TWENTY-SIX
OURS
LEAH
When I see my brother standing in the terminal waiting for us, I release a heavy breath of relief. As anxious as I am to be back in Washington, I am equally as happy to see his smiling face.
"Seth!" I choke, as he dives forward and envelopes me in his muscular arms. I can't help the few tears that seem to have a mind of their own as I inhale his scent.
"You look good Lee, all tanned and relaxed," Seth jokes as he looks me over.
"Thanks. But look at you! I can't believe you got more tatoos, I haven't been gone that long, Seth." I grumble playfully.
He simpers at that. "Well, I felt inspired, what can I say?"
Going to college ruined my sweet little Sethy.
"Hi Seth," Rebecca pipes up next to us.
"Hey Becca!"
I step away so that they can embrace also.
"Man you've really grown up!" Rebecca comments as she gives Seth a quick hug.
"Yeah, So have you Rebecca, It's nice to see you again," Seth says politely.
"You too. It's so weird how much everybody has changed," Rebecca remarks.
"Hey Seth, congrats on finishing school," Jacob extends his hand awkwardly, and I hold my breath for a split second as we wait for Seth's reaction.
"Yeah, thanks Jake," Seth answers solemnly and accepts the greeting by grasping Jake's hand.
"How have things been going?" Jacob asks, and I know that he's really asking "How are things going between you and my imprint?" I've been going a little bat-shit-crazy over the idea of my brother hooking up with Bella's daughter, but he's a grown man and I'm trying to give him the same courtesy he gave me.
"Good, man. You know. I've been keeping to myself since the whole Sam thing. Ness is really excited to see you guys, especially you Leah."
"ME?" My eyes widen in shock as I point to myself.
"Yeap. I guess she wants to see what all the hype is about." Both Jacob and I stare at my brother in shock until he starts doubling over with laughter. "I was just kidding! What, you left your sense of humor back on the plane?"
Rebecca snorts and starts moving forward. I wring my brother's ear and gently scold him for making fun of me.
"Come on you two, let's get this show on the road," Jacob looks over at me and I offer him a comforting smile, wrapping my arm around his waist as we make our way out of the terminal.
Seth carries one of my bags and Rebecca's, and they launch into an animated discussion about his graduation from college and future plans.
As soon as we step outside of the airport, I groan at the gray weather that greets us. "Whelp, welcome home Becc," I turn to my friend, motioning to the dreary sky above us with a roll of my eyes.
Rebecca giggles and shakes her head. "I wouldn't have it any other way."
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The ride back to La Push is four hours long, so we stop along the way for food. Upon being told that Rebecca knows about the wolves, Seth fills us in on how things have been going since Sam took over.
"He's insufferable now that he's on the Council officially. He threw this bonfire, and poor Emily seemed so embarrassed. The whole time he made us listen to his plans for building this and renovating that. He wants to build this little plaza with shops and went on about all the jobs that will be available. I'd love to know where he's going to get the money from. Billy seemed to agree with everything he proposed."
"If he really makes it happen, that's good," Jacob grumbles. "It's about the tribe not any one person. It'll be elevating for the tribe to have a facelift around the Reservation."
I don't say anything, but I know that Sam's plans hit Jacob in the gut. He's thinking about the many offers he'd rejected from the Cullens. Carlisle wanted to donate money to the tribe, but Jacob knew that it was compensation money for him being away with them, and for all the wolves that phased because of Nessie and the Volturi. In his prideful opinion, money would never make up for what they'd done. Jacob would have preferred that they had never come back after they left the first time, then none of it would have happened. So he refused until Carlisle stopped asking him to accept it. He never told Billy about the offer, and who knows how the chief would have reacted. Something tells me he might have taken it, and that was what worried Jacob most. He didn't want to help his father to become more indebted to the Cullens.
"I hope he's not doing any underhanded deals, I can't imagine that Dad would be happy with that," Rebecca adds, munching on her salad.
"Jake, can I ask you something?"
"Sure, Seth."
"Did you really give up your rights to Sam – as both Alpha and Chief?"
Jacob stops chewing on his barbequed ribs and looks up at me then Seth. "I left because I needed to go to Nessie, and I made it clear to him that I was going to find Leah after that. He said if I didn't comply to seal the bond with Ness, then I couldn't come back. I didn't say to him that he could take my place I just accepted the message he relayed at that point in time. Maybe I did, maybe I didn't."
"How could Dad be so heartless?" Rebecca snaps. "This whole thing is just too ridiculous."
"So you never actually said to Sam 'take my place?'" Seth verifies.
"Hell no. Is that what he said?"
"Well, that's what Billy implied at the meeting, that Sam was now taking your place because you were immature and refused to step up. I just wondered what had really gone down between you. Mom and some of the others argued that we couldn't vote until you came before the Council and renounced your positions for the record, but the vote went through anyway. And then later Embry got into it with Sam, and Sam said that you weren't coming back, so we had to get used to him being in charge."
Jacob shakes his head. "At the time I wasn't sure that I was, or when I could come back. I was just focused on getting things sorted with my own life. But even though Dad disowned me, I never told them that Sam could step in for me. I'd never do that unless I was certain."
"That's what we figured. Sam's lying."
"And he's obviously been lying to Dad!" Rebecca adds, resentfully.
"Don't worry, we'll deal with his ass when we get back," I growl, and Jacob takes my hand across the table, giving it a squeeze. "You know what you have to do, Black," I tell him.
Jacob sighs and nods his head reluctantly.
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It's getting dark by the time we hit the border, and I shrink back into the car seat as the nerves pick up. Jacob looks back at me from the front seat and reaches his arm between the seat and the door, so that I can take his hand. "It's alright baby," he whispers over his shoulder before I release him and he faces forward.
Rebecca smiles over at me, her face excited with anticipation. I'm genuinely happy for her, that she's doing this. I'm also glad that I've got her support through what's to come. I lean my head on her shoulder and close my eyes, taking a deep breath. I can only hope that we will all get what we most desire.
Seth drives to Jacob's house first, and I can't help but smile when I see the small green cottage and the red Rabbit parked out front.
"Welcome home honey," Jacob whispers in my ear as he hugs me from behind, resting his chin on my shoulder and palming my stomach. We stand there for a few seconds, taking in the moment as one. The place is a bit of a dump, but it's ours. And nothing in the world means more than that.
Blinking back the tears, I pull away so he can grab our bags and take them to the porch. While Jacob unlocks the door, Seth comes and offers me a hug, promising me that he'll be back the next day.
"Are you going to call Mom?"
"Of course," I promise. It was the one thing I had to do before leaving Hawaii. I called my mother, told her I was pregnant for Jake, and that I was coming home. She'd taken the news quite well. She was apprehensive but excited at the thought of me coming home in time for the party and of course, being a grandparent. For me, that was enough.
Rebecca and I embrace as well, and she pleads with Jacob to visit their father as soon as possible. There's no reason why we should put anything off now that we're back, so Jacob tells her to set up a family dinner and invite the Clearwaters, but leave our and Nessie's attendance as a surprise.
When they leave, I stand in the middle of the kitchen and look all around me. Not even a fridge or a stove. Then my eyes fall on a hot plate and a cooler on the floor and I go over and open it, to see that it's been stocked with ice, drinks, mayo and packs of cheese and ham. Seth I assume, also bought bread, mustard, snacks and a few cans of soup and other instant meals, and packed them away in the cupboard. At least we won't starve.
"That was nice of him," I murmur to Jacob.
"I asked him to. I couldn't have you here without the basics. I'm sorry that the place is such a dump. It served me well cause all I needed was a place to crash. But I promise, I'll figure out a way to get everything we need."
I can feel the stress radiating from his body so I go to him and slide my arms around his neck. "I have everything I need right here in my arms. I love you Jacob, and I appreciate that you're trying so hard to make a home for us. Try not to worry okay? We'll make do."
Jacob kisses my forehead. "I'd do anything for you Lee, you deserve so much more than I can give. I hate feeling like a failure. Everyone thinks that I am, especially my father and Sam. I just don't understand why they're doing this to me. I love my pack and my tribe, but I also love you. Is it so wrong that I wanted it all?"
"No it's not. And you will have it all. I'll be right here by your side, and we'll take care of Sam together. And our baby will take care of Billy."
Jacob finally cracks a smile and shakes his head. "What would I do without you?" he murmurs, while capturing my lips in a warm, slow kiss.
We both know what he'd do, and neither of us want to think about it.
I check out the rest of the dreary rooms. One bedroom is still a mess, and Jake has stashed all kinds of broken furniture and tools in it. I quickly close the door on that one as I start to sneeze. But it doesn't elude me that it'll be great for the baby once we clear it up, paint and furnish it together. The next bedroom is basically the same, and has a huge king-sized mattress on the floor and there are signs of Jacob around. The bathroom is outdated but it works which is good enough for me. Good thing I brought my towels and sheets.
I can't fight the bubble of excitement I feel, knowing that Jacob and I have our own place where there's no need to hide our love. But the joy is mixed with anxiety until everything else is sorted. I shuck off the worry and resort to changing the linens on the bed and setting out a few of our personal things on the old semi-broken dresser. Jacob cleans the bath and the toilet for me so that we both can freshen up, and afterwards, I make us some canned soup and sandwiches before we call it a night.
As we snuggle together on the mattress, Jacob admits that the land is calling to him, that the wolf is dying to run after being denied for quite some time now.
"Of course, Jake. I wish I could come with you too. Embry and Seth will probably feel you phase in and they'll join you. Talk to our brothers and fix things with them before you face Sam and Billy."
"I don't want to leave you on our first night home."
"I'll be asleep, I'm pooped. And you should tell Embry about Nessie's arrival and the baby. Bring him up to speed."
"True. You're right."
I get comfortable against his body and Jacob hums old Quileute lullabies to the baby until I'm out like a light.
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
The next morning Jake fills me in on the run with our pack – minus Quil. I can tell how much better it made him feel, as his eyes are clearer, less puffy and his overall demeanor is energized. I myself had a great night's sleep, one of the best in a long time. Being on the land has been good for both our wolves, and it makes me appreciate just how married to this land the Spirit Wolf really is. Mine had done me a kind service by allowing me to leave and stay away.
While I'm puttering around, Seth comes over, and Jake leaves to go visit Nessie and the hardware store in Forks.
"So, how come Rebecca knows about us?" my brother asks.
"I had a run in with a vampire and got pretty banged up. I had to tell her why I was healed by morning, she was totally freaked."
"Oh shit! Did you kill it?"
"No, I couldn't phase with the pregnancy. It's a miracle it didn't kill me, but it tried."
"Fuck, how is that even possible?"
"I honestly don't know. It slammed me into a dumpster, and got me good. But the girl I was trying to save, still died. All I know is that I prayed really hard and thought about the baby and Jacob. Somehow I made it back to Becca's in one piece."
"It's gotta be some Alpha thing between you two. It IS his kid, so maybe that makes you stronger."
I think on that for a moment and shrug. "Who knows? I got super lucky, either way, a few bruised ribs were the worst of it."
"I'm glad you're home Lee. You really shouldn't be without the pack. I dunno, but I feel this strong need to protect you, yah know? My wolf doesn't want you to be too far from us."
"Awww? You missed me, didn't you," I croon, making kissy faces and talking in a baby voice. "Little Sethy-Wethy missed his big bad sisterw Lee-Lee."
Seth rolls his eyes and swats me. "Please act like a decent human being."
I laugh and get him back.
"Thanks for being concerned, I know things were hard on you and Mom, me leaving without warning like that, especially after what happened with Sam a while back. I just really needed to get out, I had to think of myself. But after finding out about the baby, as much as I want my space from the shit that goes on here, I know I could never raise this baby anywhere else. My body feels different in a good way, I feel secure and happy to know that we're all together again. I know that Jake does too."
"This is home," Seth shrugs, brushing his too-long locks away from his forehead. It amazes me how he'd rather be shaggy and phase back with a head full of twigs and leaves and bugs. "This whole thing really makes me appreciate that we've got each other. And we can't just run away okay? We face shit together."
I give my handsome, big little brother an affectionate squeeze on his neck. Sometimes I can't believe how mature and manly he's gotten. He's still the sweetest, happiest person I know besides Jake, but I love that he's less of a push over. It surprises me that he's yet to imprint or at least catch a steady girlfriend. Which reminds me… I clear my throat in preparation to change the conversation.
"So...speaking of that whole sitch and why we're back…" I begin… "How are things going with Nessie?" I've been dying to have this talk with my brother since I laid eyes on him yesterday. Seth rolls his eyes and tries to shrug it off, but the tinge of pink on his cheeks betray his feelings. "Do you like her?"
"Look, we've gotten closer recently, okay? It's harmless, so don't get all pissy with me now Lee."
At his immediate annoyance and defense, I take two steps back to save face, "I'm not getting pissy! I'm just – I'm just surprised! And you gotta admit, it's super weird."
"She confided in me about what she's been going through, she was feeling out of sorts and coming to Forks for the rest of the summer felt like the best idea. We talk all the time so why not hang out and have some fun?"
"Is she nice?" I can't help myself, as I want to know more about her as an adult. Know thy enemy and all of that.
"Yeah she is. She's smart and funny and she loves watching movies. She likes hiking and the beach and food and books. She's girly - but edgy at the same time? I dunno how to describe her, she's just really cool."
I grimace and nod my head, wishing I'd never asked. He's gushing and frothing at the mouth in adoration, and she sounds like someone Becca and I would be friends with. Jacob stopped talking casually about his imprintee because we were sleeping together, but it seems like I'll feel weird no matter who's doing the talking.
"So have you fucked her?" It also seems like I want to punish myself just a little bit more. Curiosity and the cat and all that.
Seth looks me with wide eyes, "What the actual FUCK Leah?!"
"Seth! I swear Colin and Brady have been bad influences on you!" I jab his chest with my finger.
"You're one to talk! Geez! What kind of question is that!"
"You called me out of the blue and told me that she's coming here for your graduation party, and that you two are all chummy now. What else can I think?!" I rub my palm over my stomach in an effort to self-sooth. It's still relatively flat but has developed a harder surface and the slightest curve much to my excitement. I long for a little bump to hold.
"Nessie's dealing with a lot, I wouldn't even think of hitting on her Lee. What kind of man do you take me for?"
Biting my lip, I fold my arms beneath my swollen breasts. "I'm sorry. I think I might be going a little crazy. This is all new to me…her being here, her being all grown up…and dating…and then the thing with her and Jake and now YOU. I just…I just keep waiting for the other shoe to drop."
"It hasn't been easy for her, either," Seth confesses.
"What do you mean, she loves Jake?" My heart pounds in my chest, making it hard to even catch a breath.
"Leah calm down!" Seth rolls his eyes then impatiently grabs me by the shoulders and shoves me (lightly) out on to the porch for fresh air. We both lean up against the rail and look out at the quiet field around us. I don't see any movement at the other two houses on our small street.
"Nessie has no control over how the imprint makes her feel. She's been so used to having Jake around for the last seven years. He just left like what, four months ago? She's still adjusting. She was doing really well until the Volturi popped back up in her life. It ruined everything she had going on. Jake leaving again just made shit worse. I'm glad she decided to reach out to me. She's got no one else – her family just doesn't understand."
"So that's why you were being so rude to Jake before, you think he's abandoned her."
Seth shrugs then nods, unable to hide his true feelings. "In the beginning it was more about you and what he did to make you leave. And yeah, I worried that this whole thing between the three of you would only end up in pain. In my eyes, yes, I felt like he did abandon her."
I shoot him a glare on behalf of Jacob's honor. Seth scoffs and shakes his head.
"I'm talking about why he came back from Spain, Leah. He complained about the coven, that they were the reason why he split. But it didn't seem fair to leave the girl who was supposed to be his soul mate because of that. He should have asked Nessie what she wanted, and she would have wanted to leave with him."
I involuntarily shiver, and shift my posture against the rail to regroup myself. Jacob also left because he wanted a little freedom from his supposed soulmate, but I don't bother to tell that to Seth. Seth forgets how easily a wolf can lose himself to his imprint's desires, and how much Jacob has always detested that, after watching Quil moon over a baby.
"Leah, that was before I knew anything about what was going on. So yeah, I held a grudge until you explained things better to me. I get it now - I get that he doesn't feel that way about her - but she's still his responsibility, he's still bonded to her. The imprint still happened and she shouldn't have to be so lonely. You know how it feels to be under Jake's command, you feel like his burdens are your own, his responsibilities are your own. Well that's how I feel too, I feel like I need to step up because he backed out."
I understand his point of view, and it's noble of Seth but it rubs me the wrong way because the leeches and Jacob's imprint are NOT my brother's concern, pack or no pack. Either he's hiding the fact that he really likes her from me, or he's really deluding himself with this chivalry talk.
"I don't want you getting too close to that family though Seth. Don't overstep with her."
Seth, scoffs. "Don't try to pull rank on me now, Lee. You and I don't feel the same way about them. Like I said, she's my friend and I want to help her."
"But you can't get TOO involved with her okay? You can't…have feelings for her beyond friendship!" I insist.
"Since when are you so selfish?" Seth snaps, "I've been supportive of you Leah. It's obvious that you're in love with Jake, so I'm not going to hold that against you two like everyone else. Why can't you extend the same courtesy?"
"What the fuck are you saying, that you're in love with her?"
"NO!" Seth yells angrily, but his snarl immediately falls away and he bows his head.
"She's off limits!" I growl back, not believing him for one second.
Seth growls but it isn't threatening like mine. "Jake told me last night that he's okay with me spending time with Ness. He trusts me and he's glad that I'm making her feel safe and happy. He said that he won't interfere. All I ask is that you offer the same kindness to us in return."
It was the only thing he needed to say for me to really get it. Renesmee Cullen and my brother were close friends now, but he was clearly open to it being more, if that was what SHE wanted.
"Fuck!" I shriek in frustration over the fact that I can't do shit-all about this. Without thinking I reach up and slap my unsuspecting brother hard upside the back of his head.
"OW!" Seth protests. "Nessie's got a right to be cared for, Leah! I'm not going to turn away from her now. You should be happy! You get to have him all to yourself!"
"I want him to myself but I don't want to trade you for him, Seth!"
Seth rolls his eyes. "Don't be stupid, you could never lose me, Leah! Obviously!"
I ease off with a loud huff, disbelieving that my brother could be so hard-headed. "Does Mom know that she's here?"
"Yes, of course she knows. We went to visit Charlie."
I nod, cringing at the tone of annoyance in Seth's voice. "Does Mom know that you like her?"
Seth's nostrils flare and he glowers at me, pushing his hair off of his face. He then stretches a small elastic from his wrist and ties it back against his neck. He looks so much like our father in that second that a crippling sadness grips me in the chest and I sigh.
Seth notices my change in mood and pulls me into his chest for a hug. I grip his gray t-shirt tightly in my fist, willing the tears not to fall. Forcing myself to pull it together, I move away, rubbing my eyes with the heel of my palms.
Damn pregnancy hormones. I can't even stay mad. My emotions are all over the place right now.
"I just want everyone to be happy. Mom's got Charlie, you've got Jake, and now I've got her, even if it's just as a friend. I'm not jumping into anything, I promise," Seth tells me with a pleading sigh and droop to his shoulders.
"Okay," I relent with a shrug of mine. "Fine. I-I'll try Seth."
"Just give Ness a chance, all she wants is to know you, and remain a part of Jacob's life."
I'm still weirded out by that, though it kinda makes sense because I really want to know her too. Not as a friend, but…I just want to know what I'm up against in reality. I've only got an image of her in my head, but I don't know what she's like at all.
"She asked me to ask you if that would be okay. So I hope you'll be nice, as hard as that is for you on a daily basis."
I roll my eyes and suck my teeth loudly like the Caribbean fish vendor I met in Hawaii.
"And we need to find Embry a girlfriend. I think he needs to buss a nut to get out of this early mid-life crisis he's got going on," Seth tacks on.
I can't help the giggle that escapes me then. "He needs to go out of town. There's no one here for him if he hasn't found her already."
"We're going clubbing for a weekend. With Jake back, it's gonna be awesome."
I raise an eyebrow, I had not heard about this guys' weekend from Jake. "Oh?"
"Yeah, sometime next month, not now, so relax. We've gotta save up a little money first."
I know for a fact that Jake can't afford a weekend in Port Angeles or Seattle. "I'm going to need to find a job myself. Anything open around here?"
Seth snorts and shakes his head. "You could ask Embry I guess?"
I frown. "I don't think his mother would be comfortable with that. I don't think I would either."
"Yeah, come to think of it, Mom would probably strangle you."
I chuckle again. "Lord, I missed you." I reach over and pull my brother to me in a warm embrace. "I love you."
"I love you too Lee."
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Sue stops by with dinner and just the smell of her homecooking makes my mouth water.
She gasps when she sees me, and I run to her open arms like a little girl. "You look so radiant, Leah. How's my grandbaby doing?" She was surprised when she found out I was pregnant, but clearly the prospect of being a grandparent has taken over her reservations on that.
"Good, we're great!" I blush, basking in the glow of maternal love. Now I have some idea of what my mother feels for me, I feel bad for leaving like I did. I can only imagine how worried she was for me. I would have gone mad if my son or daughter just disappeared.
"I'm sorry I left and made you worry," I blurt out, tears stinging my eyes again. FUCK! Can I get a break from all the crying today?
"Oh honey," Sue tuts and pulls me in to her shoulder. She whispers to me in Quileute that she's happy to have me back. "You're a strong woman Leah, just like I raised you to be. Just promise me that if you ever leave again, it's because you want to, not because of these men."
I can't help but laugh. "Deal."
I help her bring the containers of food into the house and set them on the counter.
"This place is a dump!" my wonderful mother grunts as she looks around the barren kitchen.
"Mom!" I scold. "Please don't say that in front of Jake, he's really sensitive about our situation right now."
"As he should be, he has a lot of work to do before my grandbaby comes!"
I roll my eyes at how sweet and protective she's being of my little one. "We know, lady! I need to find a job asap."
"I can ask Charlie to put in a good word for you in Forks. How about that?"
I smile. "That would be perfect." There had to be someone who would do the chief of police a favor like that. "Thanks. I take it things are still going well with you two?"
"Yes," My mother blushes and pushes her elbow-length raven hair off of her shoulder. She looks young and alive in a burgundy t-shirt that reads "Raise Them Good," which I absolutely have to steal, and a fitted pair of blue jeans. She busies herself serving out two plates of food for us. "We've been thinking about finally taking the leap and moving in together, for the New Year."
I roll my eyes. "Sue Uley, it's about fricken time. You practically spend most of the week in Forks anyways!"
"I know, I know…it's just…" she takes a deep breath, the spoon hovering over the casserole. "It's really final. It's like, really closing the door on my life here with your father. It's hard for me to imagine at the same time, not living in our house."
My shoulders slump and I sigh heavily. "I'm sorry."
"It's okay. I'm okay, really. It's just an adjustment. With the tribe moving up the mountain I'd still have to get used to the moving part. So why not? Charlie's wonderful and we've been so lucky to have each other. And he loved Harry as much as I did, and it helps that we have not forgotten him, that we still talk about him and include him in our lives. Charlie isn't asking me to give up any part of me for him."
I reach for her arm and squeeze it with affection, tears brimming my eyes. "Oh Mom," I sniffle. "That's really beautiful." I should just tie a handkerchief to my wrist since I can't stop the waterworks.
My mother's eyes are glassy too and she shakes off the tears with an embarrassed chuckle. "I'm excited. We're thinking of moving into a brand new house and renting out the one in Forks."
"That sounds like fun, house-shopping."
"And a pain in the ass. There's really nothing that catches my eye. No upgrades from what Charlie's got. In the end, we may just have to renovate it, modernize it a touch. Charlie's very old school, and he also doesn't care about those things."
"Well, as long as you make it comfortable for you," I tell her, looking at the house around me, trying not to cringe.
"Don't worry. I've got some money squared away that belongs to you and only you. If you wanted to go to college, I would have used that. Maybe you can use it for the house, or the baby's things. Whatever you need, it can help."
"Really?" I sob, overcome by the sudden news.
"Yes, really. Had you told me you were running away Leah, I would have given it to you to help you. But when you got to Hawaii, you found a job so quickly and you never asked for help, so I decided to hold off on telling you until you came to me with plans for something important."
"Well there's nothing more important than this, I figure," I gestured around.
"No, not at the moment. So just try not to worry okay? You're not alone in this either, the pack will help get this place fixed up in no time. Jacob just needs to set things right with the Council."
I nod. "He knows. We're going to have dinner with Billy and Renesmee. Get it all sorted. And then he's going to take Alpha away from Sam, for good."
Sue's brow dips at the news. "Sam's still family, I don't want to see him come to harm. But it's about time Jacob got his shit together. Now, let's eat."
I smile at my mother, shaking my head. We carry the plates to the table, where I already laid out water and forks while we were chatting. Talking with her makes me feel a lot better about the near future. With her in my corner, I can get through every challenge that I'm about to face.
AN: Well, they're back home now. Up next we hear from Jacob. Hope you liked this chapter. Thank you all SO much for your reviews and insights, I love hearing them! Thanks for being here!