Chapter 10

LEAH! I'M TAKING BELLA TO THE COTTAGE!" he shouts towards the showers, not waiting for her reply before showing me the way. We walk through the barn, passing the main house and in the direction of the winding willow I had seen earlier that day. He turns us up a small curvy dirt road going up the mountain. Wild flowers grow everywhere around the road and the view is spectacular. There on a small hill is a quaint cottage with cream colored and grey-green walls, white shutters, and a "wrap-around" porch. There is a small yard and vegetable garden that my fingers start itching to dig in to. In the driveway, a dusty old truck is parked. In many ways, this is my "dream house", but somehow, I can't see my father living up here. "You like?" I nod, unable to say anything. "Well, come on!" he continues grabbing my hand, forcing me to run with him up to the porch. I laugh at his open giddiness. Stopping by the door, he pulls out a set of keys. Handing them over gallantly. I quickly open the door, his enthusiasm infectious. My breath catches in my throat as I step into the small entrance. The hallway opens in to a quaint and modest living room, with beautiful hardwood floors, "shabby chic" furniture that is distinctly feminine and light walls. Through the large windows ,I can see the ranch and the deep windowsills are filled with different plants and flowers. Everything looks like it is out of a magazine. A small semi-open kitchen with white wooden walls and grey-colored woodwork is to my left. There is a comfortable breakfast nook with several throw-pillows in the corner and a small, round, French dining table with four chairs. The kitchen is absolutely perfect. I stand still for a moment, in the middle of the living room, taking in all in. I can see myself here. The cottage fits me so well. Jake stands patiently by the door. I turn, walking to my right. There is a small guest bathroom with a toilet, a sink and a shower between the entrance and the unopened door to my far right. I open the final door, already guessing what's behind it. The walls are white as most of the cottage, but the wall behind my new bed is blue with small red roses. Here the floor is a light wooden-color and there are a few big, soft bright carpets in blues and whites. Here, there is also a nook with colorful pillows in the window sill, a little larger than the one in the kitchen. The ceiling is a white-washed wooden ceiling and hanging from it is an exquisite chandelier. A stunning queen-sized bed filled to the brim with pillows and beautiful bedding in various shades of blue. I see that my computer is already set up on a small desk and office space. Dressers are filled with my clothes and a few extra items. A bookcase with all of my books (and a few extras I look forward to exploring), two dark blue lounge chairs. There is even a separate master bathroom with an antique bathtub I've only ever dreamt of, and a small shower space. This is officially my dream house. Suddenly I realize something. Quickly, I walk back to the living room. There is only one bedroom. Jake must read the confusion on my face. "Charlie asked us to prepare the cottage for you. He's going to stay with Nanna and Pop at the main house," he explains. I let the information sink in. "This house is mine?" I ask incredulously. He nods. "Just mine?" I ask again. Jake bites his lip, trying not to laugh at my reaction. "That's right. Charlie said it was important for you to have your own space. You're going to need some time to adjust to living in a new town. Including suddenly being part of one of the largest packs on the West-Coast. And your huge, unfamiliar, and very nosy family," he rambles. "You won't find many other places where you'll get a hint of privacy. We Swans like to know anything and everything about everyone!" I sit down on the sofa, unable to stay standing any longer. My father, and new family, have done this amazing thing for me, to make sure I would feel welcome. Tears burn in my eyes as I look around, a wave of gratitude crashing through me. "I'll leave you to get adjusted. Dinner's at 7 and the bonfire will be at about 9. Carlisle and his family will arrive for dinner." I'm not able to react, my eyes still exploring the room, taking it all in. I hear his heavy footsteps walk towards the door, before pausing. "We are really happy that you both are back with us. Our family has been missing an important piece and now it's finally back in its rightful place. If you need anything at all, just let me know." My throat feels thick with the strong emotions I am feeling, but I turn. My eyes are blurry with unshed tears, and there is a wobbly smile on my lips. His dark eyes soften. "Welcome home, Bella."