Bella knew that even the safety of her own home would not keep the boys at bay for long. She contemplated their course of action. If Emmett had his way, then they would arrive within the hour. Jaz, on the other hand, would let her sit and stew before springing a well laid trap possibly days or weeks from now.
Deciding there was nothing she could prepare for if it was Jaz, she turned her attention to Emmett. With a large smile on her face, she sprinted to the kitchen. Turning the sink on to hot, she pulled a large knife from the butcher's block. After testing the still cool water, she then walked to the freezer and retrieved the large double chocolate ice cream cake from within and placed it on the counter.
With the water now scorching, she held the knife blade beneath the water. Several minutes later she turned back to the cake. Carving two large slices, she placed each one onto separate glass dessert plates. Returning the cake back to the freezer and the dirty knife in the sink, she picked up both dishes. Grabbing a pair of spoons on the way out she retreated to the living room to wait.
Just as suspected, the door bell rang. With one bowl and spoon in hand, she answered the door. "Em! Jaz! I was just about to sit down for some ice cream cake. Want to join me?" Innocently she held up the bowl.
Both males were riveted on the food. "Hell yes we would." Em responded before wrenching the dessert from her grasp.
Squashing a smile, she stepped back and opened the door wider. "Come on in. Jaz there's another bowl right there. I'll just have to cut Charlie and I another piece."
She directed them to the couch before turning to the kitchen.
"Is Charlie home Bells?" called Jaz.
"Not yet but he should be in a bit." She slapped her forehead. Dinner! Slowly she reentered the living room. "Hey I completely forgot. Thursday we usually eat dinner down at the diner. Want to join us?"
"Sure."
"Why not?"
"Okay. You two finish up the cake and then we'll head down there. That way we can have a table when Charlie arrives."
The pair quickly demolished the cake. After cleaning up, the trio climbed into the blazer.
"Let's ROCK!" yelled Emmett as he cranked the stereo up. Bass pounding, they traveled through the town. The few people they passed turned and stared at the noise.
Bella shook her head. Forks really would never be the same. Pulling into the diner, she watched as everyone turned to look at them through the windows. She glanced at Em and Jaz. "Cowboy up boys!"
She shut the vehicle off waiting for the boys to get out before releasing the bags. Stepping out quickly, she shut the door and strode to the diner's door, Jaz and Em in tow. Once again the few diners already present were staring shamelessly at them and the blazer.
They were quickly seated in Charlie's usual booth. While they waited, they discussed Emmett's plans for the garage.
"Overall Em, what is the time frame we're looking at?" Bella asked.
"It really depends on the contractor. I've got very minimal changes to the garage section. Mostly just a couple hydraulic lifts along with storage and shelving. It's the housing portion that is going to take the longest."
Jaz gave Em a searching look. "Em. I've been thinking about that. There's more than enough room at the studio for both us along with any guests we have. Then you'll just need the bare minimum done upstairs."
"Alright. I'm down with that." Em turned back to Bella. "If we can get the contractor in asap, then we should have it ready in a couple of months. Also, I'm thinking we should go ahead and build a few more storage garages. By keeping the majority of the vehicles in them, it will help to minimize unnecessary questions and unwanted attention."
Bella and Jaz both agreed with his logic. Several more minutes were spent finalizing the construction plans as well as the upcoming album.
The appearance of both Molly and Charlie at the table halted the discussion. "Charlie, my man!" Emmett's voice boomed. "Glad to see you!"
Both Bella and Jaz snickered at the slight reddening of Charlie's cheeks. Waving her father to his chair, she asked the group, "Is everyone ready to order?"
The next few minutes were filled by the group giving Molly their order for the evening. Charlie addressed the others after she left. "I noticed you three in quite the discussion when I arrived. Care to share with the old guy?"
Bella snickered. "Nothing much Dad. We were just making plans for the garage and album. Do you know of any good trustworthy contractors in the area?"
Leaning back in his chair, Charlie contemplated the question. "I believe Swanson's Contracting would be your best bet. Gabe is an old friend and knows what's good for business."
"Thanks Dad." Bella looked at Emmett. "Why don't you contact them tomorrow and arrange an appointment?"
"Sure."
The arrival of their food halted any further conversation. Pushing his empty plate away, Emmett leaned back against the booth's back. "Nothing better than a good meal." He gave his abdomen a pat. The others laughed but agreed. For the next several minutes the group sat talking.
Spotting the waitress, Jasper waved her over. Before anybody could stop him, he passed over his credit card. While the other three started to raise a fuss, he just gave Molly a wink and waved her off. Glaring at Emmett, he spoke to Charlie. "Please don't worry about it Charlie. I'm sure our appearances here in Forks," he motioned to the three of them, "along with our future guests' will cause you plenty of troubles in the near future. I know I speak for Emmett also when I say that I thoroughly enjoy these 'family' nights with you and Bells and I sincerely hope for more in the future."
His quiet words stunned Charlie. "Thank you Jasper and I look forward to more as well." His gruff words revealing how touched he was.
Molly's return to the table broke up the touchy feeling moment. Both Emmett and Bella gave a sigh of relief. "Ready to go guys?" She asked.
Three "yes's" rang out and they exited the dinner. Charlie simply shook his head as he watched Bella raise her car from the ground before the boys could get inside. In his cruiser he followed his daughter's blazer through the town toward their home, his mind racing at all the unexpected hurdles she had thrown in his life since her arrival. He knew there were more to come and was secretly looking forward to the shake up the small town of Forks would be receiving.
At the house Bella, Emmett, and Jaz tumbled from the blazer. Giving Bella a high five and Charlie a wave, Emmett ran to the fat boy and began tugging on his helmet.
Jaz followed at a more sedate pace. He shook hands with Charlie before turning to Bella. Like a snake, he snatched her into a tight hug. He nuzzled her neck before whispering in her ear. "Don't think I've forgotten about earlier darlin'. There will be repercussions. You can count on it." Sensuously he nibbled her neck and ear before releasing her with a sly grin.
With large eyes Bella watched the Texan walk to his street bike and straddle it. Finally Charlie's word broke through her fog, "Bells? What was that?"
Shaking her head she walked past him towards the house. "That was the gauntlet being thrown." Mentally she questioned his actions as well as her bodily reactions