Babies, Babies, Babies

Disclaimer: all characters and copyright belong to Stephanie Meyer.

A/N-thanks for the kind reviews, Nikki.

Part Fourteen

Jacob was glad that he was a fast runner; he didn't think his heart could take waiting too long to find out why Bella wanted to see him. The fact that she had chosen such a prominent place for their meeting had him worried. He guessed it was either make or break time. She was either going to tell him she couldn't continue seeing him anymore and break off all ties with him for good, or tell him what he really wanted to hear, that she had ended things with Cullen. He kept wavering between both scenarios, one moment tormenting himself with the thought of losing her and the next fighting elation that perhaps his waiting had finally paid off and she realised that he was the one who held the key to her heart. He reached the beach in record time and tore across the sand. He was thankful that it was deserted; he would have attracted a lot of unwanted attention by the desperate look on his face and the superhuman speed he was travelling.

It didn't take him long to reach the old bleached out log. It was hidden by some tall cliffs, on a more deserted part of the beach. That's why he and Bella loved it so much, it gave them an essence of privacy, a secluded place where they could talk and not be disturbed. Jacob slowed down when he caught sight of her and his heart began to pump madly in his chest. By her posture alone he assumed it wasn't hopeful news. She was leaning forward, her elbows resting on her knees as she stared out at the wild ocean. Her hair was done up in a loose ponytail and it whipped around in the strong breeze. Suddenly Jacob didn't want to be there, he wanted to run away, turn back the clock so he didn't have to face this, didn't have to hear her say goodbye. But like everything in his life it was too late, Bella had turned and seen him. Jacob avoided her eyes as he trudged to her side and sat down next to her.

"Thanks for coming to meet me." Bella pushed some stray strands of hair out of her face as she looked at him. She tried to see his eyes but he was deliberately looking away. "Jake, is something wrong?" She asked worriedly.

"You tell me." Jacob said sullenly. "You asked for this meeting."

Bella couldn't understand why he was being so standoffish. She sat up straighter and reached out for his hand. He allowed her to take it but his grip was loose. This was unlike him. Bella laced her fingers with his and placed their joined hands on her lap. "He wanted to impregnate me…" She blurted out.

Her words startled Jacob and pulled him out of his melancholy. Impregnate her? Had he heard her right? He finally dared to look at her face and he saw tears pooling in her eyes, she was upset, and he had been acting like an ass as he tried to protect his heart. Jacob felt like an idiot. His grip on her hand tightened. "What the hell, Bella?" He didn't know what else to say. He couldn't process what she had just said. The very idea was insane.

"Rose told me about Edward's grand plans for me. In order to sort out my nurturing instinct, he was going to inseminate me with a stranger's sperm so I could have the experience of becoming a mother before I turned…." Bella replied bitterly.

"He's mad." Jacob was aghast. "I am so sorry, honey." He slipped an arm around her shoulders and pulled her close to his side.

Bella buried her head in his side and began to sob. "He didn't come to me with his concerns, Jake. He went straight to Carlisle to cook up the insane scheme. It was only Rosalie looking out for my interests who came to tell me. There are no words for how betrayed and stupid I feel."

"Hey, you're not stupid, Bells." Jacob pressed his lips into her hair. "What do you intend to do about it?" He held his breath as he waited for her answer. Surely this had to be the catalyst for her to realise it was time to end things with Cullen? Jacob felt like his whole future hinged on her answer.

"I've already done it." Bella choked out. "I gave his ring to Rose and asked her to tell him goodbye."

Jacob's breath came out in a loud whoosh. It was done, what he had been dreaming about, hoping for, fighting for had happened. Bella had finally seen Edward Cullen for the cold, calculating leech he was and she had ended things between them. Bella Swan had chosen to live. Jacob was doing cartwheels in his head as his heart swelled in his chest. But outwardly he showed none of his elation. He knew Bella didn't want to see him celebrating. She had come to him as a friend and that's what he was determined to be. Later when she had time to process what had happened he would sit her down and talk about what was happening between them. So even though Jacob wanted to kiss Bella until she couldn't breathe, he held back and hugged her tightly instead as she grieved for the passing of her first intense relationship.

They stayed on the beach for a long time. They didn't speak much, Bella was lost in her own head and Jacob left her alone to process her feelings. After she had cried she seemed calmer, as if unleashing the tears had set her on the path to acceptance. So instead they strolled along hand in hand, walking near the surf. Anyone who looked at them assumed they were a couple and Jacob noticed the envious glances they attracted. Eventually they headed back toward his house. Jacob knew that his dad would be worried and he didn't want to keep Billy in suspense for too long and also there was the problem of what to do about his sisters.

Thankfully it seemed quiet when they entered the house. It was very late now, Jacob guessed that his father may have gone to bed, but he was wrong. Billy was sitting at the table whittling some wood. As soon as they entered Billy looked at his son enquiringly. Jacob nodded subtly and he saw the relieved light in his father's eyes. "Good to see you, Bella." Billy greeted her. "Take a seat."

"Thanks, Billy." Bella pulled out a chair and sat opposite the older man. The table was covered in scraps of wood. Billy must have been at his project for a long time considering how much mess there was. She looked at the small object he had in his hand. "What are you making?"

"Something for Jet, she like unicorns so I thought I'd make her a little charm." Billy showed her the dainty little horse like figure that was beginning to take shape. Bella loved it. She smiled at him as he began to work on it some more. "I was thinking of selling some of my work." Billy continued. "Bring in some extra money."

"I told you that before." Jacob called out from the kitchen where he was making up a snack for him and Bella.

"You've got talent, Billy." Bella said enviously.

"So has my boy, but he prefers engines." Billy gave a mock sigh.

"Each to his own." Jacob strode in, chewing on a sandwich. He passed one to Bella as he sat down next to her.

Billy chuckled. "I suppose."

They all sat in comfortable silence. Jacob and Bella ate while watching Billy work. They were interrupted by Rachel who came storming into the room. Her face was a mask of anger. "He's outside." She hissed. "Is he a freaking stalker?"

"Oh god, Paul." Jacob ran a hand over his face as he exchanged a dubious glance with his father and Bella. "He can't help it, Rach. It's the imprint; he just needs to know you're safe. He's not stalking you."

"This is a joke." Rachel complained as yanked at the ends of her long, silky hair. "I didn't ask for this."

"I didn't ask to turn into a hairy dog either but I've learned to adapt." Jacob interjected mildly.

"Vey funny." Rachel muttered sarcastically. "You told me that he'll do whatever I want, right?" She turned to Billy who appeared very uncomfortable. "Whatever makes me happy?"

"Within reason, Rachel." He replied.

"If I tell him to do one, he'll have to, right?" Rachel pressed.

"Rachel!" Billy reprimanded her. He put down his tools and glared at his strong headed daughter. "You are an imprint and you will behave as someone who is deserving of that title. This is not a game. You will show Paul respect, do you understand me?"

Rachel stared at her father. She had never heard him sound so commanding. She sat down in the spare chair. "I only came back to bring Becca here. I don't even like Lahote, I never have. He's a troublemaker. All I remember about him is that he used to mock me and Becca and pull my braids and my bra strap, the little…."

"Rach." Jacob looked at her sternly before she could go on. "Paul has changed since then. You don't know much about him. I didn't before I phased. But I've seen inside his head, I don't have much choice. He's not who you think he is. He is fiercely loyal, brave and underneath that cocky front he puts on is someone crying out to be loved for himself. He's had a shitty home life, his mom bailed years ago and you know his dad's handy with his fists. Cut him some slack."

Rachel fell silent as she took in what her brother had just revealed. Her hands twisted in her lap and she suddenly appeared younger than her years. Bella could see the uncertainty written in her face and although she would never normally speak up on Paul's behalf she felt she could give Rachel some much needed insight into the pack from a female perspective. "Can we talk?" She plucked up the courage to ask.

"Why would I talk to you?" Rachel snapped.

Jacob was about to scold his sister when Bella shook her head at him. He clamped his mouth shut and sat back. "Please." Bella tried again. "I might be able to help."

"Doubt that." Rachel mumbled, but she did get up out of her seat and head out toward the back door. "Not here, outside." She didn't bother to wait.

"Are you sure about this?" Jacob asked Bella in concern.

"I'll be fine." Bella patted him on the shoulder before she followed after an irate Rachel.

A/N-thanks for reading!