CHAPTER FIFTY-FIVE

(BPOV)

Rachel's arms were full of bags as she stepped out of the taxi and looked toward the house. I could already see the wide smile brimming on her face as Brenner tore himself free from Jake's arms and ran for her. Rachel tossed her heavy bags aside and caught him with a cry of relief.

"Oh, how I've missed you so much my sweet boy!" She exclaimed, while holding him tight.

"I missed you even more mama! I can't believe you're finally home again!" He shrieked with excitement.

Jacob and Paul were swift to help her inside with her luggage and the grin on Pauls face was heart stopping when he swept her up in his strong arms and kissed her in the doorway. He was dead on his feet from dutifully keeping a close watch on her while she was staying at the facility. So far, she had no idea and according to Jacob, they intended to keep it that way. They both thought it would be best for Rachel to focus solely on her recovery, and rebuilding her new life with Brenner going forward and I agreed with them on this.

She looked healthy, radiant even, as she hugged me with sincere gratitude in her voice.

"Thank you for keeping Brenner for me while I was getting help. You have no idea what it meant to me to know he was safe here with you guys. I wouldn't have wanted him to be anywhere else. I'm sure he has lots of stories to tell me. I owe you and Jake for all you've done and I plan to repay you in the very near future."

She placed her hand on my stomach with a knowing smirk and I blushed when I caught sight of Jacobs somewhat guilty look.

He'd told her and I couldn't blame him. I expected no less.

"I'm sorry, Bells. I know I said I'd wait a bit longer, but I couldn't help it. I was too excited."

"It's okay." I assured him.

"How are you feeling? Morning sickness? Any fatigue yet?"

"A little of both actually."

Rachel smiled warmly at this and wrapped an arm around Paul and Gentry with her reply.

"Alright you guys, so what did I miss while I was gone? Anything worth sharing?"

The room grew silent at her simple question, and Paul looked nervously to Jacob who merely shrugged with his casual answer.

"Nothing that's worth worrying you over. Trust me, things weren't that interesting while you were away. I'm glad you're back. That's all that matters now." He told her.

Once Rachel was more settled, Billy and Charlie showed up with pizza for dinner, and I breathed a sigh of relief from being let off the hook with cooking this evening.

Everyone helped themselves and when dinner was nearly through, Rachel pulled me aside and gestured to Gentry and Leah, the two of them looking particularly cozy on the couch together and equally unaware of our stares from across the room.

"I see things are heating up in that direction. Hope it lasts for them?" Rachel whispered.

"I think it will. She's pretty smitten and from what I gather the feeling is mutual. They bring out the best in each other." I admitted. "Wedding bells could soon follow."

Rachels mouth hung open wide in clear shock then and I laughed at her stunned expression.

"Oh, come on? You really believe that?" She questioned. "Besides, if you ask me, I think those wedding bells will be chiming for you and my brother long before they'll ring for those two. Have you set a date?"

"Not yet." I softly admitted to her. "Soon enough, I'm sure. Takes a lot of planning I've heard."

"Well, you know what they say about best laid plans? Sometimes it's better not to plan at all. Expect the unexpected, Bella. Man, what else did I miss when I was gone?"

My mind ran over the course of more recent events, and I couldn't hide the shiver that graced my skin from the memories, but I didn't delve into any of those details..

"Let's just say, I am really looking forward to whatever the future brings. Carpe Diem' as they say. Can only go up from here."

"I'm with you on that one. All the way." Rachel agreed, before turning her attention to Billy who looked as proud as I'd ever seen him.

The two of them caught up and she filled him in on her treatment and what her stay had been like at the facility. He commended her on the steps in the right direction she'd made so far, and it warmed my heart to hear the genuine support she was receiving from her family right now.

It was exactly what she needed.

I silently retreated outside to take in the chilled fresh air of the evening. The momentary silence was needed and I paused there, as I pondered how much had changed in my life from one season to the next. Despite the chaos, and the moments of near loss, I found myself to be nothing but grateful for the life I had right now. For the second chance at true love I'd been given.

I turned my face toward heaven and whispered to not only the one up above, but to the woman who I knew was still watching over us all...- To Lillian.

"Thank you- for giving me that chance. I promise I won't waste it. Not a single moment of it."

With my words came the sound of an approaching car, and I squinted at the bright beaming lights that stole my vision as they shined into the darkened drive.

A familiar voice soon called out to me from the taxi, and I rose on tired legs to see Mr. and Mrs. Dawson now standing there ahead of me, their warm but weary smiles from travel stretching out to me as they held onto each other.

"Nurse Swan, how lovely it is to see you again. I can see by the look on your face that our late arrival comes without warning? That must mean Jacob did as I asked and kept our trip here a secret?"

"Y-Yes- he did." I stammered. "I had no idea you were coming."

Shawn and Martha approached me with open arms and I went to them with tears in my eyes, as they wrapped me in a comforting embrace that felt like home.

"You look wonderful, dear." Martha soon commented. "You positively glow! Happiness looks great on you!"

Jacob came out with a hearty chuckle then, his warm welcome to them making my tears remain when he hugged them both and met my curious gaze.

"I didn't expect you to arrive for another hour. Your plane must have landed early?" He asked.

"Indeed it did." Shawn earnestly stated. "Just another hour we get to spend with our precious grandbaby! What more could we ask for?"

"Not much." Jacob truthfully sighed, as he took their bags from them and wrapped an arm around my shoulders. "They wanted me to keep it a secret."

"I see that. Is there anything else you're hiding from me?" I lightly teased.

"Wouldn't you like to know, honey." He chuckled, stealing a kiss as we followed the Dawsons back inside.

"Yeah, I would. You know I'm not good with surprises." I suspiciously replied.

"All in good time. Trust me, Bells. It'll be worth the wait."

"What are you up to, Jacob Ephraim?"

He dropped the bags in his hands then and scooped me up with another kiss that left my head spinning. His lips had barely left mine when he he offered his husky answer.

"Loving you for the rest of my life. That's what I'm up to."

A/N: I hope you enjoyed this shorter update and that you all had a great Christmas! I hope your New Years is just as special too! Look for another chapter update soon in the coming days! We are wrapping this story up and proceeding onto the final installment. Yes, you read that right. There will be ONE more added before finishing the storyline. Coming in January! :-) Please review! Love to you all!