They stopped by the hotel for Bella and Jack to change into more comfortable clothing.

Bella chose one of her new blouses and short denim shorts with the silver sandals. She wetted and moused her hair, letting it curl as it air-dried. She hurried through applying some light makeup, put on deodorant, and rushed through picking up the mess she'd made.

Ignoring the incredulous look on Jack's face as she exited the bathroom, she asked, "Are you ready to go?"

"I've never seen you get ready in fifteen minutes, Honey. And second… why don't you dress like this at home?"

She laughed. "Are you complaining about my style, Jack?"

"No, it's just…" He shrugged, grinning. "Nice to meet a different you, I guess."

Instead of letting him drag her into another conversation about how different she was here, she sang, "Shout out to the old me. And everything he showed me."

Jack laughed and followed her out the door, chorusing, "Glad you didn't listen when the world was trying to slow me…"

At the store, Bella's brain felt like utter chaos. Judging by what she'd seen at Paul's, there wasn't much to work with for the day. She bought many disposable baking dishes, cupcake pans, plates, cutlery, and several other items just to be safe. She assumed Paul could keep whatever was left over for himself and Jamie.

Bella went slightly overboard while purchasing ingredients and things that she thought Paul and Jamie might like. She still worried about their financial situation and took advantage of the chance to fill Paul's pantry while she had one.

The massive load they returned with flabbergasted Paul, leaving him wondering where to put everything. She feared he was angry and that she encroached, but Paul quickly relaxed as he smothered her face in playful, grateful kisses.

She and Leah took over his kitchen while he and Jack went on an ice and drink run. Bella helped Jamie wash his hands and let him carefully assist her in mixing and pouring the different batters into cupcake tins. She couldn't help but feel proud of him as he concentrated on his tasks, careful not to spill and eager to learn every step.

Later, he watched in fascination from his perch on the kitchen chair as Bella assembled the lasagnas. Leah worked around them, helping keep the mess picked up and washing dishes as they went. She observed them as she cleaned and prepped other things, amused with Bella's endless patience with Jamie.

Eventually, nothing remained except waiting for the cupcakes to finish cooling so they could frost them. Jamie had never tried Orange Creme cupcakes or Cherry Chip cupcakes with Chocolate frosting, and Bella couldn't wait for him to taste them after his participation.

They were finishing the last of the cupcakes when Charlie and Sue arrived. Jamie had chocolate on his hands and face, yet hadn't eaten any of it. Paul cackled when he spotted him and pulled his phone out to take a picture of Bella and Jamie together amid the mess.

Sue and Charlie seemed surprised to find Jamie on Bella's lap, thoroughly focused on piping and carefully swirling frosting as Bella guided his little hands.

Charlie sat on the opposite side of the table, quietly watching them interact for a few more minutes as Bella helped Jamie top the chocolate swirls with maraschino cherries. She eased the cupcakes into Tupperware containers and set them aside for later.

Bella washed off Jamie's hands and face afterward, earning a big kiss on the cheek before patting his little butt and sending him off to play. Giggling, he darted toward the living room to tell Paul all he learned about cupcakes.

"You're good with him," Charlie said as Bella started wiping down the table while Leah cleared the dirty utensils and dishes.

Bella paused what she was doing to peek at Jamie and Paul in the living room, shaking her head. "He's just a fantastic, smart little boy, Dad. He listens well, and he's super eager to help. It's cute. Emotionally, he's very much a three-year-old, but his little brain… he's just so smart. Surprisingly mature and contemplative for a toddler." She chuckled.

Leah said, "It is a shame you don't want kids, Bells. You'd be a wonderful mom. You would probably be amazing with foster kids if you ever decide you want them but don't want to have them."

Bella sighed. She didn't want to talk about her fear of motherhood when the prime example she'd had for a mother was Renee. Bella didn't want to discuss her similarities to her parents, not necessarily in the best ways - especially in front of Charlie. She didn't want to discuss her selfishness or that her head was on the chopping block if the Volturi tracked her down.

For seven - well, ten years, Bella had buried her feelings and memories. She'd ignored everything she wanted out of fear. She avoided these topics for multiple reasons but was forced to examine them many times since coming home - just like everything else.

Somehow, in less than two weeks, her entire reality - one that took years to create and perfect - had changed. Now, she was getting a real taste of how life could be if she ignored every risk and red flag.

And she loved Paul. She loved Paul now a thousand times more than the boy she had unconsciously fallen for a decade ago than the one she'd secretly married at twenty-one. Bella loved Jamie, too. She'd already promised herself she would return home more often for Charlie. She wouldn't have to fly anywhere if she was already here.

Even Jack wanted her to move home. Hell, he wants to move here, himself!

Bella still couldn't wrap her head around learning Paul and Jack had known each other as children. She had convinced herself they'd have hated each other for years, only to find them reviving their friendship as though no time had passed, despite a twenty-year gap.

And then there was Leah… If they had possibly found the right combination, Bella wouldn't dream of standing in their way. But would she even want to return to Florida if she had to live there without Jack? Would she still want to hide behind her facade with her content life of self-driven solitude and selfish, lonely heart?

Why would anyone want that? Why was she trying so hard to convince herself that she wasn't happier here? That she didn't belong in the place that had made her happier in mere days than she'd been in several years?

She would be selfish if she stayed and selfish if she left. She simply couldn't win.

"Bells?" Charlie asked, pulling her from her thoughts, and she refocused on her father. He chuckled and said, "You okay?"

"Just thinking," she nearly whispered, trying to not cry.

"Hey," Charlie said softly and cleared his throat. "I'm not mad at you anymore, okay? Now, I had my minute, and I thought a lot about shit from your perspective. I wish you had come to me, that you had told me the truth, but I also understand why you didn't. You didn't deserve my anger just because my pride got hurt, Bells. I'm sorry for that, and I hope you'll forgive me for it."

"Dad," she said, reaching for his hand across the table. He took it immediately and squeezed it. "There's nothing to forgive you for. I understood why you were mad after I thought about it, too. I never meant for you to feel like I didn't trust you or didn't think you were capable of… saving me from myself. Because you would have. I know you would have done everything you could to get me the fuck away from him and James and…"

Suddenly, from his perch on the arm of the couch next to Paul, Jamie yelled, "ME?"

Bella's cheeks reddened as she laughed nervously. "No, buddy. I'm not talking about you." To Charlie, she whispered, "Fuck, I didn't realize everyone could hear me."

He chuckled and patted her hand. "Your voice carries, baby. Like your Mom's." Bella grunted in response, and he laughed.

Bella looked over in time to see Jamie charging toward her and held her hands up. "Woah!"

Jamie's bright eyes widened as he skidded to a halt and grinned. Bella couldn't help but chuckle at his deep dimples and ornery expression, somehow looking exactly like Jared and Kim. Already feeling emotional didn't help her disposition as she blinked away tears alongside dozens of memories of them together… and a singular dream of Jared pointing the way.

What if Jamie's dream 'lady' was Kim? Was that even possible? Was it possible for people to push others together from beyond the grave?

Paul said, "Jamie, you gotta quit running through the places like that, buddy. I've told you."

He cringed at the reprimand, his smile turning sheepish as his cheeks flushed. "Sorry."

Bella said, "I know you just get excited. Right, Jamie?"

He nodded, and she said, "Maybe… you should think of running through people like… bees."

Jamie narrowed his eyes at her in confusion, and she laughed.

Charlie asked, "Bella, what are you doing?"

"It's an analogy."

"He's three," Charlie argued, chuckling. "You expect him to understand an analogy?"

"No. Jamie is smart. Like Kim. He'll get it." Turning back to Jamie, she asked, "Have you ever gotten stung by a bee?"

She hadn't noticed Paul perk up at her comment nor the worried glance Leah shot her as she focused on Jamie's nodding face.

Seriously, he said, "A waspiss!"

Bella chuckled. "A wasp? Oh, my goodness! Did it hurt?"

He nodded again, and she asked, "After that happened, what do you do when you see a wasp or a bee?"

"Stop." He giggled. "And!" He leaned forward and pretended to creep toward her. She laughed as he hopped upright at her feet and balanced himself by clutching her knees.

Grinning, Bella asked, "You go slowly, right? You don't want to scare it because you could accidentally get hurt. And when we collided at the restaurant when we met? That hurt a little, right? You landed right on your butt!"

Again, he nodded, giggling.

"Well, when you run into others, it can hurt. It can hurt them, too. And you're already a big, strong protector like your dad, huh?"

As he nodded emphatically, she continued, "That means we must be careful about running at people when they don't expect it. Just like wasps."

Jamie grinned. "Are you a waspiss?"

Bella beamed at him. He understood! She was sure of it. "No, buddy. I'm not a wasp. I'm probably a June bug."

Leah teased, "Loud, annoying, and clingy?"

Keeping her eyes on Jamie, Bella teased, "Okay, Jamie. Your Auntie Leah over there is a June bug." As everyone laughed, she muttered, "I'm probably a Moth. But that's not the point…"

Charlie asked, "What is the point?"

Simultaneously, Jamie said, "I like to run."

Bella leaned down to kiss his forehead. "I know you do. But I'm not as strong as your Daddy, so you gotta be a little more careful when you run to me. Okay? Try to get my attention first so we don't get hurt."

She made a quiet buzzing noise as she tickled his sides. He giggled as he squirmed out of her reach but immediately returned to her side. Jamie held his arms up to Bella, and she pulled him into her lap.

Leaning toward her, he whisper-yelled, "Bella? You a good stedmother." He placed a loud, smacking kiss on her cheek and hopped from her lap to walk away.

She shook her head. "Where are you going?"

"Feed Bob!" Once he rounded the corner to the hallway, Bella heard him run to his room. Paul scoffed as Jack chuckled.

Softly, Charlie asked, "So, who told him you're his stepmother?"

Paul stood and walked into the kitchen. "The stupid CPS worker, Karrie. And announced our divorce to him. She had him nine-kinds of upset about it, too."

Sue asked, "Karrie? What damn business is it of hers?"

Leah grumbled, "She's got the hots for Paul, Mom. you know that." Paul scowled at Leah, and she shrugged. "It's true. I'm sure she just wants to make sure you get that divorce."

"I don't know why. I swear, this woman acts like she doesn't want him to have Jamie," Bella said quietly, hoping Jamie couldn't hear her from his room.

"Probably because she wants to drag out being around him as long as possible. Trying to wear him down," Leah said. "Some girls can be just as incapable of understanding 'no' as some men. You know?"

Bella groaned.

"What can she possibly have to drag out?" Charlie asked. "I still don't understand why she brought all that shit up in the first place, especially to Jamie."

"She's constantly reminding me of the adoption costs," Paul admitted. "Don't get me wrong. I'm glad Bella is here, but… I only filed for divorce because it will help me get the adoption approved."

Charlie leaned back in his chair, scowling. "Who told you that crap?"

Paul laughed, looking nervous as he rubbed the back of his head. "Well… Karrie."

"Well, she's a goddamn liar."

What? Bella and Paul looked at each other in disbelief before turning back to her father as He asked, "What do you mean by that? Charlie, do I need to get a lawyer about this shit?"

Bella released an exaggerated sigh, hoping like Hell that Paul didn't get mad. "Paul… I spoke to my lawyer on your behalf."

Paul's brow furrowed, but he remained silent, nodding for her to go on.

"I asked them to look into your situation to see how we can move things along for you and Jamie…"

He asked, "When did you do that?"

"The other day… Friday afternoon, I think. I told them about Carrie's aggressiveness with you and the thinly disguised threats I overheard."

Becoming heated, Charlie asked, "What threats? Anybody with eyes knows Paul's a wonderful Dad!"

Paul harrumphed. "Just things about my finances, how Jamie's probably 'too much' for me, and more-or-less discouraging my progress. She keeps harping about how expensive it is to adopt."

Bella said, "I'd like to help you with the fees, Paul."

"Well… We can talk about that later, in private, I guess."

Charlie barked out a bitter laugh. "You don't have to worry about that shit, kids. Jamie is in the foster system and has been for three years. Any actual relatives that wanted custody had their chance to take him in. He's lived with Paul his entire life."

He turned to Paul. "There shouldn't be any fees for you to adopt him. Minimal at the worst. This Karrie woman has to be hindering your progress somehow. You've already signed a petition to adopt him, right?"

"Of course." Paul nodded. "Over a year ago. CPS has it. It was supposed to be handed over to the court system."

Charlie went to slam his fist on the table and caught himself just before the impact, gritting his teeth as he tried not to curse. "That… She's lying, bud. Adoption requests are handed over to the health department by the potential parent, not CPS. That shit goes right over their heads. How did you get the paperwork in the first place?"

"CPS." Paul scowled, trembling as he held back his temper. It reminded Bella of the night he'd driven her home.

Charlie pointed at Paul and said, "What bullshit did she tell you about this divorce?"

"That since Bella isn't an approved foster parent, it would look bad to a judge. Basically, as an estranged spouse, she's a risk."

Charlie frowned at Sue. "This chick's a little weasel!"

The corner of Paul's mouth lifted at the comment, but he ignored it, looking directly at Bella. "I don't want a fucking divorce. I want you to move home and be with us, but Jamie has to come first."

"I get that!"

"I know you do."

Charlie said, "Well, it's a good thing you don't have to. No law in Washington prevents someone with an estranged spouse from adopting. Especially when the child already lives with that person. Not even under the ICWA. This bitch is pulling the wool over your eyes!"

Paul was instantly furious, confused, and looked like he could be sick. Bella just felt angry. Karrie had purposely interfered with Jamie's stability over an unrequited crush? What kind of psycho did that crap?

Edward, she huffed to herself. Edward would have pulled some manipulative crap like that if Bella had a child when they met. She didn't doubt it for a moment. "How about you and I call my lawyer together? We can do it tomorrow and find out what needs to be done to move this along."

"And sue the fuck out of that CPS worker," Charlie muttered.

Sue nodded. "Or at least go after her position. Sounds like she doesn't need to be working with kids to me. Manipulating the parents and saying intentionally hurtful things to children? Foster kids get enough abuse from everyone else. They don't need it from CPS too."

"Amen to that." Charlie sighed. "Paul, I'm sorry I didn't know this sooner. I work with CPS, answering calls to domestic cases and such. I have a friend named Sally. She is a retired CPS worker. I could have her call you with more advice if you'd like."

"Please." Paul nodded. "I just want whatever is best for Jamie."

Bella held her hand out to Paul, and he took it, squeezing it gently.

Charlie glanced toward their entwined hands before meeting Bella's gaze. "I gotta ask. Now, it's none of my business, but… what the Hell is going on with you two? Are you together or not?"

Paul smirked at Bella as he leaned against the counter. Bella released his hand, crossed her arms over her chest, and stayed silent. Two could play his game. He had to stop putting her on the spot at every turn. It was no wonder Jamie could do it so well.

Charlie chuckled at their silent smiles. "Okay. No answer then?"

Jack said, "I think they're still trying to figure it out."

Charlie frowned as he looked over at Jack and blinked in surprise. "Who the fuck are you?"

Bella said, "Uh, Dad, meet Jack. Jack, this is Thee Charlie Swan you've heard so much about."

Jack stood and grinned as he sauntered over, cool as a cucumber, until Charlie teased, "Bells? You brought your boyfriend to your husband's house? Have I taught you nothing?"

Jack put his hand on Paul's shoulder as he guffawed, making Paul and Leah laugh.

"Dad. Jack's not my boyfriend. He's part of my harem. Haven't you heard?"

After explaining the conversation with Tyler, Jack's past connection with Paul, and that they were only best friends and neighbors, Charlie laughed and finally told Jack it was nice to meet him.

Seth, Amy, and Henry arrived just a few minutes before Billy, Jacob, Sanna, and their children. Afterward, it was chaos until everyone had somewhere to sit and plates in their laps.

Bella was grateful for Jack's lively presence. As usual, her charming chameleon best friend fit effortlessly among the crowd. By the end of the evening, he had one arm draped around Leah's shoulders and everyone else - even the children - wrapped around his pinky. Bella could have sworn she saw Jacob's eldest daughter's first crush developing right before her eyes - and to his chagrin, so did Jacob.

Bella got to chat with Sanna for a while as they cleaned up. Jack found Bella's open bottle of Merlot and snuck it outside with him as Paul went out for a cigarette. Bella recalled the half-smoked cigarette behind Paul's ear when he entered the gym at the reunion and mentioned it to Leah.

"I've never actually seen him smoke," Bella admitted. "Not since we were teens."

"He only does it when he's super anxious about something. After that conversation earlier, I'm sure there's plenty on his mind."

"Without a doubt." Bella frowned. She hated the added stress on his shoulders, wishing she could fix everything for him and Jamie.

"What about you," Leah whispered, nudging her. "Are you moving home?"

Bella sighed, keeping her eyes on Paul and Jack as they stood outside, talking animatedly and laughing. Despite the joyful expression on his face, Paul looked tired. Not just physically tired but tired in his soul. Bella wasn't the only one whose reality had flipped upside down in the last two weeks. She was anxious about the decision for her own typical and selfish reasons, failing to consider how much abandoning him again would hurt. If she left him again, would it make him bitter? Would it change him? Would it change the man he'd become for Jamie?

It would have to, wouldn't it? Bella knew, without a doubt, that she wouldn't return to Florida as the woman she was before she left. Why would it be any different for Paul? He was practically begging her to stay with them, to let him love her, not admitting he couldn't cope with losing her a third and final time.

She darted to the door and stepped outside, ignoring their audience through the front windows and Jack's mischievous grin as she slid her arms around Paul's waist and stood on tip-toe to kiss him. He tasted like wine, smoke, and chocolate, and Bella had to force herself to pull away before offending little eyes.

Bella gasped at his cocky, almost menacing smile, recognizing his wolf near the surface as speckles of gray-blue bloomed through his irises. He flicked his cigarette butt out into the yard, and Bella shrieked in surprise as he dipped her in his arms. Paul silenced her shrill cry with a deep, passionate kiss - onlookers be damned.

She was breathless when he pulled away, and she immediately giggled like a love-drunken idiot. Paul threw his head back and laughed as he stood her upright. He left her there, dazed, as he nodded at Jack and walked into the house. Bella looked up in time to catch Jacob's amused grin as he tried to usher three small, giggling faces away from the window.

Jack stepped closer to her and handed her the Merlot. Bella chuckled as she grabbed it and took a swig. It was warm… and tasted better on Paul.

"Come on." She gestured toward the door. "Let's pour this on some ice like rednecks and have some chocolate."

"Now we're talking," Jack said. "And you made my favorite, didn't you?"

"I did."

It didn't take long for the cupcakes to be demolished once they were served. Bella hadn't watched thirty cupcakes disappear that quickly in a decade. Leah's voracious appetite impressed Jack as she savored her third. Bella figured he was just happy to watch Leah lick the icing off.

The Blacks headed home once the little ones began to fuss and yawn, finally coming down from their sugar highs. When Jamie insisted on Bella tucking him in, she followed him down the hallway without hesitation. She helped him pick out his PJs and get dressed for bed, then lovingly kissed him goodnight.

As she walked to the door and turned out the light, Jamie's drowsy voice squeaked, "Bella?"

"Yeah, buddy?"

"Love you."

"Love you, too, Jamie."

And she meant it with all of her heart.