Long A/N Please Read (it explains my absence)

Hello you wonderful and loyal readers. Since my last update I've had my Gastric Sleeve Surgery and being hopped up on pain pills not so fun. On top of moving to a new place AND two other surgeries. I had lymph nodes in my chest removed and a wedge of my lung removed. For a while there the docs were thinking it could be cancer. You can imagine my stress and sleepless nights. Thankfully it turned out to be a fungus, I just inhaled the spores and i'm going to be fine. I'm mostly recovered from those surgeries now and almost back to my normal self. I didn't want to write while I was depended on pain pills or when I was worried about what-ifs. I thought even if I tried to not let it effect my writing that it would effect it and it wouldn't be the story you have come to love. So long story short health and personal reasons have kept me from this story and from all of you. I will try to resume weekly updates. However being a mom of 3 and drs appointments and real life will always creep up. However. I plan on getting A LOT of writing done this weekend while the hubs is out fishing. Thank you for your patience and your love and support! I'm down a total of 90 pounds! Highest weight 389 and my current weight of 299. The struggle is real. Anyways I digress. I love you all, on with the show!

Chapter 7

Time brings an end to everything.

We should not mistake for a tragedy,

what is no more than the passage of time.

-Robert Breault

Bpov

A lot can happen in five weeks...

Charlie was a nervous wreck with his wedding approaching fast, after several unavoidable setbacks. First Pastor Weber had caught a nasty flu bug. Then we had torrential downpours, even for those of us used to the rain, it was excessive and harsh. Charlie didn't enjoy the spotlight any more than I did. I could understand his need to have it over with, so he could go back to being in the background. He was more comfortable that way, maybe he would stop being so tense.

I sat him down one evening and told him that waiting the few extra weeks for the weather to hopefully cooperate and for the Pastor to get well would be worth it. It gave us more time together; it also would make Sue happy. Speaking of she was a real trooper, she always had a ready smile and a laugh for one of the guys jokes. If she was disappointed in the wait, she never let it show.

I admit to being skeptical at first, Charlie as a married man? Married to someone and not just his job? After Renee I seriously doubted my father would ever date again, let alone marry. But I could see it. The way they were together when they thought no one was looking. With the small lingering touches, the warm loving expressions, and not to mention the stolen kisses… It was a bit gross to be honest, but cute at the same time.

Sue was a great cook and she'd been steadily fattening Charlie up. Though he was still pretty lean you could tell her ate a decent diet. She was glowing. The wedding was doing wonders for her, she was happy and her happiness was infectious. It helped that she was absolutely amazing with Lizzie.

Things with Jake were progressing. He's taken me out of some really nice dates. Out to dinner and a movie in Port Angeles, a picnic with Lizzie in a little field right by first beach where there had been swimming and sand castles. My face always hurt after spending the day with Jake, from smiling too much. As much as things had changed, it was nice to know that some things had stayed the same. We were still just Jake and Bella... Still just as easy and breathing, the only trouble was me…

His kisses... His touches...

They were driving me wild! He had still been the only man I'd ever been with. The part of me I thought I had locked away was awoken again... I wanted Jake. More than I thought possible...

The best part of the last five weeks was watching Lizzie's transformation. While she had always been a happy child, here she was blossoming. Having friends close to her age, running and playing outside, having a real family and family dinners at night... Her smile was bright and her skin even more tanned from her time outside.

I don't know when it happened. Whether it was the first week or even the first day, but La Push had become home. In my mind, and especially in Lizzie's and I knew I would never be able to leave again. We would need our own space soon. Not that Billy and Jake were put out by having us in the house. It was quite the opposite to be honest. Billy often joked several times a day that he would never let us leave, that we brought so much joy and life back into his house. Though I knew it was having hot home cooked meals at night.

I took a deep breath and walked out of the guest room which had a sloppily handwritten sign taped on the front. 'Mummah and Lizee"

I was in a tight blue dress. The material was slightly stretchy, with a sleeveless bodice with deep-cut arm openings, and princess seams that travel into the flaring skirt. A modified racer-back is topped with a button closure with keyhole. Hidden back zipper with clasp. The color complimented my ivory skin tone and brought out the honey in my eyes. The dress stopped mid-thigh and showed off my toned legs. Walking had become easier and I wasn't nearly as clumsy as I was before. I could even be graceful... It was perfect for a late July wedding. My makeup was applied lightly and soft tones. I had my hair pulled back and a crown of braids with a few loose curled tendrils.

I was walking towards the stairs just as Jake reached the top; he froze mouth gaping like a fish out of water. His eyes though, his eyes were burning into mine with such intensity I felt heat pool between my legs and had to clench my leg muscles together. I bit my lip nervously offering him a small shy smile, "Too much?" I asked hating the insecurity I could hear clearly in my voice.

"You look beautiful." he breathed, reaching me in two long strides, "Perfect." he whispered breathlessly.

His lips met mine is a searing kiss, full of promises and leaving me wanting more, so much more.

He pulled back and I was able to take in his attire, he was in black slacks and a crisp white button up with an opened black dress jacket. The white highlighted his copper tone and showed off his pearly white smile.

"You look pretty dapper yourself." I told him blushing.

His hand reached forward to caress my cheeks that were filled with warmth and color. "I'll never get tired of how beautiful you are."

My heart was pounding in my chest and I was a second away from pulling him into the nearest room and exploring every inch of his body to see how it had changed in the years we'd been apart...

"We have a wedding to get to." I groused not even hiding my pout.

He looped my arm though his and led me down the stairs, "That we do." he agreed.

Walking up to first beach at sunset was breathtaking. The beach had been completely transformed. Though having a pack of werewolves at your beck and call...

There were rows of white wooden fold up chairs, not the most comfortable, but it looked right. The sand was littered red rose petals and the aisle was marked by old fashioned lanterns which were lit and glowing. Pastor Weber stood at the front under a white canopy that had been constructed. The poles of said canopy had all different kinds of flowers woven around them making the air perfumed and fragrant. It was beautiful.

Jake led me to our place at the front, but I couldn't just sit there.

"I'll be right back." I told him.

I marched hastily to the tent on the far left. Charlie stood in front of a mirror in a black and white suit. It looked expensive and he looked astonishingly handsome and young.

"Wow, Dad!" I exclaimed gesturing to him.

"I know." he grinned, "I look hot."

I felt the giggle build up inside me and burst forward. "You really do." I told him walking closer, "I'm so happy for you Daddy."

I could see the tears glistening in his eyes as he blinked them away, "Thanks kiddo. And thanks for lending up Lizzie."

I knew my little one would make an amazing flower girl and I knew she would be just what Charlie needed. We chatted for a few minutes before I had to head back to my seat so my dad could get married.

Charlie stood up with the Pastor Weber and the ceremony began...

My little Elizabeth was the first down the aisle. She was wearing a flowing white little gown with pink ribbon around the waist. Her dark hair was piled onto her head; it brought tears to my eyes. She skipped forward tossing handful of pink rose petals to add to the red ones scattered along the beach. Leah followed behind her in a light canary yellow gown that looked amazing on her. Seth was at her arm in a smart looking tux with a yellow rose in his front jacket pocket. Emily followed behind them alongside Billy. It was a short wedding party and it was beautiful.

Lizzie rushed over to me and I helped her into the open seat on the left. Then it was time for the bride.

Sue had never looked more young or beautiful. Her white gown was flawless and her hair hung down with a white rose headband contrasting perfectly against her dark hair and copper skin. I turned my gaze from her to my dad and the look on his face will stay with me forever. The love and adoration that shinned through his eyes.

It was a simple ceremony with simple vows. Still I cried for my father, so happy he could move on from my mother and live his life. With a woman who loved fish as much if not more than he did and knowing several recipes. With a woman who would welcome him home from a long day at work with a sympathetic ear and a hot homemade meal. A woman who would engage in the sports on tv and be his partner. Yes, Sue fit with Charlie in a way Renee never could.

I was so lost in my own thoughts that I didn't realize that everyone had already begun to dissipate. Charlie and Sue were leaving for a fun weekend of fishing and … well I didn't really want to picture my father on his honeymoon... Would anyone?

"I hope I'm not stepping over any boundaries, but Lizzie went home with Billy." Jake said taking my hand and pulling me up.

Coming to my senses I realized how dark it was starting to get, "That's fine." I told him.

"Where are we going?" I asked bemused as he began pulling me along the beach.

"I have to show you something..."

Epov

Be with me always-
take any form-
drive me mad!
Only do not leave me
in this abyss,
where I cannot find you!

Minutes.

Hours.

Days.

Weeks.

Months.

Years.

Words that held no meaning for me any longer, not in my everlasting hell, my self-imposed exile; in this small abandoned cabin on the outskirts of Mexico. It was more like a wooden shack, just four walls and a shoddy roof, no floors only dirt.

Huddled on the floor in a ball, the image of Bella's crumpled face, the tears that had welled up in her eyes, the pain... I ripped at my hair trying to erase the image that haunted me.

I had sworn to never hurt her and I broke that promise for the foolish notion she should live her human life without any interference from me, or my family. The image was seared into my memory with perfect recall.

The good times replayed in my mind with every smile, every tender kiss, her warmth and the silence of her mind; that brought me such peace. The bad times... It haunted my every miserable second of this pointless existence. I knew I would never be whole again. It was only a matter of a handful of decades and she would leave this world and I would be forced to follow her. I just couldn't live in a world without Bella.

My will power was crumbling. Each minute brought me closer. The need to physically see her was overwhelming. However if I gave in there was no going back. I would never be able to leave her again. I would have to stay in whatever capacity she would have me. No. I couldn't give in. I promised her it would be as if I never existed...

I was so wrapped up in my own misery that I didn't hear her coming until it was too late, "It would be nice if you ever answered your phone." Alice's voice tinkled. I could hear her dancer like footsteps getting closer.

'Assward!' Her harsh thoughts screamed at me.

"Go away, Alice." I growled, keeping my eyes closed tightly.

"No." She growled back, "I saw Bella."

Bella...

It was like a damn broke and for the first time in I really didn't know how long I was on my feet. Though I was perfectly balanced it still felt off after not moving in so long. I grabbed my sisters petite shoulders with more force than was really needed, forcing her topaz eyes to meet my crazed black orbs.

"Show me." I rasped, "Show me everything."

Her mind opened like a book and I greedily drank in every image. I watched it unfold with mixed emotions. The longing I felt was unparalleled by anything. It was like I was a man who had been lost in the Sahara Desert, deprived of water, who had found the most refreshing stream...

She was older, sassy, sexy...

And she hated us.

The shock of hearing we should all go to hell was overwhelming.

The tanned skinned boy … man in the images looked vaguely familiar, but I couldn't place him.

"She's dating him." Alice informed me, "He's a young werewolf."

I was seeing red. A werewolf? Was she mad?! Did she not realize how volatile and dangerous they were? I had left for her to live a normal human life.. So she jumps right onto the next monster?

I had to stop this. It was decided.

Alice beamed already knowing the next course of action.

"Let's go home." she grinned.

Bpov

"Where are we going?" I giggled stumbling along through the underbrush with Jake.

"We're almost there." he assured me.

We entered the mouth of an alcove and situated against the trees was the most beautiful house I'd ever seen. The siding was light blue and it was two stories. It's the kind of house girls dream about when they imagine their dream home.

"What is this?" I asked him.

"Well it's my house." he grinned.

I looked at him and I'm sure my mouth was open wide enough to catch flies.

"Your house?" I heard myself asking flabbergasted.

"Well the guys helped me build and design it..."

I could tell just by Jake's posture that he was nervous and seeing him nervous like this wasn't something I was accustomed to.

"It's beautiful." I told him honestly.

"Wanna see inside?" he asked, the hope in his voice was so sincere I couldn't tell him, 'No.'

"Sure, Sure." I agreed.

If the outside was gorgeous the inside was above and beyond. Every square foot had a purpose. There was so much room for storage that most people would kill for a house with so much custom storage. Just the main floor alone was set up beautifully. The first room was set up to be a total man cave, the coloring was dark and masculine and it just screamed Jake. It was all to his taste including the leather couch, love seat, chair combo and dark wood coffee table.

The dining room had a large table that could fit 16 people easily, with a built in beautiful custom bench with the softest cushions. Even the light fixtures were gorgeous. It was bright and open... The kitchen though is where I fell in love, everything was bright and white and clean. It would be amazing to cook in such a grand kitchen. We wandered through the house and I loved the built-ins. They were so creative and unique... The master bedroom was gorgeous with the California king sized bed with white and blue bedspread. The sitting area with a cozy chairs and built in book shelves.

It was entering one of the other bedrooms that had me break down completely.

The pink princess décor with the hand built canopy bed, with the name Elizabeth on the wall.

"Jake." I whispered turning to him in awe.

"I know this is sudden... I was hoping that you might consider moving in here with me. I designed the house a long time ago Bella, with you in mind." He took a deep breath and looked into my eyes, "I would like to be a real family."

"This isn't something I can decide alone." I told him softly, "I'll have to ask Lizzie."

He grinned, "But you'll think about it?"

"I'll think about it." I smiled.

A/N

And Scene! What do we think? Was it worth the wait? I hope so! Again I apologize but life was seriously kicking my behind. If you skipped it, please read the first note. I appreciate and love you all! Love Tabby