Here we are. I consider this a reward chapter for myself and all my readers that have endured this torturous love story.

Listening rec is Lionel Richie "Long Long Way to Go." This who fic was birthed from me meditating on these lyrics.

Copyright disclaimer. Stephenie Meyer owns Twilight and all recognizable character. Her version of Bella and Jacob never had the scenes they deserved. ;)

Chapter 24

Bella

2 months later

Bella spun in a circle with her arms outstretched. Leah was a huge help. When they arrived at the dress shop, Bella was completely overwhelmed, but she finally found the perfect dress. She'd never felt this comfortable dressed up in her entire life.

Jacob whistled from across the room. He was a thousand times more beautiful in his tuxedo. Leah cuffed him the back of the head. "You know, you're the only two assholes on the planet that could have mental breakdowns, shave your damn heads and still look better than half the population. I swear to God, you missed your calling. You should both be on a runway in Milan with huge modeling contracts.

Bella rolled her eyes, "Oh, please, my hair is growing out so slow, I look like a teenage boy and I'm too short to be a model. Jacob could definitely be a model though but look who's talking. You're gorgeous in that blue strapless dress, Lee. Embry's eyes are going to pop out of his head when he sees you."

Leah feigned shock, "Embry. What the fuck, B? I'm not looking to impress anyone tonight. Especially not Embry."

"Liar. We've all seen the way you two look at each other at the pack get-togethers. Tonight's the night for love. You should totally go for it."

"Oh yeah, what about you and Black? Are you going for it too? I have never heard of two people sharing the same bed this long without so much as tongue kissing. You know Jacob could lose an appendage with this raging case of blue balls he has continuously. That would be a tragedy. I've seen what he's packing and it's pretty impressive. Although, the first few times, he might not impress you so much. I fear he'll be overly excited. Take my advice and keep trying. It'll get better with practice."

The alpha roared, "Leah! That's enough. Get lost. We'll see you at the church."

"Yeah, yeah, but are we clear that I'm not pining for Embry?"

Jacob replied, "Crystal!" as he slammed the door in her face.

"Sorry about that, Bells. Leah doesn't handle teasing well. Are you okay? I know the expected crowd already has you anxious."

"I'm fine. She has no filter. I'm used to it by now, but that's not true, is it?"

"What's not true?" Jacob teased.

Bella blushed and chewed on her lip, "It's not going to fall off. I mean, that's impossible, right?"

He couldn't help but laugh. Maybe Jacob felt a little hopeful that Bells cared about that part of his anatomy. She was acting stupid and naïve, but she worried a lot whether she was hurting him physically "Yes, honey. There's no chance of that and there's no rush or pressure. Leah knows better. She's going to pay for saying that shit to you. Come on, let's get out of here. It's not every day my older sister throws her entire life away on a dipshit."

"Jacob, that's your brother. It's their wedding day. Wipe that frown off lips. We're not going to a funeral. This is a happy occasion."

"Yeah, so happy. At least, I have you to look at all night. I can be happy about that. You look beautiful, honey." Jacob kissed her cheek. She felt warm all over from the slightest brush of his lips on her skin. Bella almost couldn't remember that mountain kiss because so much had happened in the course of a year, but she knew Jacob was a good kisser. It was almost laughable she'd avoided a real kiss this long. She'd been ready so many times before but then changed her mind at the last minute. They both agreed to stop bringing it up or making plans for it. It would happen for them when the time was right. They were past so many of her crazy hang-ups, but she was still afraid of true intimacy because once she started with him there would be no stopping the inevitable for either of them.

The wedding was beautiful. Bella cried. She thought Jacob did too, but maybe not for the same reasons. Life was better for all members of both packs. Nomads had been scarce. Seth and the other younger ones had been able to focus on school. There hadn't been anymore boys phasing since Brady and Collin over a year ago. Sam and Emily were also planning a wedding but wanted something on a much smaller scale than Rachel and Paul. Charlie and Sue were official and adorable. Bella was happy for her father. Renee had visited. She and Bella didn't get too deep into their personal problems, but her mom conceded maybe she never truly knew her daughter like she thought. They both agreed many mistakes were made during Bella's formative years, but some were hers not only her mom's. Renee wanted to change their future, get closer than ever. Bella endured weekly phone calls complete with a relationship workbook, but it wasn't so bad. Some exercises had helped her grow and change as a person.

The past two months hadn't been perfect. Real life never was. Jacob struggled to forgive their fathers. He made them listen to the real story. Both Charlie and Billy wept when they realized all that Bella suffered and how heinous Edward Cullen had always been. She was the mediator. Forgiveness was key to her recovery. In the end, Jacob realized the one to blame for all the hurt had been dealt with so there was no reason to dwell on past mistakes.

He'd worked his ass off with the online studies and would soon have his diploma. Jacob also found a steady job. She hadn't yet, but Bella was brave enough to apply for a few.

Bella shook her head when she observed Jacob going in for his second huge piece of cake. He raised a plate to see if she wanted more. She shook her head from across the room because she was stuffed. The reception was more elaborate than the wedding. Paul insisted on making all of Rachel's dreams come true and she liked fancy things which included gourmet food and drinks, beautiful flowers and decorations, and a talented and versatile band.

Jacob warned her when he sat back down beside her. "Better go easy on that champagne, Bells. You're not used to alcohol."

"I hardly think three sips will do me in. This is my only glass all evening. You should be worried about how much food your consuming because I've lost count on your buffet returns."

He patted his flat belly, "I'm pacing myself. The wolf burns 2,000 calories an hour. Besides, I intend to get my money's worth since Lahote paid for the food for once."

Bella laughed. Paul lucked out. He had gained great contacts from his growing construction business. Even though Rachel loved extravagant things, she admitted Paul got most of this wedding at discount prices. The caterer and wedding planner were his clients first. She motioned to the newly married couple, "Look at them. Rach is overjoyed. I think this is the last night you should ever complain about Paul. They were meant to be."

Jacob quipped, "Rachel's drunk. Don't confuse happiness with tipsy, Bells. I'll never stop complaining about Lahote, but I guess he's kinda good for my sister. Just keep that between us, 'kay?"

Bella twisted and invisible latch in front of her lips, "All your secrets are safe with me, babe."

The couple couldn't hide anything from each other, but sometimes their silence said more than any of their deep conversations. Bella couldn't believe how loved she was. She used to think she wasn't deserving of Jacob Black's love. Now she didn't think she could survive one second without it. Tonight was special for them. She felt it.

The lead singer of the band initiated a line dance by calling out commands. Bella fully expected to be a bystander, but Jacob wouldn't hear of it. He grabbed her by the hand. "Come on, sweetheart. We have to get in on this or we haven't had the true wedding experience."

Bella pulled back, "Please, no. I'll embarrass myself. There's too much choreography."

Jacob turned Bella's entire body around, so she could see what was happening front and center on the dance floor. "See that. There's no way you'll be worse than him, Bells."

Bella covered her eyes, "Oh my God. Dad doesn't have a coordinated bone in his body. You see. It's genetic. I can't, Jake."

"Yes, you can. I'll help. Didn't you say just last week you can do anything as long as I'm beside you?"

Bella rolled her eyes since he was using her own words against her. She never meant dancing in front of people, but he was right. She had said that because Bella ran into Jessica Stanley at the grocery store. She asked a bunch of intrusive questions about her marriage breaking up. Addressing the rumors should have sent Bella running in the other direction in tears, but she stood her ground. She gave the only version that was possible for human ears. Edward turned into an abuser and the whole family fled to avoid an investigation. Of course, Jessica could hardly believe such a thing about the prestigious family. She heard Bella had a breakdown of sorts or possibly an affair. She looked at Jacob when she said the last part. Jacob squeezed her hand and gave her the extra strength she needed. Bella told Jessica where she could shove her gossip and innuendos. It was the bravest she'd felt in a long time.

So, here he was, asking her to be brave again. She grabbed his hand and followed him to the dance floor. Of course, she was right. She did embarrass herself because she was terrible at every one of these dances, but it didn't matter. It was a blast. She hadn't laughed so hard in years. The guys all took turns spinning her around a time or two, and Bella was reminded how far she'd come. At one point, she couldn't allow one single human touch graze her skin without a full-blown panic attack. Now she welcomed affection from her loved ones.

Eventually, the songs turned slow and she settled back in Jake's embrace. He held her close, and she relished the feelings their closeness brought to the surface. A year ago, Bella was preparing for her ultimate death. Tonight, she was finally ready to experience every part of life and love. Jacob whispered against the shell of her ear, "This is where you were always supposed to be."

She nodded and pulled him closer. His hands touching the bare skin on her back ignited a fire within her, but Bella shivered. He tickled her neck with his warm breath, "You can't possibly be cold this close to me."

Bella's head shook, "No, that's not it." Their eyes met. Her cheeks burned bright. She couldn't hide what was on her mind or what his closeness did to her.

Jacob broke the spell by cracking a joke, "You think I'm so sexy, don't ya, Bells?"

She pulled away, "Idiot. Haven't I embarrassed myself for enough for one day? Just dance and stop analyzing the situation."

He pulled her hard against him this time. There was not a single space left between their bodies. A gasp escaped her lips. She confessed the truth, "Of course, I do. You're the sexiest alpha male in existence and you're all mine."

He nuzzled her neck and she purred against his white dress shirt. "I am. Forever and always. You smell so fucking good right now. I'm about to lose it." They swayed to the slow tune a few minutes longer before Jacob commented on her amorous dancing, "Bells, honey. You're being... um, different tonight."

She looked up at him. Their faces were so close, but at the last second, Bella told him, "Not here. Not yet."

Jacob knowingly shook his head. "Maybe we should leave."

"I think you're supposed to stay until Paul and Rachel leave."

"Who cares? Dad already gave her away to that degenerate. There's nothing more for me to do."

Bella told him he was impossible, and he at least needed to tell the happy couple goodbye. She had a few people to say goodbye to herself. Most of them would think she'd had her limit for the evening. That wasn't exactly true. Bella just really needed to be alone with Jacob before she lost her nerve.

Jacob headed straight to the bedroom when they returned to the cabin. He hated being confined in that tuxedo. He'd been losing parts of the ensemble throughout the night. She refused to let him take the shirt or pants off. She giggled to herself when she heard the dress shoes ricochet off the bedroom wall.

Bella was ready to ditch her fancy clothes as well. The dress was comfortable, but she kicked off her shoes hours before or she would most definitely busted her ass during all that dancing.

She grabbed a water bottle out of the fridge before heading toward their room. He was facing the window shirtless and in the process of ditching his dress pants. Bella's eyes were drawn to the back muscles that stretched and flexed before her as Jacob shook out all the kinks from being formal all evening. Her throat made a noise causing him to turn around.

"Are you spying on me?"

"No, it's my room too. I was just coming to offer you a drink of water. Are you thirsty?"

"Apparently not as thirsty as you, honey." She shook her head. They'd been getting more playful and comfortable since all the truths were realized and true healing took place. However, he refrained from ever making things appear sexual. She felt like their flirting this evening had been somewhat unrestrained. Bella always imagined when this day came, she'd be afraid.

She wasn't. He might not know that just yet. Jacob walked across the room to her and Bella shoved a water bottle between them as a buffer. She wasn't scared, but she wasn't that bold yet. She rehearsed a scenario in her mind on the way home. Bella knew what it would take for him to know it was okay to move forward in their relationship. It was up to her to say it or make the first move.

Jacob drained the water bottle. Bella made a request as she spun around with her back facing him, "Can you unzip me? Leah helped me get dressed. I can't reach it."

The empty plastic bottle hit the ground with a thump. Jacob's fingers skimmed her bare back before finding the start of her zipper. He unzipped her dress slowing and deliberately. When it was undone, she knew he'd be face to face with her undergarments which were as little as she'd ever worn anywhere. She hadn't worn a bra since all hers showed given the design of the dress and Leah convinced her the less panty the better. She only wore a lacy black thong underneath. Bella waited for a word from him, but the room was silent. She was pretty sure neither one of them took a breath.

His hand rested against her hip. Bella hadn't let go of the dress. She was still sorting out her plan. She could hear him breathing, but he kept her at arm's length.

"Jake."

"Yeah."

"I know who you are and this request goes against everything in your nature, but can you please let me call all the shots? I don't want to lose my nerve."

"Bells, you don't have to prove anything to me. Leah got into your head, but it has to be your decision. No one else's not even mine."

"It is. I've already decided. Go sit on the bed, please. I need a second."

Jacob dropped his hands off her. Bella listened to him take three steps across the room and the bed creak under his weight. She counted inside her head: one, two, three, four, five. It was now or never. She dropped the dress and felt it pool at her feet.

He growled from the bed, "Oh, jeez, fuck me. You're so beautiful, especially in this light."

Hearing his sexy voice and praise for her helped Bella find the courage to turn around. She'd been vulnerable with him before. The healing process at Old Quil's had been intimate at times, but this was the first time she'd ever stepped into the light in all her natural glory to allow Jacob to see every square inch of her at once. There was a full moon, but he probably didn't need it with his keen eyesight.

He saw her... all of her. She was sure he also saw her shaking and heard her speeding heart race.

Despite her nerves, watching him look at her with such reverence felt amazing. His eyes roamed her body and there was no shame or embarrassment. They belonged to each other. It was mutual love, trust, and understanding. Bella was so fortunate to come back from the brink of death and still find this much happiness. She approached him carefully or else she might trip and fall which would ruin this sensual mood.

Jacob's outstretched arms were welcoming, but she needed to go slow and feel in control. Bella made a request. "Can you please keep your hands at your side? Try not to touch me just yet."

"Anything you need, honey. I don't know what to say. You're so fucking perfect. I'm worried this is just one my many Bella fantasies. If it is, please don't wake me up."

She laughed and then squeezed his the inside of his upper thighs. "Did that feel real?"

He growled, "So real, my dick almost broke free from my boxers."

Jacob's mention of his male anatomy caused a little apprehension within Bella, but she wasn't going to stop what she'd started. She'd had glimpses too and Leah was telling the truth. He was generously blessed which made her question a few biological improbabilities. Sex would work. It had too even though it might hurt some in the beginning. She didn't want to think about being in pain or she might lose her nerve. Bella only wanted to think about their love. That was the first step toward finding pleasure.

Her fingers slipped under the elastic at her hips. The lacey panties fell, and she kicked them to the side after stepping out of them. Bella motioned to Jake, "Your turn."

She wasn't going to concentrate on a buildup or so-called foreplay. There had been months of that. Bella wasn't going to give herself too much time to think about how right it felt between them tonight. Jacob lifted his hips and ditched the boxers in a flash. This was not a glimpse or a peek. Bella was face to face with everything and all that her boyfriend possessed. An audible gasp slipped out.

He smelled her fear, "Bells come here. Sit with me. We'll go as slow as you need, even stop if that's what you need at anytime. Just say the word. No secrets between us."

She climbed onto the bed straddling his muscular thighs instead of sitting next to him. It was now or never. Jacob held his breath. Bella grabbed his face. They spent a few breaths lost in each other's eyes.

He spoke first, "You sure?"

Bella leaned in and pressed her lips to his. This soft kiss was her answer. There was no urgency, only the connection between them was savored a few seconds. He waited for her like he promised. Once Bella moved her lips against his, Jacob started kissing her back. She squeezed his legs with her thighs and started to inch closer.

Jacob grabbed the sheets with his hands. He never failed her. She wanted to be touched by him but at the same time, she didn't think it was possible this first time. Anything to do with sex had become twisted, distorted, and evil in her mind. Bella had to reinvent her entire way of thinking. What happened to her hadn't been sex or intimacy, it was an act of violence and aggression. Bella wasn't a possession even though she belonged to Jacob. He also belonged to her. This beautiful giant of a man ran with wolves; was the leader of a pack and soon would lead them all. She overheard Jacob and Sam discussing a merger. But there was no mistaking him for an animal. Bella's promise to remind him of his humanity was never necessary; Jacob stayed true to himself through it all. His touch was tender, his soul was pure, and his love was unconditional. She wanted to believe she was strong now, but Bella wouldn't be here ready to start a life with the man she loved if he hadn't saved her from herself. He did far more than rescue her from a vampire coven. He literally brought her broken body and wilted soul back from the dead.

Now she was capable of love and being loved. The gravity of those truths caused tears to stream down her cheeks.

Bella intensified their kiss. Her tongue sought entry between his lips. The taste of him exploded into her mouth. She remembered. The kiss before. The love she felt for him but denied. It all rushed back. This time was different. She would give herself to him... heart, body, and soul.

Jacob spoke in her thoughts. "It's okay. I love you. I will never hurt you."

They kissed a little more until Bella needed to breathe. When she felt certain her body was ready to accept him, she scooted in a few more inches. She had no idea where her boldness came from, but Bella dipped two fingers into her sex then brought the wetness to his lips. "Taste me, Jake. This is what you do to me all the time."

He growled again practically pulling the sheets off the mattress with his grip. She only had one final task ahead. Bella needed to touch him. She'd dreamt about it so many times, but often imagined she'd do it wrong or hurt him, but at this moment when it was happening, a surge of power filled her body. He caused a response in her body, but she also did this to him. Bella could make him do anything for her even though she would never abuse that reality again. She had before, but they'd long ago sorted through the past and forgiveness.

Once she covered the tip with her hand, a pleasured moan escaped his lips. "Ummm, Bells. I don't know if you should do that so much."

She ignored his warning so that she could figure out the speed and rhythm he enjoyed. It turned out he liked anything she did to him. Bella would just do whatever felt natural once they bodies were linked together. At this point she didn't care if he got too excited and not much else happened. They had plenty of time to get it right. She felt so overwhelmed from the anticipation that she already had begun to feel a pulsing between her legs. Maybe the first time could fulfill her just as much as it would him.

Bella rose up a few inches when her knees found the right spot against his hips. She contemplated if it should be slow and easy or quick and hard. Once she felt his hardness pressing against her, she decided on something in between. He continued to let her do it all herself, and Bella rewarded him with a deep probing kiss. Her thighs spread and her body sank lower and lower. She breathed through the initial sting, kept holding him where she needed him and pushed forward that last bit until she found herself fully seated against him. They were no longer two entities, but one vessel sharing every single fragment of themselves. Her vision darkened, her body shook, and her mind and body flooded from all the new sensations happening all at once.

His voice was present in her thoughts again, "whatever you need."

Bella spoke out loud, "I need to move."

"Okay, moving sounds good."

Bella rocked her hips a few times, "Is this alright?"

"I might fucking die so yeah, it's alright. You feel so good, baby. Keep going." They found a combined rhythm that was perfect for them both. She lost all concept of time and had no idea how long he could last since he kept saying things about how good it felt and he was sorry if he came too fast.

Bella was ready to have his hands on her in a way. She still needed to be in control, but Bella unwound Jacob's hands from the sheets. She threaded her fingers in between his. Then she told Jacob to lie down. Their lovemaking intensified with him on his back and Bella hovering over him. She used all her weight to rise and fall onto him over and over. Each movement brought her closer to something she had only heard or read about. Bella squeezed his hands tighter while she held them against his lower abdomen. They kept them twined together in a tight ball like their lives depending on it.

She whispered, "Don't let go."

"Never, but Bells, fuck, I hope you're close. Because I'm gonna..." his voice broke, so she completed his thoughts in her mind.

Bella assured him she was also close. She leaned over so that she could enjoy the extra sensation her breasts smacking against his chest provided. The tension in their bodies rose together with each movement of her hips. She found what she'd been looking for. The pressure of his pubic bone touched her exactly where she needed to be touched and Bella climaxed all over his cock which caused an immediate reaction from Jacob. He filled her completely. She felt weak all over but invigorated. Bella fell against his chest. She lay there a while thinking the world had stopped for a minute to celebrate with them. They made love. It was beautiful, erotic, and passionate love even though she had certain stipulations, she felt every bit of his desire and strength.

The sex was more important than she'd previously imagined. Completely giving herself to him freed the last bit of fear Bella had kept locked away. She was a whole person again, perhaps the most complete she'd ever been.

It took a few minutes of calming down to soak it all in for her to realize she hadn't moved and he was still inside her. He was also starting to firm up again.

"Um, Jake. Is it supposed to do that?"

"Not typically, but don't question it, Bells. Just be happy about it. Would you mind..."

She didn't need him to finish his question. "You may."

Jacob grabbed Bella by the waist and performed a flip maneuver that had her on her back with him hovering over her in three seconds flat. She giggled at the irony this might be the one place on earth she possessed some coordination. Of course, it helped to have a man with super strength challenging the limits of her body.

Jacob's hand touched her cheek with reverence, "So, it's okay if I touch you now?" He wriggled his eyebrows, "You know, during."

"Yes, please do, Jacob. Touch me. Don't ever stop and you don't ever need to ask again because I trust you to always touch me how I need to be touched." He pushed inside her again. That same love was experienced between them. There was even more pleasure which didn't seem possible but he proved it was. Everything she expected from an alpha male like Jake happened during their encore lovemaking, but Bella loved it and she loved him.

Something else occurred to Bella while Jacob helped her reach new heights; she finally loved herself. And that revelation just might be the most important milestone Bella Swan had ever reached.

~Thanks for reading.

So Bella finally healed. Thoughts, questions, guesses what the future holds? Hit me up in the reviews or PMs. Love you guys.