Author's Note: Just in time for Valentine's Day! In honor of the day of love, I bring to you a chapter full of love…well, mostly. Thanks again for all the reviews/likes/favs! You guys are awesome!

This chapter's shorter than normal. I'll do my best to make up for it in the next chapter!

Disclaimer: I own nothing, except for Ashley and my imagination.

Chapter Summary: Jake and Ash centered. Happy Valentines Day! ;)

Chapter 24

So far, my day was horrible.

Besides sitting in a three and a half hour meeting, my boss was giving me a hard time requesting time off. It wasn't even a lot of time, I was only asking for two days! Tomorrow and Friday! I already had it made up in my mind if he didn't approve my time, I was calling out the next two days. Luckily, he eventually approved my time, stating he was only doing so because I was such a good worker. I thanked him, before making my way back to my office. Maybe I should talk to Sue sooner rather than later about possibly working at the clinic.

"Hello Ashley." I jumped and spun around. Carlisle was walking towards me, looking apologetic. I was still getting used to him showing up randomly. "I apologize. I didn't mean to scare you."

"It's fine," I said, waving off his apology. "Jake sneaks up on me all the time. I've threatened to put bells on him on more than one occasion."

Carlisle chuckled. "How's your day so far?"

I shrugged as we both walked towards the elevator. "Honestly, very stressful. I'm just glad the day is pretty much over."

"You're day may be over, but mine is just beginning. I have the late shift tonight," he said as I pressed the up button for the elevator.

"If I had to stay here any longer, I'd go insane."

"Ah, I've worked on the administrative side in a hospital before," he said as we stepped on the elevator and I pressed the fifth floor button. "I must say, the stress from it is intense."

And this was coming from someone who didn't need sleep. "It is. It's definitely something you need to have a passion for. Though I'm starting to wonder if the stress is worth it," I said, sighing. "I know one thing, I'm definitely way overdue for some retail therapy." Maybe I could persuade Leah into shopping with me and Ellie?

"You sound like Alice," Carlisle said with a smile. "She loves shopping."

A vampire that loved shopping? Huh…curious.

"I would've never guessed," I said. "For the longest time, it was hard to see you guys as…normal." Well for the most part. After all, they still need blood to sustain them.

"It also doesn't help that you were attacked by one of our kind," he said as the elevator dinged, signaling our stop. "I'm just glad you realized we're not all like that."

We stepped off the elevator as Carlisle walked me to my office. Ever since we had the meeting where I apologized, Carlisle has stopped by to occasionally keep me company, not that I minded. Carlisle was actually a pretty nice guy.

"If it's fine with you and Jacob, perhaps Alice could accompany you on one of your shopping excursions?"

I pursed my lips in thought. That shouldn't be a problem, right? "I guess I wouldn't mind, but my bff is here and she doesn't know about…everything," I said, frowning. "Plus, I know Jake agreed to your help, but I don't know how he'd feel if I started hanging out with you guys. I'll talk to him about it, though."

Carlisle smiled and nodded. "I appreciate the effort you and your mate are both making. I'll understand if Jacob refuses."

"I'll talk to him about it," I reiterated as Carlisle walked me to just outside of my office. "I think it would be fun. Plus, he doesn't have to worry about me being unprotected."

Carlisle smiled. "I look forward to hearing your response. I hope your mate agrees. I firmly believe you and you 'bff' would thoroughly enjoy Alice's company."

"I'm sure we would," I said smiling. "I'll work on him, but don't get your hopes up."

Carlisle nodded in understanding. "Just your willingness to do so is more than I could even ask for."

I smiled at the older vampire. "It's the least I could do, especially considering how nice and helpful you and your family have been to me. Speaking of which, you're off babysitting duty for the next two days. I'm taking off hang out with my best friend."

"Whatever you do, enjoy yourself. Just know should you require any assistance with anything, you only need to ask."

"I will, and thank you Carlisle."

Carlisle nodded and walked off as I entered my office suit. I gave my Secretary a withering look and she laughed at me.

"That bad, huh?"

"You have no idea. Between the meeting about something facilities need to handle and the boss giving me a hard time about taking time off, I'm tempted to go out drinking…and I don't drink!" At least, not anymore.

Shannon laughed. "Did he end up approving it?"

"Yeah, after he told me he really shouldn't because he needs me here and how I'm the best worker he has-"

"You are."

"-and how I've turned this department around-"

"You have."

"-and how I'm the hardest worker he has."

"You are."

I sighed, before venting my frustration to my Secretary. "Shannon, it's not like I asked for a month or even a week off. I just want two days! All my work is caught up, and even if it wasn't I'd take it home to finish! There're people who take off weeks at a time when their work isn't caught up and no one panics! But I wanna take off for two days and everyone loses their friggin' minds!"

"Sweet reference."

"Thank you. It's one of my favorite movies."

"This is the price you pay for being a good worker Ashley. The problem is your young and hungry, so you're gonna work ten times harder than the person who's been here for a long time because you feel you have something to prove."

I pouted. "But if I didn't work hard, they would've fired me."

"Welcome to the real world, where life's not fair and those who work hard are dumped with more work."

I sighed, glancing at my watch. "At least it's the end of the day."

"And you get to see your boyfriend," she said, causing an instant smile to blossom on my face.

"At least the real world doesn't completely suck."

Shannon hummed in response as she began shutting down her computer. "You just don't worry about your boss or work for that matter on your days off. I got everything handled, and before you ask, I'll only call you if something serious happens."

"You know me too well, Shannon."

"That's because you're predictable when it comes to work," she said, smiling and throwing on her jacket. "Don't think about this place while off, either."

"I won't," I said, walking towards my office. "Enjoy the rest of your night."

"I will. You do the same."

I nodded, walking into my office and grabbing my things. My phone started buzzing in my pocket, so I took it out and glanced at the caller ID, a huge smile coming to my face when I saw who it was.

"Hey baby."

"Hey beautiful." I smiled at the nickname.

"You outside?" I asked, putting my jacket on.

"You know it. You ready?" I grabbed my purse and my jacket, opting to not take any work home.

"I was ready as soon as I came in this morning," I replied blandly as I walked to the elevator and the down button. "I've had a day," I said, stepping onto the elevator that was already on my floor.

"What happened?" He asked, voice laced in concern.

"I think what didn't happen is more the question. Besides sitting in a bunch of meetings where people just sat around and highlighted every issue the hospital had, I hardly got anything done today. Needless to say, my boss wasn't happy when I decided to take off the next two days."

"You're still taking off though?"

"Yeah…I need a break. All the issues that were pointed out happened long before I got here, but they're trying to make it my problem." I said, frowning and stepping out of the elevator and walking through the lobby before going outside. "I'm downstairs. Where are you?" I asked glancing around. Usually, Jake parked where I could see him easily.

"God, you're hot," he said, making me glance around in confusion. "That skirt hits all the right places."

I smiled, glancing down at my grey pencil skirt. "It's supposed to hit my curves," I said in amusement. "Now where are you?"

"Right now? I'm admiring the view," he said teasingly, making me blush. "You're so beautiful when you blush."

"You're turning into a creep."

"But I'm your creep."

"Baby, people are starting to stare at me," I said as I spotted a few people eyeing me curiously.

"It's because you're so gorgeous, beautiful."

I fought another blush. "Jake," I whined out, "You know this isn't fair! You're probably watching me from the woods where I can't see!" Must be nice to have keen eyesight and not be stuck wearing glasses for the rest of your life.

"I'm not in the woods, honey," he said in amusement. He was probably smirking from wherever he was.

"So where are you?!" I asked again, turning around. Maybe I was facing the wrong way and that's why I couldn't see him.

"Did I ever tell you how much I love looking at your ass?"

Then again, maybe I wasn't…

I spun back around, pouting as I heard Jake laughing over the phone. Where the hell was he?!

"You're such a pervert," I said, beginning to walk forward as my eyes scanned the parking lot for him.

"Only when it comes to you, Ash," he said, making me smile. I stopped walking, as I glanced around. "Keep walking. I'm in the lot you're facing."

"You're not playing fair, baby," I said, as I continued walking. "You know these glasses I wear aren't for fashion."

"Yet you still look sexy as hell."

"I could say the same about you, handsome. You're always sexy."

"Only for you, Ash," he responded as I continued walking and weaving through cars. "Turn a bit to your left," he directed and I did so. "Yep, keep walking this way."

I did as he instructed, and a few seconds later, I froze as I saw the love of my life casually leaning against my car. He was dressed in a pair of dark jeans, a burgundy sweater, black shades, and a leather jacket. Jake, being the suave guy he is, tipped his shades down to look at me, his eyes roaming over my form before he crooked his finger and beckoned me to come closer.

I smiled at my wolf as I walked over to him and threw my arms around him. Jake's arms wrapped around me as he bent down to kiss me passionately, his teeth nipping at my lower lip before his own tongue ran across it. I sighed, clinging to him as if I would never see him again. I reluctantly broke the kiss in favor, or rather, necessity, to breathe.

"I missed you," he said, resting his forehead against mine. My heart felt as if it would burst from all of the love I felt for this man.

"I missed you too, baby, so much," I said, giggling as I saw my lipstick rubbed off on his lips. I began wiping his lips with my hands. "You're the best part of my day."

"Mine too, honey," he said when I finished wiping his lips. "I hate that you had a bad day."

"I know you do, but at least I don't have to go back until Monday."

Jake gave me one of his sexy smirks. "I guess we better make the most of it then?"

I was ready to take him up on the offer. "What about Ellie?"

"She's hanging out with Quil right now," he said, causing my eyes to widen in surprise. "He's just showing her around."

"That's how it starts," I said, remembering how our relationship started.

"Mmm-hmm, and I wouldn't have it any other way."

"Me neither," I agreed. "So, what do you have planned for me?"

"I plan to wine and dine you."

"Wine and dine, huh? What did you have in mind?"

"I was thinking we head to Port Angeles? There's this really nice Italian restaurant there called Bella Italia."

"Sounds fancy," I said, smiling at him as he walked me to the passenger side of the car and ushered me in before walking to the driver's side and getting in. "What's the occasion?"

"Didn't know I needed an occasion to treat my girl."

"You don't," I said as he started the car and pulled off. "I was just making sure I wasn't missing anything."

I saw a half-smile make its way to Jake's face. "Nah, I just figured it'd be nice to go out."

"It is," I said smiling. "Especially when it's spontaneous like this and I've had a shitty day. I'm really starting to consider speaking with Sue about working in the clinic."

"Whatever makes you happy," Jake said, turning onto the interstate. I smiled, reaching over and clasping the hand he wasn't using for steering in my own. He glanced at me before squeezing my hand.

"So how was your day?"

"Your best friend questioned my intentions towards you."

I rolled my eyes. "And how'd it go?"

"She was satisfied with what I told her," he said, giving me a one-armed shrug. "Though she did tell me she gave your ex a black eye," he said in amusement. "To be honest, I can't blame her, especially if he couldn't get you off."

"Jake!" I exclaimed, smacking his arm.

"What? It's true! 'S not like it's hard or anything," he said, adding that last part under his breath, though I still heard him.

"Well, not all men are like you, baby," I said, shaking my head in amusement at him. "Did she threaten you?"

"Yep, but that was before I told her I had every intention of marrying you."

"I never really understood Ellie's obsession with marriage," I said, frowning. "I mean, it doesn't necessarily mean you'll spend your lives together."

"When done right and for the right reasons, marriage can be a beautiful thing," Jake said, taking my hand and squeezing it once again. "The problem is too many people now-a-days don't take the meaning seriously."

I hummed at that. "I suppose." Jake cocked an eyebrow so I elaborated. "It's just…sometimes it's hard to believe in it, especially when you see so many instances where it didn't work out."

"That doesn't mean it won't work out for you," Jake said as he exited the interstate. "You know I'm completely devoted to you."

"I know you are," I said, smiling at him. "Just like I am to you." I squeezed my wolf's hand before lifting it to my lips and planting a soft kiss on it. "We'll get married," I said dreamily, "and we'll have our four kids."

"Seven."

I blinked. "Seven what?"

"Seven kids."

"We are not having seven kids," I said as Jake pulled in front of the restaurant.

"Sure, sure, Ash," he said, grinning. "You say that now."

"I'm sure I'll be saying it then."

Jake laughed as he got out of the car, jogging over to my side, opening my door for me and helping me out. Jake removed his shades as we walked hand in hand towards the restaurant and was seated quickly. The waiter gave us our menu's and took our drink order before leaving us to look over everything. I frowned as I noticed the prices.

"Get whatever you want, honey, my treat. I got paid for fixing that car today, so we're good."

I bit my lip, glancing at him over my menu. "You sure, baby?"

Jake shot me a reassuring look. "I'm positive."

I nodded, glancing back at the menu and settling on the Pasta Primavera. The waiter soon returned with our drinks and we gave him our food order, Jake deciding on the Chicken Marsala and ordering Bruschetta for an appetizer.

"We didn't have to get an appetizer."

"I remembered how much you enjoyed it at Olive Garden; I figured you'd want it from an authentic Italian place."

"I swear, I should start looking into gym memberships," I said, frowning a bit. "Between what I've been cooking at home and what we've been eating out, I'm surprised I haven't gained fifty pounds."

"You'd still be beautiful," he responded, winking at me. "Besides, if you really wanted a workout, I'd give you one," he said, flirtatiously.

"I may have to take you up on that offer, baby," I said, taking a sip of my water. "Either way I'd be sore, but at least your way I'd enjoy it more."

Jake grinned. "That's what I'm talkin' 'bout, honey."

We continued talking, just enjoying each other's company. Our food soon came and let me tell you, it was amazing. The Bruschetta was amazing and my pasta was amazing. Leave it to Jake to pick such a wonderful place to eat. Speaking of my wolf, I loved how just Jake being Jake was enough to calm my stress and relax me. My wolf promised to always take care of me, and he was doing just that, though he probably had no idea he was.

"I was thinking we could get a dog," I said, as our talk once again turned towards our future.

"A dog?" Jake asked in amusement before whispering, "I'm a fuckin' wolf!"

"Yes, you are," I said, my eyes twinkling in amusement. "And you're adorable, baby," I said, making Jake make a face at me. "But I was thinking like a Golden Retriever or something."

"A Golden Retriever?"

"Yeah."

"Huh."

"They're good with kids," I said in a sing-song voice.

"Which we don't have yet."

"But we will soon."

"How soon?"

I cocked my head to the side in thought. "I hadn't really thought about it. I just know I want to have them with you."

Jake eyed me for a moment, his eyes showing all the love and devotion he had for me. "Give me about three years."

"Three years?"

"I'll be done with school and be in a better position to take care of you and our child…and we'll most likely be married."

"Married within three years?" I asked, a smile instantly coming to my face. Jake smiled at me in return.

"Yeah," Jake said around a mouth full of food. "I know we're gonna be together forever, but I still wanna make it official," he said before chewing and swallowing his food. "I wasn't kidding when I said I wanted you and our kids to have my last name."

I hummed in response. "Ashley Black…has a nice ring to it."

Jake finished eating and the waiter eventually came with the bill. Jake refused to allow me to even look at the damage, and immediately handed the waiter his card with the check. I rolled my eyes as he winked at me. The waiter came back, handing Jake the bill before bidding us goodnight. Jake signed off on the receipt before standing up. I followed suit and we walked out as Jake helped me put on my jacket. He was always such a gentleman.

Jake opened the passenger side door for me and I slid in, buckling my seat-belt just as Jake got in.

"This was fun," I said as Jake pulled off.

"Did you expect anything less?" he asked, reaching over and grabbing my hand before rubbing his thumb in circles.

"No," I giggled out. "I was just stating the obvious, Jake," I said, grabbing his shades that were hooked to the front of his shirt. I grinned before removing my glasses and putting them on. I pulled down the sun visor and glanced in the mirror, admiring myself in them. Feeling eyes on me, I glanced over at Jake and caught him looking at me before he turned his eyes back to the road. I smiled shyly before lifting his hand to my lips and kissing it once again. "I love you, Jacob."

My heart fluttered as Jake smiled softly. "I love you, too, Ashley."

AN2: Hope you enjoyed! Next chapter, may or may not be intense…I haven't decided yet. Regardless, it's one to look forward to! ;)