Can't Stand To See You Cry (Jacob)

Chapter 34

Renesmee was pretty proud of herself when she saw the way the pack was getting along.  Everything had been so crazy since Jake got hurt, but tonight felt like the old days when things weren’t so complicated.  But it was better now...because she had her Jake and he had his Ness.  And she loved seeing him so happy.  He kept glancing over at him as he talked to his friends and he would beam at her.  Her heart was bursting with happiness.

“I heard someone was having a party,” Sam called as he joined the group, arms full of beer and wine.

“Oh yes!” Quil hollered as he rushed over to Sam.  “I’m so glad we put that old fridge in the new garage.  It’s gonna come in handy tonight.”

Jacob chuckled lightly as the guys took the alcohol from Sam and started loading it into the fridge.  He approached Sam and shook his hand.  “I guess I should be thanking you, Sam.  I’m sure you had a hand in building the garage.”

Sam nodded as he inspected his work.  “We just helped.  This was all Quil and Embry.  And we’re all just so glad you’re home.”

“I know I’ve been putting the pack through some shit these last few months, but I’m done with that stuff.  Thanks for stepping up and leading them when I couldn't.  I don't really know if I'll ever be able to be a real leader to them again, so I’m glad they have you.”

Sam gripped Jacob’s shoulder and smiled.  “You’ll always be the true Alpha of this pack and I’m pretty confident you’ll get your wolf back.”  Sam paused when he saw Renesmee sauntering up to them.  “With Nessie by your side, I think you can do anything.”

Renesmee reached up and pulled Sam into a big hug.  “I’m so glad you’re here,” she gushed.

He hugged her back, her happiness was infectious.  “There’s nowhere I'd rather be, Ness.”

“You guys should start a fire,” she suggested when he released her.  “Me and the girls are gonna make some food,” she paused to look at Jacob.  “Are you tired?  We don’t have to…”

“I’m doing great,” he beamed as he gave her a big squeeze, lifting her right off the ground.  “This was just what the doctor ordered.”

“Come on, Ness!” Rachel called.  Emily and Kim each held up a bottle of wine and laughed, “It’s wine time!”

Renesmee pressed a kiss to Jacob’s cheek and breathed, “Welcome home, baby.”

Jacob held her for another moment more before she was dragged away by the other girls, all giggling and teasing her endlessly.  The pack joined him as Sam began piling up wood on the fire.  “So…” Jared began.  “What’s this about you getting Ness naked last night?  I thought you just ‘slept,’” Jared punctuated with finger quotes.

Jacob just shook his head.  Nothing could ruin his mood.  He was back where he belonged, with his pack and with his Ness.  It was perfect.
…….
Emily opened the wine and began pouring glasses as Nessie rummaged through the fridge.  “Thank God me and Esme went shopping,” she announced as she pulled packages of bratwurst and hot dogs out and stacked them on the counter.

Leah strolled into the kitchen and nodded appreciatively.  “Wow, Renesmee. You have done wonders with this place.  It doesn’t look like a bear cave anymore.”

Kim giggled as she handed Leah a glass of wine.  “It definitely needed a woman’s touch.”

Ava joined the girls just then and beamed brightly.  “So this is where the party’s at?”

“Ava!  You’re finally here,” Renesmee beamed, passing her a glass of wine.

Ava took a sip and smiled.  “Yeah, Seth was waiting for me and Amara to get done at the diner.  I hope you don’t mind that I brought her too.”  Ava glanced at Leah and smirked.  “When her brother, Wesley found out you’d be here, he asked if he could come too.”