Chapter Seventeen: These Are the Moments

Bella's POV

I was in a daze as I drove to Jake's apartment building. This past weekend with Edward had been so surreal. I had known I was in love with him for a while but didn't want to scare him off by saying it too soon. When he said those three words as we sat together in the meadow I knew one hundred percent I was in love with him.

When I got to Jake's apartment I tried to collect myself so I could act like a normal human being but that was harder said than done. I took a deep breath before knocking but I still felt that stupid grin on my face as I heard the door being unlocked.

"Hey," Jake greeted me and I could tell he was in a grumpy mood. "Why are you all smiley?"

I bit my lip and shrugged. That certainly killed the mood. "Nothing. You okay?"

"Yeah," But he forgot that we were together for nine years before splitting. I knew him better than anyone even though we hadn't been a couple in a few years.

"Jake."

"Rachel broke up with me yesterday," He admitted as he slumped down onto the armrest of the couch. "She came over and she was in a weird mood. When Brady went to bed she dropped the bomb on me."

"What bomb?"

"That she didn't want kids," He sighed. "And she didn't think she wanted to be Brady's step-mom."

"I thought they got along?"

"They do. She said she liked being pals with him but the idea of being a real authority figure didn't appeal to her."

"Oh." How that was something she was just figuring out baffled me. She knew Brady would always be part of the package so I didn't quite understand how or when she came to this realization.

"I didn't see any of it coming," He said. "She'd been in a weird mood for a few weeks but she's been stressed about getting this new office job and getting out of serving coffee. I didn't think she was feeling this way."

"Had you ever talked about it before?"

"A little bit. She said she wasn't totally sure what she wanted but she said she was pretty sure she saw kids in her future."

"I'm so sorry, Jake," I sighed as I went over and gave him a hug. No one deserved to be hurt like that. Rachel seemed like a nice girl and I could tell how much Jake loved her.

He sighed. "We got into a big fight and...Brady heard us."

"Oh no."

"I just got so angry because it felt like she'd been keeping this giant secret. I thought we were going to start planning our future and when she said she wanted to break up," he looked so upset. "I didn't mean for him to hear us fighting but I got a lot louder than I thought. I tried talking to him but he said he was okay with it."

"I just hope he doesn't start thinking…" I trailed off. "That we're going to get back together now."

"Aren't you still with Edward?"

"Yeah but I don't want him to hope we break up."

He nodded. "I think he's come to terms with everything."

"You think?"

"He's seen his parents happy with someone else. I think it's always going to be something that sucks but I think he's okay."

"We do have a remarkable son."

Jake nodded. "We make 'em good."

"Jacob!" I laughed as he stood up and went to pour himself a cup of coffee. I took the one he offered me and we sat down at the island together. "She's an idiot, you know."

"Who?"

"Rachel."

"Bella…"

"No, I'm serious, Jake. You're kind and funny and smart and successful…" I took a deep breath. "And I know things didn't work out with us but I remember the beginning being so wonderful with you. If we didn't have to grow up…"

"What we'd still be together?"

I shrugged. "I don't know. But I do know that you are a great guy and an incredible father. Why do you think I kept trying to make more babies with you?"

"We make 'em good," He winked.

"Make who good?" Brady asked as he joined us in the kitchen. Jake mouthed an apology to me and I turned to give my son a hug. "Hey, mom."

"Hi, honey."

"Dad?" He asked turning to Jake. "I'm sorry Rachel dumped you."

Oh how I loved that nine-year-old boy.

"Me too, buddy. Me too," Jake smiled as he ruffled Brady's hair. Since he was feeling sad I decided it was best to spend some time with him with Brady. He didn't have any food left in his apartment since Rachel usually helped with the grocery shopping so we took Brady to a diner a few blocks away.

After lunch it was time to head home with Brady to finish any school work that didn't get done. He begged me to stop and see the baby on the way home and after getting the okay from Jasper we made a quick detour.

When we got to the house, mom's car was already in the driveway so I knew Brady would be excited. With the new baby, we didn't see as much of her recently and I knew he was missing her. Jasper opened the door looking exhausted but so happy.

He had that new dad look on his face and he wore it well.

"Where's the baby?" Brady asked excitedly.

Jasper sighed. "Alice is feeding him. Mom and Phil are in the living room."

"Go say hi," I pushed Brady and turned to Jasper. "How're things going?"

"It's going okay. We're adjusting."

"How's Alice?"

"I think her hormones are getting back to normal," He chuckled. "She's not as emotional as when we first brought him home."

"That's always good."

"But she's a new mom," He said. "She's exhausted and dirty and always worried about him. She's a lot like you were when you brought Brady home."

"How is my little nephew?"

"Perfect," He beamed with pride. "We have his one-month checkup next week."

I smiled at him. "You look good."

"You're hilarious." He snorted.

"No, I mean you look like a dad. It's a good look on you," I smirked. "Otherwise you look like crap."

"Thanks," He snorted as we went into the living room where Brady was talking to my mom and Phil.

Phil had become an important member of our family in the short amount of time that we'd known him. It was so obvious how much he loved my mother and because he loved her he treated Jasper and I as his own kids. He had been married before and had a daughter Jasper's age and his wife passed away right after their daughter graduated from college.

He said as sappy as it was, he didn't think he'd ever find someone to love again when he met my mother.

I was so happy for mom. She deserved this more than anyone. She had worked so hard to provide a good life for my brother and I and she never wanted anything in return. Dad had really hurt her when she left and I was so happy she'd met this man who made her feel beautiful and smart and...seen.

While they were all busy I went upstairs to check on Alice. I could hear her quietly singing to Nathan in the nursery and knocked a few times. She told me to come in and I opened the door just as she was finishing feeding him.

"Now this is a look we don't get enough of," I smiled. Alice was wearing a pair of sweatpants, and an old sweatshirt of Jaspers and fuzzy socks. Her hair was pulled into a bun on the top of her head and she was wearing her glasses with no makeup.

"I didn't know so many people were coming over." She looked at me nervously. For as long as I've known her, Alice has always loved looking nice. She loved wearing nice clothes and doing her hair and makeup. Every time Jasper said she didn't need to do that, she told him she did it because she enjoyed it. I'd know her for so long and it was very rare that I saw her without makeup on, even if she was dressed more casually.

"Alice, you look great," I assured her with a smile as she offered me the baby. I scooped him into my arms and held him close. She stood up from the rocker and handed me a burping cloth from his changing table.

"I don't feel great," She admitted, looking at Nathan with a somber smile. "I mean my emotions are more normal and it's not hurting as badly...down there. But I feel gross. And Jasper has never seen me like this before."

My brother was so in love with her that she could have looked like that at their wedding and he wouldn't have even noticed.

"When was the last time you showered?"

"Three or four days ago," She told me. "I want to but every time he's sleeping or hanging out with Jasper I just want to sleep. I'm so tired."

"I get it," I smiled as I heard a little burp. We both giggled as I turned Nathan around in my arms and saw his precious little face. "Go take a shower and put on some clothes that will make you feel good. I've got little man."

"I want to visit with you and Brady," She yawned.

"We'll be here when you're finished."

"You sure?"

"I insist. Go. Take a long, hot shower and feel good."

She kissed Nathan's chubby cheek and went off to her bedroom. I sat down in the rocking chair and started rocking with him in my arms. I put his pacifier in his mouth and smiled down at this precious little things in my arms.

I didn't even realize how much time had passed when Alice walked back into the nursery. She was in a pair of leggings and an oversized flannel. But her hair was brushed and she had put in her contacts.

I could tell she'd even put on a little bit of concealer under her eyes and was wearing some mascara.

"Much better," She smiled as she looked down at the baby. "So, how was your trip?"

I bit my lip. "Amazing."

"Were you two naked the entire time?"

"A lot of the time," I blushed and she winked at me.

"Something happened," She observed."Something good."

"He told me he loved me."

"He what?" She was smiling from ear to ear.

"He took me to this meadow he used to go to with his family when they were kids and we were having a picnic and he told me he loved me."

"Bella," She gushed as her eyes filled with tears. "I'm sorry...hormones are crazy."

I laughed and handed her a tissue. "Don't worry about it."

"Did you say it back?" I nodded. "Bella," She started tearing up again just as Jasper walked in.

"What happened?" He asked.

"Nothing," Alice lied.

"Edward told me he loved me and Alice started crying."

"It's just the wacky hormones," She said as she took a deep breath.

"That's the most exciting thing we've heard in weeks," Jasper said. "We don't get out like we used to."

"Yeah because we were wild party animals before the baby," Alice laughed.

Jasper looked at Alice and smirked."I see you took a shower."

"Yes I did. And I think it's your turn."

"I'll do it later."

"You always say that," Alice winked. I looked down at Nathan and was pleased to see his eyes shut and his breathing heavy. Alice gently took him from me and promised she'd be downstairs when she got him in the bassinet.

Phil was telling Brady some of his best baseball moments when we walked into the living room so Jasper and I went into the kitchen to finish making dinner.

"Rachel broke up with Jake," I told him as I put a salad together. "He's pretty broken up over it."

"She'll find someone better."

"Jasper," I glared. Jake was still part of this family because of Brady. I never asked Jasper to like him but I needed him to be civil and polite.

He rolled his eyes at me. "Do you love him?"

"Jake?"

"No. Edward."

As much as I wanted us to stay in our own little bubble, I knew Alice would end up telling him anyway. "Yeah, I do."

"And he's good to you?"

"Jake was never bad, Jasper."

"Bella," He sighed as he feigned annoyance.

"He's amazing."

"You're happy?"

"Happier than I've been in a long time."

Jasper smiled and came over to me and wrapped me up in his arms. "I'm happy for you, Bella. You deserve to be treated so much better."

I wanted to argue but didn't want to ruin this moment. My marriage to Jake didn't work for so many reasons, but my brother was blinded. He only saw those moments I vented to him about and never wanted to see all the good Jake had in him.

After we finished eating dinner, Brady and I headed home. I was exhausted and he had some homework to finish. After I sent Brady into the kitchen to finish his math review paper, I pulled my phone out of my pocket and saw Edward had texted me.

Edward: I had a great time with you. Call you tonight?

Me: I did too. I'll let you know when Brady is in bed.

"Mom! I need help!"

And so it was back to reality and mom-life.

The next few weeks of the school year flew by. Between piano lessons, Brady had also signed up to play baseball. I didn't know the third grade was going to be so active but I was happy he was trying everything out. I knew as he got older he would have to choose the one or two things he loved the most but for now I was happy to see him doing what he loved.

While Brady was practicing baseball, Caroline had tried out for the school play, The Journey of Little Red, and had gotten the part of Granny. Edward said she got her mother's creative gene and wasn't surprised when she came home begging him to be able to be in the play.

Since they were both so busy they didn't have much time to see each other during their playdates. We did our best but it was difficult with our busy schedules plus our kid's busy schedules.

We talked on the phone a lot more than when we first started dating.

When they both had a free Saturday afternoon in mid-April we packed a picnic and headed to the park. Edward and I watched as they interacted as if they hadn't seen each other in months. They'd been in class together along with lunch and recess, but they still had a lot to catch up on.

"Tag! You're it!" Brady laughed as he tapped her arm and stood up to run away.

"Hey!" Caroline called as she got up and chased him. "I wasn't ready!"

"Felix and Jane are pregnant."

"What?" I smiled as I turned to look at him. "When did you find this out?"

"Yesterday, but I wanted to say something in person."

"Do you know how far along she is?"

"Just about four months."

"Were they planning this?"

He shrugged. "He always said they wanted a third but I didn't know they were actively trying."

"Maybe she couldn't get pregnant."

I snuggled closer to him as we watched the kids played. I hoped they would always be friends and then I had the thought about what they would think if Edward and I ever got married. We were nowhere near ready for marriage. We'd only been seriously dating for a few months but...when I thought about my future he was there.

"Have you ever considered getting remarried?"

I felt his body stiffen beneath me but he took a deep breath and kissed the top of my head. "I've...never been with anyone where that was a possibility."

Just when I was about to say something else, Brady and Caroline came running towards us.

"Can we go get ice cream?" Brady huffed as he caught his breath. I handed both of them their water bottles and turned to Edward. He looked up at Caroline who was giving him the biggest puppy dogs eyes and groaned.

"You wore me down, Care. Bella, what do you say?"

"Well, I can't exactly say no now can I?" I laughed as I took Brady's water back and put it in the big bag I'd brought. We went to our car and all piled in. When we got to the ice cream place, Edward paid for everything and we found a little booth in the back.

The next day, Brady got packed up to go to Jake's place. He had been more closed off since his break up but he always loved having Brady around. It was a weird feeling being so happy with Edward while Jake was still so upset about losing Rachel. He assured me he was glad I was happy but I never wanted to flaunt it in front of him.

"How was your week?" I asked as Brady went to get settled before I said bye to him.

Jake shrugged. "It was okay. We got a new girl in our department so that's been a huge help."

"That's great," He'd been swamped since one of his co-workers left the company to spend more time with his family. Jake felt strangely guilty about it since that's part of what broke up our marriage but I told him to stop worrying about it.

"Paul won't shut up about me asking her out."

"Paul doesn't know anything."

"He thinks…" He rolled his eyes. "He thinks I need to have sex with someone to get over Rachel."

"He knows this isn't college anymore, right?"

He chuckled. "I don't know."

Brady came out of his room a few minutes later and gave me a hug. I kissed his forehead and promised to see him tomorrow for his first scrimmage game. I made sure Jake had the right time and field before heading out.

The next night Edward and Caroline came over for a quick bite to eat before heading over to Brady's game. Caroline was seriously the sweetest friend ever because she was wearing a school t-shirt and had black paint under her eyes. She even had a cheap pom pom you get at Party City to cheer Brady on.

When we got to the field the players were warming up in the outfield and I found Jake who had save us seats. Edward and Jake greeted each other warmly and I still couldn't help but smile. They had seen each other multiple times since the disastrous basketball game and they were always friendly with each other.

I didn't think they would ever become friends but it was a really good start.

Jake knew Edward would never try to replace him and Edward trusted me enough to know I wasn't ever going back to Jake. I never thought that would be a problem but Edward admitted that to me not long after their first meeting.

The whistle blew and all the players returned to their dugout. They had a quick team meeting before heading out to play the first inning. Brady jogged to shortstop and I snapped a picture to send to my mom. She wanted to be here for this but Alice's work was hosting a retirement party for a co-worker so she was watching the baby.

Since it was just a scrimmage, the game only lasted four innings. Brady's team won by one run and even though he didn't hit any of the balls, I could tell he had fun which was the main point of playing at this age.

"Did you see that play?" Brady asked, referring to the last play of the game where the batter his a pop up and the left fielder caught it.

I nodded. "Great game, hon."

"I think I already like baseball more than basketball."

"No decisions need to be made now," I smiled as Jake grabbed his bag. We stayed and talked for a bit but both kids still had some homework to do before bed so we parted ways. I hugged Brady goodbye and promised we would go out after a game soon.

Edward put Caroline in the car and walked me to mine which was only a few cars away. I unlocked the door and he opened the drivers side for me before leaning in for a kiss.

"So," I smiled as he kissed my nose. "Mariah wants to have a girls day with Caroline on Saturday.

"Sounds nice."

"Mariah is going to be away all summer working at a camp so she wants to spend some extra time together before she leaves.

"Gotcha."

"Anyways…" He sighed and smiled. "I was thinking since we'd both be kid free you'd want to have some alone time."

"Alone time?" I asked. "I don't know if my mother would be okay with me having a boy over without supervision."

"I'm sure we can persuade her," I smiled and leaned in for another kiss.

"Call me with details?" He nodded and I got into my car. He watched as I drove away and I couldn't help but smile all the way home.

Things were so good.