Well surprise guys. I had a day to myself today, and I decided to write another chapter since it was fresh in my head. I hope you guys are all enjoying the story so far and I appreciate the reviews I have gotten so far!!! My next chapter might be up tomorrow or not til next Thursday.

Anyways, the song in the story is called "I wonder" by Kellie Pickler. I love love love her music. She is amazing and hilarious to meet in person! She owns the song. Damn.

Once again, S. Meyer still owns the right to Edward and Bella. I'm keeping my fingers crossed that she'll sell me the rights and that pigs will learn to fly. But until then, Cowbella and Actward are mine. :) *snickers*

The heat from my face was scorching and my heart was pumping faster than a runaway train as the mystery man walked my way. I quickly dismounted off Buck and tried to hid behind Claire. As he was getting closer, I could hear the crunch of the gravel beneath his boots. When he finally approached my breath caught in my throat.

"Claire. Jared. How have you been?" He asked as he took off his hat. I made eye contact with his dark brown eyes. He had a warm, homey vibe coming from him. I felt relaxed and at ease.

"Jacob! What in greens earth are you doing here?!" Jared hollered.

"Just came up to visit some family and decided while I was in the neighborhood, I'd scope out the rodeo. See what beautiful girls they raise in the area." He winked at me. I tried to hide under my hat as I felt the heat in my face continue to grow.

"Well, how rude of us. Jacob, this is Bella Swan. Bella, meet Jacob Black." Claire waved her hand in-between us. I looked up and met his stare again. He reached out his hand and I reached out mine. Our hands connected and I felt the heat he was radiating out.

"Nice to meet you, Jacob."

"Pleasure is all mine Ms. Swan. But please, call me Jake." He smiled.

"Ok, Jake." I couldn't help but return the smile. I quickly retracted my hand from his grasp as I felt a nudge on my shoulder. Buck seemed to be getting jealous.

"I suppose we should leave you two to get to know each other a little better, Bella. Jake here works for the Smith's. He's the lead ranch hand and you'll be working with him when you get to Montana."

"Oh. Well then, Jake. The pleasure is all mine! I look forward to working with you!"

"I look forward to it, too" Jake smirked. He smirked at me. I felt giddy. Maybe my misfortune was turning around. I needed to call Lauren. I felt another nudge on my shoulder. Buck sighed.

"Um, I'm gonna go and untack Buck while I wait for the next games. I'll see you around guys." I quickly made my way up to the trailer and ran to the truck. I dug through my backpack and found my cell phone and punched out a text.

OMG! LAUREN! I hope ur not busy 2morro! WE NEED 2 TALK! ASAP! –B

I impatiently waited for a return text. Lauren, who is a texting whore, had a response in less than thirty seconds.

OMG! WHAT?! No plans 2morrow, just hangin wit ur bro. He he he! :D did u finally meet a boy!?- L

She was good. I laughed as I replied.

YES! Jake. Workin wit me new ranch. THANK U 4 APPLYIN 4 ME! Tell Ty hi & gross 4 hanging out. Talk soon. Luv u! – B

Once again, in less than a minute, a response.

OMG, B! No way! I cant wait to chat! Ill tell Ty. Miss u & luv u 2! –L

I tossed my cell back into my backpack. I looked at my watch and noticed I still had over an hour before they would even begin to set up for poles. Sighing, I pulled out my guitar. I walked back over to the horses and sat down on a hay bale. I plucked a few strings and tuned my guitar. Buck and Zubba both made soft whinnies.

"You guys wanna hear a new song I wrote? You have to promise you won't make fun of me. I worked on this all summer." They remained quiet. "Okay then. I wrote this for my mom. Or of what of part a mother she was. It's called 'I wonder'."

I took in a deep breath and started to strum on my guitar.

Sometimes I think about you

Wonder if you're out there somewhere thinking bout me

And would you even recognize

The woman that your little girl has grown up to be

Cause I look in the mirror and all I see

Are your brown eyes looking back at me

They're the only thing you ever gave to me at all

I kept strumming and poured my heart out as I sang. The words constricting my throat as the memories of a childhood I wish I had came flooding into my head.

Oh, I hear the weather's nice in California


There's sunny skies as far I can see


If you ever come back home to Carolina


I wonder what you'd say to me

I think about how it ain't fair


That you weren't there to braid my hair


Like mothers do


You weren't around to cheer me on

Help me dress for my high school prom

Like mothers do

Did you think I didn't need you here

To hold my hand

To dry my tears

Did you even miss me through the years at all

A picture of my mother and sister Jane flashed behind my eyelids as a single tear silently fell down my face.

Oh, I hear the weather's nice in California


There's sunny skies as far I can see

If you ever come back home to Carolina

I wonder what you'd say to me

Forgiveness is such a simple word

But it's so hard to do when you've been hurt

Oh, I hear the weather's nice in California

And just in case you're wondering about me

From now on I won't be in Carolina

Your little girl is off

Your little girl is off

Your little girl is off to Tennessee

"That was amazing, Bella." I heard a whisper. I gasped and whipped my head up to see Jake staring at me with an intense look.

"Oh. I didn't know I had an audience." As I wiped my eyes dry.

"I'm sorry. I didn't mean to eavesdrop. I was just walking by when I heard an angel's voice. I had to check it out. You're an amazing singer you know. Did you write that?"

"Um, yeah. I did." I didn't feel like talking to Jake now. I knew if he were to start asking questions now, the floodgates of my past would open up and I'd scare him off by crying my eyes out and screaming about how life was so unfair. I ran over to the truck and placed my guitar back. I turned around and caught Jacob's eyes on me.

"Are you going to be singing at the festival tonight?" I looked at him and noticed he was fidgeting. Why was he so nervous? If anyone should be nervous, it should be me. But for some reason, when he's around me, I'm not.

"Yeah, I am. Tradition I guess."

"Oh. Well…that's cool I suppose." Still fidgeting. Awkward silence followed. "A-a-a-are you gonna be playing the entire night?" he stuttered.

I giggled. "No, Jake. Just some songs here and there. Why?" I knew exactly where this was going. And I liked it.

"Well I was hoping that maybe we could, I don't know, maybe.. h-h-h-hang out?"

I couldn't help the giant laugh that came out of my mouth. I quickly covered my mouth with my hand, embarrassed. "I'm sorry, Jake. I don't mean to laugh. But why do you keep stuttering?"

"I.. uh.. I'm not sure. You make me nervous..and I'm not sure why, honestly. I guess I'd like to get to know such a pretty girl better."

"Well, Jake. I'd love to hang out tonight. But please, don't be nervous. I don't bite… hard." I winked. Lauren would be so proud as my frisky side came out to play.

As Jake was about to respond the announcer came over the loud speaker to announce that all of the women who competed in the barrel race needed to report to the arena for prizes. I looked over at Jake and he composed himself. He walked over to me, grabbed my hand and pulled me towards the crowd. I heard a loud shriek as I turned around and noticed Buck trying to follow me. I couldn't help but notice a certain look in his eyes as I walked away hand in hand with Jake, but I couldn't quite place what the look held.

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