Babies, Babies, Babies

Disclaimer: all characters and copyright belong to Stephanie Meyer.

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

Part Forty One

The sun was high in the sky and for once there were no clouds to obscure the view. Bella looked up at the heavens and smiled as she raised her arms up above her head. She loved feeling the heat of the sun on her skin, if she stayed outside for most of the day she would probably even get a few freckles. It was rare to get a whole day of sunshine but according to the weather report, hopes were high that it was going to be a glorious day. The azure sky made Bella feel hopeful, she hadn't felt that way in a long time. The constant stress of the last few weeks had worn her down, but there was no way she was going to let her anxieties weigh heavy on her shoulders on such a lovely day. Bella inhaled sharply and breathed in the fresh air, it filled her lungs and she stretched her arms up higher as she shook out her limbs.

"Hey, beautiful." Jacob's voice made her jump. She would never get used to how silently he could move. She didn't know he had been watching her for a while, enjoying the serenity that surrounded her and the red highlights glistening on her long, brown hair as the sun tinted it pretty colours. He slipped his arms around her waist and she leaned back against him. "It feels like nothing bad can happen on such a sunny day." He rested his chin on Bella's shoulder as she reached behind and combed her fingers through his short hair.

"And it won't." Bella stated firmly. "There is no way anything is going to spoil today."

Jacob chuckled at her enthusiasm. He spun her round so she was facing him. "I love you, Bella." He said huskily as he cupped her face in his warm hands and leaned down to kiss her. Bella smiled into the kiss as her arms wound around his neck and pulled him closer. She hung on as the kiss intensified and her legs became wobbly. She was breathing erratically when it was over. Her eyes glowed with passion as she stared up at Jacob. His heated stare was doing incredible things to her insides. How she wished they could have some interrupted time alone. But she was very aware that some of the pack were nearby watching over the house, and inside was Billy and the children. Her natural shyness overcame her as she sighed regretfully and reined herself in.

"This will be all over soon." Jacob kissed the tip of her nose affectionately. It was as if he could read her mind. "I'll make sure to build a massive room just for us." He teased her. "With a good lock of course so Jet can't toddle in. Although knowing how ingenious she is I am sure she will find a way around it." He laughed as he thought about his niece. The night before Jet had succeeded in her attempt to reach the biscuit jar. In the middle of the night while he was out patrolling and Bella was asleep, she had snuck out of her room, pushed the light stool across to the kitchen counter and managed to dip her hand in the jar. Jacob had come home to find a trail of crumbs leading back to the bedroom and when he followed them, he found Jet lying on her side with half a biscuit still clutched tightly in her fist as she slept.

"She is so darn clever." Bella smiled in amusement. "I didn't even hear her get up. Perhaps she has inherited your ability to sneak around undetected."

"Perhaps she has." Jacob laughed as Bella rolled her eyes at him. "She definitely has the Black genes; I was thinking how much she resembles mom." Jacob's expression became wistful as he thought about Sarah Black.

"I thought so too." Bella stroked his cheek softly. "I bet Sarah was just as clever too."

"Yeah." Jacob cleared his throat as he tried to banish the sad memories. He didn't want anything to take the shine off of the day. "Hey, I know how cooped up you've been feeling. I have a little time off today. Shall we take the kids and go for a walk or something. Enjoy this warm day. Who knows when we'll get another?"

Bella's face lit up at this idea. "You're on. Give me ten minutes and I'll chuck on some clothes and then we can be off." She winked at him as she hurried into the house. Jacob laughed, that was just one of the many things he loved about Bella, she didn't take an age to get ready like some girls. She was a natural beauty and didn't need to cake on tons of makeup to feel ready for the day. He followed her inside as he went to help get Jet and Marlon prepared for the impromptu outing.

Everyone seemed to be out and about as they enjoyed the heat from the sun. Bella had a thin tank top on paired with some jeans. She had tied her long hair up into a messy bun as Jet still had a tendency to tug on the ends if she had a chance. Jacob was carrying Jet in his arms while Bella pushed Marlon in his buggy. The little boy was fast asleep. He always seemed to drop off as soon his buggy moved. Bella smiled fondly down at him. He'd had a growth spurt recently; she kept meaning to take him to the local clinic to get weighed. As they strolled along they greeted people they knew. Of course Jacob was known by everyone, he was the Chief's son, but Bella had become quite well known by the locals too. Charlie was a popular figure in La Push and they all knew his daughter.

They reached the little play area without incident. Jacob pushed Jet on the baby swing while Bella sat down and stayed with Marlon. She waved at the little girl as Jet giggled enthusiastically. Her constant babbling was beginning to make much more sense and she cried out for Jake to push her up, up, up. She pointed her little hand toward the sky. Jacob obliged and Jet bounced up and down in the swing seat becoming overexcited. Other parents had brought their children so it was getting quite crowded. Bella made way for an elderly couple as they sat on the bench beside her and watched as their exuberant grandson raced up and down the bigger slide.

"You wait until your ones are older." The elderly woman fanned herself with a rolled up newspaper. "You won't have enough energy to keep up with them. But then you are young yourself." She looked pointedly at Marlon asleep in his buggy. "And who is the father of this little cherub." She eyed Bella's pale skin astutely. "He doesn't look much like you…."

Bella didn't know what to say. Thankfully she was saved from replying by Jet toddling over to her. She had got bored of the swing and now wanted Bella's attention. "Mom, mom." She held up her arms to be picked up. Bella pulled the little girl onto her lap and brushed Jet's long fringe out of her eyes.

"She yours too?" The old woman was astounded, and even more so when she saw Jacob flop down next to Bella and put his arm across her shoulders. "Jacob?" She looked askance between Jacob and Bella while nudging her husband pointedly in the side.

"Hello Mrs, Tailfeather, Mr, Tailfeather. How are you both?" Jacob greeted them as he pointedly drew Bella closer to his side.

"Hey, Jacob." The elderly man nodded politely at both Jacob and Bella while his wife studied them in bemusement.

"Are you together? Like a couple?" She asked curiously. She had heard Jet call Bella mom and knew that she wasn't Jacob's progeny. "Does your dad know?" She pursed her lips.

Jacob locked eyes with the older woman and nodded. "Of course. I would like to introduce you to my girlfriend, Bella Swan. These are Elise's grandparents and that little boy over there is Jimmy their other grandson." He waved at the little boy who seemed irritated that no one was watching his exploits on the slide.

"Hello." Bella slid further down in her seat. She now knew where Elise got her attitude from. Mrs, Tailfeather's lips narrowed even further. She gave one sharp nod and turned away.

"Can we go?" Some of the light had gone out of Bella's day now. Jacob stood up and held out his hand. Bella took it gratefully as he helped her to rise. He then scooped Jet up in his free arm while Bella pushed Marlon in his buggy. As they left Bella was certain that she could feel Elise's grandmother's eyes boring into her back.

"I'm sorry about them, Bells." Jacob sighed as he saw the crestfallen expression on Bella's face.

"It doesn't matter." Bella shook off her sad mood. She wasn't going to let a prejudiced old woman get her down on such a nice day. She smiled encouragingly up at Jacob. "I feel sorry for her, how awful to have such a small view of the world. I see why Elise is like she is."

"It's only Marie Tailfeather. She's the matriarch of the clan and has always been rather strict. Poor Ben, that's her husband, has always been a quiet soul and is such a nice guy."

"I suppose he must have seen something in Marie when they were younger. He did marry her after all." Bella mused as she looked back at the elderly couple.

"Maybe." Jacob tugged her closer and kissed the top of her head. They continued to walk slowly, just enjoying each other's company and the heat from the sun. Bella had indeed already produced some new freckles on her nose. Jacob grinned as he leaned down and kissed each one. "You are too cute." He teased.

Bella laughed which set Jet off. The little girl reached out for Bella and Jacob took over pushing Marlon as they strolled on. Soon they reached the Ateara's store. They saw Old Quil sitting outside, sunbathing. He had his eyes closed and his spectacles were falling off his nose as he snoozed in the warm rays. Jacob quickly hurried over to the old man and caught them before they hit the ground. Old Quil snorted a few times and suddenly woke up.

"Here you go." Jacob handed the spectacles back to the elder and Old Quil placed them back on his nose.

"Ah good to see you Jacob, and of course you too, Bella." Old Quil peered up at them both with his rheumy eyes. "These young scamps must be Jet and Marlon. Billy does nothing but talk about them." He smiled as Jet became excited at the sound of her name. "What it is to be young?" He continued.

"How are you, Quil?" Jacob hunkered down in front of the elder so they were on the same level.

"Getting old as always." Old Quil laughed throatily. "I thought I would sit out here and let my old bones soak up some of the sun." He tugged on his scraggly beard and motioned toward the shop. "If you go inside my daughter in law will pass you a box of groceries we've made up for you." He held up his hand when Jacob began to protest. "We all support each other in times of need. Go on inside, Jake. Bella will keep me company until you come out. Won't you dear?"

Bella adjusted Jet in her arms and nodded. It had been a long while since she had spoken to Old Quil alone. The last time had been briefly at the bonfire. She sat down on the ground next to him and set Jet free. The little girl began to skip around in a circle. Marlon was still fast asleep. Bella made sure he was in the shade before she turned her attention to the elder. Some instinct told her he had separated her and Jacob for a reason. The tired look had gone from his face and he was now studying her astutely.

"We are all very grateful for what you have done, my dear." Old Quil began. "To donate some of that money was quite something."

"It really wasn't from me." Bella flushed under his scrutiny. "It came from Esme Cullen."

"Ah, yes of course. But still it was given to you and you chose to pass the gesture of good will on." Old Quil leaned forward and adjusted his spectacles. "My grandson Quil has been telling me a few things about you Jacob." He revealed. His words took Bella by surprise and she gasped. "Oh nothing that most of us didn't already know. But my grandson can see into Jacob's head and he knows how much the imprinting issue has been worrying you and his friend. He also revealed a very interesting fact to me. Is it true that you believe that you have some kind of shield against the supernatural?"

Bella didn't know what to say. The elder had completely thrown her. She didn't know whether to be angry at Quil for telling his grandfather all this or not. "It was only a vague guess." She finally replied. "I don't know anymore."

"I don't mean to pry, Bella. Young Quil only told me those things because I dragged it out of him. You have to know we are all rooting for you and Jacob. You make Billy's son happy and you and Charlie have become a huge part of us all. We are all family here." He reached out and patted Bella's hand. "I think there is something in what you say about this shield and I have an idea of how we may be able to break through it or at least get you in a position where you can control it. Will you come see me later today?" He raised his greying eyebrows at her enquiringly.

Bella was completely intrigued. "Okay."

"Let's keep this between us for now. Don't want to raise young Jacob's hopes." Old Quil smiled secretively at her as Jacob came out of the store with the box of groceries.

"Thanks Quil. There is so much here. Are you sure?" Jacob checked. He was overcome with gratitude. Some of the items were not cheap. It would save on the food bills for at least a month.

"I told you we all do what we can. I know you can't access the money while certain things are going on." Old Quil settled back down again and closed his eyes. "Give my greetings to Billy and of course Charlie." He sighed in contentment as he lapped up the sun.

Jacob and Bella smiled at each other as she grabbed Jet's hand and pushed Marlon in his buggy, while Jacob held the heavy box of groceries in his arms. They slowly began to make their way back home.

A/N-thanks for reading!