CHAPTER SEVENTY-TWO

(BPOV)

My mother had seemed to settle back into town without too much trouble, but it wasn't long before Charlie called Billy complaining about how she had taken over the house with cleaning and decorating. She had even moved in new furniture to spruce things up a bit. I was stunned to see how different her changes had made the house look, but I had to admit that it was a good change overall. Charlie on the other hand, did not agree with me. He missed his old chair and sofa set that he had bought for the living room back sometime in the late ninety's. Jacob had been kind enough when we visited them last night to help Renee move a few heavier pieces of furniture upstairs. I saw the shock on her face when he lifted the dresser without much effort and headed for the stairs with it.

"What do they feed you over there on the reservation, Jake? That thing is solid! Charlie here could hardly lift it."

"Boy is young, Renee. That's all. He's in much better shape than I am. I'm old enough to be his father. Case you forgot."

"I'd say." Renee replied with a wink to me. I blushed at her gesture and met dads annoyed stare.

"I've always had a bad back, Ren. You know that."

"Oh pipe down, Charlie. For goodness sakes! I'm only paying Jacob here a compliment. He's strong and his brute strength just might come in handy around here more often."

Charlie shook his head at this and sauntered off toward the kitchen with me fast on his heels.

"Are you alright, dad? I have to admit, the house really does look great."

"And just what was wrong with it before? Why does she always do that? Change things!? What's so bad with being happy with the way things are? To be content with what we have? You know... that was her trouble in the first place when we were married still. She was always looking to change things, improve them or strive for more than what my police salary could ever afford. Always made me feel inadequate."

I paused at his words, seeing the hurt on his face as he opened the fridge and reached in for a cold beer.

"I don't think she means to." I meekly replied, trying to ease some of the tension I could sense was building.

"Yeah, but she does. She didn't mean to do a lot of things when we were married, but she did now, didn't she?"

I nodded, placing my hand on his forearm as he let out a heavy sigh. "It's okay if you don't want her living here with you. Mom is independent enough to find her own place in town if she wants. Jacob and I wouldn't mind helping her look for one. Maybe her moving right back in was too fast for the two of you. After all, you did get divorced for a reason."

"We did." Charlie agreed, taking a long haul off his beer with a grimace. "I don't want you feeling tugged into the middle of this, Bella. You need to be as stress free as you can."

"Well- like it or not, I am in the middle cause I'm your kid, so...-"

He chuckled in response and wrapped an arm around my shoulders as Jacob rounded the corner with a grin in place.

"Charlie, the house looks awesome!"

"Thanks, son."

"Need me to move anything else?"

"No- not unless Renee has other ideas in mind. Which she might! I wouldn't put it past her."

Jacob threw me a weary look upon hearing Charlie's biting tone. I smiled weakly in return to him, seeing him shrug when Renee suddenly bellowed downstairs for Charlie. He begrudgingly went to her and I couldn't help but stifle a small laugh at his less than thrilled expression. Poor Charlie was putting up with my mothers whimsicle side.

"Your dad doesn't seem too happy, honey." Jacob chuckled, taking my hand with a gentle squeeze.

"I think he's had his fill of her creative ways and home décor ambitions."

"She's trying though. That counts."

"Yes... it does." I admitted, hearing their not so friendly banter echo out through the house when Renee insisted he buy a new bed for himself because his was far too old to be comfortable.

"Think we should head home?"

"Home?" I asked, catching the affectionate tone he spoke this in to me.

Jacobs face reddened and he shrugged before meeting my gaze. "Guess I didn't think about that..."

"I like it-" I softly admitted. "Calling your place home."

His face lit up with a smile that stole my breath away then, his lips capturing mine in a sweet kiss before Charlie came back down over the stairs.

"I like it too, honey." He whispered.

My attention was torn away from him when Renee's loud yelling filled the room.

"Charlie- you are still the most thick headed and stubborn-"

"You want to change everything-" Charlie angrily countered.

"Because change is healthy and needed sometimes."

"Yeah and sometimes things are just damn fine left the way they are. For shit's sake, Renee. I didn't know you coming here meant a whole house renovation!"

"What's wrong with touching things up around here. Looks to me like you haven't done anything with the place since I left it." Renee pointedly accused, placing her hands on her hips and glaring my fathers way.

"That's right! I haven't! Because unlike you- I don't need to have the best of everything that money can buy!"

"I don't have to have the best!"

"Sure in hell seems that way to me, woman!"

"Just who do you think you're calling woman? I'll have you know that I was thinking of you when I did all this. That recliner of yours was ancient and falling apart. Not too mention, the sofa had holes in it. I thought you'd enjoy coming home to a nice clean house, newer furniture and a home cooked meal, instead of eating out of a box or getting takeout when Bella isn't here."

Jacob shot me another worried glance as we slowly moved ourselves away from their bickering.

"I have been managing just fine since you left."

Renee went mute at this, her eyes dropping to the floor before she grabbed her coat and purse.

"I have some more errands to run. I'll be back later."

Her tone was full of sadness and I could see the anger leave Charlie's face when he heard it.

"Ren- I-" He began, reaching for her arm as she passed him. She didn't stop and look at him once before leaving.

Charlie looked ashen as he slammed his empty beer can down onto the table, his breathing unsteady and his eyes closing for a moment.

"Jake, can you give me a minute?"

Jacob nodded, placing a kiss to my cheek before heading outside to wait for me so I could talk with Charlie.

"I'm sorry, dad." I sighed, placing a hand on his back when he turned his head to meet my gaze.

"Not your fault, kiddo. Never was. I tried- you know- when you were little, Bella. I tried to get her to stay here with me- begged her not to go, but there was no reasoning with her once she had something in her head. That was it."

I sat down with him, listening intently to what he had to say. He had never opened up to me like he was attempting to now and I wanted him to know he had my full attention.

"...I worked- a lot. I pulled doubles at the station anytime the overtime was available because I wanted to give her whatever it was her heart desired. But no matter how much time I gave to that job, to provide more money for us, it was never enough. She hated living here, Bella. I mean- hated it with a passion. There wasn't a single part of her that loved it here. I used to look at what Billy had with Sarah and wonder why your mother and I didn't work that easy. Sarah- she didn't long to be anywhere else. She was content to be on that reservation with her husband and their kids for the rest of her life- until she was taken from them. Billy would tell me it was a phase Renee was going through. Like it were something she could grow out of if we took more family vacations and day trips or something. She became bitter toward me- for things I couldn't control- and we fought- all the time, Bella. It was loud and nasty sometimes and I was thankful you were too little to be able to recognize what was happening. When you got older and you'd come here for the Summer with me- you were terrified of thunder storms and I knew it was because of how loud they were. When you were five, we had some real nasty storms that blew through here, and you would cry and say... "no more yelling."

I saw the emotion flicker across his face as he swallowed hard before continuing.

"I knew then that we hadn't been so lucky after all. You'd recalled some of the fights and how loud they were. I couldn't even get you to leave the house if it started to rain at all cause you'd be convinced it was a thunderstorm coming in. It was like that for a long time till Jacob started coming over with Billy and Sarah. He was like... some kind of... antidote to your fear of them or something. From then on- you were alright."

I glanced toward the front door, a small smile touching my lips as I thought of the memory Charlie described. Jacob was my antidote. For a lot of things.

"Dad- you and mom didn't scar me like some other parents do to their children when divorce happens. I got pretty lucky."

"I never wanted that for you though, Bella. I wanted us to be that family unit, but it all just fell apart."

"That was then. This is now. And you don't owe her anything more than your respect. Which you've always given to her. She needs to be mindful of how hard this is for you, too. You know mom- She tends to rush things... well everything. She came back here to try and fix what she broke all those years ago, but that doesn't mean you have to let her in if you're not ready to."

"I never thought she'd pull something like this. I don't know what the hell to make of it."

"Do you want her here with you?"

Charlie sighed in return, pushing back from his chair and running a hand over his tired face.

"I don't know, Bella. I just don't know."

"Then tell her you need some time. She will respect your honesty."

He nodded, glancing toward the door and taking my hand in his. "Thanks, kiddo. You should get going though. Jacobs waiting for ya."

I gave him a hug and left him alone with his thoughts as we headed back for the reservation. When the comforting red home came into view, I felt the relief wash over me. Something about being here with Jacob and Billy set my mind at ease.

"You were quiet on the way home, honey." Jacob hedged, opening the house door for me.

"I'm alright. Really." I assured him, noticing the concerned gaze he wore. "Being here with you... makes me feel... right. Like it's where I'm supposed to be, you know?"

"I feel the same way when I'm with you." He replied to me with a wink, his attention soon drawn to Billy, who greeted us with a smile.

"There you two are. I wasn't sure if you'd be back home for dinner or not. Thought I might be dining all alone as a bachelor tonight."

"No way." I replied, placing a kiss to his cheek. "You're stuck with my cooking!"

"You'll have me fat in no time if you keep serving up them meals like you have. My boy here can put it away without the worry. Part of the wolf blood, you know? But me- Goes straight to the hips."

Jacob and I laughed at his remark, his good natured humor relaxing me all the more.

"I have a meeting with the pack and a double patrol to run tonight." Jacob soon added.

"A double?" Billy questioned. "Who bailed out on it this time?"

"Embry had a doctors appointment and Sam is busy doing something with Emily. So it's my turn to cover."

"Well- I think Bella and I can manage just fine here on our own."

"I'll be back sometime after midnight to check in."

I felt his warm hands slide up over my hips when he drew me close for a kiss, my lips seeking his in return.

"I'll miss you when you're gone." I admitted, reluctantly letting him go.

"I'll be back before you know it, honey."

He left with a wave to us and I watched him as he ran into the dense tree cover. His speed, even on two legs, was fast and he was gone in the blink of an eye.

"How's your old man holding up with your mother back at his place?" Billy asked.

"Oh, Billy, I'm not sure how that will work out. I think she should have thought twice about coming back here."

"You're probably right, Bella. But your dad has a good head on his shoulders. He'll straighten things out with her one way or the other."

"Or it'll get so bad, they won't be able to speak to each other after all this."

"Don't think the worst, dear." Billy chuckled. "Having your mom around right now is important."

I nodded, pouring myself a cup of tea and joining him at the table.

"You know, Bella... I've been thinking about cleaning out that spare room that used to be Rachels before she moved for College a few years ago."

"Really?" I replied, seeing the wide smile on his face as he said this to me. "Do you need my help at all?"

"Well- actually, dear... I was hoping you and Jake would take a few weekends and tear down that separating wall for the two rooms? The one that divides Jacobs room from it? Was thinking maybe you two could make it your own little place here?"

The returning smile on my face felt permanent as he winked my way.

"You would really want me to live here? With the two of you?"

Billy reached across the table and took my hand. "There's no other place I'd want you to be, dear. I haven't told Jacob of my idea yet, but I figured we could make the most of our time today and get to work ourselves? I've asked Seth and Leah to come on over in a little while to help with some of the grunt work. If we get busy fast enough, I'd say we could have it all set up for the two of you when he came home and surprise him."

I was overwhelmed with his gesture, my eyes welling with tears from it.

"That would be great, Billy."

"I know Jacob wants you close and I know the pull to have you near will only increase as time goes on. There's some paint out in Jacobs garage. I bought three colors for you to pick from. Go choose the one you want and we can get to work as soon as Leah and Seth show up."

I eagerly nodded to him, quickly heading out of the house to find the paint. I spotted the three cans right away and couldn't help but smile at the neutral colors Billy had chosen. The first was a cream with a hint of yellow undertone and it caught my eye the most. I grabbed it and ran back inside, my yelp of surprise loud when a warm arm caught me by the waist and yanked me close.

"Hey there swan! Where's the fire!" Paul joked, his classic 'devil may care' smile in place when I glanced up at him.

"Jeez you scared me!"

"Sorry- no harm intended. Wouldn't want the alpha to be pissed at me for messing too much with his girl!"

"I didn't know you were coming?"

"Billy left me a message and I didn't get it till a few minutes ago. I even canceled a hot date for this little project of his. I'd say he owes me one! Seth and Leah are coming right behind me. They should be here any minute. So Jake has no clue?"

"Nope... Billy said he hadn't even mentioned it to him."

"This will make his day."

"Who are you kidding, Paul?" Leah suddenly added, sneaking up from behind us with a curious grin. "This will make his whole damn year. He's gonna flip and I have a feeling he'll be showing up late to patrol from now on. With Bella here in his bed, he won't be able to tear himself away from her."

I blushed furiously at her comment, turning away from them as Seth jogged up to join us.

"Hey now- no teasing Bella. She puts up with enough from all of you. Lay off." He added, wrapping an arm around my shoulders with a sweet smile.

"Hey Seth. Long time no see."

"I know, I've missed your pretty face, Bella."

"Alright, Alright... enough kiss ass, Seth. We gotta go inside and talk to Billy about what he wants us to do." Leah sighed, shoving playfully into Seth as she and Paul took off on a run for the house.

"So- how you feeling?" Seth soon asked, his tone full of genuine concern.

"Pretty good. My moms back in town. she left Phil and is here to try and fix things with Charlie."

Seth slowed his walk, his eyes widening from my reply.

"She is? When did that happen?"

"A few weeks ago. I'm not sure how it will all turn out. Only time will tell."

"Yeah- I wonder if my mom knows yet?"

"I'm not sure..."

"She's had a thing for your dad for months now. She just never said anything. With dad being gone now- I think she's afraid to admit it."

His words brought me up short.

"Your mom likes Charlie? Really?"

Seth nodded and then shrugged, tightening his arm around me. "It's no big deal. At least, I don't think it is. Mom keeps to herself a lot these days, you know? I won't mention it to her. No sense in upsetting her. Besides, your dad was married to Renee. So if there's anything left there- my mom would never want to get in the way of that."

"Oh Seth, I didn't know-"

"It's okay. Really Bella. Come on, we have some serious work to do!"

He led the way back inside with an eager grin on his young face. Billy was more than happy to get the project underway and I watched in amazement as Paul and Leah began breaking the wall down, each of them slamming a sludge hammer into it until it began to break away.

This would be a whole new adventure for Jake and I and I couldn't wait.

A/N: It was time for another update and I hope you enjoyed it! Please review and let me know your thoughts. Just to prep you all, this story is coming to a close soon. xoxo Till Next time...