DISCLAIMER: Stephenie Meyers owns these characters. We've only borrowed them for this story.
Chapter 9
Bella's POV
"Jake. Come over here…sit. Tell me what's up." I sat on a large downed tree trunk, and he sat next to me on the ground. "I wanted to discuss something with you. It's about me and Nessie. Something I've been thinking a long time about. I have to go back to LaPush. The pack needs me, my dad needs me. I have been with your family for the last 10 years. Now I need to be with mine and Nessie is a part of that. I love Nessie and want to be with her always." He hesitated and reached into his pocket. "I might as well, just show you."
Then he pulled out a box and opened it. Inside the velvet cushion was a ring. A beautiful square shaped stone with rounded edges set in an antique setting. I was stunned. I think my mouth was gaping open until he spoke.
"Bella, this is why I asked you to use your shield lately when we were around Edward. I needed think about how to do this. I didn't want anything to confuse my decision.." If could cry I would have, I was overtaken by so many different emotions all at once. "Oh Jacob, it's beautiful." I looked at the one that I was wearing, the one that had belong to Edward's mom, picturing my daughter with one of her own.
"Of course, it is nothing compared to yours, but…" I stopped him mid-sentence
"Jacob that's not what's important. What's important is how you feel."
"I've been thinking about this for a long time. This is no longer a friendship, it has become so much more than that. And as much as I would hate to separate your family, I know now what I need to do. And since there is no longer a worry with the pack, your kind is now welcome in LaPush. So now by our laws, we can get married."
"Jake, I don't know how long I can keep this from Edward. There will be lots of yelling. If there was ever a need for a truce, now is the time." And I laughed.
"Please Bells, this has to be between you and me for now. At least until we return from our trip. We need to be sure the timing is just right to tell him." Then we both heard rustling and smelled a familiar scent. Nessie. I turned in that direction…and saw a flash of color and then it was gone. Had she overheard?
"Oh no!" I looked at Jake. "We should go back to the house."
"Damn it!" he stood up. "I wonder how much she heard? I really wanted make it perfect and set up the right moment to ask her." He paused and put his head down and laughed under his breath. "You know, it's funny. A long time ago I thought it would be you I was giving this to. But now with Renesmee, all that seems like ancient history. You and I are exactly where we should be." I hugged him tightly.
"I know. Isn't it wonderful? I couldn't be happier for you. I know Nessie loves you as much as you love her."
"I don't want you to think I don't respect and want Edward's consent. I know I should speak to him too, before I propose, but I wanted to tell you first. This is a big step for all of us. And given our history, I thought it would the right thing to do. You're still my best friend. Hey, maybe the whole family can move back to Forks now or somewhere nearby. Enough time has passed don't you think?"
"I understand Jake, but let's take this one step at a time ok? We'd better go and see how much she heard."