Oh crap! If I didn’t come barging like that you would have asked her to marry you that night.

She paused and stared thoughtfully at me.

What made you change your mind? If you wanted to marry her, why did you break up with her?

Can’t you see, Leah? She would say yes in an instant.

So? Shouldn’t you be jumping in happiness?

I sighed.

I felt like I never gave her a choice like I forced myself on her. If everything was normal between us, if we were both just plain simple humans, could she have noticed me? Would she love me back?

Leah didn’t answer.

I just wanted her to be sure. I wanted her to know there’s so much more she could have than the simple life I could offer her. I wanted her to enjoy life, see the world. If she has seen and experienced everything and still decides she wants to be with me then I would truly know.

Don’t you think there’s a possibility that she would choose to live without you? How would you deal with it? What if she found some weird vampiric way out of this imprinting stuff? Can you live with that?

I didn’t have an answer to the very worst fears that bugged me these past few months.

You hoped that she would come back to you in the end, don't you?

There was never a night that I didn’t get down on my knees and prayed that she will.

* * *

Seth barged into my room, panting.

“What is it with you, Clearwaters? Can’t you leave me alone?” I groaned.

“She’s back, Jake! Nessie’s back!”

I bolted upright from my bed.

“What are you talking about?”

“I saw her over at Charlie’s. It’s her sem-break.” He looked like he would explode with happiness any minute now.

My own heart pulsated with joy. I couldn’t help the huge grin from spreading on my face.

“Did he tell you the whole news?” Leah drawled from the doorway. “Guess what? My little brother imprinted on Nessie’s college friend.” She made an annoyed face.

“That left you and Embry….”

Leah smacked the back of his brother’s head before he could continue.

“Aw Leah. Can’t you just be happy for me?” Seth complained as he rubbed the back of his head.

“I only pity the girl. You almost licked her entire face.”

Seth rolled his eyes and turned to me. “You should meet her, Jake. She’s absolutely amazing. Nessie’s happy her secrets are all out the window. Jenny became really close to her in Dartmouth.”

“How long has Nessie been back?” I frowned it seemed I have missed on a lot of things.

“Just a day or two but you couldn’t stop this blabbermouth from spilling all the juicy details.” Lead said.

Nessie’s here for a day or two and they only tell me now? What’s wrong with these people?!

“We don’t have to keep secrets from one other. We love each other.” Seth said, all gooey-eyed.

“Get out.” Leah and I growled at the same time.

“Okay, okay. Geez! People could be so envious sometimes.” He ducked his head as Leah was about to smack it, this time with my night lamp.

He was out the door in a flash. “I’ll be over at the Cullens. Nessie said it’s alright for me to visit.” He called out from outside the house.

Lucky him.

Leah shook his head. Then she grinned hugely.

“Jennifer Rivers is a piece of work.” She laughed. “She would drive my brother crazy sooner or later.

Then her expression became serious. “So, when are you going to see her?”

I knew who she was referring to so I shook my head.

“What?! Do you need my assistance? Do you need me to drag you over there?”

“Nope, Leah.”

She rolled her eyes in exasperation.

“She asked Seth about you.”

I leaned towards her.

“I think she missed you a lot.”

I leaned closer, holding my breath.

“Interested, aren't we? Well, that’s all I’m telling.” With that she sauntered out of the room.

I collapsed on the bed and groaned.