'll be waiting, Bells."

His words had my insides damn near liquefying and my heart set off racing like wildfire. The affect he had on me was breath taking and at times, utterly paralyzing. I drove to town and my mind was plagued with the memory of how good his bare skin felt against mine... how amazing we were together...

I forced myself to get a grip when I neared the Police station in search for Charlie. The rose colored blush on my cheeks, visual proof of my not so innocent line of thinking on the drive over. I tried to keep my thoughts clean as I walked into the Station, my eyes searching for Charlie at his desk. To my surprise, it was empty and looked untouched.

I asked some of his coworkers where he was and they informed me he had called in this morning, claiming to be sick. Dad hadn't taken a personal day since the shooting and his record prior to that was hardly ever marked with sick time. Charlie always worked, even if he should have stayed home. I could recall many times he would go in, despite the fact he had a horrible cough or even a slight fever. He would work his scheduled shift anyway.

I got back in my truck and sped toward the house, calling him a few more times on the way over and still getting nothing but his voicemail. When I neared the driveway, I saw his cruiser was home and pulled in behind him.

There were two untouched newspapers laying on the welcome matt by the door. I scooped them up and knocked. It took me three tries before he finally answered. His disheveled appearance revealing to me that he was indeed home sick from work.

"Hey kiddo." He coughed, taking the papers from me.

"You really are sick." I stated, following him into the house, which was an absolute mess. "Do you have the flu?"

"Think so... Missed my yearly flu shot this season. Really paying for it now." He sighed, sinking down into his easy chair.

"Dad, why didn't you call me earlier? I would've come over and helped you."

"Your old man can take care of himself, Bella. No need to fuss over me."

"I beg to differ." I sighed, gesturing to the many dishes piled up on the coffee table.

"Okay, so maybe the place is a bit messy."

I shook my head and began piling the dishes in the sink. "You really should have called me or Jacob."

"Jacob's got enough on his plate at the moment and so do you. I'm alright." He stubbornly huffed.

"Well, you're stuck with me now." I chuckled, draping a large afghan over him. "I'm gonna stay and take care of you."

"You don't have-" He began to protest, but soon hushed when he saw my raised eyebrow expression.

"You need some soup and tea... and cough medicine. Do you have a fever?"

"Nah-cold as all hell, tho."

"I'll make you some hot soup." I offered, while cleaning up the mess around me.

I spent much of the remaining day with him. Taking the time to straighten out the house and do some much needed laundry for him. Come dinner time, his coughing seemed to get worse and I debated on staying the night. Just to be sure he was alright.

I dialed Billy and left a message with him for Jacob, telling him I would be here for the evening. I knew he'd end up showing up eventually anyway.

As the hours passed into the night, the conversation with Charlie took a new turn, one I hadn't been expecting.

"Say Bella, I really appreciate you doing all this."

"You always took care of me when I was sick. It's the least I can do to return the favor, dad."

"Jake know you're staying here?"

"I left him a message with Billy."

"I'm not interrupting any plans for you am I?"

"No... I have plans with Emily tomorrow, but I'll call her and tell her to come meet me here instead. No big deal." I replied.

"Sam must have his hands full with the new baby?"

"They both do." I chuckled. "He's the sweetest thing I've ever seen... so tiny..."

My father suddenly muted the television and straightened himself in his recliner. His look more serious now.

"I'm glad they're happy and I'm really glad you're happy." He sighed.

"I am. Jacob makes me... whole."

Charlie's smile was genuine and sincere when his earnest gaze met mine. "You know, you're mama used to say that about me sometimes -about us- when we were young and just starting out. She was real happy here herself at first, but then it seemed almost like she outgrew this small little town. Wanted to spread her wings and fly elsewhere, you know?"

"Mom was young, dad-"

"So are you."

His words had my full attention as an uneasy feeling crept its way over me at the new turn of this conversation.

"I am... but-"

"Bella... Listen honey." He interjected, his hand reaching for mine. "I love you. You know that right? Even if, over the years, we grew apart, and things that happened between me and your mother played a huge part in that, But we found a way back to each other when you came to live here and I wouldn't change that for anything. I just want you to promise me something?"

I nodded, seeing how serious his eyes were and all the while, trying to understand where this had come from.

"I know you love Jacob. Hell! I love him too. Like a son. But you're my little girl, Bella. No matter how grown you are now. That won't ever change, honey. I need you to promise me that you'll always be true to yourself, your dreams and what you want, too... okay?"

I was silent for a moment, our gaze on each other's while he awaited my reply.

"Dad I... I am being true to myself. For the first time in a long time, I know what I want with my life. I know who I want to spend it with and my dreams are coming true just by following my heart ... Where is all this coming from?"

"I just don't wanna see you and Jacob crumble the way your mama and I did. The two of you are still real young, Bella and jumping into something too fast... or too soon could be the wrong move. Just be sure you know where your dreams are with Jacob and outside of him, too. All I want as your father is for you to be truly happy. Now, I'm not saying I don't want you with Jacob. That's not it at all. Please understand where I'm coming from."

"I'm trying..." I sighed, still trying to fully grasp where he was headed with all this. "I just don't understand why you're bringing this up all of a sudden?"

Charlie shook his head, trying to brush it off as nothing as he stood and went into the kitchen. Despite his sudden and untimely dismissal of our conversation, I knew the talk wasn't over and there was more to it and I planned to find out exactly what that was.

"Dad-" " I hedged forward as he grabbed the papers from this morning and began to read them, seemingly ignoring me. "Care to enlighten me a bit on where exactly this is coming from. I mean, you seemed to adjust over time about Jacob and what he was? Has that changed?" I asked, my tone evident with nerves.

"No, Bella. That's not what I mean... I- what I'm trying to say is-" He huffed in frustration, now tripping over his own words

"What's bothering you. We've come a long way since Edward. All the lies.

I want you to tell me what's on your mind?"

He pondered my simple request as he paced the kitchen floor. His eyes everywhere but on my own.

"I wanna be sure you live your life to the fullest, Bella. Without anymore regret over the past. I'm just being a typical worried dad. That's all this is, alright?"

He gave me a slight nod as he passed by me. His attention now on the sports section in the paper. This didn't make any damn sense to me and left me wondering what the hell had brought it on in the first place.

I finished tidying up the kitchen and soon sat down next to him on the couch, my voice small but loud enough for him to hear me when I spoke.

"Do you think I'm making some kind of mistake with Jacob?"

He tossed his paper down, looking suddenly agitated.

"Alright look, I didn't wanna lay this all out, but you know me well."

"I do."

"Bella, when your mother and I were married and had you, we were young, too young to settle down and try to figure the world out. When you're that age, you don't think about anything but the present. Your mind gets hung up there... makes you see things differently. Now that I'm older, I can see the hundred damn different ways I went wrong. A lot of what happened between your mother and I was my fault. Looking back now. I can see that."

"Dad... She-"

"No kiddo. It's the truth. You see, you're mother wanted to discover new things, take new adventures and me, I wanted to just settle right here. Lay roots and stay here for the rest of our lives. I didn't have the sense of adventure she did and it only tore us apart over time. At first, we worked through it well enough, but that didn't fix it. Kinda like slapping a band aid on a bullet wound... you know?"

I nodded to him, listening intently to what he was saying.

"I know how much you love Jacob and I know how much he loves you, but what he is and what he's called for, Bella. It ties him here forever. I'm a bit nervous for the two of you. I don't want to see what happened to me and your mother, play out with you and Jacob down the road, honey. You have dreams still- nursing right? We haven't even talked about that in weeks. Where are your dreams in all this? Are you still gonna pursue that?"

His endless questions had my mind running in over drive. Of course I wanted my own dreams... for myself. But Jacob was a solid and fixed part of them for me now.

"I have dreams still of my own, dad. But Jacob is a huge part of them."

He nodded in understanding. "Okay kiddo... Enough with the heavy. Just something I wanted you to think about, alright? A little parental advice, if you will."

A knock came to the front door and Charlie stood to answer it. My head was still swimming with our conversation.

Did he think me staying here, in this small town, was somehow abandoning my own dreams? That me choosing to stay here with Jacob was me giving up my own goals? I was really beginning to feel like he was trying tell me something without actually saying it?

I remained confused to say the least.

The sound of Jacob's warm voice filtered through the house and interrupted my thoughts. Their conversation at the door effectively steeling my attention.

"Hey Charlie. You look kinda rough?"

"Yea, been sick all day. Called out at the station. I'm sure you're here for Bella? I told her not to fuss over me but you know how she can be once she gets something in that stubborn head of hers."

"Yes sir. I do." He laughed in reply as I approached them.

"You can go on back to Jake's now, kiddo. I'll be fine."

"I'd really like to stay and be sure you're okay, dad." I insisted, feeling Jake's strong hand catch mine.

"Bella-" Charlie protested.

"Now dad. You yourself just stated how very stubborn I can be. So do you really think arguing with me will get you anywhere?" I chuckled, my free hand now closing the front door to erase the chill that began to invade the warm house.

Charlie shook his head, grumbling to himself as he retreated into the living room.

"Dad gave me your message." Jake sighed, his lips seeking mine for a quick kiss. "How is he?"

"He thinks he may have the flu. No big deal, really. But I'd like to stay here with him tonight. Be sure he takes care of himself."

"You probably should. I have to run Seth's patrol now anyway. Turn's out, he has the flu, too. Must be going around."

"So you'll be close by?"

"His assigned run was with Paul along the border of Forks. I'll be right around here. Not too far if you need anything."

"Are you running all night?"

"Till dawn, honey."

I couldn't hide my disappointment and he was quick to notice it.

"I'll miss you. Stop in when you're done? I'll leave my window open... just enough." I sighed.

His response came in his lips capturing mine. My body being drawn to him and my lips instantly hungry for more.

"I'll be thinking of you." He breathed, his warm breath caressing my lips in a whisper of desire.

"I'll try to wait up for you."

"No, get some rest. My arms will be around you soon enough. Till then dream of me?"

"Always." I replied with a smile.

"So Sam tells me you're going out for the day with Emily tomorrow? He said she's really looking forward to it."

"Yes, that's the plan. I'm looking forward to it myself. It'll be nice." I replied. "Unless, you had other plans for me?"

My hands began to wander up under his shirt. My fingertips grazing his warm skin and feeling the slight tremble beneath them from my touch.

I felt his hold on me tighten and his low husky whisper made my blood hum with desire for him.

"Other ... Plans?"

I nodded to him in reply, placing a soft kiss on his neck.

"You're making it damn near impossible for me to leave you, honey." He sighed.

"Sorry, can't help myself." I admitted with a shy grin.

"You're not the only one. Trust me."

"Be safe and hurry back to me?"

"Always..." He sighed, soon releasing me.

I stood on the porch and watched him run off into the darkened woods of the night, my heart going with him. The very same way it always did... Every time.

I filled my hours of the evening with a hobby I had neglected to start up lately... Crocheting. Call me old fashioned, but there was something rather therapeutic about it for me. Renee had taught me when I was all of twelve and I'd only managed to make a few small scarves since then, but it was something I wanted to continue working at. It certainly proved useful in passing the time on a night like this. Charlie had fallen asleep on the couch shortly after dinner and with the aid of a healthy dose of Nyquil. He was surely down for the count.

As the 3 a.m. hour approached, my restlessness and lack of sleep began to take it's toll on me. My eyes were heavy when I poured myself a cup of tea, glancing out the window to see movement by the bordering trees. The back porch light now catching the glimmer of russet fur as it emerged from the forest. It's eyes glowing in the moonlight.

I quickly threw on my jacket and went outside to meet him, seeing his strong and majestic wolf stature approach me in return. I could see the shadowy figure of Paul's wolf form lurking close behind.

The cold air was brutal as I zipped up my jacket and drew near to Jake. His head lowering to meet my gaze as my hand reached out to touch the thick fur along his back. I watched in fascination as he moved himself several strides away from me, his wolf form blurring before me and erasing all traces of russet fur, leaving only the naked man behind for me to behold.

I couldn't take my eyes off him, seeing him approach me. My eyes drinking in his perfect naked body and my heart beginning to pound when he reached for me.

"Why are you still up, honey?" He asked, his tone whispered and caring.

"I was waiting for you."

"You haven't slept at all?"

I shook my head and saw the concern in his gaze. "You're gonna be exhausted."

"Well worth it." I replied with a grin. "I'll be waiting. I love you."

His responding kiss was thorough and the feel of his naked body pressed to mine had a hungry moan leaving me before I could think better enough to stop it.

"You know..." I whispered against his soft lips. "If it wasn't nearly Winter out here. I'd have you take me- right here-in the woods."

"... And if Paul wasn't so close by, I would take you in these woods."

"I suppose I should get going then?"

He nodded, before stealing another chaste kiss and watching me walk away. I couldn't help but turn back around before retreating inside the house, just to catch one more glimpse of him. His perfectly sculpted naked body, enough to cause a small breathy moan to leave me.

I was startled nearly out of my skin when I quietly closed the front door and heard my father's baritone cut through the dawns silence.

"What the hell are you doing out there?" He grumbled.

"Jeez Dad!" I jumped back, nearly knocking over the coat rack with my clumsiness. "I didn't see you there..."

"I can see that. Why were you out there with him? Isn't he running patrol or whatever it is?"

"Yeah, with Paul. I just wanted to see him."

"Couldn't wait till he came creeping in through your window?" Charlie sighed, settling himself on the couch with a blanket.

"Well, I guess so... maybe." I stammered, a crimson blush now rapidly forming on my snow white cheeks. "What are you doing up anyway? Need anything?"

"Nope, just more comfortable out here is all. Night kiddo."

I headed for the stairs and couldn't help the small laugh that left me, thinking he knew about the many times Jake had clambered in through my bedroom window. Charlie often knew more than he ever let on. I had to keep reminding myself of this.

I ended up drifting off before Jake came in, my eyes too damn heavy to remain open.

I awoke several hours later to the sun surrounding me and a warm voice pulling me out of the restful sleep I'd been in. I turned and pulled the heavy comforter over my head in defiance.

"Five more minutes, please." I yawned, feeling Jake pull the comforter down.

"You gotta get up, Bells. It's almost eleven now and Emily is on her way over soon. Don't wanna keep her waiting."

I threw the covers off me and nearly jumped to my feet when I realized the time.

"Eleven?! You let me sleep that late?" I sighed, quickly rummaging through my drawers for something to wear. "I haven't even had coffee yet... or showered-"

"Or kissed me good morning?" Jake teased, wrapping his arms around my waist and placing a kiss at the base of my neck.

"Sorry, I'm rushed!" I replied, stealing a kiss and nearly running for the empty bathroom.

"When you're ready, come down. I made you breakfast. Charlie already ate something... but there's plenty for us."

His grin was infectious and I eagerly returned it, seeing the bright smile he wore when his gaze met mine.

"Okay, I'll hurry and be right down."

I showered in record time and emerged fully dressed soon after. The inviting smell of hot coffee with bacon and eggs, wafted its way through the house, making my stomach growl. I smiled wide to see Jake pull out a chair for me when I entered the kitchen. His happy mood making me kinda wish we were spending the day together. Don't get me wrong, I loved Emily and little Levi, but I missed Jacob. Our alone time together always seemed to get cut short, or conflict with his schedule somehow.

"You cooked all this?" I asked in awe, gesturing to the buffet displayed on the kitchen table. There was something of everything it seemed. Hash browns... orange juice... toast... bagels... coffee... eggs... even donuts.

"What?" He smirked, placing an empty plate and some silverware in front of me. "A guy can't just fix his girl breakfast?"

"Sure you can but a girl can be suspicious, too!" I teased back, filling my plate with a little of this and that.

"Suspicious? Are you trying to say I did this out of guilt?" He chuckled, sitting across from me with his own well rounded plate.

"Maybe... tell me- Is there something you should feel guilty about that I'm unaware of?" I laughed.

Jake shook his head with a returning smart ass smirk. "Wouldn't you like to know?"

"Jacob Ephraim."

"Oh you're serious now. Middle naming me and all, honey."

I found our banter refreshing as we ate. It was nice to be light hearted once in a while.

"Thank you." I sighed, meeting his warm brown eyes and seeing a grin from on his handsome face.

"You're welcome, honey."

We talked a lot about pack business over breakfast. He explained to me how he had worked out a few new patrolling schedules in an effort to give Seth more responsibility.

"He's ready for it." Jake grinned.

"He seems to be a lot more mature and responsible. I think it's a great idea. He really looks up to you, you know?"

"I know he does. Crazy kid."

"Did dad go back to sleep upstairs?" I asked.

"No, he headed in to work after he ate. Said he was feeling better and he'd give you a call later."

I shuffled the remaining food around on my plate, thinking back to our serious and unexpected conversation yesterday.

"But he seemed okay? To you? When he left I mean?" I asked.

Jake nodded, his eyes assessing my worried look. "Why do you ask, honey? Something wrong? He seemed to think he only had the twenty-four hour flu bug that's been going around."

"I know. I'm sure he's fine." I sighed, taking another bite of egg.

"You're concerned about something with him... I can see it. Tell me what's up?"

His question was interrupted by a knock on the door. I glanced at the stove clock to see it was time for Emily to be here.

11:57 a.m... ... Always on time and never late was her policy.

"Right on time." Jake chuckled.

"As always." I grinned to him in reply.

"You two have fun. And don't worry about the clean up in here. I got it." He offered, holding out my Jacket for me.

"Yeah, but you cooked. I should at least stay a bit and help you clean up-"

He silenced me with a kiss. His hand going into my hair and making me forget my own damn name briefly.

"Bells... Go. Have a good time. You deserve it. Stay with her and shop all day. Seriously... I'm sure Emily needs this day out as much as you do, honey." He zipped up my coat with a smile and opened the front door where Emily was waiting with a grin on herself.

Everyone looked to be in an abundantly good mood this morning.

"Ready?" Emily chimed, handing me a coffee she had bought from the store.

"She's ready!" Jake answered for me. "Have a great day you two!"

"Are you sure you don't want me to stay and help you clean up-?"

Emily's hand caught mine and she tugged me out onto the steps.

"I got this, Bells. No big deal. Here..." He sighed, reaching in his back pocket and pulling out his leather wallet with a salacious smirk. "Take this..."

I glanced down to see him hand me a hundred dollar bill and I quickly pulled my hand from Emily's in protest.

"No way. I'm not taking this. I don't-"

He silenced me again with another kiss and moved me closer to Emily.

"Go have a great day, honey. Please..." He sighed. His sincere gaze making me shut my mouth with any more refusal and follow Emily to her car.

Jake waved to us from the porch and I waved back until he was out of sight. My hand clutched the crisp money and I laughed.

"What the hell is with him anyway?"

Emily grinned with a shrug. "Who knows. If you ask me, I'd take the money and run." She giggled, pulling out onto the highway. "Come on. everyone needs a day to themselves. I'm sure he just wants you to have a good time. Where's the harm in that, Bella?"

I smiled back at her and couldn't help but feel like his good mood may have been influenced by something else. Something I was equally unaware of.