A/N I didn't get an email notification for the last chapter like I usually do so if you have this story on alert make sure you read the last chapter.
Bella's POV
I have a rare Sunday off and Jake is picking me and Lexi up in an hour so we can all go the carnival that is here for a couple of weekends. Lexi is overexcited to be seeing Jake. She's going on and on about how she can't wait to see him. She saw him yesterday… I get dressed and she tells me I don't look pretty enough. Thanks Lex, I love you too. She picks me out a shirt she thinks is pretty enough and insists I wear makeup. She's really getting on my nerves.
We eat lunch and wait for Jake. The door bell rings and Lexi runs to door and I yell not to open the door, of course it's probably Jake but she doesn't know for sure.
"Sam!" Lexi yells as soon as I open it and she's jumping up and down and I'm very confused for a second. Then it all makes sense, the shirt and makeup and the overexcitedness. Jake set this up and she knew about it! I'm going to kill him. But what do I do know? If I go with him there is no going back in keeping Lexi away from him. But how rude would be to not go? Even though I was set up, I'm sure it was more Jake/Lexi than Sam. Actually just Jake with complete agreement from Lexi.
While I'm standing there staring at him like an idiot and he's standing there looking guilty Lexi is bouncing up and down going on and on about how much fun we're going to have. How can I say no to that? Which I realize is exactly why Jake told her. Finally I snap out of it and invite him in while I get my stuff together and grab an extra set of clothes, a bottle of water and some snacks for Lexi. Jake has this stuff in his truck all the time so I never take extra when we go with him.
While I'm doing this Lexi is trying to drag him to her room to show him all her stuff. He looks at me like what do I do? And I just nod it's OK. That actually makes me feel better; even though they went behind my back he isn't going to push things.
We finally leave after she shows him almost everything she owns. I thought about saving him but I think of it as payback. He really doesn't seem to mind. On the way there she is singing and talking and he is cracking up like she is the funniest kid in the world. She is of course, but usually it's a mommy and Jake kind of funny. I'm liking him more and more and I'm losing all my desire to be mad at Jake which is slightly annoying but whatever. As if he knows I'm thinking about him his texts me-
Are you mad? Jake
No, but if you ever use my daughter to scheme against me again I will never let you see her again. Bella
Whatever, love you have fun with Sam. Don't let Lexi have all the attention. Jake
Love you too. And you know she always gets all the attention. Bella
"Mommy, tell Jake I love him!" I feel like a loser with no friends now.
Lexi loves you. Bella
Love her too. Now stop texting me and pay attention to the man you're actually with. Jake
"He loves you too sweetie" I tell her and she smiles that duh I already knew that smile.
"How did she know you were texting Jake?" Sam asks. How embarrassing! Thanks again Lex.
"Um, I don't really have a lot of friends. The friends I had in high school mostly ditched me when I got pregnant and after that I was busy with her and then running my own business. Jake and Leah are really my only friends." Total loser.
"Mommy is a loner. That's what Jake says!" Shut up Lexi! But Sam just laughs and we are finally at the carnival.
I'm not really a ride kind of girl so Sam and Lexi go on almost everything together, I go on the Ferris wheel and that's it. He spends way too much money to win her a giant stuffed panda and gets her all the junk food I will allow. When it's time to leave Lexi starts to throw a fit but he whispers something in her ear and she stops. I look at him and he just smiles. Oh that smile…
She falls asleep in the car and when we get back to the house he carries her to her bed. I ask him if he wants to stay for dinner and he says yes so I make lasagna and salad.
"Bella this is amazing." He tells me as we're eating.
"Yep, I know." I laugh and he rolls his eyes and laughs too.
How's it going? Did he leave yet? Can I come over? Leah is at work and I want ice cream. Jake
They sell the very kind I keep here at the store. Bella
So he's still there! Just don't do anything to corrupt Lexi. Jake
I start laughing and Sam looks at me and I just shake my head no, not telling you.
"So you and Jake? Have you ever been more than just friends?" He tries to sounds casual about it but I nearly choke on a tomato.
"We dated for maybe a week in high school but other than that yes, just friends."
"Have you ever done anything him?" He asks quietly and it takes me a minute to figure out what he means.
"Sam! That is none of your business but no. I kissed him once and there was nothing there so that was it. Are you bothered by my relationship with him?" I hope not because I would choose Jake over Sam in a heartbeat.
"No. I'm sorry. It's just that she claimed to be friends with the guy I found her in bed with. I didn't mean to upset you or imply that I don't trust you. I just couldn't take that again." Now I feel bad for yelling.
"It's OK Sam, I get it. I've been hurt too. And I try not to let it affect me now but you can't help it. That's why I wouldn't let you spend more time with Lexi. I'm afraid she is going to love you and you're going to walk out on us and break her heart. My heart too but I can handle it. I don't think she can. She doesn't talk about it much but she knows she doesn't have a daddy and it makes her sad. She doesn't know why but I still don't want her to lose someone she is close too."
"I will never hurt you or her Bella."
"I don't think most people plan to hurt those who love them. So don't say never." And then I realize I kind of told him I loved him and I'm hoping he didn't catch onto it. Maybe he'll think I meant Lexi.
"I love you too Bella. And I already love Lexi. You both make it impossible to not."
"But if you leave…" And then he kisses me and my worry and doubt disappears for now.