Well, loves - This is the final chapter for Watermelon Sugar. I hope you have enjoyed reading this as much as I've enjoyed writing it. I do hope for more stories to come later, possibly some one-shots that tie into this story as well. In the meantime, I hope you find the wrapping up of this story satisfying. I would absolutely love, love, love to hear your thoughts or questions. Your feedback has been amazing. Thank you all so much XO.
The news of Edward's death was a shock for the Forks community. Not yet a year since Ben and Mike had died, Edward's passing was seen as another terrible tragedy. A story about a fatal car wreck was created to cover up the deaths of Edward and his pregnant new bride. Alice and Esme had taken their devastation out on Edward's beloved Volvo, totaling it nearly beyond recognition and setting it on fire. They made a show of having the vehicle towed through town to the junkyard so that none of the humans in the area would doubt what had transpired. Charlie's help in this little endeavor had been invaluable to them as well. Fortunately, everyone who knew Edward knew he drove like a maniac, and no one had any reason to question the story they were given. No services were held, as the family had requested to be allowed to mourn in private. Meanwhile, Billie's body had been cremated and scattered in the wind with her husband and child.
Despite their grief, preparations for Bella's labor and delivery were underway. Sarah had settled, and Bella had begun to dilate. Braxton hicks contractions had made Jacob a nervous wreck for days, and twice Bella had sent him away to run off his excess energy. Rosalie had expertly created another delivery room out of their nursery. Though Bella knew she would be in more than capable hands, she worried about how her labor would affect Jacob after such trauma. When she'd voiced her fears to Jacob, he admitted that he hoped the memories of Sarah's birth could help both he and Carlisle heal from what they'd witnessed. They had watched a girl who looked far too much like Bella die right before their eyes. They both needed to see a better ending.
Later the following week, Bella was reading on the couch when the kitchen door slammed shut. When it did so a second time, she got up to see who was making all the noise. She rushed to latch the door closed as the wind sucked it open again.
"Picking up, isn't she," Jacob asked as he approached her. Another harsh gust wailed as the lights flickered and went out. Lightning crackled as the sky opened up.
"Jacob, look at the sky," Bella said. It was darkening quickly, clouds rolling overhead. Jacob stepped past her and into the backyard, where he dropped trou and phased. After a few seconds, he phased back and headed inside, already soaked to the bone.
"I told them to abandon patrol, get to whoever's house is closest, and wait this shit out. It's gonna get worse before it gets better," Jacob said.
"Apparently closest was here," Bella said, pointing as three wolves charged into their backyard.
"No, here is where the food is," he chuckled and held the door open for them as they jogged inside.
"Ah, no power. That sucks," Paul said. Jacob grabbed towels for them and himself to dry off before cleaning up the water they'd tracked in.
"Paul, if you'll get into the top left cabinet, there are candles," Bella said, pointing from where she now sat at the table. He grinned and retrieved them for her along with her lighter.
"You know, if you wanted to get romantic, all you had to do was ask," Paul joked, sitting next to her.
"I hope you have girl triplets, Paul," Bella said, and he gasped.
"Triplets, Bella? Really?" Paul laughed.
"That would be amazing karma," Embry chuckled. "My patrol shift will be over by the time this lifts up. I'm going to go shower this mud off and put on some dry clothes."
Bella stood to place a candle on the island and groaned as a sharp pain shot through her side. She'd been having light contractions off and on for a few days.
Those were nothing like this. Bella could feel something warm and wet begin to gush between her legs as they seemed to buckle out from under her. Paul grabbed her in time to keep her from landing on her knees as the candle votive shattered at her bare feet.
"Shit, Bells," Jacob yelled as he walked over to them.
"Nope," she said sarcastically, "but I think my water just broke." She could feel the liquid soaking down her pant leg as another sharp pain overtook her. Quil had grabbed the broom, trying to get the glass cleaned up quickly. Jacob lit more candles and gasped as he looked down.
"Oh my god," Quil said as Jacob rushed to lift Bella in his arms and carefully carried her around the broken glass and toward the nursery.
"I need someone to get Carlisle and Rose here right now. Any possible way you can," Jacob told Paul and Quil. Again, a sharp pain shot through her. When the smell of rust invaded her senses, she realized the liquid soaking through her leggings was at the very least mixed with blood.
Bella groaned as he laid her down and yanked her leggings and underwear away. She immediately sat up, holding her stomach as the worst contraction she had felt yet shot through her. Jacob rushed to gather clean towels as blood pooled between her legs.
"Jake, something is wrong," she choked out before lurching forward with another contraction.
"Honey, you gotta try to breathe, remember?" Jacob said as calmly as he could manage.
"Something is wrong," she said again. A gust of wind slammed against the side of the house as she leaned forward with another contraction.
"I know," he said soothingly, "but panicking won't help us or Sarah, honey." Jacob pulled the towel away to check her. Blood continued to trickle from between her legs. Jacob replaced the towel carefully, not wanting to alarm her any more than she already was. He continued to talk to her soothingly, reminding her to breathe as the storm wailed around them.
Her contractions slowed for a short while, allowing her a chance to rest for a moment. She continued to take deep breaths as she attempted to battle through what honestly felt like the worst poop cramps of her fucking life.
"Is she moving around at all?" Jacob asked.
"No, she's being so still, Jacob. I'm scared," Bella admitted.
"It's going to be okay, honey," he said.
Bella lurched forward with another contraction, crying out in pain. Jacob pulled the towels away again and gasped.
"Bells, baby, I think you're going to need to push really soon," he said.
"No, Jacob, I need Carlisle here," Bella said frantically.
"Honey, she's not waiting." Jacob could clearly see his daughter's head beginning to crown. He looked up at Bella wide-eyed. "You have got to be the most badass person I've ever met. How are you doing this right now?"
"Jacob," Bella warned, "Not. Helping." They both sighed in relief as the kitchen door slammed shut. Jacob ran to grab more towels as a soaked Carlisle and Rose rushed into the room.
"The roads are out with the storm. We had to run through it, Bella. I'm sorry," Rose said.
"No time for that," Bella yelled, "She's …" Bella screamed as another contraction ripped through her. Rose reached up to grip the doorframe as the smell of blood hit her, and Carlisle rushed to Bella's side.
"Woah," he exclaimed loudly, "she's definitely ready to get here. Try not to push yet, Bella." He rushed to wash his hands, pulling gloves on as he returned and instructing Jacob to do the same. Rose had composed herself and made her way over to hold Bella's hands.
"No one," Bella panted, "warned me …" She screamed again as another contraction hit her.
"Warned you about what, sweetheart?" Rose asked.
"Bella, when your next contraction hits, you need to begin push with it," Carlisle said.
"That … it literally … stinks," Bella panted, and Carlisle chuckled.
"Well, it's been sort of fermenting in there for nine months, Bella," he teased.
"It's a womb, not a wine bottle," she groaned, and he chuckled again.
Jacob stood behind Carlisle, silently watching in awe. Bella clutched her sides as another contraction began.
"Alright, Bella, I need you to push for me," Carlisle said seriously.
Jacob watched tearfully over the next several minutes as Sarah was born. There was no offense taken by the multiple names Bella called him before she finished delivering their daughter. That included reminding him that their child did, indeed, have her father's giant fucking head, and it was already covered in short brown curls. Carlisle allowed Jacob to cut the umbilical cord before Rose carried Sarah over to clean her up, take her vitals and measurements. Sarah began to cry as Rose
poked her tiny foot to take a blood sample.
"What is that for?" Jacob asked.
"Just to check her blood sugar since Bella's been on such a strict diet all this time. Totally precautionary," Rose said, smiling down at the infant. Bella could already see the love for her new niece on Rose's beautiful face. Carlisle continued to tend to Bella.
Sarah cried out again, and Bella's eyes lit up at the sound of her daughter's tiny voice.
"Is that much blood loss normal?" Jacob asked Carlisle. "She really scared us for a minute."
"I believe there may have been a partial placenta abruption when her labor began," Carlisle said. "It is what she's been working to prevent all of this time. It can cause some significant blood loss. Luckily her blood levels have remained decent, and she's been well taken care of." Carlisle winked at an exhausted Bella."You may be a little extra tired for the next couple of days. Keep taking your prenatal vitamins until your Obstetrician says to stop. They have a bit more iron in them than what is needed for breastfeeding, but you already have a deficiency. You need to take it as easy as possible for the next few days." He glanced over at a grinning, teary-eyed Jacob.
"Trust me, I have a feeling she'll have more help than she knows how to handle the next few days," Jacob said, chuckling.
"I can't believe it went so fast," Bella said as Rose carefully laid Sarah on her chest. "Don't most women spend hours to days in labor?"
"You're lucky as hell," Rose said, grinning. "Vera was in labor for three days."
"I've had contractions off and on for a few days, but nothing like that. I can't imagine fighting that pain for three days," Bella said, grinning down at Sarah, "though I bet she'd be worth it."
Jacob took his turn holding Sarah as Rose quickly got Bella cleaned up and comfortable. Getting Sarah to nurse for the first time had been a bit of an obstacle, though once she latched on, she was reluctant to let go again.
"She looks like you," Jacob said as he watched Bella nurse her.
"She looks like Charlie," Bella said and laughed.
"She's going to be a chunker like me, I think," Jacob said, chuckling as he gently held her tiny, chubby hand.
"She's going to eat like you, too, isn't she?" Bella asked Jacob.
"She already has your lack of patience," he teased back. "Angie is right, you know. She's probably going to be a little monster in her own right."
"Well," Bella said, "Like I told Angie, as long as she's safe, healthy, and happy, she can be anything she wants."
"You know," Rose said, smiling, "They say when children are born during a storm, it affects their personalities. She's going to keep you both on your toes."
When Sarah finished nursing and Bella was comfortable again, Embry, Angela, Paul, and Quil made their way to meet her. Each took their turn holding her. After about half an hour or so, Bella was exhausted. All but Jacob was ushered from the room. He picked up Sarah and carried her to Bella's rocking chair. Bella had closed her eyes, though she hadn't fallen asleep just yet. The creaking of the rocking chair was soothing as it mixed with Jacob's voice. He held Sarah to his bare chest, continuously whispering to his baby girl how special and loved she was. Rose snuck a few pictures to send Charlie before she left. It didn't take long for Bella to fall asleep once they were alone.
Though Carlisle and Rose were able to head home once they were positive all was well, the storm managed to rage on for two more days. There had been significant damage to some of the trees along the highway between Forks and LaPush, blocking off the route entirely as they waited for the storm to end. Embry had thankfully had the foresight to hook up a generator the first night, salvaging their food supply as everyone huddled around the fireplace for three days. With Jacob and Embry's high body temperatures, there had been no need to worry about Sarah getting too cold. Sarah already had everyone in the house wrapped around her finger and was rarely set down those first few days. Despite the warning of a stormy personality, she barely made a peep unless she was hungry, and she slept a great deal.
When the storm had ceased, the roads were cleared, and power was restored. The Cullens came collectively to meet Sarah and so that Carlisle could give her and Bella a check-up. The medical equipment was removed from the house, and the nursery was put back to normal. Bella cried as she used the cradle Jacob had made for the first time, watching Sarah fall swiftly back to sleep.
Charlie, Sue, and Billy came together to meet their granddaughter for the first time. Charlie openly wept, remarking on how much she looked like Bella as a baby. True to his word, he began popping in on them randomly after that, entirely bogarting all of the grandpa time he could get.
It was at least a month before Renee flew out to finally meet her granddaughter. She did stay for a few days, and everyone got along rather well. Despite her fear that Phil would learn what was going on the day of Bella's baby shower, he remained as clueless about the supernatural world as ever. The presence of another singer in the area certainly had an effect. Within three weeks of Renee leaving LaPush, Rachel and Kim both announced they were pregnant. No one had any doubt left that there would be a new wolf pack for the tribe within the next sixteen years' time.
Angela and Embry had still not located their own place. Both were fond of Sarah and willing to pitch in, happily practicing childcare skills while awaiting their son. When Sarah became too large for the cradle, she would begin sleeping in her crib. By that time, Angela could use the cradle for their son if they continued to stay. Their presence was no bother for Bella or Jacob, and Bella was still in no hurry for them to move.
For the first time since her birth, Sarah would be staying the night with her Grandpa Charlie and Grandma Sue so that Jacob and Bella could have a night out together. Alice drove over from Port Angeles to help her get ready.
"I can't believe you two plan on riding the motorcycle," Alice grumbled as she painstakingly plucked at Bella's eyebrows.
"I haven't been on a bike since last summer, Ali," Bella chuckled. "I'm excited."
"Well, be careful. I'd hate to have to kick Jacob's ass," Ali teased. She made her way over to Bella's closet and grumbled as she landed in the "never going to wear" section. She practically climbed into the closet to reach for what she wanted, pulling out the dress she'd put Bella in for the graduation party.
"Ali, no," Bella laughed. I don't think I could get it around my hips anymore, anyway."
"That's a shame. Jacob really loves it," Alice said, winking at her.
"Ali, are you trying to get me laid?" Bella blushed as Alice only shrugged at her.
"It's gonna happen sometime," Alice said, and Bella sighed.
It wasn't that she hadn't wanted to be with Jacob since Sarah was born. She was back on birth control, and it was safe now for them to be together, but her new body insecurities worried her.
Would he be unhappy that her belly wasn't smooth like it had been?
Would it feel the same for her? For him?
Overthinking had done what it had always done for Bella's mind. It made a mountain out of what she assumed should be a molehill, leaving her feeling awkward, guilty, and misunderstood. She hadn't intentionally pushed Jacob away, though she could tell he was becoming anxious about her seeming lack of interest in physical affection. Bella had never been a vain person, never cared much about her physical appearance outside of being clean and comfortable. This was unfamiliar territory for her, and Bella felt clueless about how she could discuss it with Jacob without feeling like she was fishing for compliments.
Bella groaned and stood up as Alice beckoned her over and made her try on numerous items. She was surprised when Alice forced her into a soft pink flowy slip of a dress. A dark brown leather jacket, belt, and matching boots complimented it well.
"You'll have to tuck the skirt between your knees," Alice giggled.
"Oh, believe me, I'll be holding on for dear life, I'm sure," Bella said. There was a knock at the door before Jacob entered the room. Bella grinned at him in surprise. He was cleanshaven with his shaggy locked combed back. His black t-shirt clung to his muscles. He wore a new pair of black boots under his favorite pair of jeans.
My favorite too.
Jacob could only gape at her for a moment before giving her a wide grin. "Damn, Ali," was all he could say. His face lit up again as Bella blushed.
"You sure you wanna go to Paul's place for a while?" Bella teased. "I might have to fight girls off you with a stick." Jacob walked over and leaned down to kiss her as he threaded his fingers through hers.
"I will already have the prettiest one there," he winked at her, and she blushed. He leaned to briefly hug Alice. "Are you ready to go?" He asked Bella. She nodded, thanked Alice again for helping her out, and followed Jacob outside. He picked her up and sat her on the back of the bike, grinning.
"Thank you," she giggled.
"Figured you didn't want to give the boys a show," he chuckled, nodding toward Jared and Embry standing outside of the garage. Bella tucked her skirt between her legs as Jacob climbed onto the bike. She wrapped her arms around his waist, humming happily as the bike roared to life underneath of them.
When they reached Paul's place, she slid off of the bike carefully, immediately taking Jacob's hand before they went inside. A doorman they didn't recognize stood at the entrance asking for IDs. Paul stepped out and tapped his shoulder, chuckling."Let these two in. They are always welcome," Paul said and beckoned them inside. "Sit wherever you guys want, okay?" Paul jogged off toward the bar, leaving them alone. The place was busy at the bar, though most of the tables were open. Jacob chose a table, pulling out her chair for her.
"Thank you, Mr. Black," she said softly. Jacob's eyes sparkled with mischief as he chuckled.
"Excellent to see you again, Miss Swan," he whispered back as he sat down. Angie walked over, whistling at them both.
"Damn, Miss Swan," she teased. "Seriously, though, guys, why here? You could go anywhere?"
"Hey!" Paul yelled from behind the bar.
"What? They see me at home. They don't care about you," Angela yelled back, earning chuckles from the other patrons.
"Is it always like this in here?" Bella asked.
"Pretty much," Angela admitted. "The customers seem to like the banter. The more I mouth Paul, the better tips I get. It works out."
"I heard that, too," Paul said.
"Blow it out your ass, Lahote," she yelled back, grinning.
"Why did I hire you again?" Paul asked, shaking his head.
"Because you have mommy issues," she said. "Why don't you hush up and make these two something to drink?"
Paul brought them drinks as they looked over the menu and ordered.
Customers continued to trickle through as the next hour wore on. When the dancefloor began to fill in, Jacob led Bella out onto the floor for a slow song.
"Are you having fun, honey?" Jacob whispered in her ear.
"Are you?" she asked and stood on tip-toe to press her lips to his. His warm hands slid around her waist to cup her hips.
"Just got better," he said as he pulled away. "You wanna go for another ride?"
Bella smiled up at him and took his hand, leading them back to their table. Jacob tossed money on the table for the bill, leaving Angela a generous tip, and the couple waved at Paul as they headed for the bike.
She couldn't help but grin as Jacob turned into the parking lot at First Beach a few minutes later. Hand in hand, they made their way toward their favorite driftwood seat, sitting down to stare across the ocean.
"You told me you loved me here for the first time," Bella said.
"I told you I loved you the first time when I was three," Jacob said, chuckling.
"You know what I meant," she said, nudging him with her shoulder. Jacob effortlessly yanked her over and onto his lap, chuckling.
"I love you even more now," he said, pressing his forehead to hers. Jacob tenderly cupped her face as he brushed his lips against hers. She parted her lips to deepen the kiss, lifting her arms to wrap around his neck. The same, familiar need Bella had for him hummed through her. When she finally pulled away, she was almost surprised to realize they were on the beach.
"Hmm," she said, grinning, "I see I still lose my complete sense of time and place when you do that."
"Oh?" Jacob asked and leaned in to kiss her again. He pulled away and stood, holding his hand out. Bella took it and walked beside him as Jacob led his way to the trails. She was surprised as he turned behind Old Quil's. The sky had turned orange as the sun began to descend. They slowly made their way towards the cliffs, a route Bella had not seen since the day she had technically drowned.
I seriously hope he has no ideas about cliff diving, she thought nervously, recalling the bitter cold of the water that day. As the ground began to level out again, Bella slipped her hand from Jacob's so he could clear a low, broken branch from the trail. As quietly as she could, Bella stepped back behind a tree, grinning as she hid from him. It had felt like so long since they had just acted like idiots for a moment.
"Bells?" Jacob asked. Bella peeked around the tree to see him looking around for her. She tried to stifle a giggle, and he spun, smirking. As his back was turned, she snatched up a twig and tossed it. Jacob spun toward where it landed and searched for her. She took advantage and moved behind a different tree. Bella cursed when she tripped over the roots, thankfully catching herself and hiding before Jacob spotted her. Her voice, however, had given her away, and she had to shimmy around the tree as he came into view.
"Oh, Miss Swan," Jacob called out. She peeked out again to see him searching for her. He had dropped into a crouch, his face tilted upward as he sought out her scent. His head snapped up in her direction, wearing the challenging smirk she knew well. Bella carefully shimmied out of her jacket as he turned his back to her again. She tossed the jean jacket to her far right as she darted the opposite direction and hid again. Jacob growled and stomped to where it lay. He picked it up, smirking, and shook it.
"Come out, come out, wherever you are," he said. The timbre of his voice left goosebumps dancing across Bella's skin.
Jacob liked this game. His wolf liked it too.
Bella's chest and cheeks began to feel flushed. She carefully undid the belt from around her waist, letting the braided leather cord hang at her side. She crept past the tree she was hiding behind as Jacob walked too near. She lightly flipped out the end of the belt, slapping him across the back of his thigh. He snarled before chuckling.
"Got a little too close there, Bells," he said. "Someone wanna play rough today?" Bella had to backtrack around the tree base as Jacob changed his direction. She darted behind another tree just before he jumped out where she had been hiding. He growled again. She gave the belt a hard toss as he turned his back, and he followed the sound. She tried to stifle her chuckle with her hand as she again darted to a new hiding space.
Bella looked around for something else to toss and distract him. She was surprised to find herself contemplating throwing the dress, though it didn't weigh enough to fly far. Instead, Bella shimmied off her bra from underneath, waiting for the right moment. As Jacob got closer, Bella tossed her bra at his face, momentarily blinding him as she ran. Bella darted behind another tree as he chuckled, tucking her bra into his hand with her other items.
"Damn. I would have liked to see that one on. I have a feeling you don't have much left to distract me with, Bells," he said. She peaked out from behind her hiding spot to see him again searching for her. Jacob reached down to adjust himself, and she couldn't help but stare, swallowing nervously.
Oh, he was definitely enjoying this little game.
As soon as he turned his back to her again, she ran. This time he spotted her and followed, though he didn't run. He'd catch her soon enough, she knew.
"I can smell you, Bella," he said as he neared her new hiding spot. Thinking he was moving past, Bella crept in the opposite direction, only to be swept up over Jacob's shoulder. She squealed as he reached up to slap her ass, grabbing a handful afterward for good measure.
"Caveman," she said as he carried her toward the cliffside. The sun was getting low as they reached the ledge. Jacob stood her up carefully and tossed her clothing items to the ground. She barely had time to take in the magnificent view from where they stood before Jacob crashed his lips to hers. Sunset view forgotten, Jacob dropped to his knees in front of her guiding her to lay down under him on the thick, soft grass bordering the cliffside. He trailed kisses along her jaw as she instinctively reached up to grip his hair. Jacob sat up to remove his shirt as Bella watched him with lust-filled eyes and her bottom lip between her teeth. He chuckled down at her before shoving her skirt up to lay between her legs. Jacob lowered his mouth to her breast, sucking her nipple through the thin fabric of her dress. He chuckled as her nipple hardened, and he flicked it with his tongue.
Bella reached down between them to stroke his erection through his jeans, and they both moaned. She shimmied the skirt of her dress up over her hips before losing her nerve. Jacob sat her up to pull the dress off over her head before bracing himself over her again. She closed her eyes and blushed as he looked her over.
"God, you're beautiful," he said softly before lowering his mouth between her breasts and kissing down her belly toward her sex. He shimmied her pale pink lace panties down, staring at her naked form as he pulled them off of her legs. Bella reached for his belt buckle as he brought his mouth back to hers. Bella shoved his pants and boxers down under his ass and began stroking him with her hand. She cried out as he moved his hand to her sex and began circling her clit with his thumb. Despite her nervousness, Bella was as wet and ready for him as ever. The sensations he was creating across her body made her vaguely wonder why she'd been so worried in the first place. When Jacob slowly pushed himself inside of her, they both cried out.
"I know it's been a while, baby, but god damn, that's tight," He said, panting. It took a minute for her to adjust to him and encourage him to begin to move. As Jacob's thrusts gradually increased in depth and speed, her whimpers grew in volume.
God, how did I forget how fucking good this feels?
Bella scratched her nails down Jacob's chest as he sat up on his knees and lifted her hips. This was the angle she loved most. He finally rocked his full length into her, and she cried out, arching her back.
"Fuck, Bella, yes," Jacob growled as he resumed a steady rhythm. Jacob moved his hands to help her hold her position as he increased his speed. Bella writhed in front of him, her shoulders pushed into the ground as she gripped the sides of Jacob's thighs. He moved one hand to her lower back to support her and shifted his other hand to her sex, circling her clit with his thumb. Bella cried out again, her legs tensing and body trembling as she came, her walls clenching hard around him. Jacob growled as he let go, and she whimpered again from the intensity of his release. Jacob gently pulled out of her, shimmying his boxers and jeans back up over his ass as he rolled to his back. Bella continued to lay naked in the grass, blushing and trying to catch her breath.
"I missed you, honey," Jacob said, threading his fingers through hers. "I knew you'd be ready again on your own time, but I missed this."
"I have too," Bella admitted. "I was worried, though."
Jacob rolled to his side to look her in the eyes. "Why?"
"My body has changed," she said. "I was worried it wouldn't feel the same. Or …" Bella didn't know how to say what she'd been fearing for the last three months.
"Or what, honey?" Jacob asked and leaned to kiss the tip of her nose before brushing a stray curl from her face.
Bella took a deep breath and sighed. "I worried you wouldn't like my body as much as before. You seemed to love it so much while I was pregnant. Thicker. Firmer."
Jacob shoved his arm under her side and pulled her naked body on top of him. He gently held onto her ass with one hand as he played with her hair with the other.
"Bella, baby, I want you to listen to me, okay?" Jacob said softly, "I want you every bit as much now as I ever did. Your body, no matter how it changes, will still be your body. It's probably going to change a lot over the next seventy years, and so will mine. I will love it no matter what it looks like because it's yours."
"I hope so," she said.
"I know so," Jacob said as he sat them both up. "Now then," he said and kissed her shoulder, "we should probably at least put your dress and jacket back on."
"Oh?" She asked and chuckled.
"Yes," he said, pulling her dress over her head for her, "So that I can get you back home and take them off again." Bella blushed, shaking her head as she stood and yanked the dress into place. She pulled on her jacket and shoved her bra and panties into the pockets. Jacob pulled his shirt on, picked up Bella's belt, and grabbed her hand.
Now twilight, they had just enough visibility to make their way carefully back down the trails toward the beach parking lot. Jacob lifted her carefully onto the bike and drove them home.
Knowing what he now knew, Jacob proceeded to pull Bella into the shower with him when they got home. He carried her to their bed afterward and painstakingly took his time loving her. Jacob touched, rubbed, and kissed everywhere possible in his attempt to crush any shred of doubt she had left that Jacob loved her body exactly as it was. Bella returned the favor in kind, worshiping him as extensively as he did her throughout the night. They finally fell into an exhausted sleep near dawn with her cheek pressed to his chest and her knee between his thighs.
The next few years flew by. Things remained peaceful for the most part. The occasional new vampire crossed the area now and then, though none attempted to settle anywhere close. Those that were caught were warned and chased away. Those dumb enough to return or kill were destroyed. With two singers in La Push, they would be drawn to the area no matter what. Jacob continued to do his job to protect his tribe, though he would remain haunted by the burning faces of those he helped to destroy.
Emmett and Rose kept up a close relationship with Jacob, Bella, and the Pack, never failing to come and visit when invited. Bella kept in close contact with all of the Cullens by phone and online, often sending pictures of Sarah and life on the reservation. As the garage thrived, Jacob and Bella slowly climbed their way out of the red zone. They were still paying payments on the garage, though Rose and Emmett had signed over the title to the lot that their home sat on for Bella's twentieth birthday. The payment reduction allowed Jacob to finally start paying the wolves for their patrol times as he'd hoped to do one day. His next goal, he claimed, was to keep things successful so that the next Alpha could do the same. Jacob remained ever positive, thoughtful, and driven with their family, business, and pack despite being only nineteen. Bella could not have been more proud.
Jacob and Bella's house remained the home base for pack gatherings. Eventually, everyone's kids seemed to end up being there constantly as well. As had been expected, the imprints ended up all carrying boys. Bella had cackled when they found out Rachel was carrying twins. Paul told her he hoped the favor would be returned for her and Jacob eventually. By the time the twins were born, Billy had moved in with Bella and Jacob, leaving the old house and all its internal racket to Rachel and Paul. He insisted that even the constant clatter of children and eating wolves at Jacob's was more peaceful. He enjoyed sitting out in the garage office with Jacob, listening to the pack bantering with one another. With the addition of Billy, a house overrun with children, and the giant new flatscreen Jacob bought, Charlie's visiting time seemed to double. Bella and Jacob's was constantly bustling with activity, and both fathers loved being in the mix as much as Bella did.
The only downside to a house full of people was the limited amount of privacy. Having their infant daughter asleep in the next room certainly taught Jacob and Bella a thing or two about volume control, much to Angela's amusement. By the time Billy moved in, they had become experts in discreet. Their bathroom shower saw most of the action, though neither were complaining. Occasionally, Billy and Sarah would go spend the night over at Sue's so that they could have an evening alone.
Jacob was still most fond of the kitchen counter.
Charlie and Sue were married on Fuck Thanksgiving the year following their engagement with Billy officiating the ceremony. The happy occasion was celebrated with the annual bottle of Wild Turkey. Since Charlie had to maintain a residence in Forks because of his job, the couple often stayed there, leaving Leah and Seth to their own devices in LaPush. Leah was all too happy to remind Bella of how glad she was when they stayed away, cackling when Bella turned red-faced every time.
Sam and Emily's first child was born and a second, a daughter, followed almost immediately. They could not have been happier. Sam eventually approached Jacob about stepping down as Alpha, officially handing Jacob the role intended for him all along. Jacob shifted into his natural place with ease. Surprisingly, even Paul was content with the change of Leadership, though he and Jacob still bumped heads from time to time.
Leah continued to work at the garage, though she ended up helping Bella chase after everyone else's little ones most of the time. When she eventually approached Jacob with her intention to stop phasing, he had reluctantly supported her. Leah, more than anything, craved the opportunity to move on with her life and have her own family. It was an impossibility for her as long as she continued to phase. In the end, Jacob admitted considering what he would think if Sarah was forced to phase one day and knew it was right to let her go. The decision prompted him to allow the others the opportunity to tap out when the day came that they each saw fit to stop phasing. No one deserved their free will to be stolen, whether they chose a role to undertake or not. As Alpha, Jacob would continue until the time came for a new Alpha to take his place, which would not be for many years to come. Collin and Brady both eventually phased, though it happened much later than the Council anticipated. Jacob hoped it meant that the next pack's phase would be even further delayed. After everything he had experienced, he believed that children deserved the opportunity to be children for as long as possible.
Angela and Embry eventually took over his childhood home when Tiffany Call moved back to the Makah reservation. Despite Angela's hesitation about living there, they renovated the house to suit their own needs. When finished, it felt like an entirely different space and brought them many happy memories.
"So," called the familiar voice from the back of the room, "that is quite a different ending from the stories we just finished."
"As I said," she replied, grinning. "But, this is the beauty of creative writing. Someone can create an entirely different ending, even for well-known and beloved series. Fanfiction is really quite popular and has been for many years. The story that you all know well was based on Alice's visions for a future where Bella had chosen to be with Edward."
"I thought the author said the story was based on her dreams," the familiar voice said.
"Well, that's something you would have to ask her for yourself. Perhaps she and Alice are actually one and the same."
"So why did things turn out so differently? Jacob seems like a totally different person in the end," someone else said.
"He was. When Bella chose him instead of Edward, there was no need for all of his angst and heartache. He got the girl and the dream that he wanted. Bitterness can destroy empathy, but positive, loving relationships can build it," she explained.
There was a loud chime over the intercom, indicating the end of the class period. "This weekend, I want you all to write your own ending to this story!" She chuckled at the collective groan of the students as all except one left the room.
The last student in the room, the owner of the all-too-familiar voice made his way toward her, grinning as she opened her arms to hug him.
"I can't believe you are taking this course," she teased. "You know I won't just give you a free pass, right?"
"I would expect no less. I can't believe you decided to finally become a teacher at forty," he chuckled. She laughed, nodding.
"Well, all of the kids are grown. Glutton for punishment, I guess," she said.
"Well, you look damn good for forty, Sis," he said and leaned in to hug her again.
"And you look exactly the same," she said and sighed. "My kids look older than you now."
"Forever eighteen isn't all it's cracked up to be," he chuckled and swung his bag over his shoulder.
"Come out to the house soon," she called after him. "Meet your nephew's new wife."
"Can't wait," he called back, letting the door slam closed behind him.
She sighed as she walked over and began straightening up her desk. "Still so fucking loud."
I hope you all liked the surprise extra Lemon and the ending. Once again, I am so grateful to you all. Please Review XO