~Here we are. The Animals/Humans saga is winding down. This just might be my most favorite Jacob/Bella that I've written. I used to get a little discouraged, not as many people gave the story a chance because of the vamp/wolf pairing originally, but I guess it's their loss. I loved where these two ended up and all that they went through to get here. There's a treat for all of you loyal followers. You know how these two started up, so of course, I included a little zesty something between your favorite pair. ;)

Chapter 24: Human Living and Loving

"Who's ready to meet this little girl?" Bella gently squeezed Jacob's hand as Abigail was about to cut the circulation off her other hand.

She screamed out. "Get this thing out of me! I didn't think it was going to hurt this much if I had drugs."

The doctor tried to calm her some. Childbirth was never guaranteed to be pain-free from start to finish no matter what. She had a pretty lengthy labor, but the epidural worked nicely for the most part. At least, she was willing to let them both be in there the entire time. Abby worried about Jacob seeing her lady parts in the worst possible situation, but he assured her he would find any other spot in the room to look at besides that.

A few more minutes elapsed and the doctor insisted one more push, Abby screamed at him again and said he said that the last time but this time he was right. They already had the whole room set up for optimal bonding. Bella had a private area on the other side of the curtain to take Lily as soon as she was born. The doctor lifted her up and allowed Bella to cut the cord. The nurse then took her to the isolette on their side of the room and cleaned the baby up. After a quick check and a weigh in, the newborn was handed to Bella in a recliner. She'd already sorted it all out with the social worker. They were going to put the baby skin to skin with her. She had asked more than once if Abby wanted to do those things and she declined all of it.

Jacob had a seat next to her. They were both in awe of their beautiful new daughter. Bella had almost weaned Brooklyn so she made the decision to go ahead and breastfeed the new baby. It wasn't out of the question for adoptive mothers to try and the pediatrician told her she shouldn't have any problems getting her production where it needed to be for a newborn, since her body was already producing. It seemed so much like the birth of their other children other than experiencing the pain and being exhausted. The sheer magnitude and outpouring of love was exactly the same. Bella and Jacob spent almost an hour bonding with her until the nurse said they would be heading to the nursery for a quick check-up and a bath. They would be following her down. Abby had been attended to and was about to be moved to a postpartum room. If Bella heard everything being said on Abby's side, then she must have listened to her and Jacob through the curtain. They had to pass her bed to get to the door, so she thought it was only right to give her one more chance to see her daughter.

She asked if they could have a few more minutes. Bella left Jacob holding Lily so she could venture around the curtain. Abby looked exhausted but pretty good considering.

"Abby, we're about to go to the nursery. Are you sure you don't want to see the baby?"

"She's really healthy and a good size too, almost eight pounds. The nurse told me. What about the set of lungs on her?"

"Yes, she's perfect. I think you should see her, maybe hold her at least once. Would it be okay if Jake brings her over?"

She was quiet and hesitant. Bella wasn't going to force it. She had no idea what all was going through her mind. Eventually, her head nodded. "Okay, just a peek."

Jacob walked around the corner with the swaddled newborn. Abby stopped him before he got too close. "I'm not going to hold her. I don't want to confuse her. You've already established the connection. Just let me see her face, so I can remember." Bella pulled the blanket down a little further. They all saw the resemblance. "She's going to look like him."

"I know, I thought that from the second I saw her."

Abby wiped a few tears from her eyes. "I hope she has his wavy hair. That would be so pretty." She leaned up. Bella thought she might change her mind about holding Lily but she placed one tender kiss to her cheek. "I love you. I'm sorry little baby." She made a few hand motions after that meaning she couldn't do anymore. Jacob and Bella put the baby in the bassinet and followed the nurse out the door. Bella was pretty sure that was the last time she'd ever see her daughter's birth mother.

They paid her medical expenses and she suspected Jacob gave her some extra funds. Abby wanted to leave town as soon as possible. Some guy she knew had offered to take her to Portland. Who knew where she'd really end up. They both stayed in the hospital overnight. Lily was born in the very early morning hours, so they were able to leave the next day. The new family was reunited at their new home. Jacob found a small cottage not too far from Charlie's. It was way too small for them, but construction was already under way for two more bedrooms, an expanded kitchen and a living quarters for Billy. The add-ons should be completed by the time Lily was three months. The other two kids were doubled up, the baby was in Jacob and Bella's room. The spare room was functioning as an office. He promised to make the changes she wanted over time until Bella felt like they had their dream home again.

"I'm with you and my children. It's already a dream come true."

The days progressed, weeks flew by. Before they knew it, months passed, and the house was finished for the time being. All three kids were getting along great. Lily was a huge blessing. She loved watching her brother and sister at play. Bella watched her smile, coo and kick her feet from her bouncy seat while she cooked dinner. Billy wheeled in after catching the aromas from the stew.

He chuckled. "This one can't wait to get down and play with those two."

"I know. She's in her favorite spot."

Billy turned around and moved back towards the table. Bella fixed him something to drink. She really enjoyed having him around all the time and the kids were reaping the benefits of a live in grandparent. Also, her father was close enough that he could come and get him anytime whenever he needed a break from the chaos. "Thanks, daughter. You know, I might have said this before. I'm getting old, so I don't remember but I need to say it again. You did a really good thing coming back to my son, where you belong. These children and the constant smile on your lips are the proof. Can't fight destiny."

She wrapped her arms around him from behind and kissed his cheek. "More like, he did a good thing putting up with me, not taking anymore shit from me and making me realize he's all I ever needed or wanted. I'd be nothing without Jake. I remember the way it felt to be separated from him very well. I purposely retrieve the memory sometimes, so I can clearly see how much better this life is than the one I mistakenly chose at first."

She was pulled out of her sentimental reflections by Jacob's loud booming bass when he barged inside. "Bells. Where are you?"

"In the kitchen. Where else? It's 5 o'clock."

He greeted them again. "Oh hey kiddies, hi Dad." Tiki started barking and ran into the kitchen followed by AJ, with Brooke trailing up the rear.

"Daddy's home!" was what they chanted. Although, Brooke's version was always a little less clear.

"Da, Da."

Lily noticed almost immediately she was all alone in the living room so she started to fuss.

"Hold on, Little Flower. I'm coming." Jacob headed to the bouncy chair.

Once he had all three children clinging to him in one way or another, she asked what was all the shouting about? He usually came indoors a little quieter in case someone was napping.

"Because you and I are going out."

"What? When? Not tonight."

Jacob took Lily to his father and got the other two to release him long enough that he could pull her away from the stove. He picked her up and spun her around. He ended the circular journey with a sexy kiss. Bella blushed.

"Jake, your dad."

"Knows we're crazy about each other, he's used to it."

"I, sure am," Billy added.

"But I already cooked."

"Good, Dad and the kids will enjoy it."

"We don't have a sitter. I can't expect Billy to watch all three of them. They need baths and I need to feed Lily."

"All covered. Sue's on the way over." She was completely flustered. Date nights were usually planned weeks in advance. They hadn't been out in ages and he knew she was all about having a detailed plan and being organized. Jake threw her for a loop setting it all up as a surprise. He told her to get dressed up, that he'd pack up the kids while she was in the shower.

"Pack for what? I thought Sue was coming?"

"They're all going to spend the night at Grandad's, including the old man. We'll have the house to ourselves," he lowered his voice and whispered in her ear. "Dress sexy, 'kay?"

"The baby, she's too little. We never left AJ or Brooke so soon." Jacob reminded her that she'd been sleeping all night for two weeks straight and they were planning on moving her to Brooke's new room any day. Every obstacle she brought up, he had a solution to. Finally, she conceded. He was going to have his way no matter what. Come to think of it, that wasn't such a bad thing. She kinda liked when he was in control, but she didn't want to give him the big head. Bella insisted on sitting down to nurse the baby while Jacob fed the children what she cooked. He got busy with that and cleaning up the kitchen. Sue and her dad showed up a few minutes later. She was quickly becoming excited at the possibilities, but she was nervous about being away from the kids for so long. Bella hadn't wanted them out of her sight since the abduction. Sometimes, AJ had nightmares, and they wondered if it was related to the phase or the trauma from her missing for weeks. He was getting better but she was still worried.

"If we need you guys, I'll call, Bells. You deserve some couple time," Charlie cleared his throat like he was embarrassed, "or whatever Jake said earlier when he pleaded with us to attempt this."

He and Billy had a big laugh at her expense. She knew he was teasing her. Jacob came back with a bag on his shoulder and a diaper bag in his other hand.

Bella talked to their son about how he was to behave and being a big helper. She kissed and hugged all three of them. Alexander wrapped his arms around her neck a second time and proceeded to give her a million kisses. Jacob finally broke it up. "Alright, that's enough, they're coming back in the morning, not next year. Go Bells, shower, we have reservations. I'll help get them all in the car."

Bella stepped out of the shower wrapped in a plush towel only to meet with hot naked Quileute. He grabbed her and pulled her flush against him.

"I thought you said we had reservations?"

Jacob hushed her up with his hot, hungry mouth. He gave her one more smack before agreeing. "We do, but I still had time for that. I'll be quick. Remember, the sexier the better."

She had something in mind already. It should be perfect especially since he'd never seen the black dress before.

She grabbed her dress out of the closet so she could slip it on in the bedroom. She kinda wanted to make an entrance to give him the full effect. She grabbed a black lace thong, the dress had enough support she could go braless and since most of her back was exposed, it was sorta necessary. She wanted to feel sexy dressed or undressed. Jacob had already turned off the shower so she knew she needed to speed up if she wanted to get her hair and makeup just right.

She hesitated before going back inside the bathroom. "Hey, can you stay in the closet a few more minutes. I'm not ready for me to see me just yet."

"Really, Bells?"

She giggled, "Yes, really."

He mumbled, she was acting like it was a first date or something, when they'd been on hundreds of dates.

"Humor me, I'm trying to keep things fresh."

The house already had a great master suite. That was the attraction in the first place even though it was too small everywhere else. Jacob would have plenty of space in the closet. He did ask through the door if she could give him a hint so he knew which slacks to slip on.

"I'm in all black, of course."

He whistled loudly and told her that was perfect. Bella went into fast motion. She pulled her damp hair up to start her makeup first. She made her eyes dramatic and smokey even though he liked her just fine without a bit of makeup. It was nice to do glam on special occasions. She had to admit, he probably hadn't seen her out of her jeans or yoga capris in months. She was usually herding toddlers or taking care of an infant so there hadn't been much time to be glamorous.

"Bells, can I please come of the closet?"

She giggled at how funny that question was, "Yes, but don't judge me yet. I still need to finish my hair."

He opened the door looking like he'd stepped off the pages of GQ magazine. Hot damn, he was sexy. He was dressed in his black slacks, a button down, crisp white shirt and his black sports coat. He had the perfect amount of buttons opened. Her eyes roamed his body. He was doing something similar to her.

Jacob took three strides across the floor. "What the hell? You've been holding out on me, Bells. Turn around."

She spun with a little flare so he'd get a glimpse at the total package. He reached out to stroke the exposed skin of her backless dress. "I said sexy, I didn't realize you had a 'fuck me now' dress hidden away. Where'd this come from?"

Bella admitted the last time she was out with Rose and Alice, primarily shopping for kids' clothes because all three of them were growing out of everything, they detoured into a favorite boutique of Alice's. "She said I needed a me purchase."

"Yeah, occasionally the little pixie isn't annoying. I approve. You look so fucking great, but we are running out of time. Our reservation's in less than an hour and it's a little bit of a drive."

Jacob said he'd head out to the car so he wouldn't be tempted to unzip that black dress and stay home. She asked, "hair up or down?"

"Up, so I can look at that sexy back of yours all night."

"Is it too short? I told Alice it's a little tight and short."

He stood behind her. She watched him in the mirror. He brushed his lips over her mark and ran his hands down her hips to the hem of the dress, then back up underneath the fabric. She felt fingers exploring the swell of her ass like they were seeking something.

"Fuck, baby. Where are your panties?"

She breathed out like a throaty moan, "It's a thong." He pulled her into his body hard so there was no doubt he was already well on his way to being turned on.

"I'm going to have a helluva time being having myself at this fancy restaurant I booked."

Bella turned around to face him, "Don't restrain yourself too much. We can be sneaky, I bet."

Everything about their date and dinner was perfect. They had succulent selections off the menu. Jacob insisted on a decadent dessert. They rarely took their hands off each other. He also pulled her out to a small dance floor where they shared a sensual dance together like they were all alone. Technically, they were the only ones dancing at the moment, but other patrons were enjoying their meals.

Bella looked around as they walked the parking lot. "It's pretty private back out here where we parked, isn't it?"

He eyed her suspiciously. "Yep, it sure is. Are you thinking what I'm thinking?"

Call her crazy. They had a house to themselves for the whole night, but she didn't want to wait another second. They'd been wound up in a tight ball of sexual needs and wants all evening. Why not get started right then? Her SUV had dark windows. They picked up the pace. Jacob held onto her so she was confident she wouldn't trip in her high heels. He opened the backdoor instead of the passenger one. They both dove in ready to go wild in the backseat. They hadn't done anything like this in years.

He was all over her in an instant. "I've been thinking of this all night." His hand slid between her thighs. Jacob touched the lace of her barely there panties. She reminded him they were expensive, so he looped his finger on the elastic at the hip and quickly slipped them off her. He brought the fabric to his nose. "Um, you were thinking the same thing, I think."

"What do you think? I'm with a sexy beast. Of course, I was." Not much else was spoken. The inside of the car echoed sounds of hot, heavy breaths and zippers. They weren't getting fully naked just in case they needed to cover up quick, but they needed access to certain body parts. That was extremely necessary. Bella made him happy really quick. She popped her lips as she broke the seal, he growled his approval. She ran her nose up the front of his shirt. She'd already unbuttoned a few more buttons so she could rub all over that delicious chest. Her lips nipped at the caramel skin in front of her mouth. The next few minutes were spent in deep exploration of his mouth... the feel and taste she loved so much. Bella was lifted up and placed directly over Jake's bare lap. She was facing forward, so she held onto the seat in front of her. He had her dress off her shoulders and also hiked up to her waist. She coated him with her excitement, lifted her hips up and sunk straight down to impale herself on his shaft. One giant hand palmed her full breast as he sucked his mark on her shoulder.

She shuddered as all the sensations hit her at once. "Umm, Jake... more, that feels so good." He grasped her hips and helped her bounce up and down a little harder. He was hitting all the right spots inside her. They found their rhythm and he assured her no one was anywhere near her car. After a few minutes doing what they did best together. She felt him slow down a bit and she was almost there. Bella didn't know what he was up to until she heard the buzz.

The buzz made it directly to her clit and she jumped from the shock. She briefly froze but he encouraged her to keep moving. "Don't stop, baby. I'm going to bring you over the edge."

She couldn't hide her amusement right in the middle of their activities, "You seriously brought a sex toy on our date?"

"Yeah, just a little one. You want me to put it up?" He pulled it away for a second.

"No, don't you dare. I like your ingenuity, husband. More, please. Show me what you got."

He reminded her that he most definitely knew what she liked so the toy remained. He continued to put it to good use. Bella shut up and enjoyed what he was doing to her because she couldn't talk anymore even if she wanted to. The experimentation went on a few more minutes until Bella couldn't take it any longer. The vibrations, the hard flesh stroking her internal walls over and over, made her explode all at once like a rocket launched into space.

She screamed, cursed and rode out her high as he pumped into her mercilessly. His release came in hot spurts inside her seconds later. The two of them stayed connected for several minutes. Bella fell back into him a little more and Jacob sat up so he could hold her tighter. Heavy breathing and rapid heartbeats slowed in perfect synchronicity.

"Holy hell, Black. You never cease to amaze me. You know that?"

He chuckled at her assessment. "Same, that was fuckhot." She reluctantly climbed off his lap. Bella did the honors of wiping him up with some tissue she had in the back for the kids. She tucked him safe and sound back in his pants. She patted over his bulge. "I'll see you again very soon." He helped her zip back up but never gave her panties back. Jacob couldn't climb over like she could. He had to step out and walk around to get in the driver's seat.

As soon as they got situated, she panicked, "Oh my gosh, I just remembered. Paul, Quil and Seth are taking all the boys fishing in couple of days. You have to scrub down the seats. I'll be so embarrassed."

"Will do, babe. I'll detail it tomorrow. They drove home as quickly as they could. The car sex was a taste of what was to come. They managed to calm their cravings a little with that appetizer, but as soon as she saw the empty house, she was more than ready to go again.

He picked her up and ran as soon as she stepped out of her SUV. The door was slammed and locked behind them. They both checked messages before they got home and all three kids were sleeping soundly. It was just the two of them for the next 10 to 12 hours. Foreplay consisted of stripping each other down as quickly as possible, so Jacob could be buried into her wet heat without any hesitation. Round two started off just as frenzied and passionate as the car but after Bella's initial orgasm, they slowed it back down. Her husband made slow, deliberate love to her for an undetermined length of time. Everything in the world ceased when they were joined together. She soaked up his heat, felt his strength and determination in how he expressed his love for her. They were still just Jake and Bells: best of friends, passionate lovers, man and wife, parents to three beautiful children. They shared everything and still let each other be true to their own identities.

She never wanted moments like this to end, but with Jacob, there was always the promise of another just as memorable occasion. Their bodies stilled after mutual pleasure was sustained at the same time. He kissed over her hair and she thanked him over and over for making the night possible.

"We should do this once a month to reconnect."

"My poor dad, are you sure we can do that?"

"Yes, or we'll use the pack. We'll return the favor too. It's what friends are for."

She thought about their pack. Everyone was settled in a good way. She was even happy to hear, the werewolves were enjoying their new space near the Cullen's house. Embry had gotten his prosthetic leg and was walking with ease. The biggest thing in his life was no longer his disability but was that Samantha was pregnant for the first time. Quil offered to work with him if he wanted to phase again. He blurted out three legged dogs were pretty damn efficient. To an outsider, he might have sounded insensitive, but to all of them he was just being Quil. In the end, Embry felt content to let the wolf lie dormant. He eventually agreed, his wolf was always a part of him, but was settled in his new role.

Jacob held her against him. She was tired but didn't want to stop their conversation. They didn't have enough quiet moments.

"Paul, Seth and Quil are thinking of taking the steps to quit phasing in the near future. I've been meaning to talk to you about it." She wasn't completely surprised by that, but Jacob seemed a little conflicted. "We won't be the same without them, but I understand. I was at that point. It seems like a lifetime ago. Can you ever forgive me for being selfish? I shouldn't have been so quick to stop. I regret the way I handled it now."

"No, I was upset obviously, but I get it now that I'm human again."

"Yeah, but now you're stuck again until I can stop which probably won't be until Alexander is ready to take over. We're talking years Bells, decades maybe."

"I know."

"The others will start aging and we won't."

"I'm here to be whatever you need. It's fine. Mom already thinks we tapped into the fountain of youth in La Push and I'm sworn to secrecy." Renee had visited each time they had a kid. She was blown away to notice Bella's appearance after many years estranged from her, but now she was used to Bella's youthful appearance. She didn't get it, but she didn't ask too many questions. She and Phil were just excited to be a part of their lives again. Since they were in a reflective mood, she asked if he ever missed vamp Bella in the sack. "We did some epic shit in the old days."

"We're still making magic so no I can't miss her because you're still you and you're here. You always were once I truly opened my eyes and saw beyond the exterior. Besides, we have some pretty rocking all human sex. I'm completely satisfied."

"Yeah, but you're not exactly what I'd call all human."

"When I'm with you like that, I'm purely a man, honey. Can't you tell?" She shook her head affirmative. Yeah, she could. The wolf was a part of his spirit, but Jacob was her man at all times.

"I love you so much, Bells."

"Love you too, Jake and I'm up for the long haul, wherever the journey takes us."

"I promised a hundred years, right?"

"Yep, and a normal life." They had a good laugh at that impossibility .

"Would you settle for extraordinary one instead, because that I can do."

She crawled back onto his strong body. He sealed his promises with a kiss and she reciprocated. "I'm in."

Her head fell against his heart and the beat echoed her own as it would until death separated them from this life. "I know, Bells and I'm never going to stop being grateful for that."

.

.

.

The alpha pair spent the rest of the night soaking up each other's love, taking turns between sleeping and making love. The blessing was bestowed on both of them before they were even born. It just took them a little longer to accept their ultimate calling. Bella made mistakes, more than Jake, she believed, but he admitted a few along the way. Threats were evicted from their lives, but an entire journey of ups and downs still remained. They were ready for whatever the future held, because they were secure in their love for one another as well as those around them. The epic tale of girl meets boy, boy loves girl beyond all her wildest expectations would continue way beyond the years they inhabited the earth together. Their children and children's children would pass the story onto future generations so they would all know they were a part of something extraordinary.

~Thanks so much for reading.

I adore all of you for sticking with me through this journey. Only the Epi remains.