Chapter 15 "Floating On A Dream"
Disclaimer: SM owns the characters, we just like to play with them.
A/N: Here we are again. Some fun stuff going on in this chapter, should work to put a huge smile on your face.
I'm getting butterflies
I'm floating on a dream
Now my world starts spinning
My heart pounds
So happy that I could cry
When I look in your eyes
Cause you keep giving me
Keep giving me butterflies
"Butterflies" - Tone Damli
NPOV
-0-
This is so frustrating!
I'm irritated as I flip to a clean page in my sketchbook. I've been trying to put my memories of this weekend onto paper as we drive back to Forks, but no matter what I'm drawing, I can't get Jacob's face right. Something is off in all the sketches.
What's worse, I've been drawing Jacob's face for years, I could draw his face with my eyes closed, but what keeps showing up in my sketchbook is lacking a certain detail. The face on the paper is beautiful, like always, but its blank compared to all the emotions I've seen cross his face this weekend.
He loves me, but how do you draw love?
"What's wrong?" Jacob asks, glancing over at me, an amused smile on his face.
Laughing, I shake my head at myself, "Nothing, it's silly."
His thumb brushes my cheek softly, "I doubt that."
"I can't figure out how to draw your face," I explain on an exhale, embarrassed to admit this fact.
He tilts his head, his eyes darting between me and the road, obviously confused. "Is this the first time you've tried drawing my face?"
"Nooooo," I expand the word out, slightly nervous to tell him that I've drawn his face countless times.
Jacob's smile takes over his whole face, "I really hope you haven't filled all those sketchbooks with pictures of my ugly mug."
"You are beautiful, Jacob Black," I whisper through my hand on his cheek. My fingers slide lightly over his cheekbones, along his nose, down to his lips, the finally rest on that proud chin of his. His face is so familiar to me, but the look in his eyes right now, that laughter mixed with desire and love, I don't know how to capture it on paper.
"We'll agree to disagree on that one," he says with a wink. "So what's the problem now? Have you always struggled to draw my face?"
He thankfully returns his gaze to the road, giving me a moment to collect my thoughts before answering. Even knowing he's not looking at me, talking about these drawings, especially ones of him, is a little awkward. Sure, he knows I love him, but admitting I've been drawing him every day for the past couple of years, that's a different story.
Turning to look out my window, I can't help smiling when I see his reflection watching me closely. "No, I've never had a problem drawing your face. You are the easiest person for me to sketch. All I have to do is imagine you and it just seems to appear on the paper without any thought on my part."
Jacob doesn't respond but I can see him grinning back at me as he drives. Focusing my eyes on the scenery we are passing, I'm surprised to see we are nearly home. A few minutes later, he's turning off the highway.
He stops near the cottage, turning off the engine, but he doesn't move to get out. Jacob's hand slides along my cheek, pulling gently until I'm looking him in the eye. "What's different now, Ness?"
"I love you, and you love me." I can feel tears sliding down my face, but don't bother to wipe them away. "I've drawn people in love before, but I don't know how to put that emotion on your face. Everytime I try it just looks wrong."
"Ness, I've loved you your whole life. Telling you I love you was just me admitting something I've felt all along." He leans forward, his lips kissing away my tears as he whispers, "I love you, Ness."
He finds my lips before I can return the words, but I manage to shout my love back to him as my hands slide up his neck to search out his thick, silky hair. He leans over me, pushing me back against the door. Holding onto him tight, I pull him closer, needing every inch of his body covering mine.
I'm seriously considering opening the door and dragging him out of the car when I hear someone pounding on the window behind me.
"Jacob Black, what the hell are you doing to my granddaughter?"
Grandpa Charlie. I completely forgot that Mom mentioned he'd be here waiting for us when we got back.
"Shit," Jacob gasps. Leaning back, he adjusts my shirt before rolling down the window.
"Hey Charlie. How's it going?" Jacob asks with a forced smile.
"Don't you dare try to distract me, get out of that car NOW, and get your hands off my granddaughter. Is that how you boys treat the women you imprint on?"
"Yep," Jacob whispers against my ear as he rolls up the window.
I'm stifling a giggle when Grandpa Charlie opens my door. He leans over me while I hear Jacob getting my stuff from the back, "He didn't pressure you into anything, did he? I'll handle him if I need to."
"No, Grandpa, Jacob is a perfect gentleman. We just got a little carried away," I sigh, wishing we hadn't been interrupted. My eagerness to have Jacob all to myself is growing. As much as I love my family, I can't wait until Jacob and I can truly be alone, just to two of us, with no threat of being interrupted.
Jacob rounds the car and he's grinning from ear-to-ear. Grandpa Charlie is apparently offended by this, giving a solid HMPH before wrapping his arm around my shoulder, leading me to the cottage.
Once we reach the cottage, Jacob sets my stuff down on the floor. He sighs loudly as he gives me a resigned look, "That's it. I guess I'll see you later, Ness."
I can feel Grandpa Charlie's eyes on us, but I try to ignore him. Jacob opens his arms for a hug and I move without hesitation. When he wraps his arms around me tight, I can just barely make out the words his whispers, "I'll be waiting for you in your bedroom when you can sneak away."
He waves at Grandpa Charlie as he exits. Once the door closes, Grandpa Charlie starts grinning, "So tell me about your weekend, kiddo."
-0-
It takes much longer than I expected to get Grandpa Charlie distracted by the baseball game. The normally quiet man was very chatty today. Of course, I don't want to blow him off, I love that he's here, but still. When I know my wolf is in my bedroom waiting for me, telling my grandfather the edited version of what happened this past weekend is not what I want to be doing.
"I'm going to go unpack, Grandpa."
He waves his hand in the air and I know he's finally absorbed in the game. Picking up my belongings, I move quickly to my room. Once my door is closed behind me, I glance around the empty room.
"Jake?" I whisper. I know he's here, his scent is strong, but I don't see him in the small space.
"Hi," he mumbles against my neck as I feel him pull me back against his body. He wraps me up in him; his hands against my hips tugging me back as his head slides down my shoulder, nipping at the skin on my neck.
It takes everything in me to hold back my moan. Biting my lip, I spin to face him. His grin is wicked, "Now, where were we?"
Jacob lifts me up then moves us to the bed, gently placing me on there before covering my body. When his teeth circle my earlobe and tug, my whole body catches fire.
"Now isn't this better than you dragging me out of the car onto the rough ground?"
No wanting to chance Grandpa Charlie hearing me, I speak into his mind, "Oops, did I share that thought?"
He nods before returning his lips to my shoulder. "You did," his whispers softly against my skin, "and I like the way you think."
I'm not sure how long we make out, Jacob's mouth and hands are so distracting to me that I lose all sense of reality. We don't come up for air until I hear Grandpa Charlie shout from the living room, "Hey! Did you fall asleep in there, kiddo?"
Jacob leans back, "Guess that's my cue to get out of here. Think he'll let you out for dinner?"
"I think I know how to make sure he does," I give him a quick kiss.
"How's that?" he asks, obviously confused.
I lift an eyebrow and he tilts his head. After a minute he laughs, "Ok, I get it. I'll tell Dad to set a few extra plates on the table."
-0-
"So you have dinner with Jacob's family every Sunday night?" Grandpa Charlie is still unsure about the plans, but as soon as I mentioned Sue was attending, he was on board with joining. Of course, I did have to call Sue to make sure she was available, but she was eager to join when I mentioned Grandpa Charlie would be coming along.
I can be sneaky when I need to.
As we approach the red house I easily spot Jacob pacing in the yard. When he hears the patrol car, his head whips around, a smile of relief on his face. Turning back to Grandpa Charlie I give him a smile, "Something like that; I think Billy likes having everyone over."
When the car finally stops, Jacob is at my door. His kiss is slow and soft and leaves me wanting more. When I share this thought he laughs, "Later, at the shop. We still need to work on your car tonight."
The promise of time alone with Jacob gets me through the evening. Dinner is a boisterous affair, especially since Sue insisted Seth and Leah join her. I catch Seth and Jacob looking at each other at one point in the meal, but thankfully Seth breaks the tension quickly. Paul actually behaves himself for once, which surprises me. Rachel asks about my plans for the week while Jacob works and I mention visiting Lillah tomorrow. As soon as the words are out of my mouth I regret them. Rachel's face lights up as she decides she needs to visit Lillah too, promising to stop by in the afternoon. I'm slightly relieved that I'll have time with Lillah alone in the morning, but I'm still nervous to have Rachel join. There are just some things you can't mention when your boyfriend's sister is around.
"Jake, I'm going to take on a couple of extra shifts at the bar this week," Leah jumps in during a quiet point in the meal.
"Oh yeah, cool. Seth, you good alone? I could- join, if you want." Jacob glances down at me, and I know he's trying his best to move past his anger at Seth. I twist my fingers with his, trying my best to support him and show him how proud I am.
Seth shakes his head, smiling, "Nah, it's cool, Jake. I'm good on my own. I'll howl if I need anything."
"Leah, have you given any more thought to what we discussed the other day?" Sue asks softly.
When I turn to look at Leah, she seems almost embarrassed, "Mom, not now. I don't want to teach ballet to little kids. Yoga and pilates is nothing like ballet. Besides, with a little more money I should have a large enough down payment for the bank to give me a loan without ballet."
"A loan?" I ask, surprised.
"Leah wants to teach women how to get bendy," Paul says, laughing hysterically at his own joke.
Rachel shakes her head, "Keep it up, Paul and I'll make her teach you a few yoga moves."
"I'd like to see him try to hold chair pose for more than two seconds," Leah rolls her eyes.
"You want to teach yoga and pilates?" I'm still trying to follow along with the conversation. Leah and I have never really talked much, so I honestly don't know much about her, beyond what Jacob has told me.
She shrugs, "I've learned a lot about how to control my body, and my wolf, through yoga and pilates. I think it's something that is missing in this area."
"Oh, wow, that sounds like a great plan. Too bad you aren't interested in teaching ballet though. That could be fun to include for little kids. Claire is always asking me to show her moves."
Sue jumps in, "That's right! I forgot you take ballet, Ness. Leah, you should work with Ness, she could teach ballet at your studio. That should be enough additional options for your space to make the bank feel your business plan is more diverse."
"Oh, I don't think I could teach-," I start.
"Mom, that isn't what I want-," Leah says over me.
Sue waves her hand, "Fine, ignore me, I'm just trying to give you options."
Soon after Jacob announces that he and I are leaving to work on the Mustang. He promises Grandpa Charlie he'll have me home by eleven. Hugs are shared all around before he pulls me out of the house.
Once we reach the shop, we attempt to work on the Mustang, but quickly ignore the car, preferring to use the time we have focused on one another. While his rule is still in place about not taking off clothes below the waist, he still manages to drive me crazy. Between his mouth on my breasts and his hips sliding his hard dick against me, it doesn't take long for me to scream his name out as I ride out an orgasm.
He's nipping at my shoulder as I come back down to earth, "This is the best Sunday, ever."
"I'm glad you think so. How about I give you the best Monday ever tomorrow?"
Snuggling against him, I smile happily, "How do you plan to do that?"
"I think it's time for our first date."
Leaning back, I find his eyes easily. His smile is bright and happy. "Really?"
"Really, I love you and I can't wait to take you out and show you how much I love you."
Wrapping my arms around him, I squeal in excitement. Finally I manage to calm down enough to ask him a serious question, "What should I wear?"
"I'm not the best person to ask, I think you look hot in coveralls."
Shaking my head I lean back again, looking him in the eye, "At least give me an idea of what I should wear. Jeans or a ball gown?"
He thinks for a moment then finally answers, "Jeans would work, but I like when you wear dresses or skirts. You look really cute in those."
"Ok, I can work with that. So tomorrow night, our first official date." My face should hurt from all the smiling, but I'm so happy I don't even notice.
"Its a date," he grins before pulling me back to him.
-0-
As the front door of the cottage closes softly, I exhale, relieved Grandpa Charlie never came in to check on me during the night. He was still awake when I got home, but quickly said goodnight when I feigned exhaustion from the busy day.
"I hate your bed," Jacob says as he stretches out.
"I love you," I speak softly as I lean over and kiss him.
When I pull back, he rises up to kiss me. As we pull apart he grins, "Ok, I don't hate your bed, it's just very small."
"It works fine for me," I grin at him.
He shakes his head, "It doesn't work fine for us though."
I'm not sure how to respond. The idea of sharing my bed with Jacob is still so new that if feels unreal. When I woke up to him holding me tight this morning, it felt like a dream. However, the reality is, my Jacob is very tall, and my bed is too small for him.
But before I can say anything, he changes the subject, "Did you ever figure out how to draw my face in love?"
I hesitate for just a moment before turning my sketchbook around to show him what I had been working on before he woke up. The portrait of him sleeping is probably one of my favorites I've drawn of him recently. He looks so relaxed, even if he was crammed in my tiny bed.
"Oh, Ness. I never realized- you are seriously talented," Jacob says, almost in awe as he examines the page I've shown him.
My blush creeps up my neck, "Thanks." Sighing I look back up at him, "I still can't get your face right though."
"I was thinking about that," he says, leaning back against the headboard and pulling me with him. My head rests against his warm chest. His heartbeat is strong and sure, relaxing me as I focus on just him. "How long have you been drawing pictures of my face."
I'm glad I'm not looking at him, my cheeks getting even redder as I admit the truth, "A couple of years."
He chuckles, but doesn't comment on the duration, "My thought is, I've been in love with you for a while. Maybe if you go back through your drawings you'll find you've already drawn my face in love without realizing it."
"When did you realize you love me?" I ask as I draw lazy circles on his stomach with my fingers.
He exhales, "Ness, I told you yesterday, I've always loved you. Of course, with Edward's rules, I tried not to think of you that way, but it was difficult to ignore you."
Tilting my head up to him I smile, "So if I was difficult to ignore, when did it happen?"
"Honestly?" I nod and he sighs, "I did my best to not pay attention to my emotions, to just be your friend, but during the fourth of July party last month it hit me square in the face."
"What happened? Why?" I ask, so fascinated to know a date.
He shakes his head, "I don't know, you were watching the fireworks and kept looking over your shoulder at me, smiling. It was like you were begging me to join you in your excitement. We hadn't touched in a while, but when I moved closer to you, you snuggled up against me and everything felt right for a moment. You were happy, smiling, I had you in my arms, and I just knew then that I loved you."
Without a word, I slide off the bed and kneel on the floor. "Ness, what are you doing?" he asks, obviously confused.
Waving my hand, I lift my bed skirt and reach under. I know which box I'm looking for and once I find it under my bed, it doesn't take me long to find the sketchbook I want.
Jumping back up on the bed, I flip through the pages. Each one has pictures of the different couples; Embry and Lillah, Paul and Rachel, Sam and Emily, even Quil and Claire pop up on a few pages. Kim and Jared didn't attend, but that was because she had just had the baby.
Finally, as I'm nearing the end of the book, I find the drawing. This was during the fireworks, after Jacob had wrapped his arm around me and given me the happiest smile I'd ever seen. It was the first time he'd touched me in weeks and my heart had soared at the contact. The angle of the drawing is from my perspective, him looking down at me as fireworks go off over his head.
I'm shocked by the look in his eyes. That's the look he has given me so often over the years, but I never realized what it meant. When my eyes reach him now, I see that same look on his face. He loves me.
My eyes dart between his real eyes and the drawing in my lap and I start to tear up, recognizing what I didn't see before. "You really loved me all along."
He nods, "I really have, and you've known how to draw me in love all along, you just didn't recognize it."
A fresh wave of tears threatens to erupt as he leans down to kiss me. When Jacob leans back, his thumb slides along my cheek, "You really are a talented artist, Ness. I'm glad you are going to get to study it more at school. I'm so proud of you. Also, thanks for making me look so good."
"That's easy, especially when the subject is as handsome as you are," I grin, circling my arms around his chest.
"I don't know about that, I still say you have a warped view of how I look," he winks down at me.
"Nope, you are that handsome. Deal."
"Fine. Now, do I get to see more stuff you've drawn?"
We flip through my sketchbooks, laughing and teasing until he has to leave to get ready for work. I hate the time apart, but I am excited to see Lillah and Hallie.
-0-
Lillah is standing on the front porch when I pull into her driveway driving the only car from the garage that I feel comfortable in; Dad's old silver Volvo.
As I approach she opens her arms, "I've missed you!"
When I reach her, I hug her tight in return. It's been less than a week since I last saw her, but it feels like a lifetime since I've really had the chance to talk to Lillah uninterrupted.
"Come on in, Hallie just laid back down. She wasn't happy that Daddy was leaving this morning so she fought nap time."
"Already a Daddy's girl?" I tease, my voice as soft as possible as I follow her into the kitchen.
She pours me a cup of tea and joins me at the table, "You'd better believe it. Of course, it tore Embry up leaving her behind, especially since she was crying her eyes out. He's already texted me checking up, offering to run home for lunch if I need help."
"That is so sweet of him," I sigh.
She shakes her head, laughing, "It is, but he's a worry wart. I think it'll just be worse if he comes home and leaves again. Plus, she has her Aunt Ness around today to keep her entertained and distracted from missing her Daddy."
"And Aunt Rachel," I sigh, dreading the conversation potentially hanging over my head.
Lillah laughs, "Yeah, she texted me earlier. She's going to the school to get a few things ready for the new year then she'll be over."
"Oh, are you going to have to go get stuff ready too for the substitute teacher?"
I'm surprised when tears spring to Lillah's eyes, "Not exactly."
"Lillah, what's wrong?" I ask scooting my chair closer to her.
"Nothing, I just had to make a hard decision," she wipes away the tears and gives me a smile. "I've decided to stop teaching, at least for now. There is no way I can put my baby girl in day care. Sue and Emily offered to watch her during the week for me, but even that- I just can't imagine being away from her all day. I know it will be hard, transitioning to being a stay-at-home mom, but I think it's best."
I twist in my chair so I can give her a hug. She's laughing and crying as we just sit there for a minute. Once I lean back she seems better, "I'm ok, I promise. It was just a tough decision to make; I knew it was coming, and Embry has been completely supportive. He even offered to be Mr. Mom and stay home with her so I could keep working."
The image of Embry being a stay-at-home Dad sends me into a fit of laughter. Every time I think I'm past it, another image pops into my mind. Lillah is laughing right along with me, "I know! He means well, but I saw his apartment before we moved in together. We'd need a maid, a chef, and a nanny just to help him. Which would defeat the purpose."
"That is a tough decision," I sigh, sobering up. "I'm sorry it came down to that for you."
Lillah waves her hand, dismissing my concern, "It's ok, I swear. I'm ok with the decision and I actually still get to help out. The person taking my position is a first year teacher. Principal Green asked me to provide a bit of an advisor role and help the teacher out with lesson plans and preparing the classroom. I'm excited about this new phase of my life."
"It doesn't help that my hormones are all out of whack right now, I cry at the drop of a hat. Embry brought me a bowl of ice cream last night and I just lost it. Poor guy is so confused right now, I feel bad for him. I think he was slightly relieved to go to work today."
Her phone goes off just as she finished speaking. She checks her message and grins, "Apparently the guys are giving him advice on how to deal with me."
"Why do you say that?"
"His message was all about how beautiful I am and how lucky he is to have such a sexy wife that gave him the greatest gift in the world of a perfect baby girl," she rolls her eyes.
"That sounds really sweet," I can't help laughing at my friend's reaction.
She just shakes her head, "It is sweet, but I know him. Poor guy is not doing well with six weeks of no sex. I'd promised him a little- treat last night if he brought me ice cream. After my melt down, he felt so bad he didn't want me to do anything; he just held me until I fell asleep.
"This," she flips the phone around to show me the message, "is his way of buttering me up. I give him steak, he gives me loving comments. He knows I'm a sucker for sweet messages."
My face turns bright red at the direction the conversation has taken. However, I'm still curious, "If you can't have- sex, um-what will you do- to help him?"
Lillah turns serious very quickly, "Before I answer that question, how about you update me- in general terms, I don't need specifics- on how far you two have gone so far."
"We've kissed," I start, not sure how much detail she's wanting.
"Oh, I've seen you two kiss, remember?" Lillah winks.
"Right." I'm pretty sure my entire face is bright red right now, but I press on. "We've removed our tops, and sometimes, when we are alone, he'll slide himself against me. I really like when he does that. He's really- big, and, um- hard. It feels really nice."
Lillah nods as I speak, but pauses once I finish before she replies, "So just tops have been removed? You haven't seen his- penis?"
My cheeks feel like they are on fire as I shake my head back and forth. Closing my eyes I squeak out, "But he did- um- masturbate- wow- in front of me; but he kept his shorts on, so I didn't- see- anything."
"He let you watch him do that?" I nod and she tilts her head for a second, "Had something happened before that?"
"I had- um, he was playing with my-," my hands wave around my chest and she laughs, obviously catching on to my meaning, "yeah- those. Anyway, he was teasing and playing and I kind of- had- you know."
"An orgasm?" Lillah asks softly, her cheeks turning red as well.
I can't speak I'm so embarrassed but I manage to nod briefly before turning away to give the stove my total and complete attention.
"Ok, enough embarrassing questions for now. As for your original question, I'll help Embry out by probably touching him like Jacob touched himself. As you have already experienced, there are lots of ways to experience pleasure without actually having sex. Embry has proved that to me time-and-time again."
"Really? So you don't always have- sex?"
Now it's Lillah's turn to blush, "Well, inevitably we will always have sex. But, there's a lot of other stuff that can be just as satisfying and enjoyable as sex. Sounds like you've already experienced a couple of those." She pauses and looks out the kitchen window, like she's lost in a memory. Her face is bright red now, but she's smiling happily. "Embry refused to make love to me for so long. At the time I thought something was wrong with me. Once he finally told me about imprinting and being in love with me, it all made sense. As frustrated as I was over what had happened, looking back, I'm so glad he saved making love for when there weren't any secrets between us."
"Jacob told me he loves me this weekend."
"What?" Lillah practically shouts. She slaps her hand over her mouth but the damage has been done. Hallie's newborn cries can be heard through the baby monitor. Lillah stares at the monitor for a minute then finally stands up, "Hold that thought."
As she leaves the room, my phone goes off with a text message.
Having fun with L & baby? Because Embry is a joy to be around today. Save me. ~J
I do my best to hold in my laughter. Poor guy. I can just imagine how Embry is handling being away from his family right now. About as well as any of the guys handle it. Which is to say, not very well.
I love you. We are going on our first date tonight. Helping at all? ~N
As I set the phone down, Lillah returns holding the baby, "Hallie was just as shocked by this news and expects you to share the full story with both of us."
Leaning back in my chair, I give Lillah the overview of how Jacob announced he loved me while she feeds Hallie. Just as she's moving Hallie to her shoulder both of our phones go off with text messages.
She shakes her head, "I swear, they don't actually work so much as drive each other crazy at that shop."
Checking my phone, Lillah's statement seems like an accurate assessment.
It helps, but Embry is still whining. Says he's jealous you get to spend the day with his wife and baby. I'm jealous they get to spend the day with you. ~J
"What did yours say?" Lillah asks as she flips her phone around for me to read the message on her screen.
Jake's rubbing it in that Ness is with you two today. I miss you both. Send pictures. ~E
"Really?" I sigh, laughing at the antics of these two and all the guys in general. I show Lillah my phone and she just shakes her head.
"I'll handle this, hold on," she presses a button on her phone and puts it up to her ear. Whoever answers recognizes her immediately, "They are at it again. Yeah, Jake and Embry. No, Ness is over here. Sure, if you want to join for lunch we'd love to have you guys stop by. Ok, see you soon."
When I raise an eyebrow at her she gives me a wink, "Emily is on her way over there to handle it."
My laughter startles Hallie, her little body jumping, but she thankfully doesn't start crying. I type out a quick response to Jacob.
Be nice, it's his first day away. I love you and I'll see you tonight. ~N
Just as I'm finishing up typing, I see Lillah attempting to take a picture of Hallie. "I can take the picture if you'd like."
She hands the phone over, "Embry will love you forever if you get me in the picture too. I'll just pretend you are just taking a picture of Hallie."
Lillah poses the baby and smiles sweetly as I snap the picture. When I hand the phone back to her she groans. "Everything ok?"
She presses a few buttons on her phone then smiles at me, "Yeah. I'm still not a big fan of pictures of myself. My baby girl looks adorable but all I see is a double chin."
"Are you kidding? Lillah, you look amazing. You just had a baby a week ago!"
"Embry says the same thing. I know it will take time, I just want to tone up. I feel so flabby. Embry doesn't want me running any time soon so I need to figure something out. I'm terrible at following those exercise DVD's, but I've considered it."
Remembering the conversation at dinner last night, I'm struck with an idea. I'm not sure how well it will be received by either person involved, but it's a start at least.
"What do you think of yoga or pilates?"
"I'd love to try, I've looked at a few DVD's, but some of those moves are pretty intimidating," Lillah sighs.
"I know of someone that is considering opening a yoga and pilates studio in Forks, but they are still working on getting money together. It's someone you know- so I'm not sure how interested you'd be."
"Who?" Lillah asks, the hesitation evident in her voice.
"Leah," I whisper.
Lillah is silent for a moment, her face clear of any expression. "Huh." She looks down at Hallie for a moment then smiles up at me, "You know, I've never considered what Leah does when she's not patrolling. I know she's close with the guys, and Embry mentioned she works at a bar, but I honestly never thought about her beyond that.
"What if my little girl ends up becoming a wolf?" I'm shocked by Lillah's change in subject, but she links it back to the topic at hand, "I'd hate for the imprints of her generation not to know what a wonderful woman she is, just because she's a wolf and not an imprint. It doesn't mean she isn't a woman."
"Thank you for the idea, Ness. I think reaching out to her like this might be the perfect opportunity to get to know her better." She gives me a hesitant smile, "If she's willing, would you consider joining? I think it might be nice if a couple of us worked with her, showed her we all support her in this endeavor."
"I- maybe. Depending on when she offers the class. If it's on the weekends I should be able to join during school."
"Oh my gosh, with everything else I forgot to ask what is going on with that. So you are still going?"
I can't hold back my smile as I nod, "That's the plan- and Jacob is going to join me during the week in Seattle. Then on the weekends we are going to come back here."
"That sounds wonderful, but what is Jacob going to do while you are in school?" she asks, clearly concerned.
"I don't know. He says not to worry, that he'll figure everything out." Shaking my head I turn to Lillah, "Should I be concerned?"
"If there is one thing I've learned through all of this, those guys will do anything for us. If Jacob says he'll figure it out, then I trust him. He knows school is important to you, so I have faith he'll make it work."
Even though Lillah's reassurance is similar to what my mom said, hearing it from another imprintee helps make me feel a bit better. Remembering another part of my conversation I bite my lip, unsure how to request Lillah's assistance.
"What?" she asks, obviously seeing my nervousness.
"Well, there's something I wanted to ask you. Mom is working on getting Jacob and I a place in Seattle- a place of our own near campus."
"Oh! Ness, so you guys are going to live together?"
Nodding slowly I'm surprised by the thrill this idea sends through me. In just a few weeks, Jacob and I will be living together. No more sneaking around trying to find time to be together around my father's rules. We'll be under the same roof, my wolf and I. I can't wait.
"That's very exciting!" Lillah is trying to hold still since Hallie has fallen back to sleep, but I can see her managing a little dancing around in her chair.
"It is," I agree, "but there's a problem. I have no idea what or how to cook for him. My mom has always cooked for me. I know the basics of cooking, but I have no clue about specifics. Would you mind- maybe giving me some pointers? Or teaching me some stuff you think he might like?"
"Of course! I'd love to teach you! In fact," she glances up at the clock, "Emily, Claire and Eli are coming over for lunch in about an hour, how about we start there?"
"Sure!" I bounce for her, my excitement bubbling over.
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"Ness, this tastes awesome. Aunt Lillah is an amazing teacher. She taught me how to make cookies for my Quily you know."
Ever since Claire arrived, she's been bouncing around, telling me all about what I've missed and asking me questions about Jacob and I. Ever since I told her Lillah showed me how to make lunch she hasn't stopped about how great it is. "Uncle Jake is going to love having you cook for him. My Quily asks me to make him cookies all the time now."
Emily shakes her head, "I think Uncle Sam asks for those cookies as much as Quil does, Claire."
"Yep, he likes them 'cause you and I make 'em together, Aunt Emmy. Just like Uncle Bry liked those cookie Aunt Lillah and I made. They like when we cook for them," Claire says with certainty.
"That's good to know," I giggle at Claire. "I have a lot to learn if I'm going to feed Jacob when we are away in Seattle."
Claire pouts for a second, "But you are coming back, right? You aren't leaving forever."
"We'll be here on the weekends as much as possible. Definitely for the bonfires."
"YAY!" Claire claps and Eli joins in, shouting along with her. Hallie attempts to twist her head away from Lillah to look for the source of the noise.
"It's just your cousins, baby," Lillah whispers as Hallie turns back to her.
"Well, I agree with Claire's assessment," Rachel grins, "my brother will be in good hands in Seattle. I'm still not happy you'll be leaving us, even during the week, but I guess I understand."
"I know, Rachel," I sigh, "but we'll be back, I promise. We can't miss Jacob's nieces or nephews joining the world."
"Don't forget, Ness, they are your nieces or nephews too," Rachel winks.
While I've always been close with this group, now that I truly know my place, I'm so happy to be among them. Knowing they consider me an equal and a part of their family makes me want to cry with joy. I manage only to nod at Rachel before she laughs and pulls me close.
"No tears," she whispers, "or you'll make Lillah and I cry. Then Emily will cry too just because she's a big ol' softy."
"I am not a softy," Emily laughs. "I got those boys under control earlier, didn't I?"
Rachel laughs, "Oh my God, what were they doing? Even Paul was texting me whining this morning."
"Sorry, my husband has separation issues," Lillah giggles.
"They all do," Emily snorts as she wipes Eli's face.
He jumps down and runs right over to Hallie, "Hi, Ha-ee. Iz Eie. I lub you." He gives her a quick kiss on the top of her head then turns to Claire, "Come on, Care, we play nows."
As the two of them exit the room I can't help melting at Eli, "Emily, he is the most precious thing ever."
"He loves his cousin Hallie. When we are at home he points to her picture and just starts going on and on. He thinks she's the coolest thing ever." Emily blushes a bit then turns to Lillah, "He asked me the other day if we could have a Hallie too."
"Oh no! Did Sam put him up to it?" Lillah asks, laughing through her shock.
"I don't know, but he's pushing for it too," Emily shakes her head.
"What?" I ask, confused.
"Sam has baby fever. He wants another one so bad," Emily grins, "not that I don't want another one, just not quite yet."
"Has Jacob gotten baby fever?" Rachel asks hesitantly.
Shaking my head I turn to her, "Not as far as I know. He said he wants to wait a couple of years."
"That makes sense. You guys are still so young, and have- well, forever, honestly," she laughs.
"Yeah, that's what he said too," I sigh, relieved to see she isn't upset.
Lillah giggles, "Maybe he'll catch baby fever when it's Claire and Quil's time."
Emily cringes, "Do not even joke about that. Sam is already freaking out about when those two really get serious. He is not ready to have Quil sharing Claire's bed. Honestly, I'm not either. I know he's going to fight it, but I think she needs to be eighteen before they- change their relationship."
"At least she knows," I whisper, "but I don't think it will be any easier for them. My birthday is in a month and it's killing me waiting to 'really' be with Jacob."
Emily nods, "I know, Ness. We'll have to play it by ear, but it's very hard to let go of the innocent little girl. She plays wedding every day. When Quil is there, he doesn't hesitate being her groom. We know he's meant for her and he would lay down his life for her, but she's practically my daughter. I hate what your parents did, but at the same time, I can completely understand their motivation."
"It's ok, Emily. I do understand. I can't imagine how hard it will be for you and Sam. I'll help if I can, when the time is right. Talk to Claire if you think it would do any good."
"Thanks, Ness," Emily smiles, "I might start taking you up on that. She adores you."
"The feeling is mutual, she's an awesome kid," I grin back at Emily. I really do feel for her and Sam, but at the same time, my heart aches at being separated from Jacob today. While sharing a bed for the past couple of nights has been amazing, I know we will be separated again at night soon. I dread trying to fall asleep without him holding me. Now that I've had that taste, it's so very hard to let go.
"Soon enough," Lillah pats my hand as she stands up, carrying Hallie back to her bedroom to sleep.
My phone beeps for the first time since we sat down for lunch. When I check it, my heart skips a beat.
I'm going to patrol with Embry, but I'll pick you up at 7. I miss you. I love you. ~J
Sighing happily I reply back.
K. Love you too. Be nice to Embry! ~N
"Text from the boyfriend?" Rachel asks, a grin on her face.
"Yep!"
She laughs, "Does he send you little love notes or tell you how horny he is?"
"Rachel!" Emily gasps.
"What?" she chokes out. "I'm just trying to gauge if my baby brother is a pansy-ass or a manly man."
"He sends very nice love notes," I whisper.
"Ugh. Pansy-ass. I should have known. This is Rebecca's doing. She was too nice to him. I told her we needed to toughen him up, but no, she babied him all along. I'm so disappointed in him."
Rachel gives me a wink and I know this is just the beginning of the uncomfortable conversations she's going to have with me. Somehow, I don't mind. The more I'm around Rachel, the more I like how outspoken she is. I could maybe learn a thing or two from her. Like how to get more of what I want from my wolf.
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A/N: Don't you just love quality imprint-bonding time. We sure do! Don't forget to hit that little review button! See you in 2 weeks!