Enchanted | Jacob Black

Epilogue

"You put the wrong screw in, idiot."

"No. I didn't. Look!"

"Are you blind? Look at that! That's not the same screw."

"Oh shit. You're right, hold on, let me take it out."

"How hard is it to put a crib together?"

"First of all, Jake should be the one doing this, not us. We're not the father of this kid."

"You guys said you wanted to help out."

"We were just saying that to be nice. And because you're pregnant."

I laughed as Jake walked into the room. "How's it going?"

"It's going great," Embry muttered. "The next time you decide to have a kid, don't ask me for help, and Quil's useless."

Quil looked offended, pointing the tiny screwdriver at him. "Hey, I did this already with Kira! I did not sign up to do it again."

"If you've done it already, then why are you doing it wrong?"

"You know, when you and Ava decide to have kids. Don't ask me for anything!"

Jake smirked, leaning in the doorway as he looked around the nursery. The walls were painted a soft, calming taupe. Light filtered in through the curtains, embroidered with little vines and leaves. The ones I had insisted on over the plain ones, Jake said we're just as good. But, he didn't see the vision like I did.

"So what exactly is the theme here?" He asked.

I got up from the box I was unpacking, using Embry's shoulder for stability.

"You guys can take a break," I quickly added. They didn't question it, getting up and heading out the door.

"I need a beer," Quil mumbled. I huffed out a laugh before waddling over to Jake.

"Enchanted forest," I said excitedly.

He raised a brow. "Enchanted... forest?"

I smiled, rolling my eyes at his tone. "Don't question it. Just trust me."

From downstairs came the muffled sounds of the fridge opening, followed by Embry and Quil's voices.

"Move over."

"At least say excuse me, dumbass."

"Okay, excuse me. Dumbass."

Jake and I couldn't help but laugh.

He took a step closer and leaned down, placing a soft kiss on my lips while resting his palm over my large, rounded belly.

"You look beautiful," Jake murmured against my lips.

I gave him a look, "Thank you. But I know I look a mess." My braid was slipping; I was flushed and sweaty from constantly bending over, and I was sure I smelled like coffee. Jake was always on me about drinking less caffeine for the sake of his child.

"You always look beautiful," he said simply.

I rolled my eyes with a smile, brushing my hand over his chest. "You're sweet. But don't think that's gonna get you out of helping me. We still have to unpack everything from the baby shower." I pointed to the pile of pastel gift bags and boxes stacked neatly by the dresser.

Jake sighed. "All of that?"

"Yep," I chirped. "And tomorrow, my sister is coming over to paint trees and animals on the wall." I waddled toward the far side of the room, motioning with my hands. "The crib will go here, and over on this side... Celia's going to draw some wolves."

Jake's brows shot up, his mouth twitching. "Wolves, huh?"

I turned back at him with a knowing grin.

He shook his head, chuckling as he pulled me back into his arms, his touch both careful and warm. "Wolves it is."

Before I could respond, Embry and Quil reappeared in the doorway, Embry holding a white box tied with a pink ribbon.

"This just got delivered," he announced, setting it down with a grunt.

"Looks fancy," Quil added, eyeing it.

Curious, I walked over, untied the ribbon, and lifted the lid. Inside was the softest blanket I'd ever felt. My breath caught as I unfolded it. It was embroidered with delicate flowers and leaves, and right in the center, a big russet wolf stitched in beautiful detail.

"Whoa," Quil said, leaning over. "That looks like you, Jake."

I smiled in awe, running my hands over the stitching before reaching back into the box. There was a tiny pink outfit from a designer that clearly was out of our price range. And at the very bottom was an envelope, addressed to Harper and Jacob Black, in neat handwriting. I pulled it out and opened it, my voice quiet as I read aloud:

Congratulations on your baby girl! I'm so happy for you both and hope this blanket keeps her warm and safe for years to come. Wishing your family all the happiness and love this life has to offer. PS: Alice picked out the outfit. She couldn't help herself.

- Bella Cullen.

The room was quiet for a moment.

"Wow," Embry muttered. "Your kid has no idea she just got a present from a vampire."

"She's never wearing that outfit," Jake muttered.

They both laughed, shaking their heads.

I folded the blanket carefully against my chest. "It's sweet," I said softly, and I meant it.

Jake's arm wrapped tighter around me, his lips brushing my temple. "Yeah," he said, his voice low and thoughtful. "I guess it really is."

Embry and Quil broke the moment by asking if we had any food, already bickering their way back downstairs. Jake and I laughed quietly, and when I looked up at him, he was already looking down at me with that expression I'd known since we were teenagers, like I was everything.

And in that moment, with their laughter echoing through the house, a russet wolf stitched into a blanket in my hands, and Jacob's love and warmth steady around me, I was reminded of how truly grateful I was.

We'd survived everything thrown at us—shape-shifting, vampires, battles, heartbreak. If we could make it through that, then this, our family, our future, would be the easiest, most beautiful thing we'd ever do together.

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I'm so grateful for those of you who read Jacob and Harper's story all the way through! I wish you all the best!

If you're also into Paul Lahote check out my story called Eternal!