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On to the story.

Chapter 23

JPOV

"You get the kids tomorrow?" Leah asks.

"Yes I do."

"Do you have everything for Billy's leg?"

"Yes I do."

"Jake, the house is on fire."

"Yes I know…wait what?" I look at her.

Leah giggles. "There you are."

"I'm sorry, I am just trying to figure all this out."

"What are you trying to figure out? Let me help." She tucks herself into me and folds her legs underneath herself.

"This whole… Edward… thing." I wave my hand.

"What's wrong, he seemed nice to me."

"Yeah," I sigh, "but I worry about Bella, falling for him."

"Jake you have to explain that, cuz that's sounds like you are still in love with her."

"No, Leah it's not like that. Bella and I have been friends since diapers, she is the mother of my sons, and we have been through a lot together. I just don't want to see her hurt. I have never seen her act like this. When I get the kids, on the weekends, now she is like… giddy. Its strange for her is all. Leah don't worry, I thought I was in love when I married her. I see now that I wasn't. I do love her I always will she is my best friend and the mother of my boys. I can't, not love her, but my feelings for you are much different."

"Have you spoken with her about it yet?"

"No, I thought about tomorrow for lunch I would with meet her."

"Sounds like a good plan." She smiles. "Call her quick before she goes to bed, and this way I can have your undivided attention for the movie."

I pick up my phone and go outside.

"Hey Jake"

"Hey Bells, I only have a minuet, I was just wondering if you would have lunch with me tomorrow."

"Uh yeah, is everything okay?"

"Yeah I think we just need to get together."

"Okay, see you then."

*The next day*

I walk in to the café and spot Bella instantly, she is on her phone.

"Oh Jakes here, I gatta go… Yep I'll see you tomorrow…bye." She looks at me. "Hey, Jake how's your week been?"

"Good." It's quiet while we decide what to order.

"How's Leah?"

"Oh she is great… How's Edward."

"Good, tired from work but good." She smiles. "Okay what's the problem Jake?"

"Well Bella, we haven't talked much as of late and I think we need to talk about you and Edward."

"Jake why are you still on this? I am not pissin with you about Leah."

"That's not it Bells. I don't want you hurt and according to the boys he will be helping you move into your new house, I didn't even know you got the loan. You don't talk to me anymore."

"Firstly, I'm sorry I forgot to tell you or I thought I already did, but Jake it would have been clear when I told you to pick the boys up there and not at my parent's place. I am not purposely hiding anything from you." She rests her hand on mine.

"Bella, we have been friends for as long as I can remember, we have been through hell and back together, we have two boys. I don't want Edward, and Leah for that matter, to come between us and I feel like that is what's happening." I know I sound like a moron but I had to say it.

"Oh Jake, that's not what I intended to happen I swear, I guess I never even saw it happening. I am so sorry; I will try to do better. I do need you to understand though I am with Edward, which means I won't be so dependant on you. We will always be friends. That will never change. You have always been good to me, I am so sorry I have done you wrong now." Her eyes start to water.

"Bella, don't cry." I move over to the other side of the table to hold her. "It will be okay, I think we just need to remember each other in this equation. We knew we would move on and it has happened, all I am saying is please for your sake, as well as the boy's sakes, just be careful. I'd hate to see you hurt."

"I will Jake; he really is a nice guy. We have so much in common, we want a lot of the same things, and he is such a gentleman, I'm talking opening doors and pulling out chairs the whole works." She smiles.

"Bella, you are a hopeless romantic," I laugh "and if he does that then I promise I will try harder. For you and the boys." I cup her face in my hands. "You guys are my world, but I have one condition."

"What's that?"

"You let me help with the house too, the boys said that you want a lot of stuff done and I know you will kill yourself with power tools." I laugh.

She playfully slaps me in the chest. "Jake I would love for you to come and help. Edward will be there so if you want you can bring Leah too, I think it would be good for all of us to do this together."

"Really?" she nods smiling, "oh Bells that's great." I hug her. "Have I told you lately how much I love you?" I am so excited that we could work though this.

"I love you too Jake." we hug each other; I am so relived that we have this all worked out, until I hear a voice behind me.

"That's good to know, Bella." We both look and there is Edward standing there with his arms crossed and a hurt look on his face.

SHIT

"Shit" Bella whispers and Edward walks away. "Edward wait, its not…" she stands to rush after him tears flowing.

"Bella I got this, drink your tea I will fix it." I get up and run out, I reach him just as he gets to his car.

"Edward, wait up man."

EPOV

What was I thinking? I can't do this. I should have known she still loves him, fuck sakes he has been with her for forever, he knows every little thing about her.

"Edward wait man." I hear from behind me. I don't want to stop but I do, please don't ask me why.

"Jake, what"

"It's not what you think."

"Right, sell stupid somewhere else. I know what I saw." Yes all politeness is out the window.

"If you knew than you wouldn't be leaving."

"Jake I just heard you both profess your love for each other." I motion to the restaurant with my hand.

That's the pull I had for this place. Ugh fate has a sick sense of humor.

"Edward it's not like that. The love we have for each other is not like what she has for you. You have brought the light back to her. She was ready to throw in the towel and was only going along with her friends. Then she met you and now she laughs, and giggles, and Bella doesn't giggle. You have done something man. Something I couldn't even do. Something James took from her. We are good friends but we are not distend soul mates. She is crying right now because of you being upset and walking away. If I walked away mad or upset like you, she would chase me down and yell at me for being an ass, or she would let me go and tell me I'm stupid later. Bella is usually a 'don't take no shit' kind of woman and you some how have found the kink in her armor, so to speak. Now if you had a lick of common sense you would go back in there and apologize because if not you will be throwing away one hell of woman." After he is done with his tirade I just look at him.

"Bella is crying,"

"Yeah when you came in we had just gottin done working through a problem and I was consoling her. Then she asked for Leah's presents along with mine while she works on her house. That is why I told her I loved her, and of course she loves me back; there is a lot of history. It's just not the kind of love you think it is."

"Does she love me?"

"That I can't tell you, only she can tell you what she is feeling. Piece of advice…I wouldn't rush her though. You have to go slow."

"Are we okay?" I gesture between me and him.

"Remember those are my boys, and she is the greatest thing you will EVER have, and we will get along fine." He smiles at me. I don't even wait anymore; I take off into the café.

"Bella, I am so sorry. I jumped to conclusions and I am so, so, sorry."

"Oh Edward," she sobs, "I didn't mean that I love him like that. He is Billy's father and my best friend, but I am not IN love with him."

"I know, Bella, I am so sorry. I promise I will do better if you will keep me."

"Oh Edward I don't want you to go anywhere."

"Okay then, I am here, until you tell me to leave. No more jumping to conclusions, and I will still be there tomorrow, if you want."

"Yes, yes please, I need you there." She nods with pleading eyes.

"Okay then, I'll walk you to your car."

After hugging her, I drop money on the table, walk her to her car, and head back to work myself.

*Saturday*

"Daddy, when is mom gonna to be here?" Amanda asks over my morning coffee.

Shit I forgot to talk to her. I sigh and walk over to her, dreading this conversation, she is always so let down when I have to do this.

"Uh…your mother…can't make it. She has a show in Paris. I'm sorry baby, I forgot to tell you."

"Dad does she even want me?"

"Baby, I'm sure she loves you. Work is just keeping her busy."

"Work always has her busy." She looks at her cereal and plays with the letters.

"She tries baby, I know its tough but when work slows down she will come for you."

"I don't want her too anymore. I want to stay with you all the time, you love me, please don't make me leave."

"I can't promise that sweetheart, why don't we just see how this works out."

"Fine, but I can go with you to Bella's new house right?"

"Absolutely" that seems to cheer her up.

"Will the boys be there?"

"I think so; Jake is coming so I'm sure he will bring the boys."

"When are we leaving?"

"As soon as you are done." I nod to her bowel.

"I'm done." She takes her bowel to the sink and heads to put on her shoes. When she is done she grabs her jacket. "Bye grandma and grandpa."

From the study they holler their good bye.

We get to Bella's house everyone is already there.

"Alice where is Bella?"

"Uh… her room, she is talking with Jake. I think she is in trouble again." She rolls her eyes.

I go straight to where Bella showed me her room would be. I hear them arguing.

"Bella you could have told me yesterday."

"Jake it really didn't cross my mind. Incase you didn't notice I have a lot of things going on."

"I know but Bella you could have called me I would have gottin them."

"I know Jake, but I knew you where not off yet and he was. I don't want to take you from work like that."

"Bella, damn it they are my boys. I will do anything."

"I know Jake, I was trying to be nice and let you work. Edward was already off and he wanted to help. Why are you having such a fit about this?"

"It's not a fit Bella. I should be considered before anyone else when it comes to my boys. I feel like you are shoving me out." All of a sudden the door opens and there is Jake face to face with me. "You need to remember what I said too, they are mine." I opened my mouth to defend myself when Bella took Jake's arm and made him face her.

"Jacob Black you are being the worlds biggest ass right now, it is not his fault I asked for his help. So help me god if you don't calm the fuck down and stop being a moron, I will slap you senseless. I told you Edward will be here to help me too and he was free when neither of us where. I did consider you, and I made the decision to have Edward get the boys. I thought being as you pay child support for two boys that you would want as many hours at work as possible. Billy and Seth don't doubt for a minuet that you love them. They like and trust Edward and you need to get used to that." There is a minuet of quiet and she raises her voice. "He is important!" Now I have no idea what that was supposed to mean but it brought Alice, Rosalie, and both the boys into the hall. All of them including Jake are looking at Bella with a look of shock on their faces. Bella just covers her mouth with her hand, like that wasn't supposed to come out.

"Mama, are you serious?" Seth asks.

"Uh boys go show Amanda the play area." She says as she looks at the floor and points.

"Bells," Jake looks at her. I am probably looking like an idiot cuz it's like some secret code was just spoken that stopped everyone in their tracks with just three words.

"Holy Shit!" Alice squeals.

Rose is just looking at me.

When I look at the guys I feel a little better. They look as lost as I do.

"Bella lets go for a walk, Edward, Leah watch the kids please." Whoa what the hell brought that change on?

"Sure, everything okay?" Leah asks from somewhere.

"Later Leah" he takes Bella's hand and she slowly but willingly goes with him. I step to follow but Rosalie steps in the way.

"You where asked to watch the boys, it would be best to do as you where asked and let them be in this situation. I think you owe her that."

What the hell. What are you people talking about I haven't done a thing. She is my girlfriend damn it and I need to be there for her.

"Edward, I think it would be best if you went to check on the kids" Alice smiles.

Okay this day has just turned into some kind fuckery. I think I am getting a headache.

I rub my head and walk to the playroom. When I walk in Amanda and the boys are sitting together whispering.

"Mama never says anyone is important other than Jake."

"What does that mean Seth?" Good girl Amanda.

"It means I think we might be family one day." Seth says "As long as your dad stays like this and don't hurt her. He makes my mom laugh, a lot, no one does that."

"Not even my dad." Billy adds.

Whoa, there is a possibility I can have her forever. I have to go find Jake and Bella.

I turn around, there is Rose she is looking at me with her arms crosses across her chest and eyebrows raised.

"You know fishing through the children, shows your desperation." She smiles.

"It's not like that. There where just talking."

"And you just happen to get useful information, right?" She wears a shit eating grin on her face.

"Where is Bella?"

"She will be back, right now I think you should do as you where asked and help with the kids. Jake can make your life hard as hell or as easy as pie. He loves those boys with his life and if you don't do as he asks then he will never trust you." She isn't rude, just putting it out there.

I sigh heavily, "What is the deal with them?"

"He is Bella's person, Bella does not trust easily. Why do you think she only has us? She has the few of us and she trusts us with her boys. Clearly you have become a part of that otherwise you would not have been allowed to have the boys the other day. Jake just needs more time. Bella will handle him, don't worry. A piece of advice, don't let Jake walk all over you though, but don't shove him out either. He is a good guy; he just loves them boys like Bella.

You have done right by Bella; you seem to be her prince, now I suggest you keep it up. If not she will be heartbroken and leave, then I will be forced to hurt you." She sighs sarcastically.

"Rosalie, I …"

"I know I see it. Now, show Bella you can't live with out her. When she says the phrase "I'm in love" you have her whole heart in every way possible, and I have yet to ever hear it. She will say I love him, but to Bella being IN love and loving someone are two different things. Bella is tired of being the strong one. She wants to be takin care of; she will fight every step of the way, that's who she is. You have to stand your ground when she gets feisty, and never walk away from her. She needs a constant reminder how much she is worth, and you can't just tell her you have to show her. You have to take the preverbal bullet for her and those boys. For the love of all that is holy do not try to interfere with her and Jake. She is not high maintenance in the sense of money, she is in the sense of time and effort, oh and sex. She may look sweet and innocent but she can be insatiable. You need to read her- not guess. If you can anticipate what she needs or wants, or what's wrong she will know you are to meant to be. She wants you to be the one, we can all see it. You just have to be able to do it, and if you do you will have the perfect woman trust me. She will give you all she has got and then some. She will take care of everything you need and be everything you want, you just have to do the same for her." Rosalie fills me in. "Oh and word to the wise, if you are going to eavesdrop you have to make sure you won't get caught." She chuckles.

"Aunt Rosie, Edward? What are you guys doing?"

"Well Edward was eavesdropping." A look comes across his face that makes me chuckle. "Me on the other hand, I was advising our friend Edward about your mom." She smiles.

"Aunt Rosie, he is important." He nods smiling like a Cheshire cat.

"Yes dear I know," she smirks back, "what do you think?" She nods in my direction.

"I'm okay with it." He smiles and cocks his head to the side nodding.

Rosalie looks at me, "you will find that Bella and Seth are two of a kind and Seth is extraordinarily smart for his age." She glances at a smiling Seth. "Don't get me wrong Bella loves the boys equally. However if you need help with figuring something out, that's the boy to go to." she point to Seth. "Just hope Bella doesn't find out and think you are using her son because she will tare your ass to shreds. Good luck." She pats my shoulder and walks away.

Holy crap, talk about information overload.

"Your doin fine, but I suggest you come in and start workin a little before mama comes back or she might just think somthins up." He walks into the room. "Here take this and start painting." He hands me a roller and points to the paint supplies.

"You guys want to help?" I hold up three brushes.

They all nod, take one and get to work beside me. We talk about everything that their little minds could come up with.

About half way though the room we hear Bella.

"Well look at you guys, workin hard." I turn and Bella is standing there smiling.

"Yeah, Edward put us to work. Isn't there laws against that mama?"

"No wait that's not…"

Bella just starts to laugh. "Seth, be nice. Edward, relax he is just being ornery."

I walk up to her "Are you okay?"

"Of course" She gives me the same duh look Amanda dose when I as a 'girlie question'.

"So what did Rose say to you?" That has loaded question written all over it. She just looks at me smiling and waiting for an answer.

There ya go a little insight to Bella and how she sees things. What do you think?