Protecting the Black Wolf's Mate
By: wizardtho
Chapter 22:
Bella's POV
Sam kissed my neck, then my lips as he reverently touched my stomach, only releasing me to go start on the trim in the study. I smiled at Leah as she said, "Alright, Honey. What do you and the little ones feel like eating?" I chuckled, "Feed me, feed me. That’s about all you’re going to get out of us for a while, until they learn how to be picky. We do want one of those shakes from last night, though. Mm-mm good." She laughed outright, and I thought I heard Sam and Paul join in. I scolded playfully, "Hey, you two. No laughing at a conversation you’re not even in the room for. It’s rude to Charlie, since he doesn’t have super-wolfy senses like you. He doesn’t get to be in on the joke, so stop it." I heard both of them call, “Yes, Ma’am,” then Leah chuckled, "Boy, I love how you can do that. Mom’s tried like a million times, but it never works. One snap of your fingers, and they’re back in line."
We finished walking into the kitchen as I asked, "Why do you think that is, Leah? That they listen to me so easily, I mean." She smiled while pulling out all the fixings for a long sub that could be cut into pieces, "I think… well, here’s the thing. Sam’s a guy, and we didn’t see him with anyone until you. That means the boys never had anyone to learn from, on how they should treat us. Even though Sam tried to tell them, they learn better by example. Now they see how Sam treats you, and makes sure you’re taken care of before himself. Mom has always coddled the boys, even Sam. She lets them get away with too many things. That means whenever she really does try to get onto them, they don’t take her seriously. With you, you don’t coddle them, you nurture them. You tell it like it is. You don’t sugar coat shit, and what you say always has a rooted truth to it. You’re the one we’re all going to look to. I don’t expect I’ll be any different from them in that respect, plus I know you’ll jump my ass when it needs it. That’s a good thing.”
She chuckled and shook her head, then continued, “Take this for an example... this morning on the phone with that Cope person. She’s probably one of the most annoying, prattling busy-bodies in town, yet you spoke to her with respect, never once getting snarky with her. I’m sure she asked about what you were going to do with this huge house, but instead of telling her to take her nosy ass somewhere else for dish, you avoided the question quite skillfully. We, as pack and imprints, could learn a lot from you, Bella. We need the refining you can give us to not be so crass... the polishing that will get us further in not only our tribal lives, but the outside world, too… making us respectable, intelligent, and proud of our heritage." She smiled once more before turning to make my shake, then I thought about what she said as I got back to making the sub.
Several times while I worked, I saw the boys carrying out trim, but I was too caught up in my thoughts to ask where they were taking it. As I finished up making the sub, I felt strong arms wind around me from behind, along with hands placing themselves gently on my tummy. I sighed at the contact, leaning back into the scent I’ve come to love. Sam whispered softly, “Do you want to talk about what has you so deep in thought?” I shook my head, "Later. Lunch is almost ready. Are you guys almost done?" He grinned while turning me in his arms, "Yes, that was the last load to take out. We’re using the trailer garage as the place we do most of the trim work, so that you don’t have to be around the chemicals. They wouldn't be good for you or the twins to be near." I nodded. It made sense. “What about the stuff that can’t be taken out, like the ceiling in the great room and entry?”
He shook his head, then said seriously, "It’ll be more complicated, but it can be done. We’ll have to see about using Peel Away 7 or a speed heater on workable sections at a time, on days that you’re out of the house. Maybe beach days with the girls or something." I smiled as he asked softly, “I know you don’t want to talk right now, but are you okay?” With a peck to his lips, I replied easily, "Just something Leah said got me thinking… made me realise a few things. We’ll talk later when we have down time, but I promise it’s a good thing."
He nodded, then kissed me softly as he held my hips, brushing his thumbs on the bare skin between my top and skirt. I really didn’t want the intimate moment to end, but Charlie came in, laughing, "Kiss your man later, Bells. Your stomach’s growling like Paul when he’s pissed." That made me chuckle and break the kiss, then I said to my flat stomach, "Alright in there, give me time to cut the sub. My goodness, you’re impatient."
Lunch went smoothly, and once it was done, I just wanted to curl up on the bed with Sam. He looked at me before saying to everyone, "Guys, I’m taking Isabella up for a nap now. Paul, when Charlie’s ready, take him out to the garage. Show him how to start the stripping process on the trim. Leah, did you put the before pictures in the laptop yet?" She shook her head, so Sam said, "Make a folder for each room and the entry, then one for the halls and stairs together, labeling the pictures as to what's what. I’ll give you my phone later to input the ones from today. You can research stone for the fireplace in the study when that’s done."
She wished me sweet dreams as she pulled the laptop to her, then grabbed a small data cord out of the laptop bag. Charlie and Paul told me to sleep well as they tossed their paper plates in the garbage and headed out the side door. Sam swooped me up in his arms, then whispered as he carried me toward the stairs, "Come on, my sleepy mate. Let’s get you into bed."
Once we were in our room with the door closed, Sam set me down at the side of the bed, looking at me lovingly. He slowly lifted my shirt off, unhooked me from my strapless bra, then laid both pieces on the edge of the bed. He knelt down to untie my shoes, slipped them off one at a time, then placed his hands on my hips and smiled up at me. I wove my fingers into his hair as he untied the front tie on my skirt, before slipping it and my boyshorts off of me. He placed them with my top and bra, then slid his hands softly up my body to my stomach. My eyes fluttered closed at how good his hands felt on my skin. As he stood, I felt them slide higher up my body.
When Sam’s hands cupped my breasts, kneading slightly, I hissed out a breath at the tenderness. Sam whispered, "Tender? Sorry, Sweetheart." I nodded, "It’s fine. I didn’t even realise they were until you did that." He kissed the swell of each breast gently, “Your hormones are kicking in, so it’s probably to be expected.” I nodded as he traced the underside of each breast. The feeling made me sigh in content, then he picked me up to place me in the center of the bed. He kissed me lovingly, then kissed lightly down to the undersides of my breasts, only to lick the line of each. I hummed at the sensation, especially when he let his hot breath span over his wet tongue marks. A shiver made it’s way down my spine, which prompted him to hum in satisfaction.
My hands went into his hair as he descended my body, placing small licks and kisses in random places until he reached my navel. He smiled up at me, "The new additions to your scent are our little ones, my sexy mate. They are mixing with and adding their own combination to your scent." My fingers ran through his hair as I whispered, “When will you be able to hear their hearts beat?” He smiled after kissing my stomach twice, "The end of the implantation marked the beginning of your fourth week, so they need to go all the way through week four and into week five before their little hearts will start to beat and circulate. I’ll let you know the instant I hear them… I promise, Angel."
He placed random kisses on my lower stomach before laying his head against it, whispering, “I love you, little ones,” then climbed up to kiss me softly. I hummed into the kiss, then said, “Stay with me until I fall asleep?” He nodded, pulled the sheet up to just cover my breasts, then whispered, "Of course I will. Rest now, Sweetheart, and we’ll spend time together when you wake." I hummed as he curled around me from behind, then was asleep within minutes.
Sam's POV
My little imprint was so sleepy, that she was out practically as soon as I settled behind her. I smiled as I kissed her mark and whispered my love for her, then slipped out of bed, quietly closing the door as I left the room. Leah smiled at me as I made my way into the kitchen, saying softly, "Wow, that was quick. She asleep already?" I nodded, "I’m glad she’s resting. She was still tired after she woke up this morning. I think the magic of the twins implanting like they did took way too much out of her. Are there any more cookies left?" She shook her head, "I was going to make some chocolate covered peanut butter balls, though. Why?"
I smiled, noticing the research she was doing, "I’d like for her to have a snack as soon as she wakes. I’m also going to call Emily and see if she wants me to give her an extra shake. I don’t think she’s gotten even half of her energy back." Leah nodded seriously, "As soon as I finish saving these couple of pictures and jot down the website information, I’ll start on the peanut butter balls. Oh, Kim called on their lunch break. She asked if we could switch the beds from your house once they got out of school. I told them I’d ask you, because I didn’t know how long Little Mama would be napping."
I chuckled at Isabella’s new nickname, then said, "I don't see a problem with it, as long as everyone is quiet with the moving if she’s still asleep. She’ll like that the beds are switched, since she knows how full beds are with a full-grown wolf and imprint. There’s just not enough room. She’ll be glad to make everyone more comfortable. Is Paul going to bring his queen from his house to my old one? He hasn’t really set a move-in date." Leah shook her head, "I really don’t know Sam. With everything that’s happened lately, we haven’t had a chance to talk about it. I think he might be waiting for you to move your stuff out all the way, too." I nodded, "I’ll talk to him to set something up. I need to get the realtor on the sale of the place, too. Hey, Leah?"
She smiled, so I asked, "I want to have a romantic night with Bella tonight, but I don’t want her to know. Would you mind cooking for us before you head out with Paul?" She beamed at me, "No problem Sam. I’ll make a chicken and pasta dish I have the recipe for, some garlic bread, stuffed mushrooms, and some mozzarella cheese sticks. Sound good?" I nodded, "Mm-hmm… it’s making me hungry already. I want her to know that just because she’s pregnant now, that I won’t stop wanting her. I think she’s afraid of that." Leah nodded, "That’s what I got from the comments about not being sexy when she’s close to delivering. I personally can’t wait to see her start showing. It’s like a confirmation of the little miracles you two created."
I nodded, then another idea hit me. "I’m not going to ask her yet, but when you get a chance and you’re alone with her, find a way to look at engagement rings online. Get a feel for her taste, please. I don’t think she’d want something traditional, but other than that, I’m completely clueless." She laughed, "Kim and I have you covered. We’ll have some girl time before we leave… maybe while everyone else is setting up the beds from your house?" I beamed at her, "Perfect, Leah. You’re a saint. I’m gonna go get Paul settled with the house."
She smiled and shut the laptop, then walked around to the pantry to get the ingredients for my Angel’s snack as I walked out the side door. When I neared the open garage door, I heard Charlie and Paul laughing, then Charlie asked, "So when do you think he’ll ask her? I know he’s got to want to. I can see it every time he looks at her." I smiled widely as I entered the trailer garage to see them both drinking a beer, "I was actually going to ask you, first, Charlie. Sorry, I wasn’t meaning to pry. I just heard you on my way out here."
He laughed, then pried, "So? Are you going to ask her?" I smiled sheepishly, "Leah and Kim are going to find a way to get her to look at engagement rings with them later today while we set up the beds from my old house in the rooms here. I have no idea of her taste for jewelry other than she wouldn’t want traditional, so that’s where Leah and Kim come in. Leah’s going to give me an idea of what she likes. I was going to wait to ask for your permission when I had the ring." Charlie clapped me on the back as he handed me a beer, "You have my permission, my blessing, and anything else you need, Sam. Make her happy. That’s all I’ve ever wanted for her… to be happy and in love. I can tell you now that she won’t want a traditional church ceremony. We Swans have never been really religious."
I nodded, already having a feeling about that, “Charlie, you know that Quil blessed the pregnancy, right?” He smiled softly, "Billy explained it to me, and I think I see where you’re going with this. Since Billy is a notary, if Quil wants to do it that way, and Billy will make sure the papers are legal to the outside, I have no problem with it. That’s my only condition, Sam. I won’t have her worrying that your marriage isn’t recognised off the rez." I nodded, assuring him seriously, "Neither will I, Charlie. I want to do right by her. I’ll make sure." He smirked, then said, “So you ready to dish out some dough for the ring?” I laughed outright, almost choking on my beer, "You’re too excited about this, Charlie. Aren’t you supposed to be the one threatening to castrate me?"
They both chuckled, but Charlie said, "You forget that I know you can’t hurt her or cheat on her. I know you’ll never look at another woman the way you look at my Bells, Son, plus I know she’ll never want anyone like she does you." I nodded, "She’s it for me, Charlie. I want my life to be with her and our family-in-the-making so much I can almost taste it." Charlie laughed, “You still didn’t answer my question, Sam.” I nodded, beaming at him, “As soon as we get our butts in gear to get my place sold to Paul, I’d spend the full sale price on her rings alone… in half a heartbeat, Charlie.” Paul choked, "Jesus, Sam. A hundred and seventy-five grand? On just her rings?" I smirked in reply, already knowing what he would say as I asked, “Would you do it for Leah, if it were you, Paul?”
He stopped laughing immediately, then looked up to me seriously, "I see your point. I’d do it, too… without a second thought." I nodded, then said, "I just have to wait to see what Leah tells me about her likes. She seems to be opening up to them quickly." Paul asked, “So we’re going over to the house when Jared and Kim get out of school, right?” I nodded, and he said, “Are you wanting to bring the whole rooms or just the beds?” I shook my head, "We saw what she was looking at as far as furniture. The bedroom sets I have don’t fit the style. They’re meant for full or queen beds, so they should work with the ones going in the rooms. If you want them and the rest of the furniture, you’re more then welcome to them. You can even have the king set, once Isabella finds what she wants for our room."
Paul beamed, "Cool, Boss. Thanks. That’ll save a lot on the budget. So basically just the beds themselves, your office contents, and the personal knick knacks and things?" I nodded, "Yep, then you’re clear to move your ass in. You gonna ask Leah to move in with you?" He smiled widely, "Yeah. It’s getting harder to be apart at night, for both of us. I’ve already asked Sue. We talked for a while, and she’s all for it. Plus, it’ll make it easier for her to be here for Bella, no matter when she needs her. I have a feeling Doc isn’t gonna want Little Mama to do a lot on her own, so having Leah and I so close, we can keep an eye on her when you’re patrolling."
I hadn’t even thought that far ahead, but it was a relief to hear him say that. "Thanks, Brother. That means a lot. I don’t even want to leave her, to tell you the truth. I know Leah said something about wolf back riding. I’ll need to make sure it’s safe with Emily before they go making any plans. I wouldn’t be surprised if she pulled the bed rest card part way into the pregnancy." Charlie nodded, “How was she when she fell asleep?” I smiled, "No less than two minutes after I curled up behind her, she was fast asleep. Oh, speaking of which…"
I flipped my phone open, calling Emily’s number, and heard her standard greeting after the first ring. “This is Emily Young.” I smiled, "Hey, Doc. Sam here. Listen, Isabella was still really tired when she woke up this morning. Even after breakfast and lunch with her shakes, she didn’t feel any more energetic. I was wondering if you wanted me to add in another shake when she woke up, or what I should do." She hummed, then said, "I was afraid of that. I’m not used to how she normally looks, so I didn’t see the difference. I want you to start making sure she has something to eat and a shake every 4 hours until I see her tomorrow. Keep the double calorie powder going, and make sure her next food and shake intake is as soon as she gets up. Let her wake up on her own, and start the four-hour schedule then. I’ll see you around lunch tomorrow. If you notice anything else, call me right away, Sam. No delays." I nodded as I took everything in, "Okay, Doc. Food and double shakes every four hours until you see her tomorrow, but don’t start the schedule until she wakes on her own. Got it. Thanks."
I flipped my phone shut, and Charlie said, “She must be worried about her.” I nodded, "She should have gained some of her energy back, but she’s just as tired as last night speaking to the elders. I guess Emily’s thinking she’s not getting enough in her to combat the energy loss. Hopefully this will help. I should let Leah know what’s going on. Hey, how’s the paint stripping going?" They smiled, then Paul said, "Really good. The speed heater is taking it off easily. Haven’t had to use any strippers yet, and we almost have the floorboards done. We should be able to do the fireplace right in position, if our luck holds on the rest of these trim boards." I let out a relieved sigh, "Good, that’s another thing less we have to deal with. The less chemicals we have to use in the house, the better, especially with Isabella's condition. I’ll see you guys back inside."
Bella's POV
Sam kissed my neck, then my lips as he reverently touched my stomach, only releasing me to go start on the trim in the study. I smiled at Leah as she said, "Alright, Honey. What do you and the little ones feel like eating?" I chuckled, "Feed me, feed me. That’s about all you’re going to get out of us for a while, until they learn how to be picky. We do want one of those shakes from last night, though. Mm-mm good." She laughed outright, and I thought I heard Sam and Paul join in. I scolded playfully, "Hey, you two. No laughing at a conversation you’re not even in the room for. It’s rude to Charlie, since he doesn’t have super-wolfy senses like you. He doesn’t get to be in on the joke, so stop it." I heard both of them call, “Yes, Ma’am,” then Leah chuckled, "Boy, I love how you can do that. Mom’s tried like a million times, but it never works. One snap of your fingers, and they’re back in line."
We finished walking into the kitchen as I asked, "Why do you think that is, Leah? That they listen to me so easily, I mean." She smiled while pulling out all the fixings for a long sub that could be cut into pieces, "I think… well, here’s the thing. Sam’s a guy, and we didn’t see him with anyone until you. That means the boys never had anyone to learn from, on how they should treat us. Even though Sam tried to tell them, they learn better by example. Now they see how Sam treats you, and makes sure you’re taken care of before himself. Mom has always coddled the boys, even Sam. She lets them get away with too many things. That means whenever she really does try to get onto them, they don’t take her seriously. With you, you don’t coddle them, you nurture them. You tell it like it is. You don’t sugar coat shit, and what you say always has a rooted truth to it. You’re the one we’re all going to look to. I don’t expect I’ll be any different from them in that respect, plus I know you’ll jump my ass when it needs it. That’s a good thing.”
She chuckled and shook her head, then continued, “Take this for an example... this morning on the phone with that Cope person. She’s probably one of the most annoying, prattling busy-bodies in town, yet you spoke to her with respect, never once getting snarky with her. I’m sure she asked about what you were going to do with this huge house, but instead of telling her to take her nosy ass somewhere else for dish, you avoided the question quite skillfully. We, as pack and imprints, could learn a lot from you, Bella. We need the refining you can give us to not be so crass... the polishing that will get us further in not only our tribal lives, but the outside world, too… making us respectable, intelligent, and proud of our heritage." She smiled once more before turning to make my shake, then I thought about what she said as I got back to making the sub.
Several times while I worked, I saw the boys carrying out trim, but I was too caught up in my thoughts to ask where they were taking it. As I finished up making the sub, I felt strong arms wind around me from behind, along with hands placing themselves gently on my tummy. I sighed at the contact, leaning back into the scent I’ve come to love. Sam whispered softly, “Do you want to talk about what has you so deep in thought?” I shook my head, "Later. Lunch is almost ready. Are you guys almost done?" He grinned while turning me in his arms, "Yes, that was the last load to take out. We’re using the trailer garage as the place we do most of the trim work, so that you don’t have to be around the chemicals. They wouldn't be good for you or the twins to be near." I nodded. It made sense. “What about the stuff that can’t be taken out, like the ceiling in the great room and entry?”
He shook his head, then said seriously, "It’ll be more complicated, but it can be done. We’ll have to see about using Peel Away 7 or a speed heater on workable sections at a time, on days that you’re out of the house. Maybe beach days with the girls or something." I smiled as he asked softly, “I know you don’t want to talk right now, but are you okay?” With a peck to his lips, I replied easily, "Just something Leah said got me thinking… made me realise a few things. We’ll talk later when we have down time, but I promise it’s a good thing."
He nodded, then kissed me softly as he held my hips, brushing his thumbs on the bare skin between my top and skirt. I really didn’t want the intimate moment to end, but Charlie came in, laughing, "Kiss your man later, Bells. Your stomach’s growling like Paul when he’s pissed." That made me chuckle and break the kiss, then I said to my flat stomach, "Alright in there, give me time to cut the sub. My goodness, you’re impatient."
Lunch went smoothly, and once it was done, I just wanted to curl up on the bed with Sam. He looked at me before saying to everyone, "Guys, I’m taking Isabella up for a nap now. Paul, when Charlie’s ready, take him out to the garage. Show him how to start the stripping process on the trim. Leah, did you put the before pictures in the laptop yet?" She shook her head, so Sam said, "Make a folder for each room and the entry, then one for the halls and stairs together, labeling the pictures as to what's what. I’ll give you my phone later to input the ones from today. You can research stone for the fireplace in the study when that’s done."
She wished me sweet dreams as she pulled the laptop to her, then grabbed a small data cord out of the laptop bag. Charlie and Paul told me to sleep well as they tossed their paper plates in the garbage and headed out the side door. Sam swooped me up in his arms, then whispered as he carried me toward the stairs, "Come on, my sleepy mate. Let’s get you into bed."
Once we were in our room with the door closed, Sam set me down at the side of the bed, looking at me lovingly. He slowly lifted my shirt off, unhooked me from my strapless bra, then laid both pieces on the edge of the bed. He knelt down to untie my shoes, slipped them off one at a time, then placed his hands on my hips and smiled up at me. I wove my fingers into his hair as he untied the front tie on my skirt, before slipping it and my boyshorts off of me. He placed them with my top and bra, then slid his hands softly up my body to my stomach. My eyes fluttered closed at how good his hands felt on my skin. As he stood, I felt them slide higher up my body.
When Sam’s hands cupped my breasts, kneading slightly, I hissed out a breath at the tenderness. Sam whispered, "Tender? Sorry, Sweetheart." I nodded, "It’s fine. I didn’t even realise they were until you did that." He kissed the swell of each breast gently, “Your hormones are kicking in, so it’s probably to be expected.” I nodded as he traced the underside of each breast. The feeling made me sigh in content, then he picked me up to place me in the center of the bed. He kissed me lovingly, then kissed lightly down to the undersides of my breasts, only to lick the line of each. I hummed at the sensation, especially when he let his hot breath span over his wet tongue marks. A shiver made it’s way down my spine, which prompted him to hum in satisfaction.
My hands went into his hair as he descended my body, placing small licks and kisses in random places until he reached my navel. He smiled up at me, "The new additions to your scent are our little ones, my sexy mate. They are mixing with and adding their own combination to your scent." My fingers ran through his hair as I whispered, “When will you be able to hear their hearts beat?” He smiled after kissing my stomach twice, "The end of the implantation marked the beginning of your fourth week, so they need to go all the way through week four and into week five before their little hearts will start to beat and circulate. I’ll let you know the instant I hear them… I promise, Angel."
He placed random kisses on my lower stomach before laying his head against it, whispering, “I love you, little ones,” then climbed up to kiss me softly. I hummed into the kiss, then said, “Stay with me until I fall asleep?” He nodded, pulled the sheet up to just cover my breasts, then whispered, "Of course I will. Rest now, Sweetheart, and we’ll spend time together when you wake." I hummed as he curled around me from behind, then was asleep within minutes.
Sam's POV
My little imprint was so sleepy, that she was out practically as soon as I settled behind her. I smiled as I kissed her mark and whispered my love for her, then slipped out of bed, quietly closing the door as I left the room. Leah smiled at me as I made my way into the kitchen, saying softly, "Wow, that was quick. She asleep already?" I nodded, "I’m glad she’s resting. She was still tired after she woke up this morning. I think the magic of the twins implanting like they did took way too much out of her. Are there any more cookies left?" She shook her head, "I was going to make some chocolate covered peanut butter balls, though. Why?"
I smiled, noticing the research she was doing, "I’d like for her to have a snack as soon as she wakes. I’m also going to call Emily and see if she wants me to give her an extra shake. I don’t think she’s gotten even half of her energy back." Leah nodded seriously, "As soon as I finish saving these couple of pictures and jot down the website information, I’ll start on the peanut butter balls. Oh, Kim called on their lunch break. She asked if we could switch the beds from your house once they got out of school. I told them I’d ask you, because I didn’t know how long Little Mama would be napping."
I chuckled at Isabella’s new nickname, then said, "I don't see a problem with it, as long as everyone is quiet with the moving if she’s still asleep. She’ll like that the beds are switched, since she knows how full beds are with a full-grown wolf and imprint. There’s just not enough room. She’ll be glad to make everyone more comfortable. Is Paul going to bring his queen from his house to my old one? He hasn’t really set a move-in date." Leah shook her head, "I really don’t know Sam. With everything that’s happened lately, we haven’t had a chance to talk about it. I think he might be waiting for you to move your stuff out all the way, too." I nodded, "I’ll talk to him to set something up. I need to get the realtor on the sale of the place, too. Hey, Leah?"
She smiled, so I asked, "I want to have a romantic night with Bella tonight, but I don’t want her to know. Would you mind cooking for us before you head out with Paul?" She beamed at me, "No problem Sam. I’ll make a chicken and pasta dish I have the recipe for, some garlic bread, stuffed mushrooms, and some mozzarella cheese sticks. Sound good?" I nodded, "Mm-hmm… it’s making me hungry already. I want her to know that just because she’s pregnant now, that I won’t stop wanting her. I think she’s afraid of that." Leah nodded, "That’s what I got from the comments about not being sexy when she’s close to delivering. I personally can’t wait to see her start showing. It’s like a confirmation of the little miracles you two created."
I nodded, then another idea hit me. "I’m not going to ask her yet, but when you get a chance and you’re alone with her, find a way to look at engagement rings online. Get a feel for her taste, please. I don’t think she’d want something traditional, but other than that, I’m completely clueless." She laughed, "Kim and I have you covered. We’ll have some girl time before we leave… maybe while everyone else is setting up the beds from your house?" I beamed at her, "Perfect, Leah. You’re a saint. I’m gonna go get Paul settled with the house."
She smiled and shut the laptop, then walked around to the pantry to get the ingredients for my Angel’s snack as I walked out the side door. When I neared the open garage door, I heard Charlie and Paul laughing, then Charlie asked, "So when do you think he’ll ask her? I know he’s got to want to. I can see it every time he looks at her." I smiled widely as I entered the trailer garage to see them both drinking a beer, "I was actually going to ask you, first, Charlie. Sorry, I wasn’t meaning to pry. I just heard you on my way out here."
He laughed, then pried, "So? Are you going to ask her?" I smiled sheepishly, "Leah and Kim are going to find a way to get her to look at engagement rings with them later today while we set up the beds from my old house in the rooms here. I have no idea of her taste for jewelry other than she wouldn’t want traditional, so that’s where Leah and Kim come in. Leah’s going to give me an idea of what she likes. I was going to wait to ask for your permission when I had the ring." Charlie clapped me on the back as he handed me a beer, "You have my permission, my blessing, and anything else you need, Sam. Make her happy. That’s all I’ve ever wanted for her… to be happy and in love. I can tell you now that she won’t want a traditional church ceremony. We Swans have never been really religious."
I nodded, already having a feeling about that, “Charlie, you know that Quil blessed the pregnancy, right?” He smiled softly, "Billy explained it to me, and I think I see where you’re going with this. Since Billy is a notary, if Quil wants to do it that way, and Billy will make sure the papers are legal to the outside, I have no problem with it. That’s my only condition, Sam. I won’t have her worrying that your marriage isn’t recognised off the rez." I nodded, assuring him seriously, "Neither will I, Charlie. I want to do right by her. I’ll make sure." He smirked, then said, “So you ready to dish out some dough for the ring?” I laughed outright, almost choking on my beer, "You’re too excited about this, Charlie. Aren’t you supposed to be the one threatening to castrate me?"
They both chuckled, but Charlie said, "You forget that I know you can’t hurt her or cheat on her. I know you’ll never look at another woman the way you look at my Bells, Son, plus I know she’ll never want anyone like she does you." I nodded, "She’s it for me, Charlie. I want my life to be with her and our family-in-the-making so much I can almost taste it." Charlie laughed, “You still didn’t answer my question, Sam.” I nodded, beaming at him, “As soon as we get our butts in gear to get my place sold to Paul, I’d spend the full sale price on her rings alone… in half a heartbeat, Charlie.” Paul choked, "Jesus, Sam. A hundred and seventy-five grand? On just her rings?" I smirked in reply, already knowing what he would say as I asked, “Would you do it for Leah, if it were you, Paul?”
He stopped laughing immediately, then looked up to me seriously, "I see your point. I’d do it, too… without a second thought." I nodded, then said, "I just have to wait to see what Leah tells me about her likes. She seems to be opening up to them quickly." Paul asked, “So we’re going over to the house when Jared and Kim get out of school, right?” I nodded, and he said, “Are you wanting to bring the whole rooms or just the beds?” I shook my head, "We saw what she was looking at as far as furniture. The bedroom sets I have don’t fit the style. They’re meant for full or queen beds, so they should work with the ones going in the rooms. If you want them and the rest of the furniture, you’re more then welcome to them. You can even have the king set, once Isabella finds what she wants for our room."
Paul beamed, "Cool, Boss. Thanks. That’ll save a lot on the budget. So basically just the beds themselves, your office contents, and the personal knick knacks and things?" I nodded, "Yep, then you’re clear to move your ass in. You gonna ask Leah to move in with you?" He smiled widely, "Yeah. It’s getting harder to be apart at night, for both of us. I’ve already asked Sue. We talked for a while, and she’s all for it. Plus, it’ll make it easier for her to be here for Bella, no matter when she needs her. I have a feeling Doc isn’t gonna want Little Mama to do a lot on her own, so having Leah and I so close, we can keep an eye on her when you’re patrolling."
I hadn’t even thought that far ahead, but it was a relief to hear him say that. "Thanks, Brother. That means a lot. I don’t even want to leave her, to tell you the truth. I know Leah said something about wolf back riding. I’ll need to make sure it’s safe with Emily before they go making any plans. I wouldn’t be surprised if she pulled the bed rest card part way into the pregnancy." Charlie nodded, “How was she when she fell asleep?” I smiled, "No less than two minutes after I curled up behind her, she was fast asleep. Oh, speaking of which…"
I flipped my phone open, calling Emily’s number, and heard her standard greeting after the first ring. “This is Emily Young.” I smiled, "Hey, Doc. Sam here. Listen, Isabella was still really tired when she woke up this morning. Even after breakfast and lunch with her shakes, she didn’t feel any more energetic. I was wondering if you wanted me to add in another shake when she woke up, or what I should do." She hummed, then said, "I was afraid of that. I’m not used to how she normally looks, so I didn’t see the difference. I want you to start making sure she has something to eat and a shake every 4 hours until I see her tomorrow. Keep the double calorie powder going, and make sure her next food and shake intake is as soon as she gets up. Let her wake up on her own, and start the four-hour schedule then. I’ll see you around lunch tomorrow. If you notice anything else, call me right away, Sam. No delays." I nodded as I took everything in, "Okay, Doc. Food and double shakes every four hours until you see her tomorrow, but don’t start the schedule until she wakes on her own. Got it. Thanks."
I flipped my phone shut, and Charlie said, “She must be worried about her.” I nodded, "She should have gained some of her energy back, but she’s just as tired as last night speaking to the elders. I guess Emily’s thinking she’s not getting enough in her to combat the energy loss. Hopefully this will help. I should let Leah know what’s going on. Hey, how’s the paint stripping going?" They smiled, then Paul said, "Really good. The speed heater is taking it off easily. Haven’t had to use any strippers yet, and we almost have the floorboards done. We should be able to do the fireplace right in position, if our luck holds on the rest of these trim boards." I let out a relieved sigh, "Good, that’s another thing less we have to deal with. The less chemicals we have to use in the house, the better, especially with Isabella's condition. I’ll see you guys back inside."