Thanks for the reviews! Luv you guys! This chapter is all fluff for you.
I do not own Twilight
THIRTEEN
Leah spent her half-day on Saturday in the office, but instead of joining the Blacks at the farmer's market, she went home to meet the realtor. She'd decided to go ahead with selling the house now, before she had second thoughts. Mrs. Kole seemed very nice, mid-thirties, African-American with a slight Caribbean accent. She had beautiful dreadlocks that were coiled in an elaborate style and her palazzo pants and white blouse were very becoming on her curvy frame. Leah liked her immediately as they walked through the house and chatted about how Ayanna would be showing the house to potential buyers during the day while Leah was at the office.
"Any rooms off limits? Kid's room maybe?"
"No, I don't have children. Everywhere is open, but my room does have a bit of jewelry and valuables like that, should I move them?"
"Yes, definitely remove anything that's has high value. I usually keep my eye on everyone but sometimes people do show up out of the blue without an appointment and the place fills up. Some people are just nosy to see what inside a house looks like."
"Alright," Leah chuckled. "I'll definitely carry everything down to the bank then." Sam had always bought her expensive jewelry in addition to insisting that she always have new and expensive clothing and accessories. Leah knew that being with Jacob meant that she'd hardly have need for most of her jewelry and she had no problem putting it away in her safety deposit box. Leah was looking forward to a simpler life, one where jeans and t-shirts were enough for a day with family. She even thought about selling the Mercedes and getting something more casual, but Leah suspected that Jacob would definitely object to that one. The thought made her smile. She missed him. Their night together earlier in the week had been perfect and she was toying with the idea of inviting him over to hers for dinner and time alone.
"Alright then, well, Monday we'll be ready to begin. I already have six appointments for next week, and I have a good feeling about this. You have a lovely home Leah, I'm sure we'll get an offer soon."
"I hope so. What about a house for me?"
"Well, I'm still drawing up a list of potentials. A few of my ideas have been sold so hopefully next week we can start looking around. I'll email you the times and see what you can schedule."
"Anything after three works. I don't want the business to suffer. This time of year tends to be busy."
"No problem. We'll be in touch, have a great day!"
"Bye Ayanna, thank you." Leah handed her the set of spare keys, Sam's old keys and walked her to the door. Her phone rang then and Leah smiled as she saw Jacob's face on the screen. "Hey!"
"Hi honey, are you done?"
"Yeah, just finished actually."
"What are you up to now?"
"Well, I have a few things to pack up and take down to the bank on Monday. But nothing that can't wait."
"Well, we're thinking of grabbing something to eat at the diner? Wanna meet us there?"
Leah smiled. "How about you come over? Grab some burgers and buns on the way and we'll barbeque."
"Really? That sounds great Lee, but what about the weather?"
"I've got an awning; it will be fine."
"Alright. See you soon then."
"I'll send you my location."
"Sure."
What Jacob didn't know was that she had a full service outdoor grill and bar. Their house was built for entertaining which Sam did a lot of in the first years of their marriage. After texting Seth that he should stop in for food, Leah dashed off to the kitchen and started pulling out ingredients for potato salad. She had beer in the garage fridge left over from Sam that she'd get Jacob to bring out to the backyard. She pulled out all the condiments and set them up on a tray, then got plates and utensils, bowls and whatever Jacob would need for the grill. She quickly put on water to boil for both macaroni and potatoes. She quickly grated the cheese, then a thought hit her, she could invite her mother.
"Siri, call Mom," Leah told her phone.
"Hi Lee."
"Hey, what are you up to?"
"Oh, nothing really. Why?"
"Want to come over? Jacob is bringing his family for barbeque, and I think it's time you met them."
"Oh, so things are getting serious then?"
Leah smiled. "Yeah, they are…he…wants to get married in a year."
"What? Already!? Why are you discussing marriage already Leah!"
"Yeah, I know it's crazy, but…well. We're just… things are going well for us and he's the optimistic type. It's just a plan Mom, it's not happening now."
"And do you feel the same way?"
"I know that in a year If we're still together…and he asks me…I'll say yes."
"Oh honey, you and Sam married so quickly and look at what happened. I thought you'd be more careful, you only just got divorced."
"After you meet them today, tell me what you really think Mom okay? I'm asking you to see for yourself. Jacob and I are happy and they're becoming my family. Seth is already so close to them, you need to understand that it's happening. I want your approval, but I don't need it."
"Leah Clearwater, just calm down. I hope Jacob knows what a hot temper you've got on you."
"He can handle it."
Sue chuckled. "I'm sure. Need me to bring anything?"
"Uh, some kind of side dish I guess? We're doing burgers and I'm making potato salad and mac n cheese."
"Okay, hmmm. I'll whip up something and be over shortly to help you finish up."
"Thanks Mom, this really means a lot to me."
"I understand honey. And I'll always support you Lee, I just have my own opinions."
Leah smiled and ended the call, turning back to preparing the food. The rowdy bunch arrived almost two hours later. Jacob had somehow managed to triple the guest list, bringing along his "pack." Leah laughed as Paul, Embry, Collin, Brady and Jared and his family all flowed into the house with Seth. She finally met Kim and her two kids, Daniel and Joanna. Nessie was over the moon with excitement and Leah told her which bedroom upstairs they could play in. Billy had brought along Julie and Leah told him they could use the den which was easily accessible to his wheelchair.
"Sorry, but I was with the guys and when they heard I was stopping by they invited themselves," Seth said sheepishly after kissing his sister's cheek.
"I just hope we have enough food!" Leah chuckled. "They are more than welcome here, we can think of it as one last hoo-rah before the house is sold."
"You're selling?" Seth asked in surprise.
"Yeah. I want to get something smaller, closer to Jacob maybe?"
"I get it, but it kinda sucks. There's just so much room here for all of us," he mused.
Leah knew he was right, but shook off the nostalgia of the place.
When Jacob came back in, after checking out the grill with Paul and Jared, he grabbed Leah around the waist and pressed kisses to her neck. "Jacob Black! We have company!"
"I don't care, let them see," he murmured.
Leah gave up and turned to face him, leaning up so that he would kiss her. "I missed you," she whispered.
"Not as much as I missed you honey. Sorry about the crowd but I brought extra food so don't stress about it."
"I won't I like that it's now a party. There're beers in the fridge in the garage. I'll get Seth to bring them out to the bar." It had been so long since Leah had entertained guests and she fell back into her old role easily.
"There's plenty of alcohol already, the guys have already raided the cupboards out there."
Leah smiled at how easily everyone had made themselves at home.
"This is great," Jacob mused, rocking her gently as they cuddled.
"What?"
"Having my whole family together."
Leah looked up into his eyes and shook her head teasingly. "What am I going to do with you? You're like a bull you know that? You just charge forward no matter what Jacob Black, nothing I say goes into that brain of yours."
"No, it does. But I know what I want and what I need, it's that simple Leah. You complete the puzzle, can't you see that?"
She sighed and rested her head against his chest while he held her close and gently rocked them. She could see it. She definitely could.
"Oh, hello?"
Sue Clearwater's amused voice broke their moment and Leah turned sheepishly to her mother who had just come in the kitchen, her hands full with bags.
"Hey Mom, where were you! I thought you'd get here before them."
"Well I stopped for a couple pies at the diner and got to talking with Sally."
"Let me take those. Nice to meet you Mrs. Clearwater, I'm Jacob Black." Jacob took the bags from Sue and rested them on the counter before offering his hand.
"Nice to meet you too Jacob."
"I can see where Leah gets her amazing good looks from, you're like an older sister," Jake complimented with a grin.
"Oh hush!" Sue swatted him with a blush and a smile.
"Just stating facts Ma'am."
Leah grinned and hugged Jacob around his waist. "Well the guest list grew, Seth's entire soccer group is here, and Jacob's father and his girlfriend."
"Oh wow, a full house then, that's nice." Sue looked around and nodded. "I'll just help you first before meeting them all."
Leah could tell her mother was tensing up, or maybe disapproving, she didn't really want to know. "Hey Jake, could you tell Seth Mom's here?" If one person could reassure Sue that everything was fine, it was her beloved "baby boy."
"Sure honey."
Leah watched him leave with a smile before getting back to the pie.
"Well, he's very…friendly."
Leah rolled her eyes. "He is."
"Leah, are you sure about this?"
"Not this again! Mom! I didn't invite you here for a lecture. I told you to just come and see for yourself, then pass your judgment, you haven't even been here for ten minutes!"
"I know but I walk in and it's to find you looking all wrapped up in puppy love. Leah, you're falling for him and it's way too fast!"
"You know what? I don't care. I'm happy."
"Mom, leave her alone," Seth suddenly stepped in. "Jacob's not a bad guy, he worships the ground Leah walks on, so just give him a break."
"Sethy, honey, they just met!"
"Well I've known him for a few years and I vouch for him. He's the most loyal and generous person you'll ever meet. After Sam, he's a step up into a whole other level for Leah."
Leah shot her brother a grateful smile as she slipped the macaroni pie into the oven and pulled the potatoes out of the fridge, they were cool enough to be dressed.
"I guess time will tell then," Sue concluded, her lips pursed with disapproval that both her children were siding against her.
"Come on Mom, let's get you a glass of wine and I'll introduce you to Billy and Julie."
By nightfall the kids were puckered out and the guys ready to get going. They were hitting the club later and needed to rest for a while. Kim and Leah spent time chatting and cleaning up the kitchen while Sue volunteered to drop Julie and Billy home. She and the older couple had thankfully hit it off and Leah prayed that it meant that her mother would relax about the whole thing.
Soon there was just Jacob left behind. Kim had taken Nessie for a sleep over, knowing that the girl's father deserved to have a night to himself for once.
Leah drew them a bath, throwing in scented oils and salts. She lit a few candles and put on some Miles Davis on the Bose system in the master suite.
She found Jacob sprawled on the bed, asleep and smiled at the sight of him. She crawled over and kissed him awake, smiling as he moaned in arousal and cupped her ass.
"Come take a bath with me," Leah said while sucking his bottom lip.
"Bath?"
"Yeah. I think you can fit in the tub," she chuckled.
"Shit, I'll make myself fit." Jacob grumbled, pulling them both up and off of the bed.
Together they entered the bathroom and closed the door, taking the time to divest each other of their clothing. But things got heated very quickly and before they could even touch the hot water, Jacob had Leah up on top of the counter, her legs spread for him as he plunged deep inside or her.
"Oh God Jake!" She cried. Finally, they had an empty house where she could express just how much she enjoyed having him inside her. Their first time she'd forced herself to hold back, knowing Billy and Nessie were right next door. But tonight she planned to give him her all.
Jacob silenced her cries with his tongue, his hands devouring her nipples as he continued to drive her towards orgasm. "You feel so good baby," he murmured before biting her lip.
"Harder!" Leah demanded, as she felt herself nearing release. He was hitting just the right spot and he just couldn't stop or she'd die.
When her legs started to tremble, Jacob held her steady as he staggered his thrusts, letting her ride the wave to satisfaction. He came soon after, falling against her, pinning her against the mirrored wall. "Fuck Lee," he groaned in satisfaction, his hands gripping her thighs as he shuddered. Her hands coiled around him and pressed him closer.
After a few minutes of recuperation, Leah suggested they finally take that bath. Jacob picked her up bridal style and deposited her slowly into the water, sliding in just behind her. She leaned back and enjoyed the feel of him running his hands over her body, brushing her sensitive nipples and between her thighs.
"This is amazing. I've never done anything like this before," Jacob lamented as they both lay back in the heat of the water.
"Really? Taking a bath was my weekly ritual, but I haven't in a long time."
"You and uh…Sam?" Jacob asked quietly.
Leah turned and shook her head. "No. We haven't done anything intimate in a long time either. He stopped wanting me and I stopped trying I guess. When I found out about Emily it made sense. He was being faithful to her instead of his own wife."
"I'm sorry."
"Me too. But, it doesn't matter anymore."
"How did you meet Sam?" Jacob asked, his huge hands now massaging her shoulders as she explored the hard muscles of his legs.
Leah sighed and thought back to the first day. "I was a hostess at a restaurant while studying medicine. Sam came to dinner with a client one night and we spent the entire time sneaking glances and smiles at each other. When I was done work he was waiting in the car park, asked to drive me home. I was barely twenty, he was twenty-six. We started dated and I was sure I loved him by our third date. We were married in six months. He was always really good at his job and I admired him. I felt so fortunate that he came along. I felt like he'd saved me."
"From what?" Jacob asked, his voice tender and hoarse.
"From money problems, from worrying about finishing school…everything. He set up my practice and funneled his clients to me. He gave me my career, I guess." She couldn't stop the tears from burning her eyes as she remembered the early years of her marriage and quickly blinked them away.
"He gave you lots of things but not what you really needed Lee. Not what you deserved."
"I know…" Leah nodded against his chest.
"So, is that why you're going to sell this place? Because it's too much of him?" Jacob continued to question.
"Shouldn't I? It was Sam's house. He loved it. He picked it and remodeled it. I just want to move on." Leah had always thought it was one big, giant man cave, but it had never bothered her.
"I don't blame him it's pretty nice. It's got a lot of room for a big family and the outside set up is dope. The guys really had a good time."
"And did you enjoy it too?"
"Yeah the grill was pretty decent and that big screen in the den?" he whistled in approval.
Leah was confused. "So it doesn't bother you that it was Sam's?"
Jacob shrugged, "Not really. I didn't think about him at all to be honest."
"So you think I shouldn't sell?"
"I think you should do what you want to do. But don't sell it because you think I won't like coming here. I do."
"You just keep surprising me. I never know what to expect with you Jacob."
"Leah, I'll be happy wherever you are, but…this place has got a lot of perks. Dad likes the den too. There's a pool and bar for Nessie and the guys…there's this tub for us….hell, we've got the whole floor up here with no one to hear us. There's space. I'm just saying….it's a hell of a lot nicer than where I live. I actually fit into every room and in the bed and on the sofa," He chuckled. "I guess I just feel like an adult right now. Like, I don't have to worry about who needs to come use the bathroom or the walls being too thin, it's a good feeling."
"So you're saying you want to move in?" Leah's heart was thumping wildly as she listened to Jacob go on about the house.
"No no no Lee, wait. Stop. I'm sorry. That's not what I was trying to say, I just got carried away for a second. I meant that we'd enjoy visiting, spending time with you, I'm not pushing that responsibility on you. I'm not trying to encroach on your space. I just like your house okay? That's it, I promise I'm not rushing to move in together. I always wanted a bigger place, it's just inspiring, maybe one day, yuh know?"
Leah nodded, biting her lip. Maybe she shouldn't sell if it meant so much to him. She liked that everyone felt at home here. Nessie had already claimed one of the bedrooms and asked to sleep over. Maybe Leah needed to give it some time…but she'd already set things up with the realtor to start showing the house. Leah was at a loss for what to do.
Half an hour later, they'd showered and were wrapped in fluffy bathrobes. Luckily Leah had a new one that Sam had never worn which Jacob happily accepted. Naturally it was too short for him but he didn't care, he was content. Leah enjoyed watching him relax. It was his first time to adult, to be a man rather than a father or son and she was happy to give this little luxury to him.
She brought up slices of fruit, cheese, crackers and a red wine for them to share on the rug while watching a movie.
"I'm second-guessing having more kids if it means we'll never get to do stuff like this again."
Leah slapped him and rolled her eyes. "You forget I have a mother. She'll gladly take them once a month at least, so don't worry."
Jacob looked over, his expression smug yet teasing. "What?" Leah asked.
"You didn't try to stop me from thinking of the future."
She shrugged and leaned over for a kiss. "Maybe I see it too."
