 
### Amongst Sunflowers

### By: Odette Botha

### Chapter 1

When Bella got off the plane her heart was racing, feelings of excitement and fear washed over her.

What was she going to say to him? It had been years since they last spoke to each other.

She kept on reassuring herself that when she saw him whether it was at the airport or at the house, she could handle it.

She was older, wiser and not the silly little teenage girl he used to know. She had grown up and although she regretted losing much of her silliness and playfulness, she was still Bella, the girl he had loved many years ago. She didn't know why she wanted him to love her again but she knew she wanted him to look at her the way he use to.

As soon as she saw him, she thought he was still every bit as handsome as he was the last time she had seen him. She recognized him immediately his blond hair and green eyes. He still had the playful smile; however his face had changed a little. He grew up.

"Hi sexy girl," Noah said smiling.

"Hi Noah," Bella said as he kissed her on the cheek.

She was very uncomfortable, nervous, on edge.

She handed her bag over to him to carry.

She had expected his father, Mr. Taylor to be the one fetching her at the airport, but in a way she was relieved to see Noah's face.

"So where is everyone?" Bella asked.

"Dad is at work. Jenny, mom and Sam are at home," Noah said as he tried to put the parking ticket in the machine.

Noah and Bella had a history. They had known each other ever since they were children. Her grandfather worked with Noah's father at a construction company when Bella and Noah were kids.

Her parents died when she was only ten years old. Her grandparents got custody of her because she used to visit them over school holidays, she knew them well and they were best suited to raise her. It would have been unfair to uproot her at such a young age so Bella's grandparents decided that her grandfather Ted would take a job in the city and her grandmother Ella would look after Bella and be a housewife.

It had been ten years since Noah and Bella saw each other, but it felt like no time had passed at all. They were in a matter of speaking childhood sweethearts.

After her book was published her assistant Nadine arranged for a book signing in Glenwood.

She had told Nadine a bit about her history in the small town and how she would have loved to go back and see the people again. When Nadine managed to book her for the book signing she was thrilled.

Her book "How to listen and love" was her first. It was a book about the matters of the heart, something Bella actually knew nothing about, other than how to get it broken. It was a fiction book loosely based on her life, just with a better ending.

The drive to the country house was long. Bella never recalled it being that far.

"So are you seeing anyone at the moment?" Noah asked looking at her through his dark sunglasses.

"Actually yes I am, his name is Jake and he is a programmer, and you?"

Bella knew she gave a little too much information seen as a simple yes would have been good enough.

"Yes, I am seeing someone her name is Samantha we call her Sam, she is a graphic designer and works from home."

Bella just nodded.

"Is it serious, I mean your relationship?" She asked unsure.

"I wouldn't say we are not serious, but we aren't talking marriage yet. What about you and Joel?" Noah asked smiling at Bella clearly teasing her.

"His name is Jake and no we are not talking about getting married either."

She looked at Noah as he was driving tapping his fingers on the steering wheel on the beat of the music coming from the car radio.

"Did you hear about the party tonight?" Noah asked.

Bella shook her head frowning.

"Mom is throwing you a little welcome back party. She invited all your friends, I don't think you will remember half of them but she tried."

Bella smiled confused, she never had any friends other than Jenny and Noah, she thought that was public knowledge.

"Remember this song?" Noah asked as he put the radio louder.

"Yes Noah I remember it, you played it for me at a charity event when we were teenagers," she said rolling her eyes.

"Wow Bella you really do remember."

How could she forget it was a very happy memory she had of Noah. The last time she was in Glenwood with her grandparents they went to a charity event with Noah and his family. They were standing in the crowd when Noah's band was on the stage, he said to the crowd that night that the song was his sweetheart's favorite and he was dedicating it to his Bella.

Bella remembered that night like it was yesterday, she remembered every small detail. It was the night before they went back to the city, she was heart broken. As he sang that song to her, playing on his guitar the tears ran down her cheeks, she couldn't stop it but she tried to hide it.

"Noah of course I remember it, you actually did something for charity that night," she joked

She hoped that he only remembered that part of the event and not all the things she had remembered, besides he had someone in his life and so did she, there was no point in dwelling in the past.

The driveway was so beautiful. There were big oak trees and rose bushes all along the driveway to the front door.

"Well here we are Bella, let us go in and face the madness, they have been very excited about you coming. I think most of them are home by now," he said as he opened the truck's door for her.

Bella looked at the big front door, it was all exactly as she had remembered, it was like she had never left.

"Sure, you get my bags and I will make my grand entrance, always the diva."

Noah winked at Bella and replied, "you my dear always make an entrance as they say 'you make the room stare' or something like that."

Bella laughed at Noah.

"Noah, please stick to architecture and let me do the phrases."

### Chapter 2

Noah opened the front door, it was like going back in time.

The wood furniture, the telephone on the table by the door, the oak staircase.

She took in a deep breath and smelled the oak floors it was magical, all the memories just came back. Bella didn't know if it was her fondness of Noah or that house that made her heart miss a beat as soon as she walked in.

"Oh dear you are safe, you know with that beat up truck of Noah's we never thought you would arrive! You are so thin my dear Bella, have you been eating? You city folk don't believe in proper food," Nora Taylor said as Bella walked through the door. "Okay mother, give Bella a chance to speak," Noah interrupted before his mother could get in another word.

"Hi Mrs. Taylor, I am just fine as far as the truck goes, I thought being an architect Noah would come fetch me in a snazzy convertible," Bella joked poking Noah in the ribs.

"We didn't want to mess up your hair," Noah said rubbing Bella's hair.

She pulled away in disgust almost like when they were kids and he used to pull her hair, he just smiled at her as she tried to fix her soft brown curls.

Jenny came running down the stairs screaming.

"I am so glad to see you, how was your trip? Any talent on the plane? Come up to the room mom fixed for you, I need to know everything!"

Jenny was Noah's younger sister. She had a bubbly personality and a heart of gold.

She always looked like she was doing a fashion show for New York fashion week. She always kept trend with the newest runway design and her make up and hair was always perfect.

Her hair was much lighter than Bella had remembered. She was clearly going through a bleached blond faze. She used very dark makeup; it didn't do her blue eyes any justice Bella thought, remembering Jenny when she used to wear natural colors.

Noah started walking up the stairs with Bella's suitcases, he said something under his breath that sounded like 'the woman in my life' shaking his head as he took the steps up to the room. Jenny hooked her arm in with Bella's and almost dragged her up the steps.

The paintings and photos next to the staircase were exactly the same, except for here and there was something new. Bella thought to herself she wanted to look at them later because at the rate they went up the stairs, it would be impossible to see all the faces on the photos.

"Mom fixed up your old room, the one you use to sleep in when you and your grandparents visited." Jenny said sounding so excited.

"So Jenny, tell me about Tommy," Bella said as she put her suitcase on the bed. "Tommy and I are doing well; we see each other everyday, it is like we are married. What about you and Jake? Where is he?" Jenny asked.

"Jake is at home, he didn't want to come with. I will probably be busy all the time and he has to work."

Bella couldn't face Jenny because she didn't want Jenny to see the sadness in her eyes.

Jake and Bella had been fighting non stop since her book was published and Bella was just not prepared to work on the relationship anymore, she thought that the break might do them good.

"So isn't Jake scared a knight in shining armor will sweep you off your feet while you are here?" Noah asked.

He was leaning against the door frame. Bella looked over her shoulder and smiled at him.

"And who will this knight be? Should I be scared? I am convinced that my knight gave up, he is probably at a bar taking a time out."

Noah laughed out loud.

"Your knight is close I am sure, maybe you are just not noticing him? But then again, isn't Joel supposed to be your knight?"

Bella grabbed her makeup bag out of her open suitcase and threw Noah with it playfully.

"His name is Jake and yes he is my knight, or sort of... so there is no one that will sweep me off my feet, thank you."

Bella turned back to her suitcase smiling but deep down she was hurting, she so wanted to get married and have kids but she couldn't even keep a relationship together for long enough to get engaged.

"Jenny, Noah tells me we are having a party? What are we wearing?" Bella asked. "Mom planed it, she was so happy about you coming. It's an informal thing you can wear what you are wearing now," Jenny said as she went through Bella's makeup bag. "No I would rather change apparently your mother invited everyone?"

Jenny just rolled her eyes and said, "yes you know mother."

"Jenny!" Nora called from down stairs.

"Tommy is here," Jenny said excited.

She jumped off the bed and as she ran out the door she said, "I can't wait for you to meet him, you are going to absolutely love him."

Then she leaned in and whispered to Noah, "Noah behave, Bella looks upset"

Noah walked towards Bella he put his hands on her shoulders and squeezed them softly. Bella thought to herself; he better not say anything, because if he did she would burst into tears. She preferred him when he was mocking her or joking with her, she needed him to do that rather than be serious. She could feel Noah moving closer to her ear, she felt his breath on her neck.

"I am glad you are here Bella," Noah said softly.

Bella walked away before he could say anything else.

"Thank you Noah, I am happy to be here too. Now if you could excuse me I need to phone Jake and tell him I am safe, I don't want him to get worried you know. He is very protective of me."

Noah didn't say anything.

She never looked into his eyes when she spoke to him; she was scared he would see her heartache.

"Very well, I will put the kettle on and when you are finished I will make you a cup of coffee."

He stood there and waited for her reply.

She looked up, they stared at each other for only a couple of seconds, she nodded and motioned towards her phone.

He turned on his heel and left the room.

Bella picked up her cell phone and dialed Jakes number. Voice mail as usual, Jake didn't like to be disturbed on his phone during the day, as he explained to Bella he was a very busy man and needed his peace and quiet to do his programming.

She decided to leave him a voice mail.

"Hey Jake it is me Bella. I am safe will text later, love you."

She ended the call and stared down at the phone, she couldn't help feeling this incredible sadness. She wished he was there or that he had at least picked up the phone. What if something had happened to her?

Today of all days, he should have picked up, if only to hear that she was safe. She wiped the tears from her face and looked in the mirror.

Jenny stood in the doorway; she looked at Bella's reflection in the mirror.

"Sorry to bother, but mom says when you are ready you must come down to the kitchen."

Bella turned around and smiled at Jenny.

"Sure I am on my way, after you."

But Jenny didn't walk out of the room, she walked towards Bella.

"Bella, why are you crying?"

Bella shook her head and said, "things are not perfect with me and Jake, but it will sort itself out, I am such a demanding girlfriend you know?"

Bella laughed as the words came out her mouth knowing that she was not at all a demanding girlfriend, she worshiped the ground Jake walked on. Compromise was nothing new to her.

"Bella I am sure the break is just what you need, is he still seeing her?" Jenny asked as she tried to comfort Bella.

She remembered that she had told Jenny about Jake's affair, but she thought that Jenny had forgotten that conversation.

"I don't know Jenny, I just don't know. He said he stopped it, lately it feels like she's back."

Bella couldn't stop the tears rolling down her cheeks. Why couldn't she just leave Jake? Why was she in a dead relationship? She had asked herself that everyday. As she looked up at Jenny she noticed someone standing in the door, she realized it was Noah and someone she assumed was Tommy stood next to him. Noah's face was sad, he looked at her and he saw it, he saw her broken heart.

She got up and smiled, she tried to lighten the mood. She didn't want them to ask anymore questions.

She took the mug out of Noah's hand.

"It is about time," Bella said.

"Hi I am Bella you must be Tommy, it is good to meet you."

Tommy shook Bella's hand.

"Its good to finally meet you, Jenny and Noah can not stop talking about you."

Bella took a sip from the cup and pulled her face.

"Noah how many sugars did you put in here? I only drink one."

Noah smiled, shaking his head.

"Yes I know, I remember but that cup has four sugars in because it is my coffee."

She blushed and gave Noah back his coffee.

"Sorry I guess mine is down stairs," she said embarrassed; he looked at her and nodded.

"Well then I better go down and wash this taste out of my mouth.

Bella almost ran down the stairs, she didn't want to think of what just happened. She wondered how much Noah had heard.

### Chapter 3

The kitchen smelled of freshly baked rusks, buttermilk to be exact.

Mrs. Taylor was on the phone with her back to Bella. She spoke to someone about the party that night.

When the door bell rang, she turned around and pointed at the door. She indicated to Bella that she must get the door.

Bella thought nothing of it and answered the door.

The woman standing in front of her had a big bunch of flowers in her hand.

She was tall with long blond hair and deep blue eyes. She was beautiful, she reminded Bella of a supermodel.

"Hi sorry everyone is off somewhere, can I help you?" Bella asked, she actually knew who the person was at the door.

"Yes I am Samantha, Noah's what shall we call it... girlfriend."

She smiled at Bella and gave her the flowers.

"Are these for me?" Bella asked as she took the flowers.

"Yes they are, it is just a little something to say welcome, they are from me and Noah."

Bella smelt the flowers; she knew they were not from Noah.

"Thank you, you are very kind. Mrs. Taylor is in the kitchen on the phone. Noah, Jenny and Tommy are upstairs in the room; do you want me to call them?"

Sam threw her coat at Bella and ran up the staircase.

"No thank you, I know my way around. I will find Noah," she shouted as she ran up the stairs.

Bella closed the door and looked at the flowers in her one hand and the coat in her other hand.

She said softly, "off course you know your way around."

She walked to the kitchen and put the flowers on the counter. Mrs. Taylor saw the flowers and got a vase with water.

The front door opened again, it was Mr. Taylor. He had not aged a bit in ten years. "Hi beautiful girl, how are you?"

He grabbed Bella in a hug and held her for a couple of seconds.

"I am good Mr. Taylor, looks like the water is good here; you haven't aged a year since I last saw you."

He laughed.

"It is his wife's good cooking," Mrs. Taylor said as she put the cordless phone on the charger.

"They don't get old because they live on love, they are like teenagers these two," Noah said as he and Sam walked hand in hand into the kitchen, closely followed by Jenny and Tommy.

"Are you kids ready for a big party tonight?" Mr. Taylor asked as he swayed his hips like he was dancing to a sixties tune.

"Dad please you will be in bed before the sun sets. You haven't partied in what 50 years?" Jenny said mocking her father.

"We will see my dear daughter, Bella's back and we are going to have a great time." Bella looked around the room everyone was smiling at her like they were waiting for her to say something clever.

"Yes a party, great," she said.

Mrs. Taylor looked down at her watch and said, "you better get ready the party starts in an hour, people are probably going to start arriving soon. Sam, will you help me with the platters?"

Bella went up to the room and she packed out her suitcase.

She couldn't decide what to wear. After looking at everything she had packed, she decided she was going to wear her old faithful black leather skirt with a white collar shirt and heels.

The front door bell rang constantly. Someone had put on music.

She sat on the bed in front of the mirror building up the courage to go see these people Mrs. Taylor invited. She didn't know what to expect.

She was about to get up when she heard a knock on her bedroom door.

"Come in," she said as she looked in the mirror at the reflection of door.

The door opened and she heard Noah's voice.

"Are you decent? Can I come in?"

Bella jumped off the bed and opened the door.

"Yes I am joker, I am on my way," she said.

"Do you mind if I come in and speak with you?"

"Not now Noah, please not now."

Noah nodded and held out his hand.

"Shall we?"

Bella took his hand in hers.

"We shall," she said pulling the door shut behind her.

There were so many people there. These were people she knew in a previous life she thought as she shook hands and kissed these strangers. Those she had recognized, she couldn't remember as friends of hers. She thought to herself she would be polite and mingle because Mrs. Taylor had gone to a lot of trouble.

All the conversations that night were about her book and why she had not gotten married yet. Someone even asked why she didn't have children, seen as her biological clock was ticking.

Bella was twenty seven she never thought about it in that way.

She found herself standing in a crowd of people but yet she felt lonely.

She took a glass of wine from the counter and decided to rather go stand outside for some fresh air.

"And where do you think you are going?"

Jenny and Tommy were standing outside on the patio.

"Jenny, hi sorry I didn't see you there, I was just coming outside for a little fresh air. I hope I wasn't disturbing you?"

"Not at all Bella it's such a beautiful night out. Tommy, why don't you go get me a glass of wine, then Bella and I can catch up some more?"

Bella knew what Jenny was doing, but she knew better than objecting.

"So you want to catch up, please don't ask me about my book or having kids!"

Bella laughed.

"Bella tell me do you love Jake?"

Bella hadn't expected that question.

"Well sure I love him he is my boyfriend we share a life, why would you ask me that?"

Jenny looked down at the floor.

"It is just when you and Noah are around each other; it's like it was when we were kids. I just needed to know that's all. Maybe the question is rather do you still love Noah? Don't you also feel this electricity in the air when you two are in a room together?"

Bella knew the answer and she was not going to lie, she wasn't going to tell the truth either. It was difficult to describe it, it had been ten years since she saw or spoke to him last. But yet when she saw him and he spoke to her, she realized although the feeling were hidden, it was still there.

Bella took a deep breath and looked at Jenny.

"I am here for my book. Noah is in love with Sam and she is lovely, and from what I can see they are very happy, I would never break that up."

Jenny looked at Bella smiling.

"You didn't answer the question Bella."

Tommy came out with two glasses of white wine.

"There we go, two white wines one for the guest of honor and the other one for my love."

Jenny took the glass and winked at Tommy.

"Well that's my queue to go," Bella said.

"No Bella wait, sit with us."

Jenny tried to keep Bella there because she wanted to get her answer.

"Thank you for the wine Tommy, and Jenny we will talk soon, its getting late and I need to phone Jake."

When Bella walked back into the house, it seemed fuller than when she went outside. Everyone was having a great time.

As fate would have it a very familiar song came on the radio. Mrs. Taylor almost jumped out of her skin.

"Bella, Noah here is your song. Please take the dance floor!" she insisted with a smile.

Bella looked up and saw the expression on Sam's face.

"Mrs. Taylor, Noah and I don't have a song, besides I think Noah and Sam should do the dance," Bella tried but it was too late.

Mrs. Taylor grabbed them both by the hands and pushed them into the crowd of people already dancing. It was very uncomfortable for her.

Noah held onto Bella almost like he had waited for that moment all night.

Bella laid her head on his chest and slow danced.

Mrs. Taylor stood and watched, by the look on her face, it was safe to say that she was very delighted.

Bella caught Sam's eyes for a second and from what she could see, Sam was not at all happy.

"One thing about old people they will never forget the things we try to," Noah said in Bella's ear.

"Do you really want to forget Noah?" Bella asked, she sounded disappointed and hurt.

"No Bella, I remember every single day. I am just saying that when we were six years old, we were at that party and for some reason we danced to this song, now everyone seems to think it is our song that's all."

Bella remembered that night.

When the song ended, they stood there motionless, speechless.

"Can I have my boyfriend back?" Sam asked as she stood next to them.

"Yes of course you may, I need to go phone my boyfriend Jake."

Bella turned around and went up to her room. She did want to phone Jake but she also wanted to get out of the uncomfortable situation down stairs. Without a doubt Sam was upset and with good reason.

She closed the door behind her and for the first time in a long time she sighed, what a mess she thought.

She picked up her phone to phone Jake. She knew that she just needed to hear his voice then maybe she would feel better. She thought that if they maybe spoke over the phone, without seeing each other, they would be able to say the things they were too scared to say to each others faces.

She picked up the phone and dialed Jake's number, this time it didn't go to voice mail.

"Hi this is Jake's phone," the voice was of a giggling girl obviously having a good time.

"Hi who is this? Can I speak to Jake please?"

There was silence on the other side and then Bella heard the girl telling Jake that it was Bella on the phone.

"Hi Bella."

Jake sounded like he was trying not too laugh.

"Jake what's going on? Who is that girl?"

Jake went quiet then he said it; the words Bella knew would come out of his mouth, just not so soon.

"Bella honey look, things are obviously not working out between us. You need to gather yourself and make sense of your life."

He spoke as if he knew what he was talking about.

"After that book you wrote, it had become clear to me that we grew apart."

Bella interrupted him, she could feel the anger building up.

"Well Jake honey answer me this, how long have you been cheating on me with that slut?"

Bella's hands were shaking.

"She isn't a slut Bella, its Nadine and we fell in love while you were spending your nights working on that book of yours."

Bella slid off the side of the bed; she was sitting flat on the floor.

"Nadine, my assistant?"

Jake just kept quiet, Bella realized it was Nadine her assistant.

"Bella I packed all your stuff in boxes and I sent it to your grandparents place."

Bella couldn't believe it, everything was happening so fast.

"But I left this morning Jake, how long have you been planning this?"

Jake sighed on the other side of the phone almost annoyed by her.

"Look Bella it is over, when and how it happened is irrelevant, it happened and that's that."

Jake acted very coldly to her feelings.

"Okay Jake that's that then. Bye."

Bella ended the call and threw the phone on the bed. She put her hands over her face and started crying. The only thing that repeated back to her in her head was 'that's that then'.

Jake wasn't wrong, things were not good between them but never the less Bella wasn't someone that gave up easily and another failed romance was not her idea of a good and successful life.

Bella looked at her watch it was late; everyone was still partying up a storm down stairs. A party held in her honor, how ironic everyone there was celebrating her life and all she thought about was curling up in bed and sleeping off this feeling that almost felt like a bad hang over.

She got up from the floor and dragged herself to the mirror. The face that looked back at her wasn't a face she recognized, she tried to tidy up what was left of the makeup on her face. She stood there with both her hands on the dressing table when she heard people fighting down the corridor.

She walked toward the door and realized that the door wasn't closed completely. She opened it a bit more to try and hear who was fighting.

"Oh look its Noah and Bella's song..."

Bella could hear Sam was crying.

"It is a stupid song that we danced to when we were six Sam," Noah tried to explain. "Tell me something Noah, if that's a stupid song that meant nothing, why didn't you tell your mommy dearest that you would have rather danced with me?"

Noah got angry.

"Sam there is no need to be nasty to my mother, she meant well."

Sam laughed a sarcastic laugh.

"Noah there is something between you and Bella, everyone knows and saw that tonight. Why don't we go to Bella now and ask her what the dance meant to her?" Sam started walking, almost running towards Bella's door.

Bella quickly moved away from the door, she pretended to scratch for something in her suitcase.

"Sam, please no!" Noah shouted but it was too late, when Bella looked over her shoulder Sam was standing behind her.

"Sam hi..." Was all Bella could get out.

"Please Bella, I am here to ask you and Noah a question and I need for you to be honest with me," Sam said as she looked back and forth between them.

"Yes of course I will be Sam, what is it?" Bella looked at Noah, he was standing by the door.

She could see that he was very uncomfortable.

There we were, his ex and his jealous girlfriend in the same room.

"Firstly I must say that I had a very uncomfortable conversation with Noah's mother about two days ago, when she announced you were coming. She went on and on about how you and Noah were each others first loves and that first love never really dies down. I know that Mrs. Taylor does not like me much, so I took it as one of her remarks she makes to hurt me-"

Noah interrupted, "Sam she has nothing against you."

Sam looked over her shoulder and shot Noah a very irritated look.

"As I was saying, she said that you and Noah would probably take one look at each other and realize that you are in fact made for each other. My question is this and its directed to the both of you, is that true? Do you have feelings for each other?"

Bella looked at Noah leaning against the door frame, he was smiling at her from behind Sam's back.

Bella pulled her shoulders straight and said to Noah, "well Noah you go first."

Bella wasn't going to be first and she decided the decent thing was for Noah to reveal his feelings to Sam and not Bella, because it was their relationship.

Noah pulled his face straight before he walked into the room, before Sam could see the smile on his face.

"Bella has always been a very important part of my family and of my life. I love her dearly and if you are asking me if I felt something for her tonight other than friendship, then my answer is yes very much so."

Noah's face was serious and firm and Bella knew he meant every word that he had said.

"Sam I must be honest with you, my mother doesn't like you much because you don't respect her or this house. It's not my mother's fault that you made no effort to make friends with my family."

Sam was so angry by then that it looked like she was going to strangle him.

"Well Noah-"

Noah interrupted her, "you come here tonight into Bella's room like you were on fire; you confronted her harshly when you could see she had been crying."

Noah looked at Bella.

Bella thought for a second, did she really look that bad?

Sam started crying as she looked at Bella.

Bella felt very bad, she felt like the other woman and Noah really didn't have to attack Sam in that way. But she understood Sam wanted honesty and she made him angry all night by attacking his family, he had the right to speak to Sam about it, how he did it might not have been right.

"Sam I am so sorry-" Bella said before Sam interrupted her.

"Bella I am sorry that I came in here and that I didn't notice that you were upset but I need to know what your answer is to my question."

Bella didn't know what to say, nothing she could say to Sam would have made her less the other woman and Sam would probably hate her anyways.

"Yes I feel the same," Bella said softly looking at him.

She realized she said the words out loud, for the first time.

"However that doesn't mean anything, you and Noah can work things out. I can stay in the motel down the road till my book signing is over; you will never know I am here. You can go back to how things were, I mean nothing happened."

Noah stepped in.

"You are not going to a motel. You are staying here; my parents want you here, and so does Jenny."

Sam turned around and looked at Noah, she was very angry but somehow she calmed her voice down.

"And you Noah, do you want her here to rekindle your lost love?"

Sam didn't give Noah a chance to answer, she turned to Bella again.

"What would Jake say about this? I think we should call him."

Bella had forgotten about Jake. She didn't know what to say, should she tell the truth?

"Sam you are welcome to phone him and tell him what ever you feel is appropriate, but before you do that, I should mention to you that before you stormed into my room I was on the phone with Jake, he very casually mentioned to me that he has been packing my stuff into boxes today and he sent it with who knows, to my grandparents house and that he has been having an affair with my assistant."

Bella grabbed the phone off the bed and held it out to Sam. For the first time that night Bella felt in control.

"Sam I really think you should tell my brother about you and Kevin."

Everyone in the room looked at the door where Jenny and Tommy were standing. Noah frowned and looked at Sam.

"You bitch you promised!" Sam shouted at Jenny.

Noah looked shocked. Sam very seldom talked to anyone like that.

"Wait... Sam what is Jenny talking about?" Noah asked.

"Nothing, she's not talking about anything."

Jenny smiled as she walked into the room.

"No Sam, its time I tell my brother what Tommy and I saw that night outside the movies. Yes I did promise not to say anything but only because I thought you had learned your lesson and that you were done with cheating on my brother. You also told me it was the first and last time that 'that' had happened. But it was very sad to hear you on the phone tonight with Kevin. You see Tommy and I were making out in the garden just next to you. Guess you didn't hear or see us."

Jenny turned to Noah.

"I am so sorry I never told you this but two weeks ago Tommy and I were at the movies and after the movie, we walked to our car, we saw Sam and Kevin in his car. She was sitting on his lap in the drivers' seat, she was stripped down to her bra and panties. They were obviously going to take that hot steamy make out session further, if Tommy had not knocked on the window."

Noah looked at Sam for long enough to give her time to explain, but she didn't.

"Sam is this true?" Noah asked.

"Yes it is. But it meant nothing and tonight on the phone it was misinterpreted, like Bella said we can work all this out."

Noah shook his head rubbing his eyes, he smiled and then he looked at Sam.

"No I don't think so, please get your coat and leave."

Sam tried to grab Noah's arm, she cried louder than ever she almost had this sound of desperation in her voice.

"Noah please we can work it out. Please Noah you love me. Think about us, think about our future all the plans we have made."

Noah pulled his arm out her hand.

"No Sam its over, I am so over this. This is the second guy I know of, that you have betrayed me with. Yes I loved you. I need you to go. I am done."

Sam walked out and left Bella, Tommy, Jenny and Noah standing in silence in the room.

Jenny walked over to Noah, she hugged her brother.

"Noah single again," she said. "We all know that isn't going to last forever. I know it's not my place but you said that he was the second guy that she had been with while you were a couple?"

"That I know of my dear sister."

Noah looked at Jenny as if he was communicating telepathically with her.

She turned to Bella who sat on the bed looking down at the patterns on the duvet.

"Come Tommy the food is probably ready and I am starving. Bella are you coming down later?" Jenny asked.

"Yes I will be down just now," Bella answered.

When Jenny and Tommy left the room, Noah walked over and sat down next to Bella. He sat close to her, he looked at her and then he kissed her softly on her forehead. "Bella I am so sorry about what happened tonight. I think that this breakup has been coming for a long time now and it was unfair to drag you into it. And for what its worth I am sorry about Jack."

Bella smiled, she knew that was his idea of making a joke, she didn't correct him.

"Its fine Noah, I am sorry too. I feel bad for you and Sam. She didn't expect this was going to happen and if I never came here it would probably never have happened. You would have made it work. If you forgave her once for cheating on you, could you not do it again? You see we are very much alike. I also don't give up."

Noah looked at her and said, "I am glad you are here and I am sure that like you, I could never forget her cheating on me, it was in the back of my mind all the time." Bella didn't know if it was that night's events or was it the wine talking but she just had to ask.

Noah got up and started walking towards the door.

"Noah, did you mean what you said about having feelings for me other than friendship?"

Noah turned around.

"Absolutely," he held out his hand. "Come lets go eat, mother is probably wondering where we are."

Bella didn't take his hand, she looked up at him.

"You go ahead without me I think I have had more than enough of people. I am going to bed, will you please tell your mother I was very tired and thank her for the party?"

"Sure," Noah said as he left the room closing the door behind him.

### Chapter 4

The next morning at breakfast it was very quiet in the house. Mrs. Taylor made breakfast fit for an army.

"Morning," Bella said as she walked into the kitchen.

"Bella my dear, how are you feeling? Noah said you were so tired last night and I was worried because you hadn't eaten yet. If I look at you I can see why you are so skinny, you don't eat! I made you breakfast and I do insist, I want to see a full plate in front of you."

Bella grabbed a plate and said, "I do eat Mrs. Taylor, I am not a shy girl. Thank you it looks really good. Where is everyone?"

Mrs. Taylor put down the dish cloth and looked at Bella as if she was going to tell her that the cat had died.

"Jenny and Tommy went out quad biking and Noah's dad had to go to the office. As for Noah, he is outside sitting by the table having his coffee. Poor boy has a lot on his mind.

Jenny told me what happened up in your room last night. No wonder you were so tired. I can't say that I am not happy about it. Sam wasn't for Noah, we all know Noah has a true love already," Mrs. Taylor said winking at Bella.

"Yes, well I think I will take my full plate with my coffee outside and join Noah. We probably have to straighten some things out."

Bella took the coffee and the plate of food out.

"You do that dear and take your time, I will be in here."

"The famous author is up. It's not everyday that I have breakfast with a best selling author," Noah said as he pulled out a chair for Bella to sit on.

"Thank you very much," she said shyly.

She sat next to him; they both looked out over the field in front of them. It wasn't an awkward silence; it was a way of healing the wounds she thought.

"Bella you know that lake we always canoed on when we were children?" Noah asked.

"Yes how can I forget? You tried to tip the boat once to make me scared, wait you even said there were crocks in that lake, remember? And then you fell in yourself?" She laughed, he just smiled as he remembered.

"Yes that's correct I remember, you were pretty proud of yourself that day. Anyways I thought that when you are done with breakfast and with what ever woman do to make them ready for the day, that we could go out there?"

Bella took a bite of the toast and nodded with a smile.

"That would be very nice thank you. But first your mother wants to feed me till I burst because apparently we city people don't eat," she said as she tried to swallow her food.

"Mom was very worried that you didn't eat last night, she even asked me to bring you a plate of food. But I thought you might throw me with something if I had sneaked in late at night," Noah joked.

"I wouldn't have. Give me five minutes, I will meet you in the living room then we can go," she said as she went into the house.

Five minutes later Bella ran down the stairs, hair in a pony, she had jeans, a white tank top and flip flops on. Noah was busy tying his shoes.

"I am ready we can go," Bella said poking Noah's shoulder.

Mrs. Taylor came into the room.

"Oh dear please be careful on the lake, maybe you should take a hat. Your skin isn't used to the country sun."

Noah kissed his mom on the cheek and said, "mom, leave Bella she remembers country life. Just because she is living in the city, doesn't mean that this country girl is a city girl now."

Mrs. Taylor smiled up at her son.

"Yes I know dear but please remember she can't swim. I just want you to be careful."

Bella blushed, she didn't know why Mrs. Taylor remembered that.

"I will jump in if she falls over board mother," Noah joked as he put his arm around Bella's shoulders.

They climbed in Noah's truck and drove to the lake.

When they were kids they used to walk all the way to the lake but as they drove Bella realized it was much further than she had remembered.

"Look its Jenny and Tommy." Bella pointed out to the side of the dirt road.

Noah stopped the truck.

"Jenny!" Bella shouted.

Jenny looked back and waved. She turned to Tommy and said something to him before she ran to the truck.

"Where are you guys going?" Jenny asked out of breath.

"We are headed to the lake, is everything okay?" Noah asked as he was trying to look for Tommy through the passenger window.

"Yes we are fine, Tommy's bike broke he is trying to fix it. Maybe you could help us, we could load the bike on your truck and you could take us back to Tommy's house. It's on the way to the lake."

Noah got out of the truck and helped Tommy load the bike on the back.

"Tommy you sit at the back with the bike, I will ride in front with Bella and Noah," Jenny said as she pushed Bella to the middle of the seat.

Jenny insisted that she wanted to sit next to the door. Noah took one look at Bella in the middle before getting in; he smiled almost as if he wanted that to happen. Jenny couldn't stop talking the entire trip to Tommy's house, after a while Bella just nodded at everything Jenny said. Noah held his hand on the gear lever; he kept on rubbing his hand against Bella's leg as he switched between gears. He had a pleased look on his face.

"Well we helped, you owe me coffee in bed for a week," Noah joked with Jenny. "Thank you Noah, we appreciate it and I will make sure she brings you coffee every morning," Tommy said.

Noah got back in the truck as he started it Jenny ran up to Bella's window.

"There is no need for you to sit so far from Noah, he doesn't bite," Jenny said playfully.

"Bye Jenny see you at home later," Bella said as she motioned to close the window. "I won't be home tonight. I am spending the night at Tommy's. I have something very romantic planned."

Noah leaned over Bella to try to close the window.

"You are my sister , I think I have heard enough."

Jenny knew Noah got uncomfortable quickly.

"When are you taking Bella to your house Noah?" Jenny asked.

"Bye Jenny," Noah said as he closed the window.

Bella never thought about it but Noah wasn't living at home anymore. Her grandfather showed her a photo of the house Noah bought and fixed up about four years ago.

"Don't look so shocked Bella; I will show you my place. You didn't think I was living with the old folks did you?"

Bella looked at him.

"No I am not shocked its just last night you spent the night and yes I knew you had a house, my granddad showed me the photo."

Noah frowned, he looked over to Bella.

"So you spoke about me even though I was out of your life?" Noah asked.

"Noah you were never out of my life. My granddad was convinced that you would some day come to the city and sweep me off my feet, bring me back to Glenwood and marry me and we would have this perfect life in this beautiful house of yours."

Noah looked in front of him.

"I was there you know, in the city. I was at your apartment once."

Bella turned in her seat.

"What? Why didn't you knock or phone, let me know you were there?" She asked confused.

"Actually I did knock and I was greeted by a guy Derrick, I think his name was. I said to him I am Noah and I am a friend from Glenwood. He invited me in and I really liked the place, I could see your touch everywhere. While I was sitting there, you phoned him. I sat on your expensive sofa and waited for him to come tell me that you were on your way. Instead he came into the room and said that you had to go pick up something on your way home and then he told me that he had prepared this nice meal for the two of you, because he was going to ask you to marry him. I thought that you and Derrick were probably happy and that I should rather go."

Bella couldn't believe her ears.

"He never told me you were there. I am sorry," she said almost in a whisper.

"Don't be, it is in the past. So what happened? Did you get engaged that night? Why did you leave Derrick? Was Jake more handsome?"

Bella didn't know what to say or rather how to say it.

"Noah, Derrick died that night, when I got home he was lying on the floor, he had a bad heart."

Noah's smile disappeared from his face.

"I didn't know. I thought that you were happy and that... it doesn't matter now what I thought".

It was quiet in the truck for a couple of minutes then he said, "so if you owned that loft and Jake mentioned he sent your stuff to your grandparents, then has he now taken the loft?"

"No after Derrick died on my kitchen floor, I just couldn't stay there so I decided to sell the place and go rent another place till I found a nice place to buy and I met Jake, he was my neighbor, we started dating. I moved in with him when my lease was up," Bella explained.

### Chapter 5

"Before we go on the boat; I just want to say I am sorry that I got angry when I told you I came looking for you. I assumed you just didn't want to contact me, I didn't know what happened to you."

Bella took Noah's hand in hers and said, "its okay I understand. I am sorry that I didn't know you were there. Noah I waited for you. With all the madness of what my grandfather had told me, I started believing it. I wanted you to show up. I wrote you a million letters but I never posted them," Bella said.

"Your grandmother posted me one of your letters. She claimed it was an accident. That's why I came to the city. After I left your loft I went to your grandparent's home and asked them not to tell you I was there. I told your grandmother that you moved on and that was probably an old letter. But I could see in her eyes she knew better."

Noah squeezed Bella's hand

"Come, I want to show you something."

They walked to the pier hand in hand. The boat was tied to the pier with a rope. Bella was so used to the city life; she couldn't imagine that the boat had not been stolen it was just lying there. Maybe Mrs. Taylor was right, she did turn into a city girl. Never, she assured herself.

"After you," Noah said as he helped Bella get into the boat.

He sat opposite her and rowed the boat further into the lake.

She looked over the water, she needed it, the quite the peacefulness. All the memories played over in her head. She looked over at Noah; she was so attracted to him.

She turned her face to the water again and closed her eyes. She didn't know what to make of these feelings. It's silly she thought how she can fall in love with him again. Actually she had never fallen out of love with him, but it was impossible she wasn't going to be in Glenwood forever.

She wouldn't have come here in the first place if it wasn't for her assistant Nadine. Apparently the people of Glenwood were so proud of her that they wanted to book her for a signing.

"Open your eyes, we are here," Noah said.

As Bella opened her eyes, she felt like the wind was knocked out of her. In front of her were rows of Sunflowers, all of them faced the sun; there must have been hundreds of them.

"After I came back from the city, I planted a couple of sunflowers I told myself that it would give me closure. After the months and years passed, they just multiplied. Bella I planted them for you because I knew that they were your favorite."

Bella looked at Noah with tears in her eyes. She couldn't hold it back anymore. She grabbed Noah around the neck and kissed him. She had not felt that magic with anyone else she had ever kissed.

She knew that she had always loved him but she didn't realize how much she had missed him. She pulled away and wiped the tears from her cheeks.

"Sorry I didn't mean to cry on you?"

Noah smiled and wiped Bella's tears from his own face.

He put his hand on her cheek and kissed her softly again. She could feel that Noah had also wanted that kiss for a long time. She couldn't but wonder what would have happened if she was at the loft that day, would they have found each other sooner.

Just like when they were teenagers they spent most of the afternoon kissing on the boat on the lake. The feeling of being free and not worrying about every small detail in life was refreshing. Noah did bring out the best in her and she could relax with him. As they laid there kissing Bella heard her phone ring, Noah took it out of her pocket and pressed the ignore button on the phone. He put the phone in his pocket, without interrupting their kiss. Then his phone rang.

"We better get that, it's probably your mother."

Noah sat up and answered the call.

"Yes mom... yes we will be there later... I will be staying over yes... She is fine... No I haven't drowned her... You and Jenny are the same you know... No mother. Bye."

Noah put the phone in his pocket and shook his head.

"What? Is something wrong?" Bella asked as she kneeled in front of him.

"No my mother and Jenny want to know, why we are still out here, ..... well never mind."

Noah rubbed his eyes.

"No tell me, what did your mother say?"

"She said that Jenny hinted that I might have touched your leg in the truck earlier and that I was very agitated because it seemed that I wanted to get you alone. So my mother just said that I must not take advantage of you and that I must give you time to get over that guy."

Bella put her arms around Noah's neck. She looked up at him.

"Noah you are not taking advantage of me. I want this."

As she kissed him; she pushed him onto his back, never thinking that he was lying with his back on a cooler box and his head on the rim of the boat.

The sun started to set. They were laying next to each other in the tiny boat, Noah lay on his back and Bella laid next to him on her side with her head on his chest.

"We should probably get back, back to the madness," Noah said as he stroked her hair and kissed her forehead softly.

Bella just nodded, she didn't want to go back to the house. She wanted to stay like that forever, but it was getting late and everyone would get worried.

Noah rowed back to the peer.

Bella turned her face to the water again. She closed her eyes, breathing in the country air, thinking how good it all felt.

### Chapter 6

"We are home," Noah shouted into the house as he closed the front door behind him. "Bella dear come to the kitchen."

Mrs. Taylor stood there in front of the oven.

"I hope that you still have that sweet tooth. I made your favorite cookies."

Bella smelled that familiar smell.

"Mom I think Bella has had enough sweetness today, my brother looks like the cat that got cream," Jenny said as she smiled at Noah.

"Jenny I thought you are going to be at Tommy's tonight?" Bella asked widening her eyes at Jenny.

"Yes I am going but we decided we are going to first watch DVD's with you and Noah. Tommy went to town to get us a couple of movies, he will be back soon. Its probably movies you have seen, but I am sure you guys wouldn't mind," Jenny said winking at her mother.

"Jenny please go check on your dad, he came home dead tired. He went for an afternoon nap about an hour ago, its time for him to get up."

Jenny turned around and almost skipped out the kitchen.

"I have to go home to fetch some clothes, I will be back soon," Noah said leaning over the kitchen counter.

Noah's mother looked at him and said, "yes, please bring me your washing."

She looked at Bella and said "you should go with him and see that nice house he got himself; he just about built it up from the ground you know."

"Yes Bella you should come with and see the nice house," Noah said smiling.

"Noah before you go, can I have a second with Bella?" Mrs. Taylor asked as she took off the oven mittens.

"Sure, I will go get my stuff that needs to go back home."

Bella sat on a chair in the kitchen and looked at Mrs. Taylor. She didn't know what it was about but she had that look again. That look that made Bella feel bad news was coming. Mrs. Taylor sat next to Bella and took her hand.

"Look Bella, this is a conversation that I have wanted to have with you for a very long time. Noah has always had a soft spot for you, should I rather say it's more than that. He has always loved you. I had always secretly hoped that you would come back to him. He went looking for you once and when he came back it looked like my boy had died. I never asked him what happened but I knew that it didn't go the way he had planned.

"After a couple of days your grandmother phoned here and spoke to me about it. What I am getting at is, when you phoned to say you were coming back for this book signing, I just knew. Noah didn't sleep at all the night before and when he brought you in here his heart was whole again. He was happy again. I never liked Sam and it was not because I knew of her ways or of how she treated me and the rest of the family. It was because I knew every time he looked at her, he saw you and only you. Please look after him. That's all I am asking."

Bella understood every word that she heard coming out of Mrs. Taylor's mouth. Just like Noah looked for her in Sam, she looked for him in Jake.

"Mrs. Taylor I have loved Noah for most of my life. I haven't felt more alive. He makes me feel loved and happy. Being here with all of you, makes me feel like I am home again. I will never hurt him. I love him. But that said I don't know what to do because I am not going to be in Glenwood forever."

"My dear you will figure it out. I love you like you were my own and what ever happens, you are always welcome in this house. While Noah's taking his time up there, do you want to tell me what happened out on the lake today?"

Bella blushed.

"No I don't think it would be appropriate-" Luckily Noah interrupted.

"Come let's go see the house before my mother pressures you in sharing x rated details," Noah joked as he held out his hand to Bella.

"Noah! There were no x rated things Mrs. Taylor," Bella said as she hit Noah playfully on the arm.

Jenny came back into the room just as Bella and Noah wanted to leave.

"Can I come with, Noah?" Jenny asked.

"Yes of course you can come with Jenny," Bella said before Noah could answer.

"Are you not going to wait for Tommy?" Noah asked.

"Well maybe we should tell Tommy to meet us at your place and then we can watch the movies there?"

Bella looked at Noah's face she could read his thoughts. Just as Bella wanted to suggest that they stick to the original plan Noah answered.

"Yes, sure phone Tommy quick and tell him to meet us at my house."

Jenny grabbed the phone on the counter and phoned Tommy.

"Sorry mom looks like the plans have changed," Noah said to his mother.

"Not at all, you go have fun. Your father and I will get something to entertain ourselves with."

Jenny came back in the room clutching the phone.

"Tommy says it's a great idea he suggested we all spend the night at your place, that way you don't have to bring Bella back and we don't have to drive home late tonight."

Bella not giving Noah chance to answer asked, "where is everyone going to sleep?"

"What if Tommy and Jenny sleep in the guest room, you sleep in my bed and I will sleep on my sofa?"

Noah sounded more excited about the suggestion.

"What do you say Bella?" Jenny said as she boiled over with excitement.

"Come on it will be fun, like the old days. Besides this time you and Noah can make out in front of us and not behind a sofa, where you think no one can see you," Jenny said winking at her mother.

"Yes, fine , I will go pack an over night bag," Bella said blushing.

The drive over to Noah's house was the same as earlier with Jenny in the truck, she spoke none stop all the way. She tried to catch up all the years past, in a twenty minute car ride.

When they arrived at the house Bella's mouth hung open she couldn't believe her eyes.

"This place is huge! It must at least have ten bedrooms right?" Bella asked.

"Oh look Tommy is here already."

Jenny jumped out of the truck and ran over to Tommy's car.

"Noah, is this the house? The one we made up as kids? Oh my word it's beautiful. The photo didn't do it any justice. It's on the lake why didn't we see it today?" Bella hardly gave Noah time to answer.

"Yes it's 'the house.' We wouldn't have been able to see it because of those trees; they sort of block the view. It has the blue shutters and the wrap around porch, don't forget the balcony from the master bedroom you wanted."

Bella looked back at Noah, he was smiling but looking shyly at the floor.

"Its really beautiful Noah you made this fabulous home," Bella said.

"Let's go in, then you won't be that impressed anymore. I heard from your grandfather, that before you became an author you where an interior decorator." Noah said as he took Bella's hand.

"Now this is a bachelor pad but I sense your mothers touch?"

Bella couldn't help herself.

Old wooden floors and window frames. The furniture was heavy wood. But there was a lot of technology in the house, that part Noah probably did. Bella could not imagine Mrs. Taylor putting in a flat screen TV with surround sound.

"So what movies did you get Tommy?" Bella asked.

"Old movies our shop only has about fifty DVD's in stock and seems like everyone had the same idea as us. I got action, romance and comedy because I didn't know what you liked Bella," Tommy said as he looked through the movies in his hand.

Bella realized everyone just wanted to please her.

"I am happy with anything; I am a big fan of Hollywood so anything will do," Bella said looking at Tommy.

"Maybe you should put on some music, while I go put my bag in the room. Jenny can get the popcorn and what ever we need and then we can start with the movies," Bella said.

She was very good at organizing, she was a born organizer.

"Noah where is your room?" Bella asked as she pointed down the passage.

"You heard her. I am just going to get her settled," Noah said as he led Bella down the passage up the stairs to the bedroom.

"This is your room for the night my lady," Noah said.

"Thank you Noah, I feel so bad that you have to sleep on the sofa. Don't you have another guest bedroom here somewhere?" Bella asked.

"No I am afraid not, I have fixed up a guest bedroom but it still needs a bed, Jenny and Tommy will just have to settle for a blow up mattress, the other rooms are still empty."

Bella looked into the room and saw that on the one bedside table were a pair of golden earrings. She knew it must have been Sam's but she didn't want to think that Sam and Noah spend many nights in this bed. It was almost as if Noah saw what Bella was looking at.

"I must return them to Sam it's just been very hectic," Noah tried to explain.

"Noah its fine really, you and Sam have a history, we only hooked up today. I don't even know what we are? Besides it can't go on, I am here for the book signing and then I have to go back, to what I don't know. My life is in the city and your life is here. Are we going to do this only for a fling?"

Bella knew she had to say something, Mrs. Taylor said they would work it out but Bella needed to get the question out there. Noah put the bag down and walked towards her, he took her hands in his.

"I was meaning to talk to you tonight about it. I thought we were going to be alone on the ride here. Bella move here, you can stay in the house with me. We can convert one of the rooms into a study for you where you can write. Listen I know this is sudden and you can think about it, we don't have to share a room or anything you can decorate a room for you, if that is what is bothering you. I just don't want to let you go. I don't want to wake up again and find myself with another girl in my bed, wishing it was you. At least take a couple of days to think about it."

Bella wanted to answer but she was unsure, she had started a life for herself in the city. There was almost nothing left of it but she wasn't someone that liked change, and that was a big change.

"I will give it some thought; see if I still like you in the morning," Bella joked.

Noah accepted her answer.

"We better go down stairs before Jenny comes and fetches us," Bella said walking towards the door.

"Isn't this nice it's like old times, I told you it would be didn't I?" Jenny asked.

"Yes it is but this movie is really the pits sorry Tommy," Bella said laughing.

"Yes it wasn't the best choice I have ever made. Do you want to watch something else?" Tommy asked looking at Noah who was clearly not concentrating on the movie.

Bella jumped up.

"Anyone for coffee?"

Everyone agreed that coffee would be a good idea.

"I will come help you," Jenny said when Noah stopped her.

"Let me, you guys kiss or do what ever you were doing before Bella and I interrupted you earlier," Noah said.

"Jealous brother?" Jenny asked.

"Not at all, sis."

"Bella why don't you go ahead, I just want to have a quick word with my brother please " Jenny asked.

Bella left the room; she knew what they were going to talk about. Their family was very close knit and they probably knew that Noah had asked Bella to move there. Bella walked slowly to the kitchen trying to listen in but Jenny was clever she waited a while before she spoke.

"Must I leave too?" Tommy asked.

"No silly you know already, there is no point in you not staying. Noah did you speak to her?" Jenny asked.

"Yes I did and she said she will give it some thought," Noah said.

Jenny sounded surprised that Bella didn't say yes, "do you think it's because of Sam or Jake? I mean you guys hit it off on the lake today?"

"Yes we did, she needs time Jenny she has never been the impulsive type and her life is in the city."

Jenny snapped back, "was, her life was in the city, that life cheated on her. Noah you mustn't sit in the corner like you have for years when it comes to Bella. Stand up and fight for her, make her see she needs to be here. Come on, she might live in the city but she hates it. Did you not see her face yesterday when we spoke about city life?" Jenny asked.

Noah knew that he had only always wanted Bella to be happy and he wasn't sitting in a corner, he just always gave Bella space.

"She needs to make this decision on her own. She must want to be here, I am not going to force her. If she chooses city life then so be it. I have always loved her and will always love her. That is why it's better that you not pressure her okay Jenny?" Jenny nodded she understood what Noah was saying, she didn't agree with it but she understood. If Bella made the wrong decision for herself she would be unhappy and so Jenny knew she had to respect her brother's wishes.

Bella heard the whole conversation; she was standing against the wall next to the living room.

When she heard Noah getting up, she ran to the kitchen.

She rinsed the cups out when he walked in. He stood in the door leaning against the door frame looking at her; she could feel him looking at her.

"So what did your sister say about me, it was obviously about me because I wasn't allowed to hear?"

Noah rubbed his eyes.

"It was nothing much. Just her not keeping her opinions to herself."

Bella placed the cups on the counter and pretended to count how many sugars everyone drank in their coffee.

"I actually thought her opinions were valid," she said as she looked up at Noah, he looked almost shocked that she heard.

"You are a piece of work Miss Walker you know that," Noah said as he walked towards her, he picked her up and placed her gently on the counter.

He put his hands on her face and kissed her. Bella loved it so when he did that, no other man could kiss her like Noah did, he made her legs numb.

He took one hand off her face and put it under her shirt; he rubbed her back moving his hand over her breasts pushing himself up against her.

Bella felt so light headed she forgot for a second that there were people in the other room. She put her hand under his shirt and scratched his chest. Just as things got heated Tommy came into the kitchen.

"I am so sorry; I am just here for a glass of water the coffee took so long, Jenny got thirsty," Tommy said, he even covered his eyes.

"Tommy don't be silly. You don't have to say sorry, Noah, get me the milk before Jenny dehydrates."

Bella made the joke to make Tommy feel better he might have expected them to be kissing in the kitchen but this was obviously too much for him.

"You took your time were you making coffee or...." Jenny said as Bella put the mug next to her.

"We chatted about your views on me moving in here with Noah," Bella said as if in passing conversation.

"I didn't know that you could hear us. Sorry if I offended you," Jenny said.

"Not at all Jenny its good to know what other people's opinions are," Bella said politely.

They didn't watch anymore movies that night they started talking about the memories they shared and of Tommy and Jenny's future.

"I always thought that Noah would marry first, the last couple of weeks Sam bought all these bridal magazines and she was sure Noah would give in and ask her to marry him. But Noah always said to her; why change anything and that they were fine the way they were," Jenny explained.

Bella just smiled because that is exactly what she said to Jake when he spoke of marriage.

"So are you engaged?" Bella asked Tommy.

"Yes sort of I asked her, she said yes but now we need a ring. We are going to throw an engagement party, where we will make it official."

Bella could see that Tommy was absolutely crazy about Jenny.

"I am sure you will be very happy," she said smiling.

Noah was so quiet it almost felt like he wasn't listening to a single word anyone said and then out of nowhere he asked Bella.

"So Bella do you think you would ever get married?"

Bella picked up her cup.

"Sure why not," she replied, she tried not to look at him.

Bella had always wanted to get married, there was a time when she would have married Jake but a lot changed in their relationship and it almost happened over night, she just couldn't see herself spending eternity with a man that was irritated by her.

Her cell phone rang it was lying on the table next to Noah.

"Please pass that to me, who would phone at this hour?" Bella asked frowning.

"It's Jake," Noah said handing her the phone.

"Excuse me please."

Bella thought it best to take the call in another room.

"Hello," she said as if she didn't know who was on the other side.

"Bella it's me, its Jake."

Bella felt her heart beating faster in her chest.

"Listen I know that we didn't have a good conversation last night and I am sorry," Jake said.

"Why are you phoning me Jake?"

He went quiet on the other side for a couple of seconds.

"I am phoning to say I am sorry and that I want us to work things out when you get back. Nadine was a big mistake and I was lonely. I wanted to punish you for the book, the time we spend apart because of it..."

Bella could hear the whispers in the living room behind her.

"Noah, do something," Jenny demanded.

"Jenny stop it!" Noah said angry.

When Bella focused on the voice on the phone again she took a deep breath. She got angry very fast. She raised her voice so that Jake would stop talking; she never realized that everyone in the living room could also hear her.

"Listen to me for a change Jake, you made this book the enemy, you didn't want me to breathe in the same room as you when you were working. I am not going to say sorry that I wrote the book. We have been up and down this road so many times Jake, you have a fling and I must just take you back. You packed my stuff and drove it to my grandparent's house.

You let Nadine answer your phone when I phoned and you made out like I am the liability in your life. Enough! I am not a machine, how do you think I feel every time when you come back pleading for forgiveness?

The last time I took you back was because I thought I was pregnant. Thank goodness I wasn't."

Bella stated to cry her free hand was made in a fist; she couldn't believe that this was happening again.

"Bella you were pregnant, I still think you had an abortion."

Bella looked up at the ceiling tears in her eyes shaking her head. She lost control and almost screamed at Jake.

"You asshole I lost the baby, you were drunk out of your mind at your friends house and I had to drive myself to hospital. You made your bed with Nadine and now you better lay in it."

Bella slammed the phone shut.

She didn't want to go back to the living room with her blood red face.

She turned to the sink and washed her face with cold water but she couldn't help it, she started crying again. She had not thought of the baby for a couple of days. It was the hardest time in her life.

She got to the hospital in cramps her pants soaked in blood. The doctor that night on duty couldn't have been much older than Bella; he kept on rubbing her arm as he explained to her that she had lost the baby. She was heart broken. She was alone and she lost the baby.

When she got home from the hospital Jake asked her where she was while he was on the sofa playing his video games, she just told him she had spent some time with her grandparents and she had slept over there.

He didn't even phone her to hear if she was okay when he realized she wasn't at home.

He once asked her about the pregnancy and she just told him the blood work came back negative. She could see he didn't believe her because the home pregnancy tests all showed positive.

Bella sat flat on the floor with her arms rapped around her knees. She needed to get hold of herself, she needed to go out there and smile. But she knew that everyone probably heard.

"Oh Bella I am so sorry," Jenny said standing in the door of the kitchen.

"What are you sorry about Jenny? I just washed my dirty laundry in public."

Bella smiled half heartedly wiping the tears from her face.

"Why didn't you ever tell me, we must have spoken a million times?"

Jenny sat next to Bella on the floor.

"Nobody knew about it. I kept it to myself, no one was going to be able to bring my baby back and I don't enjoy a pity party."

Jenny almost looked like she was going to cry.

"No one knew? Didn't you even tell your grandparents?" Jenny asked.

Bella didn't want to say anything but seen as everyone already knew she might as well tell the whole story.

"That night I was lying in the hospital bed, I felt so lonely. I didn't want to hate myself anymore than what I did at that moment so I did phone someone. I phoned your mother," Bella said avoiding Jenny's eyes.

"What? My mother knew and she didn't tell anyone?" Jenny asked.

"Jenny I asked her to keep quiet, I made her swear, she couldn't tell anyone. I just needed to talk to someone and seen as your mother felt like a mother to me, I felt that she was the right person to speak to at that time. Please don't be angry at her."

Bella looked up and noticed that Noah was standing in the door of the kitchen.

"I am not angry at my mother. I am angry that you never told me. How long ago was this?"

Bella looked into Jenny's teary eyes.

"Two weeks ago," Bella said as she got up.

She straitened her shoulders and took in a deep breath. She held her hand out to Jenny.

"Come I will help you up."

Jenny took her hand and got up; she put her arms around Bella. She held on to Bella for a couple of minutes while Bella cried. Bella didn't want Noah to see her cry but she knew that he saw her crying earlier.

"Well at least you put a flea in his ear!" Jenny said as she stroked Bella's hair. She broke out in to a little laugh.

"Lets get back to the living room, poor Tommy is probably bored stiff," Bella said. Jenny walked out of the kitchen first, Bella followed.

Noah moved and stood just outside the kitchen against the wall, he grabbed Bella's arm as she was passing him. He pulled her towards him and put his arms around her.

"I am so sorry Bella. If you need me to do or say anything I will. If you want me to go break his knee caps I will."

She started laughing.

"That won't be necessary. But thank you."

She wiped the tears from her face and looked into his eyes; she saw the one thing she never wanted to see in anyone's eyes that is why she never told anyone, she saw pity.

"Noah don't look at me like that I am fine you know, Jake just opened a wound that was beginning to heal."

He gently touched her face.

"I know that you are really good at picking up the pieces. You are strong but you don't have to do it on your own, you know that , right?"

She knew that Noah was the answer to so many things especially now.

"Noah please don't sleep on the sofa tonight."

He looked down at her.

"Do you want me to sleep by you? Are you sure that is what you want?" He asked. "Noah its just sleeping don't worry I won't seduce you," Bella joked.

"Just my luck a beautiful girl in my bed and we just sleep, story of my life."

Noah always had a good come back line.

"Will you tell Jenny and Tommy I apologize but I went to bed?"

Just then Bella's phone rang again. Bella took it out of her pocket and looked at the screen it was Jake again.

Noah took it out of her hand, kissed her on the forehead.

"You go up so long, I will be there in a minute. I will take care of it. Go."

She turned around and walked up the stairs.

Noah answered the phone.

"Hello."

Jake was so shocked that a man was answering.

"Who is this?" He asked.

Noah laughed as he put his fist against the wall.

"This is the guy that is going to break every bone in your pathetic body if you ever call or come close to Bella ever again. You have hurt that woman so much and she has had enough. Like she told you earlier, you made your bed."

Noah handled it just as he told Bella he would. She heard him closing the phone and then he went into the living room.

"Listen Bella has had a rough night, she has gone up to the room so long. I am rather going to spend the night with her," Noah explained.

Jenny looked very pleased.

"Well all right we are going to watch the comedy. I will lock up. Noah I think you should put Bella's phone off, she needs a good night's rest," Jenny suggested.

Noah nodded as he held in the off button on the phone.

Noah walked up the stairs almost in a run, skipping every second step. He knew what Bella said 'only sleep' but he was excited that he was going to spend the night with her.

When he opened the door, Bella was sitting on the edge of the bed in her pajamas.

"Jenny and Tommy say good night and that they hope you get a good nights rest. I decided it would be better if we put the phone off."

Bella took the phone from him.

"Yes I do think we have had our fair share of drama. So which side of the bed do you like?"

Bella tried so hard to get the atmosphere lighter.

"I prefer the left side, unless you want it?" he asked.

"Not at all," she said as she got into bed.

Noah took his shirt and pants off only keeping on his boxer shorts. He was so well build; he definitely worked out a lot.

"I am sorry but I didn't come themed seen as you have the Flintstones on your pajamas," he joked.

She laughed at him.

"Why, you always wore Spiderman pj's remember?"

He blushed.

"That was a hundred years ago. I think my mother still has those."

He climbed into bed

They were lying next to each other on their backs almost uncomfortable. Neither of them knew what to say.

She looked over at him and turned on her side.

"Do you want to talk about Sam?"

He looked at her and said, "not at all."

She leaned in and kissed him once and then she pulled away. She looked at him for a second trying to read his mind. He pulled her on top of him and kissed her. They didn't make love that night. But they shared more; they kissed and held on to each other. That feeling that Bella felt when she had to say goodbye to Noah the last time they saw each other, came back. She realized that she could not lose him again, she never wanted to say goodbye to him again.

### Chapter 7

The next morning was difficult for her, she didn't want to face Jenny and Tommy because of what they had heard the night before. When she came down the stairs Noah, Jenny and Tommy were sitting in front of the TV watching the last of the DVD's.

"Morning," Bella said when she came into the room.

"Hi Bella did you sleep well?" Jenny asked.

"Like a baby thank you," she replied.

"I should probably take back the DVD's," Tommy said as he packed them up.

"I want to go with I need to get some stuff at the shop, if you don't mind," Noah said. "No not at all."

"Bella maybe you and I can find sometime to catch up now," Jenny said.

"Yes I am sure there is a lot to catch up on," Bella replied, she got the idea everyone just wanted her to forget about the night before.

"Noah would you mind getting me a new Sim Card for my cell phone please, I will give you the money?" Bella asked.

"No problem, it would be my pleasure."

"So what has been happening in your life lately?" Bella asked Jenny as Noah closed the door behind him.

"Bella I thought that we might talk about what happened to you."

Bella knew that Jenny wasn't asking her this for the sensation; it was truly because she wanted to be a good friend to her.

"I thought you might ask me this. If you must know I feel very embarrassed about what happened here last night. I didn't want that part of my past to come out. I am such a proud and private person but last night I felt that Jake had the right to know otherwise he would have blamed me for something his entire life, something that was really not my fault at all."

Bella realized that if she spoke to someone about it that she herself would heal and somehow she might forgive herself for what had happened. She knew it was not her fault but she still felt guilty about it.

"You know you can tell me anything Bella. Even though we haven't been in touch the last couple of months doesn't mean that I love you less as my best friend," Jenny said as she rubbed Bella's arm just like the doctor did that night she had lost the baby. "I woke up one morning and I felt very sick, so I decided to go to the pharmacy. The pharmacist suggested that I take a pregnancy test. I told him that I was on birth control and that the possibility was next to nothing, but never the less I bought three different tests. I bought a bottle of water and drank it on the way home, so when I got home I went to the toilet and took the three tests. I placed them on the bathroom counter while I waited for the results.

"After five minutes I went into the toilet and saw that all of them showed positive. I was very happy about it and decided that I would make this great dinner for Jake and break the news to him that night. We had a very rocky relationship so I thought the news might bring us closer.

"That night I cooked all his favorite food and waited for him to get home. When he got home he asked me to sit on the couch he had something important to tell me. As I sat down I knew it wasn't going to be good news, I could see it in his face.

He told me that he had an affair with a girl he had met at a coffee shop and that he had ended it that day. That was not the first time we had that same conversation. I looked at him as if I couldn't believe what I had just heard. I looked in his eyes and somehow felt sorry for him. I started blaming myself for what he had done.

"I told him I was pregnant and showed him the one pregnancy test. His eyes lit up and he hugged me, he said that everything was going to change and that he would show me that he can make the relationship work.

For the sake of the baby I decided to let his indiscretion go and move on. A couple of days later he was working at home and I went over to kiss him. He started screaming at me, he said that I didn't respect his job because I interrupt him when ever he was working.

"When Jake was working he didn't like me hanging around him because according to him I distracted him. I tried to make it better by telling him that my hormones where chasing me and that I just wanted a little affection that's all. He grabbed his laptop and left, he said that he would be at a friend's house and that I must not call him. Awhile after he left I started feeling cramps but I didn't think it was something to be alarmed at because I have had them before. I decided to go sit on the couch and watch some TV. The cramps grew more intense.

"I decided to go to the hospital and although Jake said I shouldn't call him I decided it might be serious. I took my cell and phoned him, he didn't answer so then I thought that if I didn't take matters into my own hands that I was going to die.

"You see by then the cramps were very bad. On my way to the hospital I phoned Jake again, this time he picked up. I could hear he was drunk out of his mind." Bella looked at Jenny and saw the sympathy in her eyes and continued.

"When I got to the hospital and out of the car my pants, the car seat everything was full of blood. I got to the reception and told the lady that there was something wrong with my baby they immediately helped me. I already realized I had lost the baby.

I was lying in the bed and waited for someone to come but no one did, until the doctor came to see me about an hour later. He told me I had lost the baby. I had no one to phone because I thought by then that Jake had probably passed out. That was when I phoned your mother.

"When I got home I told Jake that I had gone to the doctor and that he confirmed the tests were in fact wrong and that I was not pregnant, he didn't really care because he hardly spoke to me, never did I realize that he thought I aborted our baby."

Jenny still looking at Bella could hardly believe her ears how lonely that story sounded.

"Is that why mom went away for those two days?" Jenny asked.

"Yes she came to see me because I was so upset on the phone. I had asked her not to tell anyone so she told you she was out of town to visit her sister I think," Bella replied.

"Your mother had spend the time with us, she got to know Jake a bit better, he was very rude to her and he made her feel most unwelcome. Because he knew who your mother was. You see I had told him about Noah. I told him that Noah was my first love and so Jake took the resentment out on your mother. I told your mother it would be better if she left because of Jake.

Your mother left that morning and about two days later my assistant told me that I must go to Glenwood for a book signing. I phoned your mother and here I am."

Jenny looked at Bella and asked, "that must have been terrible for you? Why didn't you leave him Bella?"

Bella had asked herself that question every day since she lost that baby but all she could do was pull up her shoulders.

"I did think about it and I did almost do it but I kept on telling myself that I was going to be lonely and that I wouldn't make it on my own," Bella explained.

"Bella do you love Noah?"

Bella didn't understand why Jenny would ask her that.

"Yes I have told you that a million times."

Jenny knew the answer but that isn't the question she wanted to ask really.

"Didn't you think for one second that when you came back that you would fall in love with Noah again and that you would then have the courage to leave Jake? You never thought that maybe Noah was the one?"

Bella had thought about it but when Noah had told her he was with Sam, the thoughts of the reuniting flew out of her mind.

"No Jenny because Noah moved on, he had Sam."

Jenny shook her head.

"No Bella you had it all wrong, Noah never had Sam she cheated on him more than once and it was his own fault. He never loved her completely and she could feel it. Although they had made love it was only sex to him, he never committed his heart to her. I felt sorry for her because she was constantly looking for his love and affection but he was distant. I asked her once how many times did they make love and she said twice a month if she was lucky. Noah was never nasty to her he always treated her well but he never held her. She would come to the house and talk to my mother about it but you know mom, she can't see Noah doing anything wrong. One day mother told Sam that she mustn't scratch because she might not like what she finds and then mom told her about you."

Bella didn't realize.

"No wonder the girl hated me so much," Bella said.

"She never hated you; she resented you. She wanted to be you."

When Noah and Tommy got back, Jenny quickly changed the subject so that Noah wouldn't know what they were talking about.

Noah came in with bags and so did Tommy they put them down in the kitchen.

"We better go Tommy, I want to go get some things at the house and then we can go have that picnic on the lake you have been promising me for days now," Jenny said. Bella looked at Noah and said, "I should also probably get back to the house."

Noah looked at Bella and said, "no, I told my mother we will be back for dinner. Jenny you and Tommy are also invited."

Jenny winked at Noah as if she expected him to tell her that there was going to be a surprise.

"Do not look at me like that okay its mom, she asked me to tell you to be there." Jenny looked very disappointed.

"Sam was at the house last night and she wanted to mend things with me but mom told her that we were all spending the night here, so Sam said she would come here today to come fetch her things."

Everyone in the room was speechless the way Noah said it, it almost sounded like nothing.

"Then I better go with Jenny and Tommy don't you think? Maybe there is unfinished business you and Sam need to sort out?" Bella asked.

"No, its finished. I want you here because I want to tell her that I love you and that we are a couple now. We are a couple aren't we?"

Bella kissed Noah and said, "we have always been a couple we just took a couple of years to figure things out."

Jenny hugged Noah and Bella goodbye.

"Bella I hope you take Noah up on his offer you can be a writer here you know, we have email and what ever you need to write from here. Let's go Tommy," Jenny took Tommy's hand and they left.

"All alone at last, what do you feel like doing today while we wait for Sam?" Noah asked.

"I thought that we should probably talk about me moving here."

Noah's face lit up like a little boy that just got his first model airplane.

"You are saying that the answer is yes then?" He asked.

"Yes I would like to start over and it's not because of what Jenny said or you said, it's because I decided last night when we were in bed that I won't be able to bear leaving you again and I need to see how this is going to work out."

He grabbed her in his arms and hugged her so tight it felt like he pushed the wind out her chest.

"You just made me a very happy man, thank you Bella."

"It looks like we will have a surprise for dinner tonight after all."

He smiled at her. The way Noah looked at her was like nothing she could ever describe to anyone. She had never been surer of any decision in her life.

"I will phone my grandparents later and then I will phone a moving company to bring all my stuff here," she said.

They heard a car stop outside. Sam got out of the car and knocked on the front door. Noah walked to the front door to answer it.

"Hi Noah I am just here to come fetch my things hope you are not busy?" Sam asked as she took of her sunglasses.

Her eyes were blood red; he saw she had been crying.

"Not at all come in," he said when he opened the door.

"Are you alone can we talk?" She asked.

"Actually no Bella is in the living room."

"Of course she is, can we talk Noah please."

Bella walked towards the door.

"Morning Sam, I am going for a short walk then you guy's can talk."

Bella left them so that they could talk; she knew that by being jealous now would not help anyone. Sam had the right to say everything that she had to say, maybe she would feel better. Then again, what if Noah realized that he had made a mistake? That Sam and he had a history. Bella didn't allow her mind to go there; she knew Noah would do what was best for them, why else would he ask Bella to move there if he wasn't sure?

Back at the house Sam was sitting opposite Noah. At first there was silence and then Noah spoke.

"I have asked Bella to move in here and she said yes."

Sam started crying.

"Noah I hope that you will finally be happy. I have tried my best to give you everything I thought you needed."

Noah snapped.

"You cheated Sam, how could that possibly be what I needed?"

Sam waited for him to say that.

"Yes Noah I cheated, I slept around, what do you want me to say? You were never there for me, you never really loved me. Noah you only loved the idea of me. I needed more. How was I supposed to compete with someone I never knew? Did you sleep with her Noah?"

He looked at her, he never realized that Sam was actually right, he didn't love her. He used her without knowing it.

"Since she came here, no we haven't had sex. But we have had sex before, Bella was my first and I was hers."

Sam looked at him, confused.

"You told me that it was someone who was at school with you and that you were eighteen. Why did you lie Noah?" Sam asked.

"I never told you the truth because I didn't want you to hate her when you met her someday. If I put a face to the person I knew that you would feel that you needed to compete with her. I was eighteen and I was in high school she was fifteen. We went to a holiday resort once with my parents and her grandparents, we didn't plan for it to happen but our hormones were crazy and one night we all went swimming, Jenny got tired and went to bed and it happened. But surely that doesn't matter now with what happened with us, it doesn't change anything."

Sam shook her head tears in her eyes.

"You are right Noah it changes nothing and you are also right in saying that I would have hated her even though no one did anything wrong. But what you don't know is I have hated her since that night you brought her home. You see your mother had a talk with me before you brought her home and she had told me that you would never commit to me because of Bella and that you were so excited that she was coming. Your mother also said that I mustn't be disappointed and heart broken if you started acting differently, because of Bella, because it's only a matter of time before you fall in love all over again. I wanted to fix things with you because I thought that we could make it work. Noah you never touched me, you never held me.

In the beginning we had sex every chance we got and then later on you just pulled away, like you didn't like me anymore......."

Noah interrupted her before she could go any further.

"We had sex all the time because that is what you wanted Sam not me. Yes I couldn't touch or hold you but it was because I didn't feel that close to you. I am sorry Sam."

"Don't be sorry I just wanted you to love me. Noah seen as it is the time for airing the truth I feel I should tell you, I had an abortion and I never told you about it. I fell pregnant when I went away with my parents to our holiday home. I met up with this older guy and we had sex. I didn't want to lie to you about it and say that it was yours because you would have resented me, if and when you found out the truth. I loved you and I couldn't do it to you."

Noah looked at Sam, thoughts rushing through his mind.

"You should get your things and leave please."

Noah was against abortion and thought that it was very selfish if that baby was made willingly and if that was a healthy baby.

She walked out of the living room and up the stairs to collect her things. He sat in the living room and stared out the window, he saw Bella walking towards the house.

As she walked closer he realized that he wasn't depressed all those years because he was an unhappy person, it was because he was looking for her in his life without him knowing it. He got up and walked on to the front porch. Bella looked up as she walked up to him and smiled.

"We should get married," he said as Bella came closer.

He heard Sam dropping a box behind him.

"What did you just say?" Sam said clearly thinking that she might have heard wrong. Bella stood in front of the house stunned and shocked.

"I said that Bella and I should get married, we have wasted more than enough time and we can work things out as we go along. I don't expect us to get married right away but we are adults and we love each other."

Bella smiled, she ran up the stairs and threw her arms around him.

"Oh Noah... yes!"

Sam picked up her things and walked passed them.

"You are making a mistake you don't even know each other."

Bella and Noah were kissing; they didn't even pay attention to what she said.

The car started and she drove off.

Noah took Bella's hand and led her into the house.

"We better get our things and go to you mother's? I don't want to get there late maybe we can help. Do you think we should tell everyone tonight? I mean don't you think they would say it's too sudden?"

Bella rubbed her hair out her face maybe they were moving too fast she thought. "Bella relax we will tell them tonight and I am sure everyone will be very happy we are not moving too fast if that is what you are thinking. I love you Bella Walker you are going to be my wife. Since we first made love, I knew you were the one. Even though you avoided me the next day," he said as he put his hand on her cheek.

"I was so embarrassed Noah it was my first time and I didn't know if you just did it because you wanted another girl on your list."

Noah laughed.

"Bella that was my first time too. I was also nervous because I didn't know what the hell I was doing. I was scared that I was doing it wrong or that I was hurting you. But I have been thinking of that night a lot. I would not change anything about it."

She looked surprised.

"You never told me," she said.

"I never told you because you never asked and I was supposed to be a stud."

She laughed at him and then she kissed him.

### Chapter 8

They arrived at the Taylor house just after three that afternoon.

Already there was the smell of food in the air. Bella would never forget as a child she used to love visiting there. She had always felt welcome. She knew that a lot was going to change and she hoped that everyone would be pleased because she didn't want to give up what she had with that family.

"We are home, Noah shouted when he closed the door behind them.

"Hi my boy and Bella," Mr. Taylor said smiling, he looked pleased.

"Bella you look well rested are you enjoying being back?"

"Mr. Taylor it's been good for me being back. I am a bit nervous about the book signing tomorrow, it is going to be my first," she said as she pulled her face.

"Please call me John. Bella you are a grown woman now. I think we can go to the first name basis don't you think? You are a celebrity here and you will be just fine"

John had no idea that soon she would be calling him Dad and not John.

"Thank you John," she said shyly.

"Is my mother busy?" Noah asked his father.

"No no, she is sitting outside taking a break from cooking. That woman has been cooking since this morning."

Bella laughed Mrs. Taylor was always like that, obviously nothing had changed.

"Is Jenny here yet?" She asked.

"Yes they are also outside. Can I get you anything to drink? I opened a bottle of red wine earlier I think it has breathed for long enough," John said.

"Yes thank you it would be nice."

He held out his arm, Bella hooked her arm through his as he led her to the kitchen.

"I just need to go talk to my mom quick," Noah said as he kissed her on the forehead.

John raised his eyebrows and smiled at Bella as he poured her a glass of wine.

"Nora tells me that you and Noah have become quite close. Would you like to tell me about it?"

She had never spoken to John much, she always found him a bit intimidating but she knew that he was a gentle soul.

"I think you better wait till later," she suggested.

"Later? Is there going to be some sort of announcement?"

She could see that John had expected it.

"Yes there are actually a couple of announcements later."

John took a sip of wine.

"Bella you know what, I was supposed to fetch you at the airport. Noah came here that morning you were scheduled to arrive and said that he wanted to fetch you. I let him because I knew it was important to him. You know that in the movies sometimes the girl goes to the airport and then the boy rushes there just in time, just before she gets on the plane? They kiss passionately and decide that they love each other too much and that they should spend all eternity together?"

She nodded.

"Well that is actually based on a true story. Nora and I got engaged like that, we only dated six months when she had to leave for university. I just couldn't let her go. We too had parents who were friends. My point being, whatever the announcements are tonight I knew it was coming and let me just say I couldn't be more pleased."

He winked at her. She got to know a very different side of John that day.

They walked outside to join the others. Jenny looked like she was going to burst out of her skin.

"Can you please come help me with something?" Jenny asked Bella.

They walked back into the house.

"Noah just asked my mom if he could get the engagement ring that had been passed down our family for years. Did you know that he was going to ask you?" Jenny could never keep a secret.

"He asked me already. I said yes."

Jenny started jumping up and down.

"How did he do it? Did he go down on bended knee and all that? Were you stunned?"

Bella was just as excited but she couldn't remember the last time she had jumped up and down.

"Calm down Jenny. It was actually not what you think. Sam was there, I came back from taking a walk. He came out of the house and said, 'I think we should get married' it was very unexpected. But it was very romantic."

Jenny stopped jumping and looked shocked.

"What did Sam say? Oh my word that must have felt like a dagger going through her heart."

Bella nodded feeling a little bad for Sam.

"She said that we were making a mistake and left, but we were not really paying attention to her."

Jenny rolled her eyes.

"What does she know anyway? You are so going to love that ring! You get to choose the stone that gets put into it."

Bella looked confused.

"What do you mean I thought it's a family heirloom? How can I just change it?"

Jenny dragged Bella by the arm to the sofa and explained.

"The ring is passed on from generation to generation but when the new girl that being you in this case gets it, she gets to chose a stone for it. The person handing it down who is in this case my mother takes the stone out that she chose and she keeps that. She will then get that stone set in a new ring. That way she gets a new engagement ring with the original stone she chose and then when you get 'the original ring,' you place a new stone in that you like making the ring your own.

When your son gets engaged the ring gets given to him and his fiancé chooses a new stone and so it goes on. That ring will never be just one person's but the stone you chose will always be your own. Isn't that clever?"

Bella was stunned.

"Its brilliant I think it to be ideal, when you pass the ring on you get a new ring because the old ring's stone will be set in a new ring. But what if I have only girls? Who gets the ring then?"

Jenny smiled.

"Then you don't pass it down, when you die your eldest daughter gets it and then she will then pass it on to her son. She then takes out the stone and makes a ring or pendant or what ever she chooses to do with it, when she passes it on to her son's new fiancé."

Bella tried to imagine what the ring looked like because she couldn't recall ever seeing it.

Noah and his mother came down the stairs. Noah put something in his pocket, she knew what it was. She wondered when he was going to give it to her and how. "Bella come outside the sun is about to set," Mrs. Taylor said smiling.

"Mrs. Taylor I will be out in a second I am just going to wash my hands," she said nervous and excited.

"Call me Nora please."

Bella nodded and walked to the basin her hands where so sweaty, she just had to go wash them, it always happened when she got nervous.

The view outside was absolutely beautiful.

When Bella got outside everyone was sitting on the porch talking. Noah patted his hands on his lap for her to sit on his lap. She sat on his lap and put her head on his shoulder as they watched the sun go down. It was a peacefulness you could not explain to anyone, it was quiet and breathtaking. You could sit there and find a piece of yourself, a piece you might have lost a long time ago. It just couldn't be explained.

Noah whispered in her ear, "I love you Bella and I am glad you are staying."

She looked up at him and sneaked him a kiss.

"Did Jenny tell you that I asked mom for the ring?"

Bella smiled and nodded.

"I think we should make it official then don't you?"

Her heart stopped in her chest.

"Please get up," Noah asked.

Bella got up and looked at him.

"Everyone I have something to ask Bella and I want you all to witness it please."

He got on bended knee and looked up at her.

She was trying to keep the tears in but it didn't help, they ran down her cheeks although she was smiling.

"Isabella Walker you have always been an important part of my life. I could never find love after you left. You have always been on my mind and I love you more than life it self. I want to spend the rest of my life with you. I want to grow old with you. I want to have children with you. I want to be the person you turn to, the person you love. I want your face to be the last thing I see at night before I go to bed and the first thing I see when I wake up in the morning. Will you be my wife?"

Bella looked at Noah and said, "yes I will."

He put the ring on her finger, he got up and kissed her.

Jenny hit Tommy on the shoulder playfully and said, "see that is how you must do it."

Congratulations everyone said, Nora cried, overwhelmed with emotion.

"Be good to my boy and I hope you give me lots of grand babies," Nora said when she hugged her.

"I promise I will love him and I will always be faithful." Bella knew those words meant something to this family.

"I am so happy for you I cant believe we are going to be sisters," Jenny said as she hugged Bella.

"I think we should get dinner on the table, I am so happy now that I am not even hungry," Nora said.

"Jenny and Tommy please come help me with the table."

Bella got up.

"I will help as well."

Nora smiled.

"No dear you stay outside, you and Noah have something to talk about."

Bella looked confused was there more?

"I presume that means you are moving here Bella?" John asked.

"Yes I am." John took Bella's hand in his.

"I am very happy for you and Noah, congratulations. Welcome to the family. I shouldn't say that because you have always been part of this family."

Bella knew that.

"Thank you John."

"Come sit here on my lap for a second. I need to explain to you how the ring works," Noah said.

Bella sat on his lap.

"I know Jenny told me."

Noah shook his head; he knew Jenny couldn't keep a secret why wouldn't she tell Bella everything while she was about it.

"Do you like it, its tradition but if you don't I am sure we can get you something you do like."

Bell looked down at the ring.

"Don't be silly, I love it. How does it work? This is the stone your mother chose so we must probably take it to a jeweler and chose my stone?" Bella asked.

"Yes we can go after your book signing and chose a stone. We can go to Tommy's shop in town and he can help us out."

She had forgotten that Tommy was a jeweler.

"Aren't you supposed to be at work tomorrow? Besides your mom said I can use her car to go to the book signing."

Noah laughed

"That's the beauty of having your own business I work mostly from home. I want to take you to the book signing; I don't want any guys making a pass at you."

Bella just laughed.

"You want to guard me? You have nothing to worry about. It will be nice having you there. I totally forgot I need a new assistant. I can't possibly have Nadine as an assistant anymore."

Noah looked through the window; Jenny was standing kissing Tommy in the dinning room.

"You can always ask Jenny she's in between jobs at the moment. But only if you want to."

Bella was actually very happy with that idea.

"Jenny," Bella called.

"Yes Bella."

"I was wondering seen as I am firing Nadine as my assistant, wouldn't you maybe want the job? It's not much but I have heard that I pay well and it's only to keep my diary. You can work from home. You must just be available twenty four seven. Any admin I need done, you have to do for me."

Jenny looked so shocked.

"That would be great thank you. When do I start?" Jenny asked.

"Give me a second I just need to phone Nadine and then I want you to be with me tomorrow at the book signing."

Jenny smiled from ear to ear.

"Can I tell everyone so long?"

Bella knew it doesn't matter what she said Jenny was going to tell everyone anyway. "Sure," Bella said.

Bella took her phone out of her pocket and switched it on for the first time since Noah had switched it off.

"Do you need the new Sim Card?" Noah asked.

"No not yet, let me phone Nadine and then we change the Sim Cards. Could you give me a minute alone please"

He got up and went into the house.

She dialed the number and before she could fire Nadine, Nadine resigned. Bella decided while she was busy with her phone, she should probably phone her grandparents as well.

They were both very happy with the news. They said that they would contact the moving company and arrange for her things to be moved. She didn't talk long on the phone.

"My grandparents send their love," she said as she took her seat at the table.

"I hope that we will be seeing them soon?" Nora asked.

"My grandfather said that they might be coming to visit soon but that they will phone and discus it closer to time," Bella answered.

"Did you tell them?" John asked.

"Yes I did and they were very happy. My grandfather said that he wants to have a 'special' talk with Noah though. It's nothing to be worried about Noah."

Noah raised his eyebrows.

"I am sure your grandfather always followed you around with a shot gun, scaring the boys that made a pass at you. Remember when we were small and I pulled your hair that one time, you cried, your grandfather wanted to skin me alive when he caught me doing it, if it wasn't for my dad being there..." Noah said laughing.

"You were always such a terror around Bella," Nora added.

"It was because he had a crush on her," Jenny said.

"No Jenny. Noah was a terror when it came to Bella, they only started making eyes at each other when we went on that holiday remember Noah? We went to that resort." Noah smiled as he looked at Bella, he winked.

"How can I forget that holiday?"

Bella blushed; she just looked down at her food.

"You should really eat more my dear you are so skinny," Nora said.

"Thank you but I think I have had enough you dished up such a big plate, I am going to burst," Bella said as she rubbed her stomach.

"I just want to make sure that you eat enough. Noah, are you sleeping here?" Nora asked.

"Actually no mom I think I am going back to my house," Noah replied.

Bella looked at him.

"Why doesn't Bella go with you Noah, you are taking her to the book signing tomorrow, aren't you? Then I can come spend the night there as well, as I am her personal assistant now and she did say I must be at the book signing?" Jenny asked. "Do you want to spend the night or must I pick you up in the morning?" Noah asked Bella.

"I don't think I should stay at your place it's rude to your parents. They invited me to stay here," Bella said.

"Nonsense you can go with Noah and Jenny. You and Noah are going to start a life together I don't see why you can't move all your things there tonight," Nora replied.

Last night was one thing but she felt uneasy just sleeping out when she wanted to. She thought Nora and John would be uncomfortable with Bella going to sleep at Noah's house. They were very traditional and Bella thought that they would insist that Bella and Noah must first be married. Jenny promised them that she and Tommy never shared a bed at his place. We all knew the better.

"We are not idiots dear; you and Noah are grown up. Don't feel bad about it; we were young once too you know, we know how things work. Remember John? John and I moved in together before we got married. It was nerve wrecking. His mother was very upset, she was there every day. She had even brought me birth control pills and said please Nora I don't want a pregnant bride at the alter. Little did she know..."

Noah almost choked but before he could say anything Jenny spoke.

"What? You were pregnant with Noah when you got married?"

Nora took her husband's hand in hers.

"Yes,luckily I wasn't showing yet. We told everyone that Noah was born premature." Jenny was speechless.

"The day of our wedding I insisted I wanted to see your father. Everyone said it is bad luck but they thought I was getting cold feet. They would much rather I sort out my head than make scandal and call off the wedding. I waited in the bridal room and when your father walked in he looked very worried. He asked me if I wanted to cancel the wedding. I told him that he had to sit down and told him that we were going to have a baby. I told him that I loved him but if he wanted to run for the hills I would understand."

Nora looked at John with only love in her eyes. He continued the story everyone on the edge of there seats by then.

"I said to her that I loved her too and that I was not going anywhere. The whole time we danced we spoke about this baby growing inside her and how happy and blessed we were. Our lives were perfect. We waited a couple of weeks and then we announced that it was a honeymoon baby. Luckily everyone believed us."

Bella was very interested in this story, she loved romantic endings.

"How far along where you when Noah was born?" Bella asked.

"I was actually nine months and four days along when he was born."

Nora looked at Noah.

"Don't look so shocked dear, those days if you were pregnant before you got married, it was a big thing. Not like now."

Nora looked at Jenny.

"It was different times then. We were only nineteen. Actually the fact that we weren't pregnant before that was just unbelievable."

Jenny interrupted before her mother could continue.

"Okay mother we get it, there is no need for details."

Everyone at the table started laughing.

They chatted till the early hours of the morning. It was so nice being around people that loved each other Bella thought.

"We should probably be going. Jenny is half asleep on Tommy's lap already," Noah said pointing to Jenny lying on Tommy's lap.

"I am packed I just need to fetch my suitcase."

Bella got up and started walking to the room.

"Wait I will come and help you," Noah said as he followed her up the stairs.

When they got into the room she showed him where the suitcase was, he closed the door softly behind him.

He walked up to her, he pushed her up against the wall and kissed her. He pushed his body hard against hers.

She stood on her toes; she was much shorter than him.

He picked her up and kissed her with such a passion. He pushed her even harder against the wall.

"Wait we cant, not here," she said as he kissed her neck.

Noah stopped and looked in her eyes.

"I am sorry Bella I just can't help myself," he said almost out of breath.

"I am just saying not here it doesn't mean I am saying no. But we must be respectful this is your parents house. With Jenny coming back with us we need to wait."

Noah kissed her softly and put her back on her feet.

"Let me get the bag then," he said disappointed but he did understand where she was coming from.

He picked up the suitcase and held out his other hand, she took his hand and they walked down the stairs. Jenny met them half way down.

"I don't think I will be coming home with you. Do you mind coming to fetch me in the morning? I am so tired."

Noah looked at Bella.

"Sleep well, we will see you in the morning," Bella said.

She knew that the wait would probably not be much longer. They greeted everyone and got in the truck. When they drove out of the driveway Bella moved closer to Noah and started kissing his neck. She put her hand on his leg she traced with her finger up his thigh slowly.

"You better not start something you don't want to finish," Noah said smiling.

She kissed his ear softly and whispered.

"Don't you worry I am going to finish it."

Noah put his hand on hers stopping her from going further up his thigh.

"Don't make me pull over," he said smiling at her.

She pulled her hand away and put it under his shirt on his chest. She was still kissing his neck. Noah had never driven home that fast before.

When they got to his house, he opened her door and almost pulled her out the truck. He picked her up with her legs either side of him. He tried locking the truck but he battled while kissing her. He pushed her up against the truck, pulling her shirt up. The truck felt cold against Bella's back but she didn't mind she was hot inside.

He locked the truck and carried her up the stairs onto the porch kissing her passionately. He couldn't find the key to the front door; he only had one available hand.

"Wait I cant open the stupid door," Noah said growing more impatient.

Bella pulled away and started unbuttoning his shirt. When they got into the house, he just put the chain on the door; he wasn't going to battle with the lock now.

He carried her up the stairs of the house and into the bedroom. For the first time in years they made love but it felt like the first time. Bella's whole body trembled. Noah was very considerate of her and made it special. It was the first time that Bella made love to someone since she had lost the baby. For a second their souls connected and Bella knew she was where she was supposed to be.

### Chapter 9

The next morning when she woke up, he was looking at her.

"Did you sleep well angel?" He asked.

"I haven't slept this good in ages," she said.

"I have something I want you to hear later. It's something special," he said.

They laid there next to each other and didn't speak a word, they didn't need to say anything the night before was unplanned but she had fantasized about it a lot, so did he.

Needless to say it was better than they had imagined. It wasn't about lust it was about two people that had loved each other for years. There was just always something that stood in their way.

It's something that could not be described in words. When you really want someone and there is just no way to have that person, it can drive some mad but in Bella and Noah's case they suppressed their feelings. Every time they saw each other those feelings came back, it was just too impossible to act on.

"I have a question for you and I want you to be completely honest," she said

"I will be honest," he replied with this witty look in his eyes.

"How may people have you had sex with?" She asked.

Noah fell flat on his back.

"Wow, including you? Probably about twenty."

She knew he was lying.

"There aren't even that many people living in Glenwood smart ass. Tell me," she said laying on her side looking at him.

"Honestly including you five," he said almost looking embarrassed that a man of his age had only had five sexual partners.

"And you?" He asked.

"Including you four."

He looked relieved. He knew that Bella was conservative but still she lived in a city with lots of bachelors walking the streets.

"So now that's out of the way, anything else you would like to know?" He asked. "Did you ever think of me when you were making love to anyone?" She asked her face was serious.

"Yes I have. This one girlfriend I had, I took home, my parents and Jenny gave her one look. They said she looked allot like you. I felt so guilty, I didn't think that I would make love to her and think of you the whole time but I did. Did you ever think of me?"

She knew he was going to ask.

"Yes I have. After we had sex at that resort, I hooked up with this guy it was a one night stand. I went out with a friend, we got drunk and I somehow ended up at his place. But I think because he was number two I somehow expected it to be like it was with you, it wasn't."

Noah sat up straight.

"You had a one night stand that is very unlike you."

"Yes I went through a bit of a wild faze but that was my first and last time. I felt so terrible about it I never did it again."

Noah tried to do the math in his head.

"We had sex when you were fifteen when did this happen?"

Bella felt bad but if they were to spend their lives together she had to tell him everything.

"I was sixteen Noah."

"And the guy?" He asked.

"He was twenty," Bella said regretting opening the subject.

She was afraid he would think less of her.

"Did he know you were only sixteen?" Noah asked very interested but still shocked.

"No he didn't, this friend of mine and I lied and said we were eighteen. I hope that you don't think less of me now. It was a stupid mistake and I am sorry I told you."

Noah leaned in and kissed her.

"Don't be sorry, it's just such a shock its all. I never thought you would do something like that. Besides it's long ago."

"So you don't love me less?" She asked.

"Don't be stupid, I will never love you less. Especially after last night. You are full of surprises aren't you? If there was a speeding camera on the road home, I think I am definitely getting a ticket in the post," Noah said rubbing his hair.

"You started it. I didn't expect Jenny to cancel on us and when she did, I thought it's our first night alone in the house, only I couldn't wait till we got home. If you pulled the truck over I would have had sex with you right there next to the road."

Noah pulled the covers over their heads and kissed her.

"Lust ,Miss Walker" can make you do weird things if you didn't stop me at my parent's house I would probably have taken advantage of you there. I was so caught up in the moment with you; I couldn't even get the front door open."

Bella laughed, she remembered how he battled. At one stage she thought he was going to kick the door open.

"We have to get dressed and pick up Jenny. I have an hour then I must go sign some books. There probably wont be a lot of people but still, I don't want to be late." Noah looked at his watch.

"How about a quickie before we go?" He asked kissing her neck.

"Noah no, we need to go now. But you can join me in the shower," she said pulling the covers off the bed and around her as she walked to the bathroom.

Jenny was ready when they got there.

"I don't know what I am supposed to do as your assistant Bella? What if I suck at it? You can fire me, you don't have to keep me on for Noah's sake," Jenny said as Noah opened the front door.

"Jenny breathe I won't just fire you. The last girl I fired screwed up all the time but I didn't fire her about that, it was because she slept with my boyfriend and I am sure you are not going to do that. All you need to do is stand there greet and smile. You need to check my schedule, which I will give you in a second, if anyone should ask to book me for something. You need to talk about the new book that I am publishing in November. I will fill you in on the way there. Most importantly you need to make sure my coffee cup stays full."

Jenny looked pale and stressed.

"I am going to screw this up aren't I?"

Bella grabbed Jenny's shoulders and shook her a bit.

"Just calm down. This is your first day so here is a copy of my diary. Make sure that you guard this with your life. For today I will tell you exactly what to do step by step till you get the hang of it. So first get me coffee," Bella joked.

"That one is going to pass out before we get to this book signing," Bella told Noah who was looking at Jenny spilling sugar.

After Bella calmed Jenny down and explained how the diary worked they got in the truck and drove to town.

When Bella got out the truck she couldn't believe how many people were at the book signing.

Before they got there she reckoned if she sold three books it would be plenty.

Luckily Nadine sent a box of a hundred books to the store where the book signing was.

She showed Jenny where to stand next to her. She figured if she got Jenny sorted and organized it would calm her nerves. Jenny was as pale as a sheet and it looked like she had stopped breathing.

Bella sat by a table with big cardboard cut outs of her new book, and behind her was a big poster with her face on.

"My word this is amazing, it's like you are a Hollywood star," Jenny said as she packed the books on the table.

"Just you stay calm my nerves are driving me crazy you need to keep me calm now. Go get us coffee please. Where is Noah?" Bella asked her, palms were sweaty.

Bella had always coped very well with nerves but she wasn't use to being the center of attention.

"Isabella Walker what a pleasure."

Paul was an eccentric gay man that owned the book store, he walked up to her and kissed her once on each cheek.

"Are we ready babe?" He asked.

Bella looked bewildered.

"I am as ready as I should be. Jenny will be assisting me today."

Paul looked at Jenny and smiled putting out his hand to great her.

"Fabulous, Jenny you need to stand here and just hand out the books. I gather Isabella briefed you on how this works?"

"Oh, yes she told me what to do. I am new so-"

Paul interrupted, "yes dear I can see that but you must remember you work for The fabulous Isabella Walker, she is not just an amateur you know. Chop, chop," he said as he clapped his hands, Jenny jumped she looked like a dear staring into head lights.

"Jenny don't worry you stand there, hand out the books and if anyone asks you anything you don't know just ask me. If people ask about my private life find a way to change the subject."

Paul took Bella's arm and dragged her to a podium.

"Good afternoon everyone. It's a pleasure to introduce to you Isabella Walker. She is the author of this amazing book. I am going to ask her to read a piece from the book and then afterwards you can buy a book and she will sign it for you. Isabella Walker everyone..."

Bella walked up to the podium with her hands trembling. Everyone was clapping, and there in the crowd she saw Noah sitting smiling at her.

She decided that it was her first book signing, there was going to be room for error but she needed to keep calm. She kept on telling herself first impressions last, and she was going to make this a good one.

"Good afternoon everyone, I am Isabella Walker. I would just like to say thank you to Paul for inviting me here today. I must say I didn't expect so many people here. This book really meant a lot to me when I wrote it. It's about how to listen; it's about love and all the feelings and emotions you go through when you are in love. They always say love is blind and this book is just to make you understand that although you might be "blindly" in love you can still be sensible about it. I will read a passage from the book; afterwards you are welcome to ask me questions about the book."

Bella stood there and read two pages from her book; she looked up and saw the faces looking back at her.

After she read the people clapped hands, she realized it turned out to be a huge success.

"Any questions?" she asked.

A couple of people's hands went up. Bella answered all the questions some of them were from reporters that wanted a scoop for their next newspaper or magazine issue. "We will now move over to the desk where Isabella will sign books," Paul interrupted.

She walked over to the table the queue in front of her was already spiraling through the whole book shop. As she signed books people were asking her questions. Paul tried his best to hurry the people along but Bella felt that these people were there to see her, so she should make the most of her and their day. Some people drove far to see her. After every cup of coffee Bella finished Jenny made her a fresh cup.

Jenny was more relaxed.

Bella looked up at her every now and then and asked her how she was doing, she realized that Jenny was cut out for the job.

"Miss Walker is that an engagement ring on your finger?" Someone asked.

Bella forgot to take it off. Jenny tried to step in and change the subject but Bella knew she had to let the world know.

"Yes it is. I got engaged last night."

The people in the line started clapping hands again.

"Is it the guy you live with in the city? Jake Hedge?"

Clearly this was a reporter she thought. Bella looked up at him.

"No it's someone way more special than that, she said. His name is Noah Taylor; we have been dating off and on for fifteen years."

The reporter made a note.

"Can I ask why we have never seen this Noah?"

Bella looked around to find Jenny.

"Jenny please make an appointment with this man, I will give him an exclusive interview."

Bella looked at the reporter and asked, "what is your name?"

The reporter couldn't believe his luck.

"Nate. My name is Nate."

Bella showed him to Jenny.

"Well Nate ,this is my assistant Jenny Taylor. Make an appointment with her and I will give you the scoop over coffee."

Nate took the book Bella signed for him.

"Thank you Isabella I appreciate it," he said.

Bella didn't like reporters much because she was always scared that they would twist her words but everyone needed to make a living right?

After the book signing Bella packed up the last of the books, there were only four left. Then someone put a book in front of her.

"Will you sign this one for me please?"

She looked up; Noah was standing in front of her.

"Don't tell me you actually paid money for a book?" She asked smiling at him.

"I heard the author is really good at what she does and other things so I thought it would be an investment," he said playfully.

"Who should I make it out to?" Bella asked pulling the pen out of her pocket. "Surprise me, my name is Noah Taylor."

She opened the cover of the book and wrote.

'Dearest Noah, Thank you for inspiring me. I love you always! Isabella XXXX.'

Bella handed him the book.

"You should be pleased with that."

Noah read it, he smiled pleased. He leaned over the table and kissed her.

"Miss Walker do you mind having coffee sometime?" Noah asked.

She pulled him closer by his shirt, close enough to whisper in his ear.

"Coffee no, I have something better in mind. I have always wanted to do it on a boat. Do you have one?"

Noah looked at her raising his eyebrows.

"I do have a boat. I will be in touch," he said kissing her softly.

"Isabella this was a huge success. I can't tell you how pleased I am that you were here today. You are absolutely breathtaking in person," Paul said as he kissed Bella once on the cheek again.

"Thank you Paul it was nice being here. I didn't expect there being so may people. I only have four books left," she said as she pointed to the books still on the table. "Yes I was meaning to ask if the store could buy them. All the copies we had sold out."

Bella looked stunned.

"Sure."

She handed the books over to Paul.

"If there is nothing else I suppose we can go," Bella said looking around to find Jenny.

"Keep in touch Isabella and please keep us in mind when your next book comes out in November," Paul said hugging Bella.

"Actually I am moving to Glenwood so you will be seeing a lot of me."

"O my, so we will have a celebrity living in our midst," Paul said looking very pleased.

Bella just nodded, she never thought of herself as being famous.

Jenny walked up to her with panic in her face.

"Bella, Jake is here. He is standing outside."

Bella looked at Noah.

"Jenny did you make the appointment with that reporter?"

Jenny looked down at the diary in her hand.

"Yes I did. I actually made a few appointments, I hope that is okay?" She asked.

"Its fine, please excuse me a moment. Noah, do you want to come with me?"

Noah took her hand, it made her feel empowered more prepared for some reason.

They walked out the shop; Jake was standing against his car it was parked in front of the book shop.

"Hi Bella," he said looking at Bella

His eyes moved down at her holding Noah's hand.

"Jake what are you doing here?"

Jake looked up at Noah.

"Can you give us a couple of seconds, please man?"

Noah looked at Bella.

"I can wait with Jenny if you want."

"No stay."

"What is it Jake?" She asked him, she irritated by him being there.

Jake threw the cigarette on the floor and tramped on it.

"Bella I am here because it's an important day in your life. I am here to say the things I wanted to say on the phone but your phone was off."

Bella shook her head. She was so angry at him.

"There is nothing left to say Jake."

Jake didn't like that answer.

"There is a lot to say. I think you should listen, you owe me that. You need to think Bella; if it wasn't for me you wouldn't have been here today. I made you and I can break you. You don't belong here, come on, you are not a country gal. You like to get drunk and go to parties. Do you honestly think that you are not going to get bored here?"

Bella just laughed at him, he didn't know her at all.

Noah could feel her hands shaking.

"Listen, I think you should go," Noah said to Jake.

"No buddy, this is between me and my girlfriend," Jake snapped back.

Noah took a deep breath, he wanted to let go of Bella's hand. Bella knew that Noah would punch Jake's face in, easily.

"Wait Noah," she said putting her hand on Noah's chest.

"Jake you didn't make me, you didn't even want me to write this book. How dare you come here and insult me and Noah. I am not your girlfriend and that is a call you made when you couldn't keep your dick in your pants. I want you to get in your car and go home."

Jake leaned in knowing that would aggravate Noah, he said in Bella's ear loud enough for Noah to hear, "I know you Bella, you are going to get bored. Does he make love to you like I did? Multiple orgasms. Does he know that you are a wild cat in bed?"

Jake moved away from her and winked at Noah, provoking him.

Bella laughed out loud.

"Jake you are so delusional. I made love to you yes, but I always imagined it was someone else touching me. If you want to get personal then fine, I am not only a good author but a good actress as well. Let's just say multiple fake orgasms are more like it. I didn't want to crush your ego, you see every time you didn't get your way you went into this deep depression, and I was so sick of it. So yes I faked it to make you feel like a stud so that you could just get over yourself."

The smile on Jake's face dropped.

Noah looked away he couldn't help but smile.

"You're a lair Bella and you know it," Jake snapped.

"No, Jake I am telling the truth for once. Now I think it best if you go and leave me alone. I never want to see you again," she said looking Jake in the eyes. "Fine I will go Bella and I will never bother you again. But don't come knocking when he isn't enough for you anymore."

He got into his car.

"He has been enough for me for fifteen years. I doubt anything will change that," she said before he drove off.

Bella wiped a tear from her cheek; she was so embarrassed about what happened. The things he said, was so uncalled for.

Noah pulled her into his arms holding her against him.

"Are you okay?" He asked kissing her on her forehead.

"Yes I am fine. I am just so sorry you had to hear that."

"Don't worry about it. Wild cat in bed hey? That was a total understatement I would say," he joked.

"Is the coast clear?" Jenny asked peaking out the book shop.

"Yes, lets go chose a stone for my fabulous ring."

"My mom phoned while you were signing books the truck with your things will be at Noah's house at four tomorrow."

"Jenny it's not my house anymore it's now our house, mine and Bella's."

He kissed her on her forehead again.

"Thank you Jenny you did very good today. Do you see yourself doing this for me everyday?"

Jenny looked stunned.

"Yes absolutely. I was just very intimidated by Paul."

Bella laughed.

"You must never feel intimidated by anyone. But don't you worry you will get better and then you will start throwing around the orders," she said as she hugged Jenny.

When they got to the jewelry shop, Tommy was waiting for them. It was weird seeing Tommy in a suit.

"Welcome, how was the book signing?" He asked kissing Bella on the cheek.

"It was actually great Jenny was wonderful," Bella said smiling at Jenny.

Tommy kissed Jenny and hugged her.

"My Jenny, she is always so good at everything if she puts her mind to it," he said. He turned to Noah and said, "let's make Noah bankrupt, I got you the diamonds you asked for."

He pulled a tray out from under the counter. Bella took off the ring and looked at the stones in the tray.

"Noah, should we talk about what price we are looking at. I mean I want to know what we can afford."

Noah smiled at Bella.

"We can afford what ever you want babe. I asked Tommy for these diamonds and told him how much I can afford so anything in this tray is fine."

Noah looked down at the tray and asked, "Tommy where is the other stone I asked you for? You know the special one."

Tommy nodded and went to the back of the store.

"Here it is I am sorry I never put it in the tray. I am so forgetful sometimes," Tommy said placing the stone in the tray.

"You see Bella you can have any stone you want but I asked Tommy to get me this yellow diamond. I thought you might like it because it reminds me of sunflowers. It's your favorite flower and it has meaning."

Bella loved it.

"Oh Noah its perfect, yes I think I will chose the yellow stone."

Bella put the engagement ring on the counter.

"That is a very rare diamond it's a very good choice Bella," Tommy said as he placed the engagement ring in a velvet bag.

"You will have your ring back in about a week," he said assuring Bella it would get top priority.

"Thank you Tommy I really appreciate it," she said.

"So where are we going to now?" Bella asked rubbing Noah's back under his shirt.

"I can come with you guys if you want," Tommy said looking at his watch.

"Maybe we could get pizza?" Jenny suggested.

Everyone was happy with the idea.

Then Noah said, "I think we should get a couple of bottles of champagne, to celebrate Bella's book signing today."

"We should get some other nice things to drink as well; then we can make shooters!" Jenny suggested.

Bella rolled her eyes.

"I am a very cheap date when it comes to alcohol."

Tommy laughed at that.

"Come on city girls drink all those cocktails, don't tell me you can't handle a couple of shooters?" Tommy asked.

"You will see," she said shaking her head.

"Maybe I get lucky with a drunk girl tonight," Noah joked.

Everyone laughed.

"Bella and I will go to the bottle store, meet you back here in fifteen minutes. Then you can lock up," Jenny said pulling Bella away from Noah.

"Get a trolley," Jenny said showing Bella where the trolleys were.

"Do we need a trolley?" Bella asked looking confused.

"Yes silly get a trolley. We are going to celebrate big time tonight," Jenny said. Bella walked with the trolley behind Jenny. Jenny just kept on loading bottles into the trolley half of the stuff Bella didn't even recognize. She was an apple martini girl. By the time they got back to the jewelry shop Tommy and Noah were standing waiting for them at the truck.

"Are we aiming for alcohol poisoning?" Noah asked when he took the bags from Bella.

"Ask your sister, she went crazy in there."

"Tommy and I will get the pizzas and then we will meet you back at the house," Jenny said as they got in Tommy's car.

"Do you drink a lot?" Bella asked him when they got into his truck.

"Sometimes yes, especially when I am missing people I didn't even know. I enjoy a drink now and then, and you?"

Bella didn't know if it was about what Jake said earlier or was it because she asked him.

"I like apple martinis and yes I drink my fair share at parties. That is what parties are there for. Yes? Besides we have a lot to celebrate tonight."

"We have about twenty minutes to kill before Jenny and Tommy gets there, what do you suggest we do?" He asked winking at her.

"Well I think that we should probably pick up the clothes on the floor and the glass we broke when we got into the house last night. We weren't exactly careful when we got in; let's just say we were focused on other things," she replied.

"Yes that will only take a couple of minutes. The only thing I was focused on last night was getting your clothes off," he said smiling.

"And what are you thinking now?" She asked rubbing her hand up Noah's leg.

"It's pretty much the same as last night," he said grabbing her hand.

They got to the house but this time Noah could at least lock the door to the truck. Bella ran up the front steps and stood waiting for Noah to come open the front door. She stood in front of the lock and lifted her shirt up slowly as he walked towards her. He started walking faster; he grabbed her around her middle and kissed her pulling her away from the front door.

When he opened the door; she pulled him into the house by his shirt. As he walked in she unbuttoned his shirt kissing him. He kicked off his shoes and left them in the hallway. He opened the zipper of her skirt and slid her skirt off; he opened her shirt and kissed her on her chest.

"Wait we don't really have time for this we have to clean the house before Jenny and Tommy gets here," she said breathing heavily in his ear.

"We have time," he said while kissing her.

She thought he was going to put her down on the sofa but he didn't, he took off most of her clothes and his pants and picked her up against the wall. She still had her stiletto shoes on when he made love to her against the wall. She had a good view of the front door and could see when someone drove up to the house.

"You are so sexy," he said while he made love to her.

She hadn't felt that sexy in a very long time. Noah was right they had time.

They got dressed and started cleaning the house. Noah picked up the broken pieces of glass off the floor. Bella noticed blood on the back of Noah's upper leg.

"Wait you cut yourself somehow on the glass," she said as she pointed to his leg.

He smiled.

"No my dear, that was your stiletto. It happened when you put your legs around me when we were up against the wall."

She walked towards him with her hand on her mouth.

"Why didn't you say something?" She asked reaching for a tissue.

He grabbed her in his arms.

"Because it wasn't sore, it was actually pretty exciting and sexy."

She kissed him.

"We are here with the pizzas, wow what happened here? Noah you are bleeding." Jenny asked as they came trough the door.

"Shoe accident," he said smiling.

"I don't even want to know," Jenny said.

"Will you please go help Tommy carry the bottles?" Jenny asked him.

Noah went outside to help Tommy carry.

"So tell me, I know we don't have much time but how are things with you and Noah?" Jenny asked pulling Bella onto the sofa next to her.

"It's going really well," Bella smiled, she didn't want to go into the details.

"Look if he hasn't had sex with you yet, it's not your fault he has been weird about sex for a long time now," Jenny said rolling her eyes.

Bella looked down at the carpet laughing.

"Jenny I can assure you sex has not been a problem. I am not going to give you details on this. He is your brother it will be weird for you," she said.

"Bella! It won't be weird at all. Tell me!" Jenny said almost shouting.

She would have told Jenny but luckily Noah and Tommy came in with the bottles.

"I am pouring the first drinks," Jenny said as she raced to the kitchen.

"I will help we need a good combination for Bella," Tommy said following Jenny into the kitchen.

"Nothing too strong I am warning you. I get very weird when I have a lot of alcohol in," Bella shouted.

"Come sit here for a second," she said to Noah.

"I need to know this... hmm how should I ask... are you weird when it comes to sex?" She asked.

"What do you mean weird as in kinky? That against the wall thing I have never done but I thought it would be sexy," Noah said smiling.

"No man, I feel so stupid saying this but Jenny told me that you are weird about sex almost like you don't enjoy it."

Noah threw his head back.

"Jenny and Sam use to talk a lot. I didn't make love to Sam often; it was weird to them that I didn't get turned on by sex. I can assure you it has changed in the last couple of days; I cannot get enough of you. If I could I would make love to you right here, right now," he said kissing her in her neck.

"Get a room!" Jenny said putting a weird purple colored drink in front of Bella. "What is this?" Bella asked taking a sip pulling her face.

"It's a Jenny special," Jenny replied.

"That's it I am drunk," Bella said putting the drink back on the table. "It's very strong," she said pulling her face.

"I can get you something else if you don't like it," Jenny said, she motioned to pick up the glass.

"No leave it; it is fine maybe I need to get drunk again. I haven't had a good drink in ages," Bella joked.

"Let's get some music going then," Jenny said walking towards the radio.

"No wait I have something I want to play for Bella first," Noah got up and got his guitar out from behind the couch.

"Remember I told you earlier when we were in bed I have something I want you to hear?"

Bell nodded

"Well here it is, it's a song I learned when I got back from the city."

Bella picked up the drink, as Noah sang to her, 'You were always on my mind'.

She listened at a lost for words even her thoughts were calm, happy and content.

She looked at everyone in the room and then back at him.

Jenny smiled at her brother, Tommy rocked to the song.

Bella couldn't believe how good Noah was. She remembered he use to serenade her when they were kids but this, this was amazing.

She felt the tears well up in her eyes and thought she was not going to cry.

She took a big gulp of her drink to make the lump in her throat go away.

"That was amazing Noah thank you," she said kissing him on the lips.

He put the guitar back in its box and placed it behind the sofa.

"Jenny you may put on music now," he said pulling Bella on top of his lap.

"Noah there will be none of that now. You can wait till we leave," Jenny said.

"You said we must get a room well I got a room," he laughed before kissing Bella. "Don't I get one of those Jenny specials?" Noah asked.

"Tommy please go get my brother the glass on the counter, I am not leaving these two alone," Jenny said while she put on the CD.

She sat next to Noah on the sofa.

"I have news, I didn't want to say anything last night or today because it was your night, and well Bella's day today," Jenny said softly so that Tommy couldn't hear. "What is it Jenny?" Bella asked looking very interested.

"Tommy and I are thinking of having our engagement party soon," Jenny said when Tommy walked into the room.

"Jenny, we discussed this and we said we would wait till everyone was together to make the announcement," Tommy said handing Noah the glass.

"I know but I needed to tell them. I couldn't wait," Jenny said.

"So when did you decide this?" Noah asked looking at Tommy.

"I decided that I wanted to ask Jenny to marry me, the day you and I had that heart to heart before you fetched Bella at the airport. We discussed it and I think its time we made it official"

Noah nodded.

"Wait what heart to heart?" Bella asked.

Jenny answered before Noah could.

"Don't worry about that there has been many, especially when he heard you were coming and when he had a couple of drinks in," Jenny said smiling at Noah.

Bella rested her head on Noah's chest and whispered in Noah's ear, "maybe you can share with me what you said a little later?"

Noah just smiled.

"Please you guys you haven't even had that much to drink yet and already you can't keep your hands off each other. I must say I am glad to see my brother likes to show affection again," Jenny said.

"Hey, enough about that okay! Lets not discus my sexual behavior any further," Noah snapped.

Bella just laughed, Jenny was his sister but she didn't have any boundaries what so ever.

"There is more, we are planning to tie the knot in two weeks," Tommy said.

Noah almost choked when he heard that.

"What? Why? Are you pregnant?" Noah asked Jenny.

"No we aren't pregnant we just decided one night in the heat of the moment that we didn't want to wait. It's because we love each other Noah and unlike you, Tommy was not prepared to let me slip," Jenny said looking at Bella.

"Bella say something," Jenny said.

"Well, honestly I think its pretty romantic, lots of people don't want to be engaged for a long time," Bella said.

"Is that how you feel Bella?" Noah asked.

"I don't want to be engaged for too long no, but I don't want a quick engagement either. No offense Jenny," Bella said looking at Jenny.

"No offense taken."

"Noah please don't tell me you are not happy with this, if you are unhappy mom and dad will also be unhappy," Jenny said frowning.

"No I am very happy for you it is just very sudden," he said.

"That's enough about that then," Jenny said taking a big sip of her drink.

Everyone sat there in silence for a couple of seconds.

"You know what Jenny, if you want to do it and Tommy wants to do it then, do it. It's your wedding anyways so no one else must tell you how to go about it," Bella said breaking the silence.

"Thank you Bella, I love her more than anything and I want her to be my wife. I am not going to lie and say that she didn't push me for it, but she was right we need each other. Nora lets her stay over but I know they would prefer us getting married, it's not like when Jenny stays over that we sleep in separate rooms, even though we tell everyone that," Tommy said taking Jenny's hand.

"My sister, having sex, that's something that can drive me to drink," Noah joked.

"Oh do shut up Noah. If it wasn't for Bella you would not get it up." Jenny said totally uninhibited by the booze.

Noah just looked at Jenny.

She knew way too much for a little sister.

"It was once Jenny. I don't know why you feel the need to talk about it, you aren't even supposed to know about it," Noah said.

Bella and Tommy just looked at each other.

"I am sure it was, Noah," Jenny said.

"Why did you even listen? You are my sister." Noah asked Jenny.

"Relax Noah, Sam spoke to me about it. What was I suppose to do she was upset because you didn't 'enjoy' her anymore, did you want me to say 'Sam rather go speak to my mother about it'."

Bella started laughing.

"You guys are the weirdest family really."

Tommy wasn't used to having someone else in the room when Noah and Jenny had words.

"Jenny there is nothing wrong with your brother," Bella said looking at Jenny.

"I know it was uncalled for I am sorry Noah," Jenny said.

"It's fine."

"Let me get everyone another round," Tommy said collecting the glasses.

"Make something else this time teddy bear," Jenny said.

"Drink up Bella," Tommy said as he waited for her glass, she had about half a glass left but she guzzled it down like it was cold drink.

Tommy called Jenny to the kitchen for help.

"I must warn you I get very 'happy' when I have had too much too drink," Bella said gently tracing his tummy with her finger nail. Noah shouted in the direction of the kitchen, "bring those drinks and make them strong."

Bella just laughed and then she kissed him.

By one a clock that morning they were all having a great time and everyone had one to many to drinks.

Noah and Bella spoke about the old days and Jenny tagged on her part of the story as they went along.

"You would always walk up to me and kiss me shyly in front of everyone," Noah said to Bella.

"Yes it will start harmless and shy, but you should see these two after a while in each others company. It would look like they were eating each other. I would walk in on them and then Noah would always shout at me 'Jenny get out of my room'," Jenny explained to Tommy.

Bella just laughed, she could remember how she would promise Jenny she is just going to ask Noah something or she was just going to get a glass of water and then she ended up in his room. The chemistry between them was amazing even when they were teenagers.

"Do you remember that night we went to that charity event where your band played for the children's home?" Jenny asked.

But Bella started telling the story.

"That night you had your then girlfriend there. I was there with my grandparents. Your girlfriend was so worried that she never let us out of her sight, not even for a minute. I got bored being watched the whole time so I climbed through the window and stood on the balcony. The door had been locked, the only way out was the window. I heard the music stop but I never expected you would come looking for me. I stood there with my eyes closed, facing the ocean," Bella said looking at Tommy and Jenny.

Noah continued the story, "I saw you standing there you looked so beautiful. I climbed through the window and stood behind you, I put my hands either side of you on the balcony rail. She didn't even feel me standing there. Then I leaned in and whispered in her ear," Noah said.

"Do you remember what I said to you that night?" He asked Bella.

"You said, 'hey sexy girl, want company?' I opened my eyes and saw your hands. I turned around and I said, 'depends on who wants to keep me company.' You laughed at me," Bella said smiling at Noah.

Tommy and Jenny enjoyed the story; they were asking so many questions as if Bella and Noah weren't giving the information fast enough.

"So what did you say Noah?" Jenny asked.

"I said, 'what if I want to keep you company? She of course sassed me a bit and then she said, 'Noah go back to your girlfriend.' I was shocked she had been sending me all these signals. I walked away and as I got to the window, I looked back at her. She was standing there looking at the floor, she sighed. I walked towards her put my hands on her face and kissed her," he said kissing Bella like he did that night, to show how he did it.

"What happened to the girlfriend? Was that the night Joan and I came outside?" Jenny asked realizing how the story ended.

"No come on, go on I wasn't there remember," Tommy said.

"Jenny and Joan decided to also climb out the window onto the balcony, only when they got outside they saw us kissing," Noah said.

"So who is Joan?" Tommy asked.

"Joan was Noah's girlfriend at the time," Jenny answered.

"What happened then?" Tommy asked.

"Noah ended it with Joan but let me tell you this, every time we saw each other after that it was like deja vu. He would have someone or I would have someone...." Bella started when Jenny interrupted.

"But they would always find their way to each other."

Bella looked up at Noah; she had never made a big decision like this before.

Packing up her life as she knew it and moving but she knew that she made the right decision because she was happier than she has ever been in her life.

Noah looked at Jenny and Tommy who obviously wanted to know more.

"Let me tell you about the time I drove all the way to the city just after I got my first car. One of Bella's friends contacted me and told me that Bella spoke about me all the time. I decided that I would take the drive and see how Bella was. Bella was supposed to meet her friend at a shopping mall little did she know that this friend invited me too.

Bella walked towards her friend who was looking at her coming closer, I sat with my back towards the direction she was coming from. When Bella was close enough, this friend her name was Jennifer told me, 'here she comes' I turned around just as Bella looked up. She was an absolute vision, I am telling you my heart skipped a beat.

Bella saw me and stopped dead, she put her hand on her mouth, she was shocked to see me. I walked up to her and took her in my arms, although we were surrounded by a lot of people it felt like we were completely alone," Noah said looking at Jenny.

"Mom was very angry that you left without telling them where you went and then when they found out you drove to the city they freaked out," Jenny remembered.

"It was worth it," Noah said brushing Bella's hair with his fingertips.

"So how did you meet Sam?" Bella asked to everyone's surprise.

"Sam was with Jenny at school. She came over to the house a couple of times. But I only got to know her better one night at a party Jenny had for her friends at the house. We started talking, then the guy that brought her to the party bailed on her. She didn't have a lift home so I took her home. She kissed me and we started dating," Noah explained.

Bella just nodded she wanted to know and now she did.

"You are going off the subject, what else is there?" Tommy asked.

"It was always very sad saying goodbye to her, I remember this one time we went to visit Bella and her grandparents in the city. The day came that we had to drive back to Glenwood so Bella's grandfather suggested that they would drive in front of us till we got onto the highway. Bella drove with her grandparents. When we got onto a road my dad recognized, he indicated that he could take it from there, so everyone stopped, we got out of the cars. Everyone kissed everyone goodbye. I walked up to Bella unable to say goodbye I just put my arms around her and held her as tight as I could. When I let go of her I looked at her, I stroked her face. I still remember thinking that I just wanted to remember her face the way it looked that day forever. She started crying, no one saw but me. I kissed her on her forehead and then on the lips. When I got in the car, it felt like I just left my life behind as we drove away."

Noah told the story as if he could remember every detail of that day.

"We saw each other eight weeks later. I asked him how he was, he just looked at me and said, 'I feel like I have been asleep for eight weeks.' We weren't even suppose to see each other but my grandfather decided that we should visit because a mutual friend was in hospital," Bella explained.

"You two are truly the most in love couple I have ever met. It's like in a movie, the boy and girl see each other across a room and it's like they can't fight the attraction," Tommy said.

That was exactly what it was.

"When are you going to tell your parents about the wedding?" Bella asked looking at Jenny.

Jenny looked down at her watch.

"We are taking mom and dad out for breakfast in a couple of hours. I don't know what we are going to look like after tonight," Jenny said.

"How do you think mom and dad is going to react to this?" Noah asked her.

"It's not like we only know each other a couple of days and mom and dad had to know that this day was coming. I think they will be shocked because they are too wrapped up in your up and coming wedding," Jenny said.

Bella looked at Noah.

"Wait who ever said that we are planning our wedding day already?" Bella asked.

"My mom and dad are just so happy that we found each other and that we got engaged that they sort of started planning the wedding. Don't feel pressured, its just their way of making sure nothing will happen to delay the wedding," Noah said.

"I am moving here Noah what more do they want."

The words came out all wrong and Bella knew that as soon as she said it.

"You yourself said that you don't want a long engagement Bella," Noah said avoiding a fight.

Bella calmed her voice down.

"I know that's what I said but what if..." She started.

"What if, what Bella?" Noah asked.

"What if things don't work out, what if you realize you don't love me for who I have become? What if you still love the girl I once was?" Bella said looking down at her hands.

Noah pushed up her chin with his finger, he looked her in her eyes and said, "there is nothing in this world that would make me love you less. I fell in love with you when I was six years old and then again every time I saw you. The other day you walked through a crowd of people at the airport but I saw you as if you were the only person in the room. You grew as a person and I love what you have become. Is this about what happened with Jake today or in the past that makes you doubt?" Noah asked.

"No and yes. I am damaged Noah, I am not that girl with the innocent eyes anymore. I have a past that you know nothing about and then the things you do know is not that glamorous. I am just scared that you have these high expectations and I just don't want to disappoint you," Bella said.

"There is nothing you can't tell me okay? As for your past we will deal with it. I am sure it's nothing I already know. You must remember your grandmother and my mother spoke on the phone for hours," Noah said smiling.

He was trying to assure her that the way he felt about her would not change, no matter what happened.

### Chapter 10

The next morning they woke up on the sofas they had fallen asleep on.

"We need to go, we have breakfast with my parents in an hour," Jenny said as she tried to wake up Tommy.

"Good luck to you, I think you are going to need it," Bella said getting up slowly.

"Why is everyone screaming?" Noah asked pulling Bella back onto the sofa.

"We aren't screaming you are just a little hung over," Bella whispered as she got on top of him.

"Don't kiss me I haven't brushed my teeth yet," Noah said as Bella kissed him. "Neither have I so who cares?" Bella replied.

"What if you and Noah come with to the breakfast? Then mom and dad won't make a scene?" Jenny asked.

"You are a grown woman Jenny, they won't be angry with you. They might be disappointed that they weren't involved. You know how they get when we make big decisions without consulting them," Noah said rubbing his head.

"I would like to go Noah. I am hungry," Bella said kissing Noah in his neck.

"Fine I will go find the darkest sunglasses I own. Then we can go. I need to take a shower first," he said as he got up to go to the bathroom.

"Thank you Bella. Tommy and I just need buffers that's all; I don't expect you to say anything."

They all took turns in the shower and were ready for the breakfast in time.

Noah drove to the restaurant battling with his hangover.

"Stop at the gas station then I will get you something for your headache," Bella said feeling sorry for him.

"Its fine I took something before we left I should be okay in a couple of minutes," Noah said winking at Bella through his sunglasses.

"Hi dear, you look terrible did you have a bad night?" Nora greeted Noah.

"No mother we were up late," Noah replied kissing his mother on the cheek.

"Good morning Bella, did Jenny tell you that your stuff will be here at four?" Nora asked hugging Bella.

"Yes thank you. I can't wait to see what is in the truck. Knowing Jake he took all the nice things and sent me my stuff broken and chopped up," Bella joked.

Everyone looked at her in amazement that she said that so calmly.

"It's a joke," Bella said looking at everyone's faces.

"So Jenny, Tommy what is the breakfast about?" John asked.

Jenny rolled her eyes.

"Cant we invite our parents for breakfast?," Jenny replied, slightly indignant.

"No more teasing Jenny, out with it," John said smiling.

He looked at Jenny and then at Tommy.

"I asked Jenny to be my wife," Tommy said.

Nora bumped over the pepper pot.

"This is sudden, when are you planning on getting married? When did you decide this in the first place? Jenny are you pregnant?" Nora asked not giving Jenny or Tommy time to answer.

"No we are not pregnant. We decided a couple of days ago and we are planning on getting married in two weeks," Jenny said.

Noah turned and just said so only Bella could hear, "here it comes."

Everyone at the table was quiet Jenny expected her mother to grab her over the table and shake her.

"We should probably say congratulations, it is wonderful news. You guys aren't children anymore and if you love each other I don't see why not," John said.

Nora looked at John, stunned, she didn't expect his reaction.

"What about Noah and Bella they just got engaged they are suppose to get married soon too." Nora said pointing at Bella and Noah.

"There is no rush Nora, if Jenny wants to get married first we are okay with it," Bella said.

"Mom please give us your blessing," Jenny said looking at her mother.

"You have my blessing dear it's just so sudden. I hope that you will be very happy. We better start planning a wedding then," Nora said hugging her daughter.

Nobody looked more relieved than Tommy; he looked pale since they arrived at the restaurant.

"What do you mean there is no rush for your wedding Bella, haven't you discussed a date yet?" Nora asked.

"No we haven't, we decided living in sin is better," Noah saved.

He knew that Bella was scared for all the big steps she had been taking and she needed time and room to breath.

"I am serious," Nora said.

"So am I, mother, you will be the first to know when we have decided on a date okay?" Noah said.

Nora didn't really look happy with that answer. She knew that if Noah could he would marry Bella tomorrow.

"Do you want to take a walk with me?" Bella asked Noah in a whisper.

"Sure. We are just going to take a walk, give you guys some time to talk about the wedding," Noah said pushing out his chair.

Noah took Bella's hand and led her out of the restaurant.

"Is there something that you wanted to tell me?" Noah asked leaning against his truck pulling Bella towards him.

"I just wanted to say thank you for saying what you did about our wedding. I know it wasn't easy for you, because I also know that if you had your way a date would have been set already," Bella said placing her hands on Noah's chest.

"Bella I want to marry you now, but I am not going to push you for it. We will talk about it when you are ready not when I make you ready."

She stood on her toes and kissed him gently on his lips.

She pulled away and looked at him for a second.

"Noah lets not wait too long, let's wait for Jenny's wedding and then have ours right after or even better let's go do it tomorrow."

Noah frowned.

"No Bella, we can wait don't do this just because of me or my family."

Noah didn't want to say those words but he knew that Bella needed to hear them. "Noah Taylor, I am telling you that I want to be your wife. But if you don't want me..." Bella said pretending to want to walk away.

Noah grabbed her hand and pulled her towards him.

"Okay Isabella Walker its set then. Let's go give the people at that table another shock. But first..." he said before he kissed her.

"Wait, do you think we should wait till after Jenny's wedding or should we go ahead and do it before?" She asked pushing Noah away.

"I say lets elope, lets climb in the car tomorrow and do it," he said pulling her closer again.

"Your mother will never forgive us."

"No she won't," he said stroking Bella's cheek with his thumb.

They walked back into the restaurant and sat down at the table. The atmosphere at the table was totally different to what it was when they had left. Everyone was quite, Jenny and Tommy didn't look as happy as before.

"Did we miss something?" Noah asked also feeling the atmosphere.

"No not at all dear. Jenny just told us that Bella doesn't want to get married just yet," Nora said looking at Noah.

"Actually mother Bella and I were just talking and we decided that we might get married before Jenny and Tommy," Noah said squeezing Bella's hand.

"Has everyone gone off their rocker in the last twenty four hours?" Nora asked. "What!" Jenny said smiling.

"Relax everyone, we are going to do it quietly, no one even needs to know. It won't be a big party; we are not stealing everyone's thunder," Noah explained.

"There will be none of that Noah Taylor. If you want to get married we are going to give you a proper wedding," Nora said taking a big sip of coffee.

When the waiter came Nora asked for a double whiskey on the rocks.

"Mother, it's ten in the morning!" Jenny cried.

"Well dear this is not just a normal morning," Nora said smiling at the waiter.

### Chapter 11

Time flew as it got closer to Jenny and Tommy's wedding.

Bella had settled in nicely in Noah's house. She had moved some of his things to make place for hers. He let her decorate the place as she saw fit.

It was the day of Jenny and Tommy's wedding.

The boys had gone out the previous night to celebrate Tommy's last night of being a bachelor.

It was the first time that Bella slept in their bed without him being in it. She wasn't very happy with the fact that he was getting drunk around strippers but she trusted him, she knew that he wouldn't do anything stupid.

Bella was still very insecure about men because of what Jake did to her. But she knew better when it came to Noah.

"I am getting married today," Jenny said as she walked into the bedroom.

"Yes you are. Are you ready for today?" Bella asked tapping on the bed for Jenny to sit.

"Yes I am so ready, I just think I shouldn't have had that many drinks last night. Where did you find all those girls that were here last night?" Jenny asked rubbing her eyes.

"Your mom helped me. I just told her the hen party is here and that she must invite all your friends," Bella said.

"My mother invited everyone she knew," Jenny said laughing.

"I better wash off this clown makeup on my face. I don't want to look like a clown in front of everyone," Jenny said rubbing the red lipstick off her cheeks.

"And everyone the bride wore clown!" Bella said laughing.

As the front door opened Jenny jumped under the covers next to Bella.

"Hey babe I am back," Noah said knocking on the half open door.

"Is Tommy with you? He can't see me before the wedding its bad luck." Jenny asked covering her face with the duvet.

"No we tied him to the boat last night and let him drift out onto the lake," Noah said winking at Bella.

"You did what? Are you stupid Noah? Where is he?"

Jenny pulled the covers off her face.

"Wow, well Miss Clown he is fine, he is at his place getting ready for the wedding," Noah said.

"You almost gave me a heart attack. I am going to jump in the shower and then you must come help me Bella," Jenny said walking out the door.

"Morning handsome did you miss me?" Bella asked Noah as he was walking towards her.

She opened the sheets and invited him in; she pulled him on top of her.

"Of course I missed you beautiful. How was your night?" He asked kissing her on her cheeks and neck, pulling up her night dress.

"My night was nice, we got a stripper pole and a pole dancing instructor it was great," Bella said rubbing his back.

"Really? Are you going to show me what you learned?" He asked looking interested.

Bella knew that would get his attention.

"I might show you. But first tell me about the strippers. Where they good looking? Did you get a lap dance?"

Bella was never one to beat around the bush.

He stopped kissing her and looked her in the eyes.

"There was one stripper and she was hideous! I didn't get any lap dances because I decided I would rather go to the bar and make the drinks. On the other hand Tommy did get more than his money worth. But how did you know about the stripper?" He asked confused, he couldn't recall telling Bella that there were going to be strippers.

"Your mother phoned, your dad had told her so she then phoned me," Bella explained. "But what do you mean Tommy got more than his money's worth?" Bella asked frowning.

"I promised that I wouldn't tell," he said.

"Did Tommy have sex with the stripper?" Bella asked pushing Noah off her. "Honestly I don't know. She dragged him into the bedroom and they came out a half hour later. I asked him about it but he was too drunk," he said shaking his head. "Noah what are we going to do? We can't just leave it."

"I am planning on speaking to Tommy today before the ceremony. If there is anything to tell then I will make him tell Jenny before the wedding," he said trying to reassure her.

"Noah they were in the room alone, don't tell me she read him a storybook."

She was furious at Tommy.

"Bella please, I will sort it out I promise," he said hugging her.

He didn't want to get involved but he had to do something because Jenny was his sister. Noah hated cheating but he couldn't tell Tommy what to do.

"Bella, come..." Jenny called from the other room.

"I better go help her get ready," Bella said kissing Noah quickly on his chin.

He could see she was angry.

"Come here," he said pulling Bella into his arms.

"Don't say anything and please don't be angry."

She just nodded and smiled the best smile she could muster at the time.

"So bride lets see what we can do for you today. Are you doing your own make up or what? What do you want me to do?" Bella asked as she got into the room.

"I want you to tell me I am not making a mistake. I know there was a stripper at that party last night. I just want to believe that when she was around Tommy he thought of me and that he didn't get hard looking at her," Jenny said with desperation in her eyes.

"Jen, you want this. You want to marry Tommy. I am sure that if there was a stripper there that he would use his brain and not what's in his pants to think. I am sure he kept very good judgment through out the whole thing."

Bella tried to believe what she had just said.

"Okay then, you put the curlers in my hair while I do my make up," Jenny said putting on the curlers.

In no time Jenny's hair and makeup was done.

"Will you help me with the dress?" Jenny asked as she walked up to the white dress hanging next to the long mirror.

"Okay get undressed, I will close the door," Bella said walking towards the door.

She tried to hear who Noah was talking to on the phone. But he closed the door to the bedroom. Bella turned back to Jenny very annoyed.

They put Jenny's dress on.

She looked absolutely beautiful.

"You are surely the most beautiful bride ever."

"Yes she is," a voice came from behind them.

Nora stood in the door holding both her hands over her mouth, she was emotional just looking at Jenny.

"Oh mom I am getting married today," Jenny said hugging her mother.

"Bella go get dressed we are going to be late," Nora said pushing her out of the room. Bella walked to their bedroom door and opened it as quietly as she could.

Noah was standing with his back to the door. He was already dressed.

"I can't..." he said into the phone.

He didn't finish the sentence because he heard Bella come into the room.

"I will talk to you later," he said closing the phone.

"Hey babe, you better get ready," he said smiling at her.

"Who was that Noah?" Bella asked.

"On the phone? It was nobody."

"You want to tell me that you were standing behind a closed door talking to nobody?" Noah shook his head he looked very worried. He rubbed his hair and bit his lip. Noah knew that he should tell Bella what he just heard but he was unsure how to do that.

"I was on the phone with Tommy. I asked him about last night. He didn't have sex with her."

"Why are you so upset then?" Bella asked.

"They never had sex, but she gave him a blow job."

"You are joking. What are we going to do about it?" Bella asked rubbing her eyes.

She looked at Noah in the reflection of the mirror.

"We aren't doing anything Bella. I told him he must tell Jenny before they make the vows if he has any chance of making a go of this."

Bella just nodded she was so angry. How could Tommy be so stupid? If and when he tells Jenny she is going to be broken. It's cheating, he cheated.

Noah walked up to Bell and put his hands on her shoulders, he turned her around. "He will do the right thing. He might have been a complete idiot last night but he will fix it," he said kissing her softly on the lips.

"You better never do anything like that to me Noah, I will never forgive you."

"Never babe," he promised.

They got to the church ten minutes early. They went into a back room of the church to adjust the dress and put fresh flowers in their hair. The flower bouquets were also at the church so all they needed to do was make last minute adjustments grab the flowers and get married. Bella was busy putting the last flower in Jenny's hair, when there was a knock on the door.

"We are coming," Jenny shouted.

She had the biggest smile on her face.

"Jenny bear it's me, Tommy. I need to speak with you before we get married," he said standing outside the door.

"You can't come in I am dressed already, its bad luck," Jenny said looking at Bella. "It's important Jenny please," he said sounding so desperate.

"I will be right outside," Bella said opening the door.

She shot Tommy a very dirty look. She wished she could scream at him or shake him. But she knew it was none of her business.

Bella stood outside the room; she rested her head against the wall closing her eyes. She wished that this wouldn't change Jenny's mind.

Noah walked in and saw Bella standing there.

"Is Tommy in there with her?" He asked.

"Yes."

Bella heard glass break and she knew it wasn't going well.

"She is never going to forgive him," Noah said looking down at his feet.

They stood there in silence by then Jenny's voice was so loud that they could hear every single word. Then it went quiet.

Noah tried hearing by putting his ear against the door.

Suddenly the door swung open.

"Let's do this," Jenny said as she raced out.

"Jenny are you okay?" Bella asked as she ran after Jenny.

"Yes I am going to be just fine."

She turned to Tommy and Noah.

"Get your butts up there now!"

Noah and Tommy didn't argue.

Bella walked into the church first, Jenny and John closely behind her.

They stood there and did vows they wrote themselves. It was like the night before never happened.

Noah kept on looking at Bella, winking and smiling at her.

Bella turned blood red and tried to keep her pose.

The wedding was over, the photos had been taken and they were on their way to the reception.

"I would love to know what happened back there at the church," Noah said.

"Maybe Jenny decided that she would handle it later. How ever she goes about it, Tommy will pay for last night for a long time."

Noah just smiled and shook his head.

The reception hall filled fast. The food was great and the speeches were beautiful. Bella and Noah both made speeches. Bella made her speech smiling at Jenny but giving Tommy a dirty look, especially when she spoke about love and commitment and being true to each other.

"Could you be angrier with Tommy?" Noah asked when Bella sat down next to him. "What do you mean?"

"Never mind," he said smiling.

Noah and Bella danced, it was great.

After a while she took her shoes off and even stood on his feet for a song or two.

"Do you mind if I dance with Noah?" Jenny asked.

"Sure I am a bit tired anyways," Bella said.

"Please dance with Tommy, Bella." Jenny asked.

Bella took Tommy's hand and danced with him.

"Why are you angry with me Bella?" He asked.

"I know about the stripper Tommy, how could you be so stupid?" She asked pulling away from him, looking him in the face.

He pulled her up against him again, so fast that no one could see there was tension.

"Look, I am sorry. I was drunk and for the first time I did something before thinking it through and I am terribly sorry," he said.

Bella didn't say anything, she had no words.

The song finished, he kissed her on the cheek, thanked her for the dance. She smiled at him and that was the end of it.

"Everything okay?" Noah asked as he took Bella in his arms.

"Yes everything is good. Let's go sit and have some wine?" She asked leading him back to the table.

They sat down, Noah poured her a glass of wine.

"So, how long before you kids get married?" A lady asked Noah and Bella.

Bella didn't know this woman but she seemed to know allot about Bella.

"Bella you are so beautiful, when Nora told me you are a pretty little thing I didn't expect you to be this pretty."

Noah got up and kissed the woman.

"Aunt Betty this is Bella, Bella aunt Betty is my mother's sister," Noah introduced.

Bella got up and shook her hand.

"We decided to wait a bit before we get married. We want Jenny to enjoy her wedding first then we will start planning," Noah explained.

"You are living together. Your mother already told me. Noah you must marry this pretty girl its wrong not being married you know?" Aunt Betty said pointing to a cross around her neck.

Noah just laughed and hugged her.

"Yes we will be sure to think about that," he said pulling faces at Bella.

Just as sudden as aunt Betty came there she left again.

"Do you want to commit an act of sin?" Bella asked in Noah's ear.

He laughed at her and said, "what do you have in mind?"

Bella unbuckled his belt under the table pulling the pant's zip down.

"We will just have to see what comes up," she said.

Noah slid down his seat a bit so that no one would see what she was doing.

Suddenly Nora stood in front of them, Bella got such a fright.

"Nora!" Bella said a bit guiltily.

She took her hand out of Noah's pants, luckily it was so dark in the hall Nora didn't see what they were doing.

"Yes dear, why aren't you guys dancing? Did you eat yet?" She asked.

"We are taking a break from the dancing and yes we ate," Noah snapped.

"What's wrong Noah? Aren't you feeling well?" Nora asked walking over to Noah feeling his forehead.

Bella just turned away and started laughing.

"Bella dear, John wants to dance with you. Noah why is your pants undone did you eat too much? You can't do that at a wedding," Nora said pointing to Noah's undone pants.

"I will be back in a minute," Bella said laughing at Noah.

She found John standing, waiting for her on the dance floor.

"You know Bella in a couple of weeks or so we will be dancing again and then you will be married. In a white dress, just like a princess," John said.

"I don't think I will get away with wearing a white dress," Bella said laughing. "What do you mean?" John asked.

"Let's just say Aunt Betty came over earlier and insisted that we are living in sin and that Noah must do the right thing."

John laughed he knew Betty too well and could believe that she said something like that.

"You can get married in a black dress for all we care. You and Noah look happy, I haven't seen such a big smile on my boy's face since the time I gave him a model airplane for Christmas. He was seven," John said wistfully.

"I am happy John; Noah is everything I have ever wished for. Thank you for raising him to be such a terrific person," Bella said kissing John on the cheek.

"You bring out the best in him Bella."

The song finished but they kept on dancing.

"Do you mind if I dance with my dad?" Jenny asked.

"You keep on taking the men I dance with," Bella joked.

She stepped aside and Jenny started dancing with her father.

Bella didn't see Noah at the table so she decided to go outside for some fresh air. Noah and Tommy were standing outside.

Bella climbed in Noah's jacket under his arm and held him tight, she was shivering.

"Do you want a jacket?" Tommy asked.

"No thank you Tommy I am fine, I will steal Noah's heat," she said holding on to Noah.

Noah kissed her on the side of her head.

"Do you want to go home yet? Tommy says they are leaving soon," Noah said.

"Where are you guy's going on honeymoon?" Bella asked.

Throughout the entire planning of the wedding and being mad at Tommy she had never asked.

"We are not going on a honeymoon just yet. Noah and I were talking, maybe we can go together when you get married, obviously we will not be staying in the same room," Tommy said smiling.

"That will probably be wise. We will definitely need privacy when we are on honeymoon. I wonder if we should even spend money on a honeymoon because we will most likely not leave the room," Noah joked.

"When is the big day? I know you postponed because of me and Jenny but really feel free to start planning now," Tommy said.

"The thing is our wedding will most probably be a quarter in size, in comparison to yours, we can easily plan it in an hour," Bella answered.

"Tommy lets go, I have had enough of photos and attention for one night." Jenny said as she came outside.

By then the white dress she was wearing was black at the bottom.

"Bella you better stand in front to catch the bouquet," Jenny said dragging Bella by the arm.

That night Bella didn't catch the bouquet but she knew she didn't need any luck, she knew that everything was working out perfectly.

The ride home was quiet, Bella fell asleep; when they get home Noah opened the front door and carried Bella to the bedroom.

### Chapter 12

"Morning sleepy," Noah said when he brought a tray with fruit and coffee for breakfast the next morning.

"Sorry I was so tired," she said rubbing her eyes.

"Not at all, you were very involved with this wedding, no wonder you were tired." "What are we up to today, I just don't want to eat cake or drink wine," she joked.

"I thought that we could maybe go out on the boat. Pack a picnic basket and just get away from the world and the family for one day," he suggested.

"That will actually be nice. I see that I slept in stockings, my bra and panty last night. I know for a fact I didn't leave the wedding that way," she said looking under the covers.

"I thought I should take your shoes off before I put you in the bed but I just couldn't stop there," he joked.

"So how embarrassing was that thing with your mother last night?" She asked making him blush.

"Trust my mother to interrupt at the wrong time."

"Did you see Sam was there she came to drop a present off for Jenny and Tommy?" Bella asked.

"Yes I saw her when you were dancing with my father she came to speak to me that's why Tommy and I were standing outside."

"What did she say?"

"She just gave us her blessing. I put her through a lot before you came and when you finally came here it got even worst. I didn't love her the way I should have and it was unfair. At first she thought that it was something she did wrong but it wasn't, it was me."

"Are you over her Noah?"

"The problem isn't if I am over her, it's I was never over you."

"How can it be that two people meet as children but they fall in love? There was always someone in either, your life or mine but we always seemed to sort of gravitate to each other," she said smiling.

"I don't know babe, but here we are living together and getting married. I must say I never imagined my life working out this way. I always imagined that I would just have to learn to get over you."

"Have you ever done something and you thought, what if I did it different?" She asked.

"All the time," he replied.

"I wasn't supposed to write that book, I lost my 'real' job and I was unemployed. I sent away my CV for months and nothing really came of it. Then I thought maybe I should go study further. But one night I was watching TV when I picked up my laptop and started writing, soon I was writing five hours every night. I sent the book to a couple of publishers. What I am saying is if I got a job I wouldn't have had the time to write so I wouldn't have gotten published. I would never have come here for the book signing. We wouldn't have met up again. I would have probably married Jake and you would have married Sam."

"I believe that you wrote the book for a reason, you lost your job because it was for a reason, nothing happens if there is not a reason behind it."

"I truly believed you gave up on us, on me Noah," she said taking a sip of coffee.

"I thought you did too. You got engaged; it looked like you moved on," he said softly.

"Remember the last words you said to me when we last saw each other?" She asked.

"Yes, I said we can not be together because we live to far apart, it would never work," he said looking down at the duvet.

"Yes, that was the saddest words I had ever heard. My heart broke into a million pieces that day. I knew that it was true but it was hard hearing them," she said.

She took his hand and pulled him closer.

"I am glad that we could get over that. I am glad that when I came here you didn't feel differently about me. I am glad you still felt something for me. I was so glad when I heard I was coming here but I was so scared that we might be strangers to each other. I heard you had someone and I thought that I mustn't interfere this time, I must let you live your life and not come here and turn it all upside down. I am sorry for what happened to Sam but I must say I don't regret it."

"The night before you flew in I sat on the sofa down stairs and wondered what I was going to say to you when I saw you. I watched the sun come up. I didn't sleep at all," he said smiling.

"Want to climb in and sleep a little? We probably only slept five hours last night," she said opening the covers.

Noah got in next to her, she put her head on his chest.

She laid there only for a couple of minutes before she fell asleep.

They only slept for about two hours when the phone rang.

Noah looked at the caller ID.

"It's Jenny. Should we answer?" Noah asked.

"If you answer we will probably not have our day alone on the boat." she said still sleepy.

"Then I don't think we should answer," he said as he put the phone down on the bedside table.

Then Bella's phone started ringing.

"I am just going to answer; I don't want them to think something happened to us on our way back from the wedding." She said answering the phone.

"Morning Bella, I just wanted to say thank you for yesterday. You put in so much planning into my wedding day and I appreciate it," Jenny said.

"It was nothing you are going to do the same for me in a couple of weeks," Bella said. "How was your wedding night?" Bella asked.

"It was good I guess, we were just so tired we got into bed but we had a wedding morning," Jenny said giggling.

"I am glad to hear that. There were such a lot of family members to chat to, you probably didn't even eat," Bella said.

"No I had wedding cake and that's about all. I did dish up food but everyone kept coming over for a chat so the food got cold," Jenny replied sounding disappointed. "What are you guys doing today?" Jenny asked.

"Noah and I are going out on the boat for a picnic."

"Oh, okay you must enjoy it. We are meeting my new in laws for lunch before they leave for Italy. They are going on a two week vacation," Jenny said.

"That's nice, I wouldn't mind going to Italy," Bella said.

"I just phoned to say thank you so I better be going, my husband is getting cranky because he wants to continue with the 'wedding morning' activities."

"I think you should go then, your brother is dead next to me. I don't know if I should check for a pulse," Bella said smiling at Noah who was looking at her with one eye open.

She put down the phone.

"Do you feel like coffee?" Bella asked while kissing his chin.

"No I feel like something else," he said raising his eyebrows.

"What would that be?" She asked also raising her eyebrows at him.

He pulled the covers over their heads and kissed her.

That afternoon they took a picnic basket and went out on the boat. He took his guitar as per her request. She told him that he should serenade her like he always did when they were teenagers. Only to her surprise his playing was much better. She could even give in requests. They drank champagne and laughed about stories they told each other, things they wanted to share with each other. All the things they missed out on in each others lives.

They spend hours out on the lake. Noah laughed so much that his stomach muscles hurt. She told him about the weird jobs she had before getting published, and he told her what it was like studying architecture.

"Tell me about the house. What made you decide to buy and fix it up? And why did you make it almost exactly like we dreamed of when we were kids?" Bella asked. "Well the house was really run down. I still lived with my parents and finished university. I decided that I would take the money I saved up and buy it at an auction. When I walked into it after I bought it I thought to myself, 'Noah what have you done you stupid idiot.' But soon enough I started drawing up plans for it and it sort of happened in stages. I would love the house one day and then absolutely hate it the next. I tried to keep most of the original architecture but it was almost impossible. I then decided that why not make the fairytale changes to it? The shutters and wrap around porch and balcony upstairs was a great idea, and secretly I would be reminded of you every day no matter who lived in the house with me.

"I fixed it up in about a year but when I was finished, I couldn't believe how good it looked. I had a big party to show off the house," he said looking very proud.

"But didn't you ever think that it's too big?" She asked.

"Yes I did but if you think about it, I wanted a study and a music room and a guest room and list just carries on. It was all planed out but like I told you only two or three rooms really had furniture in before you came."

"Well I changed that didn't I?" She asked smiling. "The photo I saw didn't do that house any justice. Because when I saw it in real life it almost took my breath away."

"There is still a lot I would have liked to add to it. Like at the moment it has a fire place but it doesn't work. I was thinking of getting one of those eco fireplaces.

I want to change to kitchen counters, I am in between marble and wood," he said. Bella could see that he had a passion for these things; it made her happy to be around someone that was so creative.

"I think you should make that place exactly the way you want it. It is your home and it must be a place you go home to and feel at home in," she said pulling up her shoulders.

"No Bella the house is ours now. I want your name to be on the deed as well," he said.

"That will not be necessary Noah. You bought and fixed that house for you not for us. Don't get me wrong there is no more perfect place for me and I feel very at home there. I have made it my home too. There is no need to make it legally mine too."

"I have already gotten the papers drawn up. The house is fifty percent yours," he said.

"Did you get a prenuptial agreement drawn up as well?" Bella said joking.

"Actually we should talk about that. You are an author and you earn a lot of money with your book sales. I am a successful architect with my own business. How do you feel about a prenuptial agreement?" He asked.

The smile on Bella's face dropped.

"I think that prenuptial agreements are a good thing I suppose but I can't help but feel that it's a way to prepare for divorce when you are not even married yet, like you expect it to go wrong. It is a good thing on the one hand but on the other, a contract seriously? We aren't worth millions Noah," she said.

He went quiet, he turned his face and looked out over the lake.

"Noah, we aren't worth millions are we? Are you worth millions?" She asked.

He looked at her and smiled shyly.

"When my grandfather died he left me a trust fund. I was the oldest grandchild and he wanted me to use it to start a business. Only when he died this trust was worth way more than we thought. I started the business and it took off, I hardly have to work. My name is on the door and on the letterhead but I have people doing everything for me. So yes you can say I have some money," he said smiling at her.

She was sitting with her mouth open.

She looked so stunned and surprised she was at a loss for words.

"Then I suppose you should get a prenuptial agreement, because I have only enough money to live from till my next book, which I am not getting to."

She didn't even look at him, she knew he had a comfortable living but she never imagined him to be a millionaire. It didn't make a difference because she loved him before she knew he had money and she didn't want the money she wanted him. But none the less hearing it was a great shock for her.

"Bella we will get married and I am not making you sign a contract, you will be my wife and you will share in my money and what ever I have to share," he said taking her hands in his.

"Noah do you think that is wise? I mean what do your parents say, I know that you have spoken about this with them."

"My parents believe in doing things the old fashioned way. They don't think I should worry about a contract."

She frowned she knew that Nora and John were old fashioned but she never imagined they would trust her to that extent.

"Why did you never tell me you are rich Noah? I don't think it would have made any difference, its just that its something I thought you would tell me."

He looked down at his feet again.

"Bella I never told you because I knew money isn't important to you. You came from a well off family where money has never been a problem. I saw how you lived in the city and I figured that a guy with money wouldn't impress you. It's like a gay walks up to you in a bar and tells you he drives a Ferrari, you would look at him and say 'so what'. It's just not important. I decided I would tell you when the subject came up but just to come out with it would be inappropriate," he explained.

"Noah it's important because it changes everything. We should think about the contract for your own safety."

"Are you saying that you want to prepare for divorce then? Bella you are contradicting yourself, just because there is a little bit more money involved now you change what you believe in."

"A little bit more money that is a serious understatement. I know that everyone knows about you having so much money, I don't want anyone to think I am in it for the money," she said calming her voice so that Noah would understand her point.

"I don't care what people think besides everyone knows our history. I want to share everything with you. Bella you are going to be my wife and I am not going to have a contract hanging over our heads I trust you," he said.

"If that is what you want."

"I am not going to pay you an amount of money for every baby we have, although my mother might, she spoke to me about us having kids last night. She said she knows we are having sex and she wanted to know if we are using protection or are we planning on having kids soon," he said rolling his eyes.

"What did you say?"

"I said that I am not comfortable talking about sex with her. But I said that with what happened to you with the baby that I wouldn't push you to get pregnant. But then I did wonder we never use condoms so are you on the pill Bella?"

"Yes I am, I wasn't but after the baby I decided that things with Jake were just...." Bella said stopping half way through the sentence.

"How do you feel about having a baby with me?" Noah asked.

"I would love to have a baby with you."

"Do you want to try and get pregnant then?" He asked.

"How do you feel Noah, are you ready?" She asked

She needed to find out first how he felt before she would answer him.

"I would love to be a father. I want to be able to still kick a ball or play with my kid. I don't want to be too old before I start a family," he answered.

"So do you want to start trying?"

"Yes I do Bella, but I do not want this to be something I want. You have been through enough."

"After the baby my body went out of whack and the doctor said I should give my body some time. But I think we should go see a doctor and then plan," she said feeling excited.

Noah's face lit up. He nodded but Bella knew there was more to it than that smile on his face.

"I am sure there is no harm in practicing," he said kissing her softly.

"We have done enough of that," she said pulling him on top of her.

They made love on the boat. They didn't care if someone saw them. With his every touch Bella felt more secure and happy.

They laid in the boat next to each other. It was like they were speaking without saying a single word. He would smile at her and she would just look at him. She lifted her hand and stroked his face.

The next morning Bella woke up to a noise in the house. She looked over to where he was supposed to be sleeping but he wasn't in bed next to her.

"Noah," she called out.

He peeked around the corner.

"Morning, did I wake you?" He asked.

"Why are you up? And why are you getting dressed?" She asked looking at her watch. "I have to go into the office for a couple of hours. I received an email late last night, the one architect working for me landed a big deal and I need to be there to sit in at the meeting," he said tying his tie.

"What time will you be back?" She asked.

"I don't know but it shouldn't be too late."

"Okay, I guess I will have to keep myself busy for a couple of hours then. I will phone Jenny we could go shopping or something."

"I was meaning to tell you. Remember they met with her new in laws yesterday; well it was a surprise Tommy took Jenny to Italy. The in laws thing was just a cover story to surprise her," he said.

"But Tommy said they didn't have honeymoon plans."

"That is what he told you, I was the only one that knew."

"You lair, but its okay Jenny was probably so happy when she found out," she said hardly processing any information, she wasn't awake yet.

Noah kissed her goodbye and left.

She hung around the house. She decided it was a good time to start sorting some things out, run errands.

She picked up her phone and phoned Nora.

"Morning Nora, sorry to be a bother. I need to ask you a favor," she said.

"Anything dear what can I do for you?" Nora asked.

"I need you to please get me the number for the gynecologist in town."

Nora kept quiet.

"Its nothing serious Nora, I just need to go for a check up that's all," Bella assured her.

"I will make an appointment for you with my gynecologist she is brilliant," Nora said. "There is one more thing Nora if you get an appointment for today can you come fetch me, Noah left for work about an hour ago and I do not have a car. If you can't get an appointment today can you then make an appointment for the soonest date?" "Yes dear I will phone you back in a couple of minutes."

"Nora, please don't tell Noah."

"Phone you right back," Nora said.

Bella stood in the living room holding the phone against her chest. Luckily Nora didn't take very long to phone back.

"Bella its Nora."

"Yes Nora, did you manage to get me an appointment?"

"The receptionist said she is pretty fully booked but they had a cancellation so they can slot you in for two o'clock. I made the appointment, so you get ready I will be there in half an hour," Nora said.

She put the phone down and hurried into the shower , she hated going to the doctor. Usually she would have a couple of days to prepare herself mentally. She got dressed with care and then had a cup of coffee. Luckily she was finished when Nora got there.

"Good morning Nora, thank you very much I appreciate it," she said when Nora hugged her.

"It's fine dear anything you can just ask, you know that."

The drive to the town wasn't bad Nora just spoke about Jenny's messages from Italy. Bella drifted in and out of the conversation. She had a lot on her mind.

They got to the gynecologists office and sat in the waiting room surrounded by pregnant woman.

The receptionist called Bella's name, for a second she went ice cold. She turned to Nora.

"Nora, will you please come in with me?" She asked looking very scared.

"Yes dear of course I will."

Nora stood up and took Bella's hand and led her into the consulting room.

"The doctor will be with you in a second," the receptionist said as she closed the door. "Bella tell me something. If this is just a check up, why are you so scared and why could I not tell Noah about it?" Nora asked rubbing Bella's arm.

Bella wanted to explain but just then the doctor walked in.

"Hi, my name is Dr. Anthea Bates. And you are Isabella Walker," the doctor said looking at Bella's file in front of her.

"Yes, good morning Doctor," Bella said rubbing her hands together.

The doctor looked up amazed.

"Wait a minute you are the author Isabella Walker?" She asked looking at Bella.

"Yes I am."

"I was at your book signing. I loved your book, it is brilliant and I believe you are in a relationship with Noah Taylor."

The people in this town obviously knew her better than she thought.

"Yes I am. Thank you the book has been a great success. This is Noah's mother she is here for moral support." Bella said reaching out to Nora.

"Ah, Nora , nice to see you."

"Thanks, I must say life is rather hectic, my youngest got married on Saturday.

Noah is getting married to Bella so I must confess things are rather chaotic in a nice way," Nora said rubbing Bella's arm smiling sweetly at her.

"That's really good news," Dr Bates said looking at Nora.

"So Bella how can I help you?" Dr Bates asked Bella.

She was so nervous it felt like she wanted to pass out.

"I am here to see you, because I had a miscarriage about two months ago. As you mentioned, I am seeing Noah and we want to know when my body will be ready for a baby," Bella said hearing Nora making sounds of joy next to her. "I am on the pill at the moment but Noah and I have been talking about it and we think I should go off it."

"Bella, when you lose a baby your body goes in to what I would say a war with itself. You are young enough to bounce back pretty fast. Have you stopped with the birth control yet?" The doctor asked.

"No not yet I need to make sure I do it at the right time."

"Let's have a look at you, I will send some samples away for testing and then we take it from there okay?" The doctor asked.

Bella got onto the examination chair and tried her best to relax. It didn't last too long, besides Nora was sitting next to her the entire time talking non stop.

"Bella I will phone you as soon as I get the test results back. It will take about three days. But everything looks good and healthy," the doctors said.

"Will I have to come see you again?" Bella asked.

"No I doubt that you will, I will be able to talk to you about it over the phone and give you advice regarding your birth control." Dr Bates explained.

They left the doctors rooms, Bella got into the car as fast as she could.

"Are you and Noah trying to get pregnant Bella?" Nora asked, getting into the car. "We just spoke about it Nora, nothing is definite. Please don't tell anyone about this not even Noah we will have to wait for the results and then I will speak to him about it," Bella said putting her head against the window.

Nora looked at her frowning. She was like a mother to Bella but she didn't know what to do for her or really what to say to her.

"I tell you what; let's go for a cup of coffee just the two of us," Nora suggested.

Bella knew she meant well.

"Sure, that will be lovely thank you Nora."

They got to a cute little coffee shop in town. Although at first she didn't want to go in she realized that was maybe just what she needed.

They ordered coffee and started talking about Jenny's wedding again and what the people wore. Bella started laughing at Nora who was trying to imitate everyone that was there. She told Nora about Aunt Betty , and what she had said. Nora just rolled her eyes and assured Bella not to worry about Betty.

"I don't want to bring up this dear but I need to, how are you coping with losing the baby?"

Bella looked at her; she wanted to give a quick answer just so that Nora would get off the subject. But there was no quick easy answer.

"I am not really over it. I feel like a part of me died that night. I don't know if it was the loss of the baby or the fact that I was alone. But if I had not lost the baby then I would still be in the city and then I would probably be stuck with someone that I didn't love anymore," she said not looking at Nora.

She knew that if she did look at her she would start crying.

"If Noah is pressing you for a baby and it's not something you want you should say something. You can not replace the baby you lost Bella," Nora said forcing Bella to look at her.

Bella started crying.

"I know Nora; I am not trying to replace the baby. I want to have a family with Noah I just love him so much. I want to make him happy," Bella said in between wiping the tears off her face.

"You must think of his happiness but dear,what about what you want? What about your happiness?" Nora asked.

Bella wiped the tears from her face.

"I am happy with Noah and to be honest I want nothing more than to be his wife and the mother of his children," she said smiling at Nora.

"That is all I wanted to know. I also know that you don't talk to anyone and I just wanted to say that, that night you phoned me from the hospital I felt very sorry for what had happened to you but I was happy that you chose to phone me," Nora said also fighting the tears.

"On a happy note, any plans for your wedding yet?" Nora asked taking out a tissue. "We still talking about it actually, I made a big discovery yesterday. Noah told me about the trust fund," Bella said as she was looking at Nora's face.

"Is that a problem?" Nora asked.

"No I just think Noah should be sensible, he got documents drawn up to put my name on the deed of the house and now all this money. He doesn't want to get married with a contract," she tried to explain.

"Sweetheart that shouldn't even bother you. You come from old money; Noah knows very well that you don't love him for his money. I think you should stop putting so much thought into it. If you are scared that either me, John or who ever thinks that you are in it for the money, I can assure you we know better," Nora said reassuring Bella.

They were sitting there in silence.

Bella heard the song playing in the coffee shop. You were always on my mind. She just closed her eyes and took a deep breath.

"Penny for your thoughts," Nora said smiling at Bella from across the table.

"It's just this song, isn't it magical Nora?" Bella asked.

"Yes dear it certainly is."

Little did Bella know that Nora knew exactly what Bella was thinking. She had to hear Noah play that song over and over. She was the one that picked up the pieces every time Noah had to say goodbye to Bella. She didn't always understand why Noah would be upset.

When he was a teenager Nora told herself he would meet lots of girls and get over Bella. But that never quite worked out. Nora was relieved about that, she couldn't have asked for a better companion for her son.

Bella's phone rang it was Noah calling her.

"Hi Noah," Bella answered.

"Where are you babe? I got home to an empty house," Noah said sounding a bit worried.

"Your mom came to fetch me for a cup of coffee; we are in town at the moment we are almost done. Is there something wrong?"

"Not at all it's just you weren't here when I got home. I was worried about you."

He sounded better.

"How did it go with your meeting?"

"It went well; I will tell you when you get home."

"I will be home as soon as I can. See you later," she said before she put the phone down.

They finished their coffee and got in the car.

"I feel weird asking people for favors in the city you could just catch a cab," Bella said.

"You have lots to get use to, here you have to do everything yourself. Speaking of, you and Noah must bring your laundry," Nora said.

"That won't be necessary anymore I do our laundry together now," she said scared of what Nora's reaction would be.

"Thats fine then. Not a problem, if you should ever need anything done you are welcome to just ask Bella."

When they got home Bella saw Noah's truck standing outside.

"Come in for coffee," Bella said to Nora.

"Thank you that would be nice."

"Noah I am home," Bella shouted into the house, when she opened the front door. She heard him upstairs, he came running down the stairs.

"Hi angel, how was coffee?" He asked greeting Bella and Nora with a kiss.

"It was nice," she answered.

Bella went into the kitchen, she decided to make the coffee while Noah spent some time with his mother.

Since Bella got to Glenwood Noah hadn't visited with his mother or father very much. She could hear whispers but she didn't know what they were talking about.

She looked out the window because her eye caught a blue car standing next to the house. She knew it wasn't there this morning. It was a brand new car by the looks of it. She didn't know who's car could possibly be standing there, she decided not to say anything about it. She was still trying to get the window open when she heard a voice coming from behind her.

"Do you like it?" Noah asked leaning against the door frame.

"Its nice, who's car is it?" Bella asked.

"It's yours if you want it," he said calmly.

Bella's heart dropped.

"You bought me a car?"

" I bought you a car," he said nuzzling her neck lightly.

A small cry escaped as Bella threw the spoon on the counter and ran out of the house. She looked at the car as if it was a diamond. By then Noah and Nora were standing behind her.

"Oh Noah she is beautiful. But it's too much," she said holding her hands over her mouth.

"No its not, I bought it because I don't want you to be stuck here when I have to go somewhere and when the baby comes I want us to have a car."

"You are having a baby?" Nora asked acting surprised.

"No not yet but we are planning to," he said.

"It's perfect, where is the key?" Bella asked holding her hand out.

"Don't I get a thank you kiss first?" Noah asked.

Bella ran up to him and kissed him.

He gave her the key and she climbed in.

She started the car and the engine purred. She loved the car already. It had a leather interior, very elegant. Bella thought it might be a tad fancy for the country but who cared.

"It has a diesel engine in. She only has ten kilo's on the clock," Noah said pointing into the car.

"We must take her for a spin," Bella said holding the steering wheel.

"Can you drive dear?" Nora asked.

"Yes I have a driver's license, but honestly I haven't driven a car in ages," she admitted.

"I tell you what, we can go over to my parent's house. You can drive. Go put on your bikini," he suggested.

"All right," she said as she got out of the car. She turned around and looked at him. "Bikini?" she said looking confused.

"I think its time that I teach you how to swim."

"Then I better get dressed," she said kissing Noah on the cheek.

"But first coffee," she said.

Bella made the coffee but she kept looking at the car.

She ran upstairs and got dressed. By the time she was dressed she was so excited about the car she doubted that it was a good idea that she should drive. She hadn't driven a car in such a long time. Noah would just have to bear with her that's all she thought.

Nora had already left.

"What's wrong angel?" Noah asked her as she stood there looking at the car before she got in.

"Maybe you should drive. I am a bit nervous," she said holding the key out to him. "Nonsense babe. You have to do it some or other time."

She got in the car and started it up again. Initially she was apprehensive but soon enough her confidence returned. Noah kept on talking about his meeting that morning so that she didn't get more nervous by thinking that he was watching her.

They arrived at Nora's house, she thought the drive went well; it was only when she looked at Noah she realized that she might have made some mistakes.

He had an almost terrified look on his face.

"Sorry, I haven't driven in years and also I have never driven on dirt roads," she said smiling shyly.

"No babe, it was fine. It was interesting," he said.

He couldn't get out of the car fast enough.

When they opened the front door, Nora was home already.

"Do you have something with lots of sugar?" Noah asked when he saw his mother. "Yes there is cold drink in fridge. Why dear? Why are you so pale?" Nora asked. "Bella drove here. Formula one is an understatement I would say," he said drinking the cold drink out the bottle.

"Bella, are you ready for your first swimming lesson?" Nora asked ignoring Noah.

"It wouldn't be my first lesson actually. Noah tried to teach me to swim that holiday at the resort," Bella said.

She looked at Noah they both knew how that turned out.

They sat on the sofa for a couple of minutes, just enough time for Noah to get his nerves under control again.

"Ready?"

Bella took a deep breath.

"Yes let's do it," she said.

They got up and walked to the pool.

Noah got in first; she could stand in the pool comfortably she had no problems being in the water, she just couldn't swim.

She got in and took his hands.

Soon she was floating on the water, relaxing building confidence.

It was nice having Noah teach her.

After a while in the pool, Nora came out with coffee and told them that it was getting cold , they should rather get out.

Nora was more concerned about Bella, she didn't want Noah to push her too much. .

When they got out of the pool, she sat on his lap as they watched the sun set.

"I think I have water in my skull now," she said pushing down on the bridge of her nose.

He just laughed at her.

"We should go home. You had an early start to the day," she said looking at Noah who was clearly tired.

"Only if I can drive home," he said not trying to hurt Bella's feelings.

"You are such a baby," she joked hitting him playfully on the shoulder.

"No I think I prefer to at least see my next birthday, that's all," he said teasing Bella.

### Chapter 13

A couple of days passed. Bella was anxious about the test results. Doctor Bates hadn't called yet and it was the third day. Bella kept herself busy, she cleaned the house, did the laundry and she went for a short walk. Noah didn't know what was wrong with her. He kept on asking her why she was so restless but she would just say she had a lot on her mind with the wedding.

Then finally Doctor Bates phoned. Bella grabbed her cell phone so fast that Noah couldn't even see who was phoning. She walked towards the kitchen.

"Hello," she said when she picked up the phone, she was out of breath.

"Good day Isabella, this is Doctor Bates. How are you?" She asked politely.

"I am doing well, just anxious about the results."

Doctor Bates was quiet for a moment; Bella could hear her shuffling papers around. "Bella that is why I am phoning. I just got your lab results and its good news. You can go off the birth control; you and Noah can start planning a family," Doctor Bates said.

Bella was ecstatic about the news, it was definitely good news.

"It is recommended that you have at least two normal menstrual cycles before you start trying to get pregnant. Your tests came back and it showed that your body recovered well after the miscarriage. If you have any problems please phone me. If you should fall pregnant soon, I would like to see you and monitor the pregnancy closely," Doctor Bates said.

"Thank you so much. I can't wait to tell Noah. Thank you Bye."

"Tell Noah what? You grabbed that phone so fast and ran into the kitchen. What is up Bella?" Noah asked looking very concerned.

"I think you should come with me to the living room and sit down I have great news," she said dragging him to the sofa.

She told him about the doctor's appointment and that they took samples for testing. She explained it was the doctor who just phoned and she told him the news. He was ecstatic, he grabbed her and hugged her so tight that she joked with him that he was crushing her ribs.

"We should try now," he said grabbing her.

"No wait I need to phone your mother," she said, pushing him away.

She phoned Nora and told Nora the good news. Nora was very pleased she went on like she just heard she won the lotto. She kept on telling Bella how happy she was for her. Bella had never heard Nora that excited or seen Noah smiling that much.

Noah was clearly not tired anymore; he opened a bottle of champagne.

"When did you get this?" Bella asked as he opened the bottle.

"I got it that day I went to the meeting. I decided that I would buy it because I knew that we were planning and you said we must consult a doctor first. I didn't realize it was going to be this soon," he said pouring the champagne.

"You just want to get me drunk," she said pulling him closer.

"I love you so much Isabella Walker," he said before he kissed her.

"I love you too Noah Taylor. I think we should plan this wedding. I don't want to fall pregnant before I am married," she said rubbing her stomach.

"Are you saying no sex before we are married?" Noah asked.

"No I would never say that. I am just saying, your extended family is very old fashioned and I want to do it right," she said.

"I think we should then plan it for tomorrow," he joked.

Noah put her on the kitchen counter and kissed her. It was obvious what he had in mind. They got so involved in the moment they didn't hear the car pulling up in front of the house. They just heard the knock on the door.

"Ignore it," she said as he kissed her in her neck.

He did ignore the door until they heard Nora's voice.

"Noah! Bella!?" She called into the house through an open window on the porch. "What is it with my mother and timing?" He asked.

Bella buttoned up her shirt and so did Noah. Noah walked towards the door and opened it. Nora and John were standing there with a bottle of champagne. "Congratulations on the good news, I hope we are not interrupting anything?" John asked, looking at Noah.

"Not at all, we are glad you are here actually. We need to make wedding plans," Bella said taking Noah's hand.

"Today is a day for happy news," Nora said giving Bella a hug.

They sat down and started talking about the wedding. Bella thought that they would have been sick of weddings after Jenny's big wedding. But Nora and John were delighted.

"We were thinking fifteen people maximum. We do not want a big do. Something intimate, I don't want to invite people I don't know anymore," Noah said looking at his mother.

He knew he had to set some ground rules because his mother loved planning parties and she didn't always know what small meant.

"I think it is up too Bella too dear," Nora said looking at Bella.

"I want something small too. I don't like a big fuss, something small but elegant," Bella explained.

"When do you want to get married? Have you thought about a date yet?" John asked. Bella and Noah looked at each other.

"Next weekend, as soon as Jenny and Tommy get back," Noah explained.

"Its possible, we will take care of everything," John said looking at Nora.

"We don't want you to go to any trouble. It's our wedding we can plan it," Bella said. "Its no trouble, I will phone your grandfather and make some arrangements. Noah has already planned something actually so I know exactly what you want," John said smiling at Noah.

"What? Did you plan my wedding behind my back?" Bella asked Noah.

"No angel, you can still do the dress and flowers and what ever you like but the venue is already 'booked' if you could say it that way," he said winking at his parents. "Alright then, Bella do you have a dress in mind? Flowers? We must spend some time and plan," Nora said, she looked very excited.

"I don't want it to be too formal. It mustn't scream tradition," Bella explained as Nora nodded showing her she understood.

"I want sunflowers and a white dress but not a wedding dress. It must be off the shoulder. I actually saw the perfect dress when we went shopping for Jenny's dress," Bella said.

Nora took out a note pad and started writing down.

"I don't want fruitcake for me wedding, I prefer carrot cake, with a white icing. The food must be simple nothing heavy."

Bella got more and more excited as she went along, it's was finally happening she said to herself.

She was getting her happy ending at long last. Her happy ending with the man she had loved her whole life.

The days flew past, Bella had just finished planning Jenny's wedding and now she was planning her own. Luckily Nora was there every step of the way.

Jenny and Tommy had gotten back two days before the wedding.

Finally the wedding day came. Bella didn't sleep a single minute the night before. She was so tired when her alarm did go off the day of.

She kept on thinking of Noah's bachelor party. Tommy's bachelor party was still fresh in her mind.

The hen party wasn't as extravagant as Jenny's but Bella enjoyed it. They did have too much to drink but she insisted no one was going to color in her face.

Bella grabbed her cell phone and phoned Noah, she just couldn't wait a second longer.

"Morning babe," he said sounding groggy.

"Morning Noah, how was your party?" She asked wasting no time.

"I didn't have a stripper if that's what you are asking. Jenny made Tommy promise, I didn't really care, I don't remember much anyways," he said, sounding hung over.

Bella was so relieved.

"Good, not good that you drank too much, good that there wasn't a stripper."

"You mustn't worry about me babe. I love you I don't need that, I have a very sexy fiancé," he said smiling.

"What are you wearing?" He asked.

"Noah you are terrible, your eyes aren't even open and you are already asking me that," she said looking under the covers.

"Come on give me something to make the headache go away."

"I am wearing nothing," she said teasing him.

"Are you serious?" Noah said clearly awake and alert.

"What went on at your party? Why are you naked?" Noah asked.

"I am joking. The party was good, you should have seen your mother," Bella said laughing.

"I think she got great joy out of that stripper pole of Jenny's."

"Please Bella I don't want to think about that my head hurts," he said sounding disturbed.

"See you at the venue then? Where am I going, or is it still a secret?" Bella asked. Noah was quiet for a second.

"Bella all I am saying is, I will see you at the sunflowers. You know now where it is. There is a small chapel there, right in the middle of all the flowers. I arranged for it to be cleaned. We are getting married amongst the sunflowers babe," he said, she could hear the smile on his face.

"I didn't know that there was a chapel," she said.

She hadn't known what else to say she was actually at a loss for words.

"Its really old, it was built in the eighteen hundreds, dad and I kept an eye on it." "Then I will see you there," she said.

She got dressed at the house.

John and her grandfather drove her to the chapel.

Bella looked out at all the sunflowers, there was a perfect path leading up to the chapel.

She was thirty minutes late. It was very unlike Bella to ever be late but her grandmother and Nora were crying so much at the house she had to keep on looking after them.

In between makeup and hair she had to make sure they were okay.

Jenny did Bella's hair and makeup. Bella told her what she wanted and Jenny did it perfectly.

When they stopped in front of the chapel John's phone rang.

"We are here," John said reassuringly to Noah.

Luckily Tommy, Jenny, Ella and Nora were with him at the chapel.

They had left the house before her.

Bella smiled at John and said, "Noah is probably fed up of all the crying already."

Noah stood in the chapel he could hear Bella's laugh.

"She is here," he said.

Jenny looked at him; she had never seen him like that before, he was so stressed.

"Yes stupid, she is here, what did you think was going to happen?" Jenny asked rubbing Noah's back.

When the door opened John walked in first, Noah only got a glimpse of Bella standing with her grandfather outside the chapel.

"Let's get this show on the road," the priest said.

He was an old family friend and he knew Bella and Noah very well.

When the music started, Tommy opened the doors to the chapel.

Bella walked down the aisle with her grandfather, it was clear that Ted had never been that proud.

Noah felt his heart stop in his chest. Bella looked like a dream; she was dressed in a cream off the shoulder dress. It fit her beautifully; it fitted her like a glove.

Bella had a very beautiful body and the dress showed it off. It hugged against her body with a slit in front showing her toned tanned leg as she walked. She had flowers in her hair. She held three sunflowers in her hand. She planned on giving one to Jenny one to Nora and one to Ella.

"Who gives this woman, to be married?" The priest asked.

"I do, her grandfather Terrance Walker." Ted said fighting the tears.

He gave Bella a kiss on her cheek and put her hand in Noah's.

"Look after my little girl," he said to Noah.

"I will, I promise," Noah said assuring him.

Jenny was standing next to Bella at the altar and Tommy was standing next to Noah. "Well done Noah, at long last," the priest joked.

Noah just smiled and looked at Bella; he didn't want to take his eyes off her.

"I need you to first concentrate on me Noah," the priest said making everyone laugh. "Isabella Walker and Noah Taylor had been sweethearts their entire lives. There is no need to even mention it. We all know how it came about. I am so proud to join them in this union today," he continued.

He spoke about love, about through out everything their love survived. He made the service very personal. After he read from the Bible, he moved on to the vows.

Bella and Noah decided on doing their own vows.

"Isabella Walker, you have been the best part of my life so far. I love you more than anything. I can't imagine my life without you. You make me a better person and I love you. I want to grow old with you. I want to share everything with you. I am so honored that you are going to be my wife. I love you babe," Noah said.

"Noah Taylor, being with you is very important to me. I have made big changes in my life for you and it has been for the better. I want to have a family with you. You make my days better. I can't even think what to wish for if people ask because it feels like I have everything I have ever wanted. I will love you forever," Bella promised.

She promised herself she wouldn't cry but she could help it.

They exchanged rings.

"I now pronounce you husband and wife. Noah you may now kiss your beautiful bride."

Noah put his hands on her cheeks she put her hands on his chest and they kissed. That was their first kiss as husband and wife. He put his arms around her and held on to her.

"I love you Noah Taylor," she whispered in his ear.

"I love you too Isabella Taylor, forever," he promised sounding so proud.

They hugged and kissed everyone. Everyone was so happy Nora and Ella's eyes were blood red from all the crying.

"I am so proud to gain you as my daughter," John said when he hugged Bella.

"I didn't even think about it. I should say mom and dad now. I haven't done that in years," Bella said looking at Nora and John.

"When you are ready dear," Nora said.

Everybody stood outside talking after the service.

"Where to now?" Bella asked looking at Noah.

"Now we are going to my parent's house, they have spent the last two days making up the place," he said kissing her gently on the tip of her nose.

They got into Noah's truck and drove to Nora and John's place.

"It was absolutely perfect Noah. Thank you, the chapel was breath taking. Having the reception at your parent's house is just what I wanted," she said kissing him on the cheek.

"You look amazing Bella. I thought I was going to fall over there for a second. You look so sexy."

They got to Noah's parents house. The place was made up; Bella never thought it would look that amazing. There was a big circle of sunflowers packed on the floor in the living room.

"What is this about?" Bella asked.

"Just because this is a small informal wedding isn't to say that you and Noah can't have your first dance as a married couple," Jenny explained pulling them both by their arms to the living room.

When they stepped into the circle the song started.

"Love Story' by Taylor Swift. It was so appropriate.

It was a song Noah chose. It was about a couple who fall in love at a very young age, but there were obstacles, they find each other anyway and they live happily ever after.

She felt so at ease in Noah's arms. It was the one place she felt safe.

As they danced, everyone watched them although they felt like they were the only people in the room.

It was dark already and all the lights got switched off. The room was filled with candles. That was Jenny's idea; she wanted to make it as special as she could.

Noah held on tight to Bella, he spoke softly in her ear.

"Thank you Bella, thank you for coming back to me," he said.

She just smiled; she knew that was where she was supposed to be.

They danced till the song finished and Jenny switched on the lights. Noah leaned in and kissed his wife. There was so much happiness and love in that room. "Enough you two," Tommy said. "Noah you will get more than enough later buddy." Jenny hit Tommy on the arm.

Noah just smiled at him.

Sometimes when Tommy opened his mouth he said the most inappropriate things.

The music played in the background as everyone sat outside. They laughed as they shared all the memories.

Of course the parents and grandparents decided to talk about Noah and Bella's most embarrassing moments.

"Bella came home one day with a piece of metal in her tongue," Ella said sticking out her own tongue to demonstrate.

"Did you have a tongue piercing?" Jenny asked looking shocked.

"Yes I did, I only took it out about two weeks before I published the book. My grandparents where freaked out. I thought they were going to do an exorcism on me one night as I lay asleep," Bella said laughing.

Everyone laughed.

"It was hideous; here is my beautiful girl with metal in her mouth," Ella said getting upset all over again.

Bella just looked at Noah he was shaking his head and laughing.

"Then one day Noah was cleaning the pool, I don't know what happened but he fell in. His mother ran out and helped him out of the pool. She told Noah to take off his shirt. He didn't want to but none the less he knew better than to talk back to his mother. Nora gave Noah one look and started screaming at him. You see my dear Bella that was the day after Noah got his tattoo. Nora was so depressed she didn't want to come out of her room all day," John explained.

Nora just rolled her eyes at him.

"I was upset John," she said.

Ella and Ted nodded in agreement.

"Luckily Bella didn't get a tattoo while she was still living with us. Or did you Bella?"

Bella just blushed and shook her head.

Noah smiled as he looked at Bella raising his eyebrows. Only Bella and Noah knew the truth.

It was a small fairy on her hip. It was so low down that if she had a hipster pants on no one could see it. Bella got it when she was seventeen; she was still living at home.

They cake was perfect it was carrot cake just like Bella wanted. Nora made it herself. It was the perfect ending to a beautiful day.

"We better go we have an early morning tomorrow, or should I say in a couple of hours," Noah said looking at his wife.

"Where are you off to tomorrow?" Ella asked.

"We are going where it all started, we are going to Black Mountain Lodge," Noah said looking lovingly in to Bella's eyes.

"Oh and what do you mean with that? It is where it all started." Ted asked.

"They probably made out the first time there," Jenny said.

"Something like that, we were there on a holiday once. Remember?" Bella asked looking at Ted.

"Oh yes," he said.

They kissed everyone goodnight and thanked them for the lovely day.

They got into the truck. Tommy ran up to Noah's window and whispered something in Noah's ear. Noah turned and said to him, "why did Jenny marry you again?"

They waved goodbye and drove home.

"What did Tommy say?" Bella asked.

"Don't worry about it he is more excited about our wedding night than what we are," he said shaking his head.

"I think we should see about that," she said kissing Noah on his cheek.

"Don't start, I will pull this truck over. Don't think that I didn't think about taking you home earlier tonight," he said smiling at her.

They got home and Noah carried her into their house.

He didn't put her down. He locked the door and walked carrying her up the stairs, kissing her as he climbed the stairs. He put her down when they got into the bedroom.

He took off his jacket and shoes and she took of her shoes. She stood in front of him looking into his eyes opening the buttons of his shirt slowly. He turned her around and unbuttoned the dress at the back kissing her softly in the back of her neck.

She felt the dress drop to the ground. She turned around and kissed him, she opened the button of his pants.

He picked her up and put her down on the bed and kissed her.

They made love for the first time as husband and wife and to their amazement it did feel different. It was more passionate, warm and very loving.

The next morning Bella slipped out of bed and showered. Her hair was so tight from all the hairspray she just needed to wash it out. She washed her hair and for a second she stood there in the shower smiling.

She jumped out and put the towel around her. She looked into the room and saw he was lying there, he was awake.

"I just wanted to come join you," he said.

She ran and jumped on the bed and got on top of him she asked, "did it really happen Noah?"

Noah looked at her with a smile on his face.

"Yes babe it did you are mine now. So go make me breakfast woman," he joked.

She just rolled her eyes.

"Tell me what Tommy said to you last night please."

Noah started laughing.

"You are very inquisitive. He said that I will now find out what it's like making love to a married woman."

She started laughing; it was so like Tommy to say something like that.

"And how was it?" She asked blushing.

"It was really good; I think I should do it again," he said widening his eyes. He pulled her closer and kissed her.

"No Mr. Taylor we must get ready I want to leave as soon as possible, I can't wait any longer," she said pulling away.

"Okay, okay let me shower then we can go. Seeing as you packed the bags two days ago already," he said pointing at the bags standing by the door.

### Chapter 14

They drove through all the towns; they decided to make it a road trip that they wouldn't forget. Bella took photos of everything she possibly could. She even took some photos of Noah, she knew that he hated cameras but she couldn't help herself. He looked so happy and relaxed, they were both tired but it didn't matter they didn't want to sleep and miss out on anything.

When they got to Black Mountain Lodge later that afternoon, she jumped out of the car and looked at the lodge in amazement. She didn't expect it to look different but seeing it again was nice.

They got their bags out of the car and checked in.

The lodge was nice and quiet, it wasn't really holiday season yet.

When they got to the room Bella almost ran in, she couldn't wait to see the room.

It was perfect, better than she had imagined.

She took off her shoes and stood by the window, she looked out over the swimming pools and the people lying by the pools.

"Let's go down for lunch," he suggested standing behind her.

"Sure, I am very hungry," she said rubbing her stomach.

"What do you think of the room?" He asked.

"Its perfect and the bed is huge."

"Remember that night we spend in that town, what was its name again?" He asked rubbing his chin.

"That night I went with you and the band? The night I ended up singing?" She asked throwing her head back laughing.

"Hey I fell madly in love with you that night," he said walking up to her putting his arms around her.

"Yes, I remember that night. What about it?"

That night we all slept in the one room and its bed was about this size. You slept in the middle remember?"

"Yes Norman put his arms around me, you were so angry," she remembered.

"That was such a great night. Jenny got sick so she couldn't sing. I asked your grandfather if you could go with, he wasn't impressed but none the less we were so desperate for a singer he gave in.

When you got onto the stage, your whole body trembled but when you started feeling the music you really came out of your shell. You even invited that guy on to the stage."

"Yes and then he didn't want to get off and that security guy pulled him off."

"That night ended badly though, remember?" He asked.

"Yes I do, just as the song ended I walked up to you on stage and kissed you in front of all those people. How was I supposed to know that Julie was in the crowd? I didn't see her," she said.

"That night she wanted me to promise that I would ignore you for the rest of the holiday. 'Promise me Noah' she said, I didn't know what to do," he said shaking his head.

"Well, we all know you didn't listen because a couple of days later we made out remember?"

"I had that beautiful black Honda bike, you were standing against it I grabbed you and kissed you. Yes I do remember, Julie wasn't even out of the yard yet," he said laughing.

"Why did you kiss me that night?" She asked.

She knew the answer to the question but she still wanted him to say it.

"Norman was going to. He knew how I felt about you but he said that I was with Julie so I had no authority over you. I was so angry with him, we had a huge fight. I kept on telling him I would break his nose if he didn't leave you alone."

"I remember sitting on your bike, you almost ran my way. I jumped off as soon as I saw you. Next moment you kissed me and Norman walked in on us. His face was shocked; I must say I considered making a go at it with him. It would have been a good holiday fling, you had Julie, Norman and I had no one," she said joking with him.

"Did you kiss him that holiday?" Noah asked.

"No, but I had many perfect opportunities. I actually couldn't kiss him, because of you," she explained.

"Do you remember the one night we almost went too far? We almost had sex," he said raising his eyebrows.

"Yes we were alone at home. We watched videos. Just as things got heated, Julie knocked on the door," she remembered rolling her eyes.

"I think she could sense something was happening that night," he said.

"Yes and I had to sit there with an unhooked bra," she said laughing.

"That was very funny, you are right. Julie asked me why were we alone. I just said that the adults went dancing. She sat between us the whole night." Noah remembered.

"That was so bad, but she couldn't stop what happened that night here at the lodge in the pool. It was about two days after the video night," she said.

"The weird thing was, she was supposed to come with to the lodge but something happened I can't remember what, anyways she couldn't come with anymore," he explained shaking his head.

Bella didn't know that but she was relieved after all these years that Julie didn't go with. Noah was supposed to be her first.

The honeymoon was everything they had hoped for.

The drive back was quick they took a different route home.

They went to Nora and John's for dinner the same day they got back, as per their instruction.

Nora was very happy when she saw them. Jenny and Tommy joined them that night as well. They all acted like a family already.

After dinner Bella and Jenny helped Nora with the dishes.

"Mom tells me that you and Noah are trying to make a baby," Jenny said.

"Yes we are. Noah thinks it is very fun," Bella said blushing.

"Wait till the sex goes out of the relationship dear," Nora said very unexpectedly. "Are you and John having problems?" Bella asked.

Nora looked down at the floor leaning against the kitchen counter, she sighed.

"Yes we are having problems; we have actually had problems for some time now," Nora said wiping the tears off her cheeks.

"Are you leaving dad?" Jenny asked.

Nora looked up and at Jenny.

"No dear, I am not leaving him, I think he is leaving me. I am not as young and beautiful as I was when we got married and he is having an affair with someone who is," Nora said.

She didn't want those words to leave her mouth but she knew she had to say something, it was driving her insane.

"Dad will never do that mom, you are probably mistaken," Jenny said frowning. "Jenny your dad has been working a lot lately, he sometimes doesn't come home at night and when he does he is tired. We haven't made love in six months," Nora said fighting the tears.

"Dad works hard mother, he has always worked hard. Maybe he is really tired." Jenny tried to defend her father.

To Jenny her father and mother were exactly what she wanted to be in her marriage. She looked at them as role models. They had been married for years and apart from the now and then argument they seemed in love and their marriage seemed perfect. "Noah saw it Jenny. He went to your father's office the other day and he saw your father with another woman on his desk. It was late and your father thought there was no one there. Noah told me and when I confronted your father about it, he didn't answer me," Nora said looking at Jenny and then at Bella.

"Bella you knew?" Jenny asked upset.

But then she realized that it was the first Bella heard of it.

Her face was pale and her mouth went dry.

"No I honestly didn't," she managed to say.

Bella put her arms around Nora and held her. Jenny ran out and started screaming at her father.

"How could you? My mother loves you. I defended you. If I knew you were a cheat I would never have let you walk me down the aisle. How could you dad?" Jenny asked sobbing.

"That's enough Jenny," Noah said pulling Jenny away.

"Don't you even touch me, you knew about it and you never told me," Jenny said slapping at Noah's hand on her arm

"What is going on? Did I miss something?" Tommy asked.

"My father is cheating on my mother," Jenny said grabbing her things.

"Lets go home Tommy."

"Wait a minute Jenny," John said getting up from his chair.

"Wait for what? Tell me why dad?" Jenny asked tears of anger and disappointment streaming down her face.

"This is not an excuse but your whole lives, your mother had always been focused on you and your brother. I was last on the priority list; I was competing with my children for affection. If I worked late your mother would be long asleep by the time I got home and then I had to sit here and eat dinner on my own. She never stayed awake not once just to ask me how my day was. She never kissed me goodnight," John said pleading for his daughter to understand.

"You are telling me just because my mother didn't stand ready; every time you got home you decided it gives you permission to cheat?" Jenny asked.

"No I am saying that your mother and I never worked on our relationship. We are both to blame" John answered.

"For how long have you had the affair?" Noah asked his father.

John looked at his son, he didn't want to see the disappointment but it was there on Noah's face.

"For ten years. Angela works with me. She has for ten years," John answered.

Jenny just laughed in between sobbing she couldn't believe what she was hearing. Noah nodded and walked out of the living room, he needed to get out of the room. Bella and Nora was standing in the kitchen, Bella was still holding her as she cried. Noah walked in and put his hand on his mothers shoulder. Nora looked up at him the tears were running down her cheeks.

"Oh Noah," is all she said.

Bella let go of Nora and stepped back. Bella didn't know what to do this was the last thing she would have expected to happen.

"Please go check on Jenny," Noah said to Bella.

She just nodded and walked out of the kitchen. She decided it would be best to leave Noah with his mother, maybe he could say something that would make it easier.

Bella went into the living room and sat down next to John who was sitting in silence.

Jenny sat across from her father, she just looked at him. Her face was angry but sad at the same time.

Tommy was standing behind Jenny with his hand on Jenny's shoulder.

"Why didn't you ever say something John? You could have saved everyone from this situation we are in now." Bella asked.

"I wanted to see my kids finish school and get married first. I didn't want them to come from a broken home," he explained.

"If I knew I was living this lie, I don't think I would have gotten married," Jenny said. Tommy didn't look shocked; he knew she didn't mean it. She was hurt.

"Jenny I am sorry," John said.

"Are you getting a divorce?" Jenny asked.

"Yes we are. Your mother and I both agree it would be for the best. But nothing will change, I don't love you any less," John said.

"Please dad don't give me that speech. It wasn't your fault, mommy and daddy still loves you, its crap," Jenny said angry.

"Are you going to leave because you want to be with the other woman or because you think you can't repair your relationship with Nora?" Bella asked.

She wanted to know because if he wanted to, he could leave the other woman and work it out with Nora.

"I am getting the divorce because I don't love Nora the way I should. It's unfair to her and I have been unfair towards her for too long. And yes I am moving in with Angela," John said.

Jenny looked at Tommy.

"Please take me home now," she said walking out.

She slammed the front door shut. Tommy ran out after her he just said goodnight as he passed everyone, on his way out.

"Bella, I will understand if you and Noah are angry, Jenny isn't going to speak to me anytime in the near future," John said.

Bella was angry at him but she saw he was hurting too. She smiled at him and put her arms around him and gave him a hug.

"I might not understand why you did this but I am not in any position to judge you. As for Noah and Jenny I don't know how you are going to fix that. They looked up to you and this marriage. But they are adults and they will have to accept it," she said. She let go of John and saw the relief on his face. Everyone was angry at him, no one thought of asking him how he felt about all this after all he was also hurting.

The fact that he had an affair for so long was not an innocent thing but he was walking out on a thirty odd year old relationship. It couldn't have been easy for him to make that decision.

Noah and Nora walked into the room.

"Did Jenny and Tommy leave I heard the front door?" Nora asked John.

"Yes she is very angry at me," he said.

Bella looked at Noah he looked tired. She got up and stood in front of him.

She put her hand on his face; he just looked up at the roof. She could see that he wanted to cry but he was fighting it. She pulled his face down and looked at him. He had tears in his eyes.

"Do you want to go home?" She asked.

She didn't know if he didn't want to cry in front of her or his parents but she knew it would be better if they went home.

"Yes I think we should rather go home. It has been a very long day," he said.

He turned around and walked towards the door.

"We are leaving, Noah is a bit upset. I will phone you tomorrow morning Nora," she said kissing Nora and John goodnight.

"Give me the key," she said as they got to the truck. She saw that he was too angry to drive. He gave her the key and they got into the truck.

She drove them home that night. She didn't say a word because she didn't know what to say.

Noah put the radio on so loud that it was impossible to talk. When they got home he took the bags and carried them into the house.

"I am going to leave the bags here we can sort them out in the morning," he said putting the bags down in the living room.

She just nodded.

He went upstairs and climbed into bed.

She sat on the sofa and drank a cup of Milo; she knew she wasn't going to be able to fall asleep. She held onto the mug as she sat in the dark. She started crying it wasn't only for Nora and John, it was for her own parents.

She was in the car that night when they had the fatal car accident; she had a scar on her arm as a reminder.

Her parents died that night and she only had the scar on her arm. She remembered her parents fighting, she remembered sitting in the back trying not to scream at them to stop fighting. The last words she heard were her dad saying to her mom that he wanted a divorce.

The next moment she heard the tire burst and the car started rolling.

She woke up two days later. Her grandmother was standing next to her bed. She saw her grandmother had been crying. Bella asked her where her parents were, her grandmother said that they had died in the accident. Bella was so shocked she wanted to get out of the bed and run, but she couldn't move there were too many tubes and machines. Her body felt like it was heavy.

She sat on the sofa; her body felt like a piece of led again. All the memories came back to her. She closed her eyes and cried. She tried not to cry out loud because she didn't want Noah to hear her.

When she opened her eyes, Noah stood in front of her he took the mug out of her hands and put it on the side table.

He sat next to her and pulled her legs over him, she put her head in his shoulder and they sat there in silence.

"Are you okay Noah?"

He was breathing shallow.

"Yes I guess so, I just can't believe it. I mean I just got married. I saw him that day at the office and I didn't confront him. You know why Bella?" He asked.

"Why?" She asked.

"When I got there that night and I saw him with that woman on his desk, I couldn't see her face. I thought it was my mother. I walked out because face it who wants to see their parents having sex. The next day I said to my mother she must stop distracting my dad at work. She looked surprised and said she didn't know what I was talking about. I said to her I saw them having sex on dad's desk the day before. My mother's facial expression dropped. She sat down as if her knees went weak. She looked me in the face and told me she hadn't been to dad's office in weeks."

Bella rubbed his chest, she again had nothing to say. She was so hurt for Noah's part. She looked up at his face and she saw the tears running down his cheeks. She put her hand on his face and rubbed the tears away.

For a moment they looked at each other and forgot about everything, he leaned in and kissed her.

She pulled away and said softly, "I am so happy that we found each other, I just hope this never happens to us. I wouldn't ever handle it if I were not enough for you."

He looked at her; he tucked the hair hanging over her eyes behind her ears.

"You my wife will always be enough, I promise," he said.

He started kissing her. She could feel him holding her tighter than usual. His kisses were angry but not at her, he was hurt and he probably just wanted to make love to her to feel like something was still normal. She didn't stop him because she too needed to feel some affection. She closed her eyes as they made love.

Noah put his hand on her face and said, "open your eyes; I want you to look at me." She opened her eyes and looked at him while they made love.

She didn't understand why it was important to him but she didn't care.

They fell asleep on the sofa that night, him holding on to her tightly.

### Chapter 15

The next morning they woke up to a loud knock on the door.

She grabbed his shirt and put it on. She opened the door to see Jenny standing there, she looked at Bella and didn't say a word.

Bella took her by the arm and pulled her into the house. She looked outside to see if Tommy was with but she realized that Jenny was there alone. Jenny walked into the living room and sat on the sofa opposite Noah. Noah sat upright rubbing his eyes. "Does anyone want some coffee?" Bella asked.

Both Noah and Jenny nodded. Bella walked into the kitchen and put the kettle on. She put the cups out and then she went upstairs to put clothes on.

When she came down she heard Jenny crying. Noah told her that everything would be fine but she just kept on crying.

Bella made the coffee and put it on the table in the living room.

"I couldn't even sleep in the same room as Tommy last night," Jenny said rubbing the tears from her face.

"Why? He didn't do anything wrong," Noah said frowning.

"I just couldn't Noah. It feels like my marriage is a scam," Jenny said.

"You are being very unfair to Tommy Jenny. Yes we are all hurt but don't push him away. Your marriage isn't a scam. You need to let people in now," Bella said. "Could you make love to Noah after last night Bella? Don't tell me that your faith in marriage wasn't shaken up after last night," Jenny said.

Bella didn't know what to say because she opened the front door in Noah's shirt surely Jenny saw that.

"My faith in marriage is not shaken up as you say. I believe that every marriage differs and some work and some don't. Just because your dad had an affair doesn't mean Noah is going to. By the sounds of things if they had taken the time to work on their marriage this wouldn't have happened," Bella said.

Jenny got so angry that she snapped at Bella.

"Are you saying that this is my mothers fault? Are you insane? Then I suppose you would say it's my fault that Tommy had that thing with the stripper that night too?" Jenny asked her face was blood red.

"Look, Bella is saying that every relationship differs and that you shouldn't take what dad did out on Tommy. She also means to say that mom had to know something was up but she chose not to see it," Noah said stopping Jenny short.

"I am sorry Bella," Jenny said. "I am just so angry. I thought that I got over the thing with Tommy's bachelor party. But last night... it came back and I just couldn't look at him," Jenny explained.

Bella got up and kneeled in front of Jenny.

"You and Tommy need to work it out Jenny. You need to work on your relationship. I am so sorry that all of this happened to you especially just after you got married," Bella said.

Jenny got up and stared out the window.

Bella got up and stood behind Jenny she wanted to grab Jenny and hold her because clearly Jenny wasn't taking all of this very well. She thought if she comforted Jenny that she would then cry and get it all out.

"Phone Tommy and tell him I am here," Jenny said to Noah.

Noah picked up the phone that was lying on the table, and he phoned Tommy.

When he put the phone down he looked at Jenny and told her that Tommy was on his way. Jenny turned back to the window and closed her eyes.

"I am going to take a shower," Noah said as he got up.

Jenny walked to the sofa and laid down she pulled the blanket over her and closed her eyes.

"Do you want me to leave you alone for a bit?" Bella asked.

"No Bella, please stay here with me," Jenny said lifting her head.

She sat down and Jenny put her head on Bella's lap. Bella took a magazine from the table next to her and started reading it.

Tommy got there twenty minutes later, the same time Noah walked down the stairs. Jenny was fast asleep on Bella's lap. Noah walked out onto the porch.

Bella heard Tommy talking to Noah. Much was said because they were out there for almost an hour.

When Jenny woke up she walked out the door, she held her arms out for Tommy to hold her.

Noah left them outside to talk.

"Are you okay Noah?" Bella asked.

"Yes I am, it feels like I need another holiday though," he said smiling.

"We can go away for a couple of days if you want to."

"Or we can lock the doors. Close the windows and the curtains and have sex all day," he said laughing.

"No I think you will get bored," she joked.

Noah just looked at her and smiled, he felt sad about what happened but happy that he had someone like her.

"Noah this might be a bad time to ask, but why didn't you tell me about your dad's affair that day when you found out?" Bella asked.

He looked out the window and burst out laughing

"I didn't tell you because on the one hand I didn't want to believe it and on the other, we were getting married. I couldn't tell you that my dad was having an affair a couple of days before our wedding," he said.

"That wouldn't have made me not marry you Noah."

"I know Bella, I know that now," he said turning his wedding ring on his finger.

"I am not a drama queen like your sister you know," she said smiling at him.

"I know that, thank goodness for small blessings. You have been so level headed through all of this. Why did you cry last night when you were sitting here in the dark? Was it because of my parents?"

"Yes I cried about what happened last night but it was more than that," she said biting her lower lip.

He looked at her and frowned. She decided that she needed to tell him and she did. She told him about the accident and what her dad's last words were to her mother. Noah looked at her and then when she was finished he held her. She didn't cry but she was very sad.

"I didn't know Bella."

"I know you didn't, how could you have no one knows. I have never told anyone. When the doctors asked me what I remembered I said I didn't remember a thing. I didn't want the world to know my parents had problems."

He kissed her on her forehead, and they promised always to be honest with each other.

Tommy and Jenny came in after a long talk outside.

"We are going home, thank you for everything," she said looking better.

Bella looked at Tommy they looked like they had sorted out allot that day. Things were almost back to what they were before the bachelor party.

Jenny walked out as Tommy held the door open, when Jenny was out of ear shot Tommy said, "make up sex is great, isn't it?"

Both Noah and Bella laughed.

Noah pushed Tommy out the door and locked it.

"You know what Bella, we have never had make up sex," he said.

"It is because we have never had a fight," she said.

She saw Noah was walking towards her and she could read his mind.

"Do you think we should have a fight?" He asked.

Bella jumped up before he got to her and started running towards the stairs. She shouted as she ran up the stairs, him following her.

"No but I need to go shower you can join me if you can catch me."

Nora was at their house every day, she would sit there sometimes in complete silence then Bella would clean the house or do the washing. Bella thought to leave Nora to her own thoughts would help her heal. Other days Nora would get there and Bella would sit with her, because on those days Nora opened up and she would talk about everything.

Noah would also be there but he would work or he would keep himself busy with other things. He didn't want to choose sides between his mother and father.

Jenny got over the separation because of Tommy, he had become her rock.

Bella and Noah were in a very good place in their marriage even though there were things happening around them.

They tried to get pregnant but had no luck, Bella wrote it off to all stress.

One morning they were lying in bed when the phone rang. Bella got up to answer it; it was Jenny she was screaming franticly.

"Calm down Jenny I can't make out a single word you are saying," Bella said.

Bella sat on the end of the bed and she listened.

She turned and gave the phone to Noah she started crying. Noah answered the phone and his face went pale.

"When did it happen?" He asked.

He listened and then he asked.

"Is he dead?"

He looked up at Bella and she could see on his face what the answer was.

They got dressed as fast as they could and drove to the hospital. Nora and Jenny were sitting outside on a bench. When Noah and Bella got there, Noah grabbed Jenny and held her. Bella held Nora.

Nora's face was without emotion.

Then Nora looked at Noah.

"Your father died today. He died and I couldn't do anything."

Noah put his arms around his mother and she began to cry.

"Let me take you home, there is nothing left here," Noah said.

His mother started walking to the car, as if she was on auto pilot.

They drove home and no one spoke, Jenny sat at the back next to Bella and cried. When they got home Nora sat on the sofa staring out in front of her, she didn't say anything. Bella made tea and put it down in front of Nora. She looked around the room and she couldn't see Noah.

She looked behind her and saw the front door was open; she walked out and saw him sitting on the stairs. She sat behind him with her legs on either side of him; she could see he was crying.

"Its okay to cry Noah, you don't have to come sit outside to do it. I am here for you." "I am not hiding my tears Bella; I need to stay strong for my family," he said.

"No you don't I will be strong for you, give me the wheel," she said as she put her arms around him and held him.

He cried for a while and then he stopped, he turned around and put his head on her chest and held on to her.

"Are you ready to go in?" She asked him.

"Yes, you go in. I am just going to wash my face," he said.

Bella went into the living room and saw that both Jenny and Nora were lying down on the sofas. Jenny was sleeping but Nora was wide awake.

"What happened?" Bella asked when Nora looked at her.

Nora sat upright and tapped on the sofa for Bella to sit.

"We were sitting on this sofa and we were talking about the divorce I started crying and he comforted me. I asked him if he still loved me, he said yes but not enough. I told him to get up and pack his things, I told him I didn't want him in my house. He got up and started climbing the stairs the next moment I heard a loud noise and I got up to see what it was. John was laying flat on his back on the floor. He had a stroke. I phoned the ambulance and Jenny. By the time the ambulance came he was dead. He died in this house, the same house I chased him out of," Nora said putting her hands over her face.

Bella took her hands and held them in hers. She couldn't imagine what Nora was feeling, Bella had lost Noah many times but she never lost him forever.

"We should phone her, she needs to know," Noah said when he walked into the room. Nora looked up.

"Phone who?" She asked.

"We should phone Angela mom."

"I am not going to do it," Nora said.

"I will," Bella said.

"Where is John's telephone book?" Bella asked.

"In the study," Nora said.

Bella walked to the study and got the book in the drawer she felt very nervous her hands were trembling. She picked up the telephone and started dialing the number. As she looked up she saw Noah standing in the door. The phone rang and then she answered.

"May I speak to Angela please?" Bella asked.

"This is Angela who is this?" The woman asked irritated.

"This is Bella Taylor; I am John Taylor's daughter in law," Bella said.

"Yes how may I help you?" Angela asked unsure.

"I am sorry to bother you but I have some bad news. John died this morning, he had a stroke," Bella said.

Angela was quiet on the other side of the line.

"Are you still there?" Bella asked.

"Yes I am, I just don't know what to say," Angela said.

Bella could hear that she started crying.

"John told his family about you, and we thought it would be the right thing to do to let you know," Bella said.

"Thank you Bella," Angela said just before she put the phone down.

"What did she say?" Noah asked.

"She just cried," Bella said.

She walked up to him and held him. For the first time Bella cried, she couldn't keep it together. She didn't realize that if she said the words out loud that it would hurt so much. Noah held on to her and he cried too.

"Go see how your mother and sister are; I am going to make some calls," Bella said. Noah kissed her on her forehead and left the room.

She walked to the desk and picked up the phone and phoned her grandparents, she spoke to them for about fifteen minutes.

She looked in John's telephone book, as she went down the list she saw names she didn't recognize. She decided that before she phoned anyone else that she would first speak to Nora.

She took the telephone book with her to the living room and placed it on the coffee table.

"When you are ready I want you to circle the names in pencil that you want me to phone," she said to Nora.

Nora nodded and picked up the telephone book, she held it against her chest and took a deep breath. She opened it and started marking names.

Bella got up and stood outside for a second. She wanted to be there for Nora but she had to take a breather to gather her thoughts. She stood there and closed her eyes, she took a deep breath as the memories of John washed over her.

He had been a kind man. He also loved his family. He had such a great passion for people and kids, she remembered that he taught her how to paint when she was small. He put his hand around hers and showed her the different brush strokes and techniques. She remembered the summer they went to the beach house and he taught the kids how to surf. She started smiling even though the tears ran down her face. Then she thought to herself, why did he tell everyone about Angela, did he know that he was going to die? Did he feel sick? Bella thought about that for sometime when she heard Jenny wake up.

She turned around and looked in through the window; Noah was holding her as she was sobbing. It was hard for him because he would never cry in front of them but yet he was the saddest person there. Even though he was always referred to as a mommy's boy he loved his dad more than anything. It broke his heart when he saw his dad having the affair, because he never expected it from his dad. He was disappointed.

### Chapter 16

They got ready for the funeral, the days leading up to it were exhausting.

Bella and Noah were getting dressed when Tommy and Jenny came around. Jenny had been so upset that she had been throwing up since they got the news that her dad had died.

Bella was worried about her but she knew that after the funeral things would get better and she would find closure and peace.

They all got in the car and drove to the church together. Nora was already there, Bella's grandparents came to Glenwood to help Nora cope with the loss of her husband.

"Give us a minute we will be there now," Jenny said as Bella and Noah got out the car.

Everyone that she had phoned were there.

"Good morning Nora," Bella said as she kissed Nora.

She sat next to her grandmother and Noah sat next to Bella. Nora was sitting next to Noah. The same priest that married Noah and Bella was burring John. It was sad to see his face as he spoke of John. Bella sat there and stared at the coffin she couldn't focus on anything else. She heard the people talk and she heard the music but she just focused on that coffin. It felt so wrong how could it be so final? The service was long but everyone who wanted to say something did.

A sentence kept playing in her head. 'One sure thing in life, is death.' This sentence played over and over. She started feeling hot, suddenly it went blank. She passed out.

She came to a couple of seconds later. Everyone was around her now. The first face she saw was Noah's.

"Are you okay?" Noah asked as he lifted her up a bit.

"Yes I am okay, sorry I don't know what happened," Bella said.

She sat down and took deep breaths. Everyone was watching her like she was going to faint again.

After the service they got into the car and drove behind the hearse to the grave yard. When they got there Nora was crying so loud that it upset everyone.

She stood next to the coffin and suddenly she started screaming at John's Coffin.

"You bastard how could you die on me. You dropped that bomb on us and then you decided its time to die. I hate you, I wish you never told me about her because if you didn't I could have loved you till the end," she said hitting the coffin with her fist. Tommy grabbed her and pulled her away from the coffin.

Everyone was trying to comfort Nora when a voice came out of nowhere.

"I am sorry you feel that way. He did love you. I am sure he would have kept everything a secret if he could," a tall, dark haired woman said.

Nora jumped up.

"Who do you think you are? How dare you come here?" Nora asked.

It looked like she wanted to punch the woman. Bella jumped up.

"Angela, my name is Bella Taylor. I was the person that phoned you," Bella said as she held out her hand.

"Hello Bella thank you for phoning me," Angela said.

"I am glad that you decided to include me in this. It means the world to be here and get closure," Angela said.

Nora sat back down.

Noah and Jenny just looked at Angela they didn't say a word.

After the burial they went to Nora's house. They had cake and coffee for the guests. Nora went into the house and straight to her bedroom. Bella decided she would make sure that everything gets done in the kitchen. Jenny was so upset that she ran to the toilet and threw up.

Noah spoke to everyone that offered their condolences.

There are always people that say they are sorry about your loss but they are actually just at the funeral because they see it as a social event. Bella could spot them in the room; it was usually the people that talk about everything but the person who had died. The people that would never phone to ask how you were.

When a person needed moral support those people would be the last to offer it. That made Bella sad. She could never imagine why these people came to funerals.

She and Noah stayed at the house till the last people had left and then she cleaned the kitchen. Noah went upstairs to check on his mother and he said goodbye to her. With Bella's grandparents there she would be fine, Noah told himself.

Jenny and Tommy had left already because she was just too sick to be around people.

The drive home for Bella and Noah was nice because they spoke of all the happy memories they had of John. They got home and Bella made Noah a cup of soup and put him in the bed. She put the TV on and made sure he was settled before she got into the bath. She laid there in the bath for an hour thinking about everything that had happened the last couple of months. She had lost a baby and now John. She found Noah and got married. There was not only one event but many. How many years go by where almost nothing happens and then all of a sudden everything changes in a heart beat.

"Do you want me to wash your back?" Noah asked when he walked into the bathroom.

"I thought you were sleeping," she said.

"I can't sleep on my own."

"Well, get in then," she said moving so he could sit behind her in the bath.

He got in behind her.

"Thank you for everything babe," he said after a couple of seconds.

"Its nothing Noah, I told you that you must give me the wheel and I kept to my word that's all."

"Bella there is something I must tell you and I don't want you to get upset," he said stroking her hair.

"What is wrong Noah?" Bella asked sounding concerned.

"There is nothing wrong, I just think you might get upset."

"Tell me Noah."

"Tommy said that he and Jenny might be pregnant," he said frowning.

She managed a smile, it was her mouth smiling but her eyes had no emotion. They had been trying for months and nothing happened.

"It is great news, I am not upset," she said.

She turned around and kissed him.

"When the time is right, we will also be there so don't worry about it," she said.

She so wanted to believe her own words.

"Bella I know you want to be pregnant and I just thought that I should tell you before Jenny's test came back and you feel hurt or disappointed."

"If her test comes back positive then I will be happy for her. It changes nothing." "Before my dad died my mother suggested we get one of those kits to see when you ovulating."

"Don't worry about it your mother bought me one, but I just feel that this baby should be made the right way. I don't want to run around and say its time," she said laughing.

"Sex on demand that sounds great," he joked.

"My point exactly it's going to put even more pressure on us and sex will start feeling like a job. I love you Noah and I am sure things will work out as they should."

They laid in the bath kissing for a while, it was so sexy Bella thought. His hand moved up and down her body. Her hand moving up and down his muscled stomach.

"Let's get out of the bath," he said.

"No let's stay here."

She laid on his chest and listened to his heart beating, and then she heard his soft snore. He fell asleep in the bath and the water was getting cold.

"Noah lets go to bed," she said when she woke him.

He got out and put the towel around him, he picked up the other towel and put it around her.

Winter was coming she could feel it in the air. She let out the bath water and washed the bath. She got dressed in the bathroom and dried her hair with the towel. By the time she got into bed he was sleeping already. She climbed in next to him and kissed him softly on his cheek. She put the light off and fell asleep.

A month had gone by since the funeral.The feelings over John's death got better. Nora was starting to act like her old self. Jenny's tests came back confirming that she was pregnant. Bella coped with it the best she could because she was happy for them. She missed her period the month before but when she did the home pregnancy test it was negative. The doctor said it could have been because of the stress of the funeral.

Jenny invited Noah and Bella over for dinner one night and all Jenny could talk about was the baby and how glad she and Tommy were.

"We are still planning , its just not the right time," Bella lied.

Jenny didn't know how desperately Bella wanted a baby.

"I am so glad that I won't be getting my period for at least nine more months," Jenny said.

"That is a plus," Bella replied.

Then she thought to herself her period was late again this month.

"What is the date today?" She asked Jenny.

"It's the sixth of June. Why?" Jenny asked.

She was late, very late.

"I am just asking," Bella said.

"How many pregnancy tests did you do before you went to the doctor?" Bella asked. "I did four, they were all positive. I will show you the box. Actually I still have an unused one. You can have it if you want it."

"Thank you that would be great. Then I have one for just incase."

They enjoyed the dinner; it was nice to have a lighter conversation for a change.

Bella drank a lot of water, Noah kept on looking at her because he wasn't used to her drinking so much water.

Before they left Bella asked Jenny for the test. They drove home and spoke about the great time they had.

"I looked at you tonight, you get sexier by the day," Noah said.

Bella smiled at him, he always made her feel good. She wondered if she should tell him about the test. She knew that he would get excited but she didn't want to give him false hope.

"I am just going to the toilet, I had too much water."

She had the test in her handbag.

"Yes I saw you were very thirsty tonight."

She smiled at him and ran up the stairs. She took her handbag with her into the toilet. She read the instructions and did what they explained. She left the stick on the basin and washed her face. The time passed so slowly she didn't look down at the test till the three minutes passed and there it was. It was so clear, a plus sign. She closed the cap on the stick and walked down the stairs her legs were shaking. She got to the bottom of the stairs, she was pale in her face.

"What is wrong Bella?" Noah asked walking faster towards her.

It looked like she was going to pass out again.

"We should get you to a doctor. I am worried about you, these fainting spells are getting worst," he said as he picked her up and put her on the counter in the kitchen. "Noah I think we should go to the doctor."

"Do you need to go to the hospital?" Noah said touching her forehead.

"No Noah it can wait till the morning. If the test is right then it can wait nine months before a hospital needs to get involved," she said pulling the stick out of her pocket.

Noah looked at it and his face lit up.

"Bella this is great, that's why you drank so much water," he said kissing her.

"Let us not get too happy it could be a false positive. I took one a little over a month ago and it showed a negative, and so did the blood test."

"Are you late?"

"Yes but only by a week."

He couldn't stop kissing her and she was so happy that she didn't want him to. But deep down she feared that it was too good to be true. She had lost a baby before. Maybe being around Jenny and talking about babies made Bella's hormones perfect for getting pregnant.

That night they didn't sleep at all.

The next morning Noah brought her tea in bed.

"It's too early Noah," she said rubbing her eyes.

"I want you to be there when the doctor's rooms open."

"I don't even think she will see me without an appointment."

But that didn't stop Noah, as soon as the clock showed eight o'clock he phoned.

"I have an appointment at nine for you. The nurse will be taking your blood; the doctor doesn't need to see us till the results come back," he said smiling from ear to ear.

Bella got up and put on her clothes. She was so tired but she was excited.

Noah drove so fast to town that they were early for their appointment.

They sat in the waiting room, he kept on fidgeting.

Bella tried to read some magazines that were on the table.

"Isabella Taylor," the nurse called.

"Come with me before you upset the other people sitting here," Bella said joking with him.

"Mrs. Taylor you are here for a pregnancy blood test. Have you done a home pregnancy test yet?" The nurse asked.

"Yes it was positive."

"When was your last period?"

"About eight weeks ago," Bella answered.

The nurse took Bella's blood and marked the tubes.

"Doctor Bates said that we must put an urgent on your tests. That means she will phone you later this afternoon. I am going to phone the lab now to come fetch your blood," the nurse explained.

"Thank you," Bella said as she got off the chair.

Noah helped her into the car because she was dizzy again.

"Do you want to go home?" Bella asked when Noah got into the car.

"Yes I think we should go wait it out at home."

"Are you okay babe?" Noah asked looking worried.

"I will be fine I am just dizzy and nauseous," she answered.

"We will know by this afternoon. Relax lay back," he said adjusting her seat so she could lay down.

When they got home, he was so restless. Bella took a blanket and relaxed in front of the TV. Noah went out and chopped wood for the fireplace. The phone must have rung a dozen times that day. Every time Noah ran in, Bella just shook her head. After Noah was done outside he came in and looked at Bella, she was lying on the sofa fast asleep. He stood there for a couple of minutes and then he went upstairs to shower. Just as he opened the taps for the shower, the phone rang again.

"Hello," she answered still half asleep.

Noah ran down the stairs and sat next to her, he took her hand in his.

"How are you doctor?" Bella asked.

She kept quiet and then she started crying. Noah looked at his wife and felt so sorry for her.

"Thank you," she said before she put the phone down.

She looked at Noah and she smiled at him, tears still running down her face.

"Don't look so grim, daddy," she said.

Noah grabbed her into his arm and held her close to his chest.

"We are having a baby? I thought you are crying because you got bad news," he said holding her face in his hands.

"I have been waiting so long for that news, when she said it I just felt overwhelmed," she said.

"How far along are we?" He asked.

"Six weeks," she said rubbing her stomach.

"The doctor says because I lost a baby before she wants to monitor me. So I will be spending plenty of time at her office."

"What ever you need. I will make sure you have everything you need."

"Go phone your mother and Jenny I know you want to," she said as she handed him the phone.

He didn't waste any time, he phoned his mother first.

"My mother is so happy she is screaming. She insisted on phoning Jenny," he said still looking every bit as proud as before.

"She is going to be a grandmother twice over. And my grandparents are going to be great grandparents," she said sounding pleased.

"Are you going to phone them?" He asked.

"No I am very nauseous. I will phone them later."

"I will phone them," he said picking up the phone.

He spoke to her grandparents, he sounded so pleased. As she listened to him, feelings of joy and excitement washed over her but at the same time she felt scared.

"Your grandmother says she will phone you tomorrow, she says you might feel better tomorrow. Bella when did you start feeling sick, it can't be since yesterday?"

"It's been for a week now but I thought it might have been something I ate."

"I love you and if you need anything you must just ask. I will rub your feet and bring you snacks. Name it, I will do it," he said still smiling.

"I wouldn't mind something else," she said winking at him.

"That I am good at," he said.

She pulled him on top of her and kissed him. He was so gentle with her that it felt like he thought she could brake.

"Noah what is wrong? You are hardly touching me."

"I just feel so scared that I might do something wrong."

"You can't do anything wrong. I need you to make love to me not what ever you call this. Wait sit upright let me help you," she said.

He smiled at her and sat upright like she asked. She sat on top of him and kissed him in his neck.

"If you don't want to touch me, you don't have to," she said smiling.

She pushed his hands so they were next to him. She opened his shirt and kissed him on his chest. He put his hand on her back.

"Noah put your hand back on the sofa, it was your choice to hardly touch me." she said smiling teasing him.

She looked him in the eyes and unbuttoned her shirt slowly.

"Screw this," he said as he grabbed her and threw her gently on the sofa next to him.

She just laughed; she knew he wouldn't hold out for long. They were in such a passionate kiss and halfway undressed when the door bell rang.

"Don't answer it Noah."

"I wasn't going to."

"Noah, Bella," someone called.

They just kept quiet.

"We can see you," Jenny said.

"You never closed the curtains," Bella said.

"I am coming just hold on, or should I rather say I am not coming any time soon," Noah said winking at Bella.

He waited for Bella to button up her shirt.

"Hi it's so nice to see you," Noah said with a false smile on his face when he opened the door. "Don't you have a phone at home?" He asked Tommy.

"Sorry I told Jenny now wouldn't be a good time but she insisted."

"Bella I am so happy for you. How far along are you?" Jenny asked.

"I am six weeks," she said rubbing her stomach again.

"We are going to be mommies at the same time," Jenny said she was so excited. "What do you want a boy or a girl?" Jenny asked.

"It doesn't matter to me as long as it's healthy, I don't know what sex Noah prefers," Bella said looking at Noah.

"I just prefer sex without my sister watching," Noah joked. "No seriously, I would love a healthy baby girl. She must look just like her mother," Noah said.

"We will go if we are not welcome," Jenny said shooting her brother a disgusted look. "No of course you are welcome Noah is just upset not getting any..." Bella said.

"I am eating everything I see, and I am so sexually sensitive. Tommy can't even walk past me then I want to have sex, it's weird," Jenny said.

Bella looked at Tommy; he was standing there with the biggest smile on his face.

"It doesn't look like he minds," Bella said laughing.

"You are laughing now wait till you wake Noah up for sex then we talk again," Jenny said looking at Noah.

"That won't be anything new," Noah joked.

"Noah you are lying," Bella said hitting him playfully.

"Coffee or tea anyone?" Noah asked.

"No thank you we need to go to the shop to buy some things for the nursery," Jenny said.

"But you are not even 3 months pregnant yet," Noah said.

"You should start now, don't leave it to the last second. You can come with if you want," Jenny offered.

"I will start buying stuff for the baby when I am in my second trimester," Bella said. "I understand," Jenny said.

She saw that Bella was scared, and after loosing the other baby she wanted to make sure first.

"We better go then," Jenny said.

"Noah the doctor told us having sex during pregnancy is very good," Tommy said smiling at Noah.

"Okay Tommy thank you for that but you must go now," Noah said.

"Its true Noah, it helps with the birth. Have you gotten a birth plan yet?" Jenny asked. "We only found out today that she's pregnant Jenny, we haven't spoken about it yet," Noah said looking annoyed.

"Bella I really want to ask you this it might not be appropriate but, how far were you when you lost the baby?" Jenny asked.

Everyone looked at Bella.

"Its fine Jenny, I was five weeks pregnant," she answered.

Jenny smiled at her with comfort in her eyes.

"Just look after yourself okay. If Noah needs to go to work for something come to our place," Jenny offered.

"Thank you, but I think I should be fine," she said before she hugged Jenny.

"We should go," Tommy said.

"Why don't you stay for coffee you can go shopping tomorrow?" Bella asked.

"No I ordered something and I asked the lady at the store to hold it for me, I promised I would come fetch it today," Jenny said.

Bella nodded.

They said goodbye to Tommy and Jenny. Noah locked the door and closed the curtains.

"Want to finish what we started?" Bella asked him.

"Only if you feel up to it," he said, walking towards her.

"Come sit here I want to talk to you first," she said patting her hand on the sofa. "You can ask me about the baby I lost. It's not something that I don't want to talk about. I think about that baby and that night in hospital all the time. I am better off this time. I will tell you if you are hurting me. I will tell you if something is wrong. Please stop being so careful around me Noah."

Noah looked at her and nodded. He put his hand on her face and kissed her.

"There is one question. Are you scared? Do you think you will be okay this time around?" Noah asked.

"I am scared but I know I will be okay, this time around I want the baby and I am with you," she said.

He was satisfied with her answer.

"Make love to me Noah," she said in between kisses.

He got up and took the blanket off the sofa. He laid it in front of the fireplace. She walked over to him and kissed him, he took her in his arms.

He laid her down on the blanket, where he made love to her.

### Chapter 17

Bella was in a very good space in her life. The pregnancy progressed well. Noah became obsessed about her welfare and so did Nora.

Bella found the time to write her second book in the study she decorated for herself.

One afternoon she sat at her desk writing when she felt the baby move for the first time. She was twenty weeks pregnant. She read up about it on the internet but didn't expect the baby to start kicking so soon. She leaned back and rubbed her tummy, she didn't know if she should laugh or cry.

"What is wrong?" Noah asked he was standing in the door.

"Come here quick," she said.

She took his hand and put it on her tummy. It was like the baby felt Noah's touch. When the baby kicked again, Noah got such a fright he pulled his hand away.

"She is very aggressive," Noah said laughing: he put his hand back on Bella's tummy. "Who says it's a girl? It feels like a boy the way the baby kicks. He probably thinks my bladder is a rugby ball," she said laughing.

"Wait I need to take a photo," he said getting up to fetch his camera.

"Noah please you have been taking photos of my every movement, you can't see the baby kicking on the photo you know," she said as she got up.

"I know but I love looking at you through a lens. Maybe we can make a home video some time," he said winking at her.

"I am pregnant it won't be a very sexy home video, I feel like a whale."

"I think you are a very sexy pregnant woman. I don't think you look like a whale I think you are irresistibly beautiful."

"Good answer. I have trained you well."

Both Jenny and Bella were in their second trimesters and doing well. Bella thought it was time to buy the baby things. They didn't know what the sex of the baby was because they decided it would be best to wait till the baby was born; they wanted to keep it a surprise.

Bella decorated the room in yellows and greens.

She was sitting outside one day as she waited for Noah to get back from his mother's house. They decided to invite Nora over for dinner and Noah insisted that he would fetch his mother and drop her off again. He didn't like Nora or Bella to drive at night. While Bella waited she started reading a book a friend had recommended, she had to start it because it was lying in the drawer for longer than 6 months already.

The baby was very restless that day. Bella just kept on rubbing her tummy and reading her book, after a while she got worried about the baby inside her. She decided that she wasn't going to panic and phone Noah and make him worry so she tried reading out loud to the baby. But it did not help.

She went into the house and made her some Milo.

She walked passed the radio and suddenly she had this bright idea she took the worn out earphones and the disc man laying there on the counter. She looked for the perfect CD and found a demo CD of Noah's band from way back when. She put the CD on and listened for couple of seconds and just smiled at what she heard. She took the earphones off and walked back to the porch she sat down with her book. She put the earphones over her tummy and pushed play. The baby quieted down within minutes.

"Oh you like that hey? That's your daddy as mad as a rabbit. Must say he was very good he still is, if only he made the time for his music," Bella said looking at her tummy.

Bella heard Noah's truck and looked up.

They stopped in front of the house. Bella saw Nora waving at her; she couldn't get out of the truck faster.

"Hi sexy girl what are you doing?" Noah asked.

"The baby was restless so I got a CD and earphones, I think its working."

"What are you playing for the baby?" Noah asked.

"It's one of your demos. The baby is quiet now, I think she or he likes it," she said rubbing her tummy.

"It's a girl, I know it. I have that effect on the ladies when I play my guitar," he joked. "Yes all right Noah," Nora said smiling up at him.

"Would you like something to drink mom?" Bella asked.

She didn't realize how easy it would be to call Nora mom.

One day they were in conversation and Bella just said it. No one made a fuss about it because Tommy had been doing it even before him and Jenny got married.

"No thank you my dear, you sit there I will start the food," Nora said rubbing Bella's arm.

"I started the food this morning already. You are having dinner by us not the other way around."

"Yes mother she has been cooking up a storm. In-between the cooking, painting, cleaning and writing her new book, I haven't seen much of my wife lately," Noah said winking at Bella.

"You are such a drama queen Noah. You have had plenty of attention."

"Wait till the baby comes then she won't have anytime for you. When you were born your father and I had hardly anytime together. But then again as he said I devoted all my time to my children and nothing towards him," Nora said looking down at the floor.

She clearly was still so angry with John but she was sad as well. Noah just kissed his mom on the forehead he decided that there was nothing more to say.

"I invited Jenny and Tommy, I hope you don't mind?" Bella asked Nora.

"Not at all, it would be nice to be surrounded by family," Nora said.

It felt like things were back to normal that night, Nora told all the funniest stories about Noah and Jenny when they grew up. She spoke about John and their marriage but it was all positive. Jenny spoke about the pregnancy and how it progressed. Tommy spoke about work and Jenny's mad cravings.

"What do you crave Bella?" Jenny asked.

Bella looked up at Noah and smiled.

"Besides that," Tommy said smiling.

"You truly are something Tommy; I have been craving jelly tots and bananas," Bella answered.

"And let's not forget that she covers everything with cheese. I caught her at three in the morning making toast with melted cheese on," Noah said winking at his wife.

"I see you are going to tell on me, but you forgot to say that you ate almost all of it," Bella joked with Noah.

"Hey we are both pregnant aren't we?" Noah asked.

"Jenny come help me with the ice-cream," Bella said.

"We are actually sending two pregnant woman to dish up ice-cream, should someone not go keep an eye?" Tommy asked.

"I am sure there will be enough for all of us," Jenny said pointing at all of them and then at her and Bella's bellies as they walked to the kitchen.

"I want to ask you something but I don't want you to feel I am interfering with you and my brother's privacy," Jenny said.

"Well Jenny no offense but you are always interfering," Bella said winking.

"It's just Tommy and I don't make love anymore. I am scared he thinks I am fat. So I was wondering if it's the same with you and Noah," Jenny asked looking a bit worried.

"Noah and I have sex, I won't say as much as we use to. He is very busy at work, his company went international and I am always working on my book."

As Bella said those words she realized that she and Noah hadn't had sex in quite some time. It wasn't that they didn't want to, it was just she was always tired or he was tired. She would sometimes spend nights writing, sometimes she would write till the sun came up.

"I am so worried Bella," Jenny said.

"Why don't you plan something, maybe a romantic night just for the two of you?" Bella suggested, clearly thinking that she too had to work on it.

The night came to an end and everyone left at the same time. Just as Jenny climbed in the car she looked over to Bella and said, "thanks for the advice Bells."

Noah looked at Bella but it didn't look like he noticed what she said. Nora drove home with Jenny and Tommy so Noah didn't have to drive Nora home.

Noah closed the front door behind them.

"What advice did you give Jenny?" Noah asked.

Bella turned around and put her arms around his waist.

"It started out as advice for her but then I realized that we could also benefit from it." Noah frowned.

"Is something wrong? Are you unhappy with something?"

Bella wasn't unhappy but it did bother her.

"Jenny asked me if we were having sex, because she and Tommy haven't had sex in a while and she thought it was because he maybe thought she was fat. I assured her that it wasn't the case and then I realized; we have also had no action for quite some time. I know it's because you are busy and so am I," she explained not looking at him.

Noah pushed her chin up; he looked her in her eyes.

"What advice did you give her?" He asked smiling.

"I told her to arrange for some alone time."

"I think that is good advice. We can also do it if you want to. I have been busy with my work and you have been busy with this book. We are living past each other I have been thinking allot about it. Especially when I turn around in bed and you are not there. I have missed you so much," he said kissing her softly on her forehead.

"Noah are we drifting apart? I mean we have always been like teenagers when it came to our hormones but now it seems like we are..... I don't know. Do you think I am fat?"

Noah started laughing.

"No I don't think that, I actually think you are very sexy. Just because we don't have sex four times a day doesn't mean I love you less," he said rubbing her face.

"Do you have to work tonight?" She asked.

"No do you?" He replied raising his eyebrows.

"No I don't," she said standing on her toes to kiss him.

### Chapter 18

The time was passing so fast, Bella and Jenny were close to their due dates. It was only a month apart.

Jenny went into labor and had a beautiful baby boy. They named him Daniel.

Bella and Noah was at the hospital every minute they had available. By the time Jenny and Daniel went home the nursery was done and they were ready for the baby.

Bella and Noah still had a couple of things they needed to do for their baby's nursery.

One morning very close to her due date, Noah went in to the office. Bella decided that she would take that time and spend it in town to buy all the last minute things. She phoned Nora to meet up with her in town. She loved Nora and valued her input.

After she kissed Noah goodbye she went into the house to get the keys to the car, when she suddenly started feeling cramps. She ignored it because she thought it was just too early for the baby, she had another two weeks to go.

By the time Nora met up with Bella she was so uncomfortable.

"Dear what's wrong you look terrible?" Nora asked taking Bella by the arm as she led her to a bench to sit down.

"I have just been having cramps and my back is killing me," Bella replied.

"I think we should take you to the doctor or to the emergency room," Nora suggested. "No mom it will pass I am sure its normal, my due date is close so maybe the baby is just moving around to much," she tried to assure Nora.

"Were do you want to go first?" Bella asked.

"I think we should go and buy more nappies, other than that I think we have it covered," Nora said keeping her eye on Bella the entire time.

"But we don't have a stroller or a crib yet."

"Noah got it a week ago from that catalog you showed him. It's at my house he wanted to surprise you. I am sorry I spoiled it but I just figured that I must tell you before you go and buy another," Nora explained.

"Those things in the catalog cost a fortune. I am going to kill him," Bella said sounding more aggressive than she intended; the pain was just getting worst.

"I really think I should take you to the hospital," Nora insisted.

"Okay mom, but don't phone Noah yet, let's just make sure," Bella said as she got up. When she got up her water broke.

"Can I phone Noah now?" Nora said smiling at Bella.

"Sure," Bella replied, she couldn't get anything else out.

Bella got into Nora's car, she heard Nora speaking to Noah over the phone. Nora put the phone down and jumped in the car.

"What did Noah say?" Bella asked her when she climbed into the car.

"He was in a meeting but by the time I put the phone down; he was running down the stairs to his car," Nora said laughing.

"Don't they have an elevator?" Bella asked.

"They do but he probably figured the stairs would be quicker," Nora explained.

"Mom I cant do this," Bella said when they got to the front doors of the hospital. "Listen to me, you can do this it won't be easy I am not going to lie to you but you can do this. Bella you are strong," Nora assured her.

They heard cars tires, it was clear that the car was driving at a high speed. When they looked to see where the sound was coming from they saw Noah's car parking.

"He probably took that bend at a very high speed," Nora said putting her hand on her mouth.

Noah got out the car locked it and ran towards Bella.

"Do you want to kill yourself on the day your child gets born?" Bella asked hitting him harder than she intended to.

"Okay we are far along aren't we?" He asked as he rubbed his shoulder.

They walked up to reception, Noah and his mother spoke to the nurse and within minutes the porter came out with the wheelchair.

"I can walk," Bella said feeling irritable.

"Bella sit," Noah said pushing her into the chair.

She didn't know where that came from but when she saw his face she could see he was stressed. They wheeled her to the room and she had to get undressed. She put on a hospital gown and the nurse gave Noah scrubs to wear.

"I had nice fancy clothes on to meet my child and now I have to wear scrubs," Noah joked.

Bella wasn't talking she was trying not to scream her head off. The contractions were getting closer and closer. She was very uncomfortable.

Noah sat behind her on the bed, he kept on rubbing her back.

"Isabella Taylor?" Doctor Bates said when she walked into the room.

"Yes," Nora answered before anyone else could.

Doctor Bates just smiled at Nora.

"How are you feeling Isabella?" The doctor asked.

"I think I am going to die," Bella answered.

The doctor just smiled at her.

"You are 9 centimeters dilated and your contractions are very close together. You are ready," The doctor said showing her the print out of the machine standing next to her. The porter came in and fetched Bella, Noah followed.

"Noah where are you?" Bella asked as she was wheeled to the delivery room.

"I am here Bella, I am here," he said as he ran after her.

It was a difficult birth. Bella pushed when they instructed her to. She looked at Noah and saw him smiling down at her, he was covered in sweat. She realized that everyone worried about her but no one ever asked Noah how he was.

When she gave that final push, she heard the baby crying and then it all went blank, the room went dark the voices got more distant. She could hear the doctors talking next to her, she heard Noah scream her name but she was out of it.

When she woke up she felt someone lying next to her, she looked around the room and saw Noah was asleep next to her, he was still sitting on the chair with his upper body on the bed.

"Noah," she said.

"Bella you are awake," she heard Nora say.

Then she saw Nora and Jenny getting up.

"Hi sexy girl you are awake you gave me such a fright. The doctors said you lost a lot of blood but you will be fine," Noah said getting up.

He hugged her and kissed her on her forehead.

"Where is my baby?" Bella asked groggy.

"I will go get the nurse," Jenny said just before she ran out of the room.

"Is it a boy or a girl? Did you name the baby like we said?" Bella asked.

"It's a girl Bella, she is beautiful. She has the biggest eyes," Noah explained proudly. "I haven't named her yet, she is still baby Taylor. I wanted to first make sure with you," Noah explained.

Just then the nurse came in with a baby wrapped in a pink blanket.

"Help me up please Noah," she said as soon as she saw the nurse.

"Hi mommy," the nurse said as she put the baby in Bella's arms.

"Hi beautiful girl," Bella said as soon as she had the baby in her arms.

"If you feel drowsy just tell me I will take her," Nora said.

"No we are fine, aren't we?" Bella said kissing her baby.

She looked up at Noah who was now smiling from ear to ear.

He hadn't looked this pleased since their wedding day or the day he found out that they were pregnant.

"What are you going to name her?" Jenny asked looking at Noah and Bella.

"We are going to name her Julia Taylor," Noah answered.

"That is if Bella still wants to?" Noah asked.

"Absolutely." Bella said.

In the end everything worked out perfectly. What once felt like a hopeless situation turned out to be a dream come true. Bella looked at her family and then at this perfect little girl laying in her arms, she couldn't help but feel complete.

