~A/N Ready to see a Bella/Jacob reunion plus one?

Happy Thanksgiving to all that celebrate. This is my gift to all of you. I wasn't going to post until tomorrow, but I got a few free minutes.

Copyright disclaimer: Twilight and all recognizable characters are sole property of Stephenie Meyer.

Chapter 9: Son

Jacob, unfortunately was hijacked by Kaleigh's cousin, Mack. He usually tried to catch a different flight. This time, they sat together on the plane. Come to find out, they were also across the hall from each other at the hotel. He wasn't feeling great thinking about going back to LA. He knew how the close proximity to Bella affected him even before he understood. He tried to get out of the conference this year, but no such luck. Now that the truth was revealed, she was actually alive living nearby, it was going to be even tougher. He didn't need his wife's idiot relative reporting about his odd behaviors.

Mack roped him into dinner downstairs with a bunch of other conference goers that they saw each year. He wanted to grab take out and stay in his room alone, but maybe trying to be more social would keep him from thinking about her too much. Although, a year later, miles of distance and a new wife hadn't done much to help him forget. Jacob couldn't go a day without a memory of Bella. The memories were anywhere from the old days, riding bikes with her, to sitting on a log staring out at the ocean, to Bella naked, riding him like she was meant to each and every night. Why did he have to be so weak and give into his desires? He couldn't escape all those sexual reflections now and they weren't helping him with his failure to forget she ever existed.

His phone buzzed in his pocket. He fully expected it to be Kaleigh making sure he hadn't ditched Mack. He looked down under the cover of the table.

Hey, I know you don't want to hear from me, but I really need you to call me while you're in town. It's very important.

Jacob studied the text which came in as anonymous1. He hadn't deleted her contact completely, but renamed her number anonymous1 after he left her last year. She was right about one thing, he didn't want to hear from her. That would be too dangerous for his resolve. He made his choice and couldn't escape it. He still couldn't understand why after a whole year, she'd now say there was something important to discuss. It could be about the head leech. He told himself, so what? Bella made her choice that she didn't need or want his protection. She'd survived almost a decade without him. He'd let her handle it. He tried to forget what appeared on his phone out of nowhere. He ate a hearty meal and made small talk with his colleagues, but the message kept replaying in his thoughts.

By the time he got to his room, he'd pulled his phone out at least ten times to read the words again. He debated replying for thirty minutes and then he practiced a few choice words, all things ended up being erased before he hit send. In the end, he simply asked, What?

Can I call you?

No!

Jake, please.

NO!

Bella had obviously kept some sort of tabs on him. Charlie told his father he was going to visit her. He assumed that's how she knew he was back in town. Bella didn't stop texting. She sent him an address. He clearly recognized it wasn't the cafe she worked at. Would she even be at that job still? He imagined she graduated by then. Pasadena address, he remembered that coming up in conversation with her roommates. She was seriously thinking he'd come to her house? Bella suffered from delusions. He was just about to call his wife, shut his phone off and go to sleep. It started to vibrate, not from a text but an incoming call. He watched the word Anonymous1 appear on his screen. He froze and waited for it to end.

The icon for a new message appeared. Jacob should delete it. Hearing her voice might fuck with his mind, but he was too curious about this sudden urgency out of the blue. She had a year to attempt contact and never did.

His less than sound judgment prevailed and he listened. "Jake, like I said, I get it. I know what you said last time. That's the reason, I've waited this long to say something but we can't put this off any longer. Please come to my place. We could meet at the cafe, but I'm only there two days a week now. I think you would end up wanting to come to my house anyway when you hear me out. If it wasn't crucial, I'd never contact you again. I know you're staying at the same place. I called and checked the conference details already. If you don't come, I'll just show up there. I'm sure you wouldn't appreciate that too much. I will be home every afternoon this week, just call and let me know when you're heading over. Bye."

He listened carefully, then replayed it a couple of times. She was threatening to show up at his hotel. That wouldn't work for several reasons. He couldn't be anywhere near a hotel room with her. He'd already proven that once. Stupid Mack was hovering this time. If he didn't know better, Kaleigh had hired him as a spy. She hadn't forgotten that he wasn't quite himself when he came back last year. The wedding almost didn't happen, but in the end, he convinced himself it would fix everything. It didn't. Jacob could honestly say there were good times being married, and he hadn't fallen out of love with his wife, but he wasn't the same man that Kaleigh thought he was. How could he be when he shared his body with a beast and kept it hidden from her successfully? He still fucking phased. He swore he'd stop after he got back in his normal routine, but he didn't.

There was one other thing that absolutely, no one but Sam was aware of. He initiated contact again and kept in touch with the Cullens. That's why he couldn't ignore this matter of importance. He wasn't going to physically check up on Bella after what happened, but by the time he got back to Washington and realized his wolf was going insane that she still had lingering threats, he had no choice. He called Carlisle. He basically was making sure everything was steady, that there were no changes. The last conversation two months ago, Edward intercepted the call. He didn't deal with him normally, but Bella's former husband said something peculiar. "Aro is a little more entranced with Bella. Maybe you should look into that."

"Get the fuck off, where's Dr. Fang?"

Carlisle brushed it off as Edward was in a mood and being impolite. Maybe you should look into that. What if Aro was thinking about her more? What would stop him from making a grab for her one day?

He didn't answer Bella back. However, he had one of those epic turned torturous dreams about her, finally waking up when he hit the floor before the sunrise. Jacob headed to the gym on the ground level for the only appropriate way to work out his frustrations trapped in a busy city. He showered, suffered through boring lectures and a tedious lunch with Mack. He called Kaleigh, but got her voice mail. He took another lengthy shower and decided enough was enough. He was skipping the afternoon workshops. Lots of people did. Jacob called the car service and gave the driver the address. That's how he ended up on her doorstep. Of course, she lied again. She wasn't there. Bella clearly stated she would be home every afternoon, but he sat on the steps for damn near an hour, determined to be in clear view when she showed up.

A black SUV pulled up. Either Bella had gotten rid of her POS Saturn or the vehicle belonged to someone else. He zeroed in on the occupants when they parked in the driveway. Barry was driving her and they noticed him. Bella stepped out. He started walking her way. First, obvious difference he saw was she got a short haircut. He wished he hated it, but her roommate was right, it looked hot. Everything about her screamed hot. She looked even better after the year apart. Something was uniquely different about her, but he hadn't pinpointed what it was just yet.

Barry spoke first, "Hey, Jacob. Nice of you to stop by."

Bella looked completely disoriented. Wasn't she the one that told him to come? "Um, Jake. I didn't. I mean, I wasn't expecting you today or so soon."

"You told me to come over, that it was important."

"Yeah and I also said send a message first. You never listen to me."

"No, that would be you, not me." Her tone was sharp and so was his.

"Kids, come on now. Let's keep a civil tongue. It's necessary before I allow you both inside."

Jacob liked that Barry took care of her to the best of his ability, but he wasn't about to take advice from him. He clearly didn't know all Bella was capable of. Barry walked to the back of the vehicle and started unloading items. Jacob assumed they'd been shopping. Bella stood in a split stance, like she was ready to take a step towards the house, but also contemplating going back to the car.

His good manners surfaced. "Do you need some help unloading the car?"

She chewed her lip. "Um, no I've got it." He watched her carefully open the back passenger door. She climbed up on the step and reached inside. He wasn't sure what she was doing, but she was giving him an excellent view of her ass. He didn't need to look so he turned towards the road, looked at the houses all up and down the street, anywhere but at Bella. Barry passed him with a large box in his hands. He didn't have time to see what he was carrying before he saw Bella holding a baby carrier in her grip.

They all stared awkwardly. Barry jingled keys in his hands for the door. Oh, fuck no. Bella was holding a kid. What the hell? He made a clean break with her, so she jumped into bed with some worthless piece of shit and got knocked up by the stupid asshole and now she wanted to rub it in. He needed to get the hell outta there before he did something he couldn't take back.

Then, the unexpected happened, the baby inside the carrier cooed as a breeze moved past them. Bella's scent filled his senses, but it wasn't the only thing he smelled. He knew the child's scent before he even fully looked upon him. Pup. Mine. Ours. Jacob reached out and stopped her by holding onto her arm. She angled the baby seat, so he could see.

Creamy, tan skin, dark hair that stood straight up like a buzzcut, dimple in the chin, warm chocolate eyes staring through dark lashes, Bella's nose, his cheekbones... his son with Bella. Goddammit, I'm the asshole, was his first thought. Where was his brain? He thought back to the hotel room. He knew why his brain was on vacation that night, but why had he never even considered the possibility all year? He was lazy because Kaleigh took care of birth control in their relationship. He never thought to ask nor did he want to let a condom come between them when they were finally together. Honestly, the wolf was to blame for ignoring all basic biological facts.

Knowing his own mistakes, did little to keep him from lashing out. The baby was several months old and he just now got a call. "You bitch. I can't believe you fucking lied again."

Barry dropped the box which Jacob recognized were diapers. "Hey now, what did I say about being civil? You've got every right to be shocked and upset, but don't call her that. She's the mother of your child."

Jacob stood to his full height, but the guy didn't flinch. He wasn't backing down. He respected him immensely in that moment. The two men stood practically chest to chest despite the height difference. Barry was on his tiptoes, puffing himself up to prove his point. Bella was telling them to stop, but Barry let him know he was some sort of division champion wrestler in a Texas high school in 2002. "I'm not going to let you in our home if you can't control your temper. Trust me, big boy. I know you might kill me, but don't believe the stereotypes. I'll be a worthy opponent."

Jacob took a step back, "Dude, chill. I'm not going to lose it in front of the kid, but you have to admit this is pretty fucked up. Is this what you meant by 'define normal?'"

Bella was confused. Barry was obviously a loyal friend, but he was good a keeping secrets and not just hers.

"Hold up. You've talked to Jake and you didn't tell me?"

Jacob answered. "I got his number when we had drinks, just in case. All I said was to let me know if anything was ever out of the ordinary. I'm remembering a reply once that Barry sent me when I asked if all was normal. I think he wanted to tell me the truth now, but you're a master when it comes to deception. I guess you convinced your friends to protect your lies at all costs."

The baby fussed and Jacob felt guilty. He hoped the innocent child wasn't picking up on the tension. Bella asked if they could go inside. She sat the seat on the coffee table. Jacob was quickly forgetting being pissed. He really wanted to get a better look. He had a million questions, but he'd start with one of the most important ones. She unbuckled him and pulled him out. He was really tiny. "Is that normal sized?"

She kinda laughed at him, "Yeah, he was a little small, barely over five pounds, but he's been on a growth spurt this month. He's almost eleven pounds now."

"Jeez, five pounds. That's tiny. I mean, look at me. I would've expected him to be bigger. Didn't you take care of yourself?"

"Yes, jerk. I took excellent care of myself, but he was three weeks early, and I had a terrible time with morning sickness. I had to go to the hospital often for IV's when I couldn't hold anything down, even fluids."

"But everything's okay?"

"Yeah, we... I mean he's perfectly healthy. Do you want to hold him, Jake?"

"I do, but I don't know how. He's so little."

She gave him a few basic instructions, but said he was fairly strong for a three month old. She sat the baby on his lap and the first thing that transpired between father and son were matching grins.

"Hey, there, little guy. I'm your dad," he looked at Bella and she seemed pretty emotional, but quiet. "What's his name?"

"Um, it's Atticus."

"What?" He said too loud at first and Atticus startled. "Sorry, sorry." He lowered his voice to a whisper, "Why would you name our son, Atticus? Do you want him to get teased mercilessly?"

"It's a beautiful name. It's from To Kill a..."

"I know what damn book it's from, Bells. Jesus, that doesn't mean it's a good name. Did you ever consider these were some of the reasons I needed to know? I would've liked to be a part of naming him. I would've like to have known that you were sick and in the hospital. I would've loved to see him breathe his first breath or watched him jump around on one of those ultrasound things. You stole all those moments from me."

She was looking down to her clasped hands in her lap, "You said you never wanted to see me again."

He was holding a baby, his baby. He couldn't even respond to her properly, but Jacob was having trouble complaining about all the mistakes from the past. He just wanted to enjoy the moment he met his son. The word Atticus stuttered from his lips.

Barry saved the day when he joined in. "If it helps, Mon and I call him Ace. B hates it, but we think it suits him."

Jacob eyed Bella curiously. "Ace?"

"Yeah, his full name is Atticus Charles Ephraim Black."

"Oh, I get it, you thought enough of me to give him my name, just not enough to tell me I got you pregnant."

She sat stoic, still twisting those hands in her lap. His hearing was extremely acute. She mumbled, "sorry."

Jacob changed his tone again. "Ace, now that, I like. You ready to be my number one?" Ace giggled just like he understood. He was feeling very comfortable with him in his lap. He was an uncle to Rach and Becca's kids, but usually kept his interactions to a minimum when his nieces and nephews were really small. He leaned over and made num num noises on his son's cheeks. Ace belly laughed each time his vibrating lips tickled his skin.

Bella conceded she was going to be outnumbered, everyone would end up calling him Ace. "He's not going to be a card shark or play in a rock band. That's where I draw the line."

Barry got on the phone and started ordering Chinese. Jacob opened his mouth to tell him what his favorites were, but Bella rattled them off quickly. She hadn't forgotten. She reminded Barry, nothing spicy for her.

Jacob asked, "Why not?"

"It upsets Atticus. He breastfeeds."

"Oh, yeah, sure sure. Rach did that. She said it's best."

"It works out nicely for us and it's cheaper. I only work a couple of mornings now, so I pump too. Barry, Monica and I have a schedule, so he doesn't have to go with strangers, ever." He liked hearing that. He tried to chase off any mental pictures of her breasts bared nourishing his pup, but as soon as she mentioned it, his mind went there. Somewhere deep inside him, that smug bastard purred, completely content.

Jacob looked around the room and saw various baby items, many of which he didn't understand the purpose, but the point was, he hadn't bought a damn thing. He'd never provided for his son and it further twisted the knife. He was always struggling with who was primarily at fault for their problems. It was easiest to blame her, but he knew Bella and she took things directly to heart. She was right, he said he never wanted to see her again. Had he meant it? Hell yes, he meant it in theory, but it never stopped him from aching for her even when he stepped back into the life he promised Kaleigh. He was the one that pulled her out of the bar and up to his room. He knew what he was doing that night, knew exactly how much he wanted her.

He didn't know what to bring up next, but Bella reminded him since he'd barely thought about her since Bella arrived with his son in tow. "Jake, what do you intend to tell your wife?"

Shit. That wasn't going to be easy by any means. "I guess, the truth. She and I are open and honest."

"Oh, so she knows?"

"About you? Well, no, not exactly." Turns out they weren't as open and honest as he was trying to convince Bella. "All she knows is that I had a special best friend that died and I didn't like to talk about it. So there, I've been lying and keeping secrets too. You happy? But I was trying to protect her." Bella had the hint of a smirk on her lips. "Cut it out, Bells. It's not the same. You and I will never be the alike."

"I didn't say a word." She didn't need to. He could read her like a book.

"I'll figure it out and soon," he announced assuredly, even though he wasn't sure of a damn thing. His entire world just tilted on its axis. Jacob knew one certain thing, they had to come home with him. It wouldn't make much sense to anyone from the outside looking in. Kaleigh would be devastated to learn he cheated. It was her plan to start trying for their own baby after their one year anniversary. Dammit to hell, he had a Hawaii vacation already booked for that week too. No way could he commit to that now. He'd never agreed to starting a family with his wife yet, because every time she brought it up, his wolf, bristled. He tried to convince her they needed longer with just the two of them. It would definitely be an unorthodox request, to tell Kaleigh the truth, beg for forgiveness, but still request Ace be a permanent presence in their lives, which meant Bells would also be included. She was a package deal, they couldn't hide from that fact. An infant, any child needed their mother whenever possible.

"I guess, I'll put you both up in a place nearby until I break the news to her."

She started shaking her head. "No, you've got the wrong idea. I couldn't hide your son from you any longer, but I'm not going to Washington... not ever. I have an interview in Denver next week and then there's several other prospects on the east coast. I'll do my best to keep you connected with Atticus, but our lives are too different now. You know why I can't go back."

"Denver? The fuck is wrong with you? You actually think I'd let you take my son to Denver? It's probably full of bloodsuckers. Hell no. Neither of you will ever live away from me. You're both coming to Washington and that's not even up for discussion." Bella heard Barry come out of his room. She made the kill sign over her throat. Jacob lowered his voice. "What about Uncle Twisted and Tactile Telepathy? He knows, doesn't he?"

She looked amazed at his name for Aro. "You kept tabs on me, not just with Barry. You've spoken to the Cullens? I never told you his power." Ace was loudly gnawing on his fingers and Bella said he was hungry. She took him. For a second Jacob wondered if he was going to get to watch her feed him. Damn, he was such a perv about her, but Bella took him to a room and shut the door. The front door swung open about that time. Monica returned from work and announced the delivery guy had just pulled up. Jacob stood up and retrieved his wallet from his pocket. He handed her the cash without hesitation.

Barry took the food to the bar and started figuring out what was what. Monica was certainly cheery. "So, what about the little prince? You finally met him. He's amazing, isn't he?"

"Yeah, he's pretty great."

Monica put her arm around him, "I'm sorry, it took her so long. We've been telling her all along. It took her dad to really bring her to her senses, but I have faith you both will do what's right for Ace."

Barry cleared his throat. Monica stopped talking abruptly. Jacob smelled a damn rat over the aromatic Chinese food. He was always hungry, but he had to have one more important question answered before he took a bite. He pushed the plate away and headed straight for the room she had disappeared into. He had his hand on the doorknob just as she was twisting it open. He looked over her shoulder and saw a crib.

Bella was whispering, pushing him backwards, "He's napping. We're off schedule today. He'll be up in an hour or so."

Jacob grabbed her wrist and pulled her down the hall towards another room. He didn't know if it was Barry's or Monica's. He got in her face. "You weren't ever going to tell me were you? Charlie made you."

"Jake."

"Don't fucking jerk me around. What's wrong with you? You'd let me think you were dead forever and now this. You would hide my son from me?"

Tears pooled in her eyes. "I'm so sorry. No, I promise. I was going to find a way, but it's true, Dad put a rush on it."

"Tell me when? When he's off to college?"

"No, of course not. It's just, I was confused. I, honestly don't know."

"Dammit, Bells. How can I ever believe anything you say?"

"I know why you're saying that, but you were so cruel, Jake. You threw me out like a piece of trash and I... I, foolishly thought that night was special. It's taken a long time to get over it. Well, I'm not exactly there yet, but hopefully... "

He wanted to blame her for everything that was wrong in his life, but he couldn't. He knew the parts that were aggravated because of something he'd done or hadn't done. Jacob had to let go of the past, so they could move forward at that moment. Monica said it best when she said they would do what's right for Ace. He let go of her arm to move his hand to her face. He needed to make sure she was really seeing him in the dark hallway. Bella swallowed hard, but her hand rose to cover his. He leaned in even more until his forehead was against hers. "I'm so sorry. My head was fucked up. I hate that I made you feel that way for a whole year, the entire time you carried our son and brought him into the world." He lifted enough, so he could kiss her temple. "You're right, it was special and I thought I ruined it, but now I know that little boy made it perfect again. I don't have a clue what's going to happen next, but I'm asking you to trust me. Let me take care of you and Atticus."

"I wanna say yes, but I'm scared. You have a wife and so many people don't know the whole story and you're vulnerable Jake. Aro contacts me more than ever."

He shook his head, "No Bells. I'm not. I'm a wolf again and I will be as long as you two need me to be."

~Thanks for reading.

A new family is born, but don't forget there's still a wife back home. LOL. Hit me up with all your thoughts.

Many thanks to my good friend, Urban Rose. I knew my fave literary name, but I also wanted a nickname that would meet Jake's approval, so she gets full credit for Ace.