It was a nice spring day and Bella and her twin sister traveled down the road and arrived in a small town in Montana. They got out and looked around and walked into the small diner called Granny's Diner and sat down.
“Hello, welcome, what can I start you off with?” Maggie asked.
“Soda,” Bella said.
“Same,” Katie said.
“Okay be right back,” Maggie said. She walked off and they looked at the menu.
“This is a cute place,” Katie said.
“Yes it is,” Bella said. Maggie came back with their drinks.
“Have you both decided?” Maggie asked.
“Burgers and fries please,” Bella said.
“Patty melt and fries,” Katie said.
“All right, I'll get these going for you both,” Maggie said. She walked to the window of the kitchen to put their orders in. The door opened and two cowboys came in and sat at the counter.
“Hmmm,” Bella said.
“What's up?” Katie asked.
“Two cowboys at the counter, hot,” Bella whispered. Katie snuck a look and looked at Bella and smiled.
“You are right about that,” Katie whispered.
“So where shall we head off to?” Bella asked.
“We can head towards South Dakota and see Mount Rushmore,” Katie said.
“Of course but where are we going to settle at?” Bella asked.
“Not sure yet, when it feels like home,” Katie said.
“Mom and Dad think we are crazy for doing this,” Bella said.
“Yeah but it's our life not theirs and we decide what we want,” Katie said.
“Yep,” Bella said.
“I ran into Paul before we left town,” Katie said.
“What did that jerk want,” Bella said.
“To get back together, I told him to go screw himself,” Katie said.
“Good,” Bella said.
“Did you see Tom before we left?” Katie asked.
“Nope and good riddance,” Bella said.
“Here you are ladies, enjoy!” Maggie said.
“Thank you,” Bella said.
“Thank you,” Katie said. They ate their food and finished up and paid and left the diner. They didn't notice the cowboys were watching them.

Chapter 2

Bella and Katie got into their car and Bella put the key in the ignition and turned it and nothing happened. She tried again and nothing.
“What is it,” Katie said
“Car won't start,” Bella said.
“Oh great, now what do we do,” Katie said.
“I'll go inside and ask Maggie if there is a mechanic in town who can help us okay, chill out,” Bella said.
“Okay sorry sis,” Katie said. Bella got out and went in and stood at the counter by the cowboys.
“Hey there, need something?” Maggie asked.
“Is there a mechanic in town, my car won't start at all,” Bella said.
“Boys, where's your brother?” Maggie asked.
“I'll call him,” Jake said.
“Their older brother is the mechanic in town, this is Jake and Lance, their brother's name is Austin,” Maggie said.
“I'm Bella,” Bella said.
“Welcome Bella,” Maggie said.
“He's on the way but Lance and I can look at it before he gets here so we can get a good idea on what's wrong with it,” Jake said.
“Okay thank you, I didn't mean to pull you away from lunch,” Bella said.
“It's not a problem, darlin',” Jake said.
“We will be right back, Maggie,” Lance said. They walked out and Bella popped the hood as Katie got out of the car.
“This is my twin, Katie, sis, this is Jake and Lance, their brother is the mechanic and they are looking to see what's wrong before he gets here,” Bella said.
“Hi guys,” Katie said.
“Hey there sweetheart,” Lance said. Katie blushes. Bella smiled a little.
“Okay, I think I see what's wrong,” Jake said.
“What is it?” Bella asked.
“Battery and starter from what I can see but there could be other problems that need to be done in the shop,” Jake said.
“Hey guys,” Austin said.
“This is our brother, Austin, this is Bella and Katie, and this is their car,” Lance said.
“Which is which?” Austin asked.
“I'm Bella,” Bella said.
“I'm Katie, we wear certain colors, I will either wear orange, yellow, or green, Bella will be wearing pink, purple or blue,” Katie said.
“Good to know,” Jake said.
“Okay let's get this to the shop and see what we can do,” Austin said. He hooked it up to the tow truck and drove down the street.
“You can ride with us to the shop,” Jake said.
“Thank you,” Bella said.
“Thanks guys,” Katie said.
“You're welcome,” Lance said. They went over to the truck and the guys helped them into the truck and they went to the shop.

Chapter 3

They arrived at the shop and Austin was looking at the engine and looked at them.
“I have to be honest, this could take awhile, and be expensive, looking at days, I'm going to have to take it apart to make a full diagnosis,” Austin said.
“Okay is there a hotel here in town?” Katie asked.
“There is a bed and breakfast but it's full right now, I don't see it opening up any rooms soon,” Jake said.
“They probably should say it's apartments because no one is in a hurry to leave and the owners are not in a hurry to kick them out,” Lance said.
“You can stay with us,” Jake said.
“What,” Bella said.
“Where?” Katie asked.
“Our ranch,” Jake said.
“It's just me and Jake living there with our mom and dad, Austin lives in an apartment next door,” Lance said.
“If that's the only option, what choice do we have sis,” Katie said.
“All right, let's get our bags out,” Bella said. They got the bags out of the trunk and the guys put them in the truck.
“I'll call Mom and let her know to expect company and get some rooms ready,” Austin said.
“She'll be okay with this right?” Katie asked.
“She'd whip us if we let you two sleep on the streets,” Lance said. They got into the truck and they headed out of town.
“So where are you ladies from?” Jake asked.
“Portland Oregon, we visited some friends in Seattle and we were heading east and stopped here to eat, we were going to try to make it close to Mount Rushmore,” Bella said.
“Only the car decided that it needed a vacation,” Katie said.
“Austin is a very good mechanic, he will find out what's wrong with your car,” Jake said.
“In the meantime, here we are,” Lance said.
“Home sweet home,” Jake said.
“Wow,” Bella said.
“Wow,” Katie said.
“I take it you two like it,” Jake said.
“It's beautiful,” Bella said. He parked the truck and got out and came around and helped Bella get out while Lance helped Katie. The guys got their bags and walked up to the door and it opened and they saw a woman standing there.
“Hey Ma,” Jake said.
“Hi Ma,” Lance said.
“Hi boys, come on in ladies,” Alice said. They all walked into the house and Bella and Katie looked around.
“You have a lovely home, ma'am,” Bella said.
“Call me Alice, or Mama Alice, I see that you two are twins,” Alice said.
“Yes I'm Bella,” Bella said.
“I'm Katie,” Katie said.
“And how do we tell you two apart?” Alice said.
“I'm usually wearing pink, purple, or blue color clothes,” Bella said.
“I'm usually wearing orange, yellow, or green color clothes,” Katie said.
“And I usually like to wear my hair up,” Bella said.
“I can't stand having my hair up,” Katie said.
“Okay, should make it simple, I have two rooms ready for you both, first and second door on the right at the top of the stairs,” Alice said.
“Thank you so much for this,” Bella said.
“It's my pleasure, it will be nice having women around the house, I'm not the only one now,” Alice said. Lance and Jake took their bags upstairs to the bedrooms and came back down.

Chapter 4

That night after dinner, Bella walked outside and stared at the sky.
“Bella, you okay darlin'?” Jake asked.
“Yeah just staring at the sky, so many stars here,” Bella said.
“Have you seen it before?” Jake asked.
“Yeah of course, but nothing like this,” Bella said.
“Beautiful,” Jake said. She looked at him and saw he was looking at her.
“Jake?” Bella asked.
“I'm sorry, Bella, just when I first saw you, just something inside me started tingling,” Jake said.
“Me too,” Bella said.
“Bella,” Jake said. He cupped her face in his hands and kissed her softly.
“Oh Jake,” Bella said. He kissed her again and his tongue ran along her lips and she opened her mouth and their tongues danced in their mouths.. He held her close to him as she wrapped her arm around his neck. He pulled back and rested her forehead against hers.
“Bella, I want to see where this goes, let's see where things go, we can go slow,” Jake said.
“I want that, I want to go slow, I've been hurt by my ex and I wasn't sure if I was ready but now that I've met you, it has changed, let's do it, let's see where things go, at a slow pace, I want to get to know you and the same with you,” Bella said.
“I can do that and I promise not to hurt you,” Jake said.
“Now kiss me cowboy,” Bella said.
“Yes ma'am,” Jake said. He pulled her close and kissed her softly. The kiss deepened. She held onto him as the kiss got heated. She pulled back and rested her forehead against his chest.
“I can't stop kissing you,” Jake said.
“I'm not complaining even though we just met today and here we are,” Bella said.
“I know,” Jake said.
“But I wouldn't change a thing,” Bella said.
“Me either,” Jake said.
“Okay what's going on out here,” Katie said.
“Just enjoying each other's company and watching the stars,” Bella said.
“More like full on making out going on out here,” Katie said.
“Okay so we decided to see how things go, as a couple,” Bella said.
“Whoa, are we staying in town for good?” Katie asked.
“Sis, we are sort of stuck here with no car and don't really want to go crying to Mom and Dad because all they will say is I told you so, so what do you think?” Bella said. Katie looked at Lance and bit her lip. He smiled at her.
“I'm game if you are, sweetheart,” Lance said.
“Okay we stay,” Katie said. They went inside. Bella looked up at Jake as he kissed her forehead.
“Your parents didn't support this road trip?” Jake asked.
“Not really, they thought we should just stay in Portland but we want to have our own lives,” Bella said.
“So you will travel on when your car is fixed,” Jake said.
“That's up in the air now, things might be changing,” Bella said.
“Oh really,” Jake said. He smiled and pulled her close and kissed her neck. She smiled. They stood there in each other's arms.

Chapter 5

The next morning, Bella woke up and sat up and stretched. She got up and used the bathroom and showered and got dressed and went downstairs and saw Alice in the kitchen.
“Hi Mama Alice,” Bella said.
“Morning dear, how did you sleep?” Alice asked.
“Great, I never slept this good, I feel refreshed,” Bella said.
“That's good, honey, I guess Katie sleeps in?” Alice asked.
“Yeah, I'm the early riser,” Bella said.
“The boys are out doing chores,” Alice said.
“Morning Ma,” Austin said.
“Morning dear,” Alice said.
“Are you here with news about the car?” Bella asked.
“Yes I am, battery is good as is the starter,” Austin said.
“Okay?” Bella asked.
“Needs a whole new engine,” Austin said.
“That's expensive,” Bella said.
“Yep but I'll give you the family discount,” Austin said.
“Austin, how much will it be?” Alice asked.
“Well it would normally cost $7500 but I will go for $3250,” Austin said.
“Yikes, take off the three and that's what I have in the bank,” Bella said.
“I accept payments,” Austin said.
“No job,” Bella said.
“I'm sure we can find one,” Alice said.
“I guess I could ask Maggie if the diner is hiring,” Bella said.
“Count me in too sis, car is part mine too you know,” Katie said.
“We can pay it for you,” Alice said.
“No Mama Alice, I couldn't ask you to do that,” Bella said.
“Mom, are you trying to get them out of town?” Austin asked.
“What?” Jake asked.
“What?” Lance asked.
“No boys, I'm not, I'm offering because I don't want them wearing themselves out working to pay the bill and getting stressed,” Alice said.
“Mama Alice, it's okay, we can handle it,” Katie said.
“What's going on?” Jake asked.
“Their car needs a new engine, I'm getting them the discount so they owe $3250,” Austin said.
“Wow, that's a lot,” Lance said.
“Sorry, not cheap,” Austin said.
“Bella was going to talk to Maggie about a job,” Alice said.
“Darlin', you sure?” Jake said.
“I need to make the money somehow and I am not calling our parents, Katie, don't even think of it,” Bella said.
“You think I want to talk to them, nope,” Katie said.
“Are you both talking about your parents?” Alice asked.
“Yeah, they weren't exactly thrilled about us going off on our own,” Bella said.
“They told us we would come crawling back because we can't be without them,” Katie said.
“Sounds like they like to have control,” Austin said.
“Yep,” Bella said.
“They abused us growing up, not physically, just emotionally,” Katie said.
“Damn,” Lance said.
“You are better off without them,” Jake said.
“I agree, forget them as your parents, you have family here now,” Alice said.
“Thank you, Mama Alice,” Katie said.
“Yes thank you,” Bella said.
“Now let's get into town and ask about jobs,” Katie said.
“Let's go, ladies,” Jake said. They got into his truck and headed into town.

Chapter 6

Jake pulled up in front of the diner and got out and helped Bella out while Lance helped Katie out. They walked into the diner. Maggie looked up and saw them and smiled.
“Hi guys, you two sticking around town?” Maggie asked.
“Yeah, our car needs a new engine so we need to get it fixed but we need a job so are you guys hiring here?” Katie asked.
“Yes, it's just me out here and the two cooks in the back plus our manager, we definitely could use the help, you can start tomorrow if you'd like,” Maggie said.
“That will be great, thanks, Jake and Lance will have to be our chauffeurs,” Bella said.
“Don't mind a bit,” Jake said.
“Nope,” Lance said.
“So you all couples now?” Maggie asked.
“We are seeing where things go,” Jake said.
“Yep,” Lance said.
“I'm happy for you guys, really,” Maggie said.
“Corey will be by later to see ya,” Jake said.
“You guys keep him so busy that I hardly see him,” Maggie said.
“Sorry, we will try to get time freed up for him to see ya more often,” Lance said.
“Maybe we can go on triple dates?” Maggie asked.
“We haven't gone out on a date yet so we will plan for it soon,” Jake said.
“Guys, take these girls out on a date,” Maggie said.
“Planning on it,” Jake said.
“Okay, so you both are twins so how will I be able to tell you both apart?” Maggie asked.
“By the color of our clothes, I usually wear anything pink, purple, or blue,” Bella said.
“I usually wear anything orange, yellow, or green,” Katie said.
“I like to wear my hair up in a ponytail,” Bella said.
“I don't,” Katie said.
“Okay simple enough, I'll get you both nametags and you will be all set tomorrow, wear comfy clothes and shoes,” Maggie said.
“What time would you like us here?” Bella asked.
“We open at seven for breakfast so six-thirty will be fine,” Maggie said.
“Maggie?” Betty asked.
“Hey Ma, got two new workers hired,” Maggie said.
“Okay honey, I will need you both to come with me so I can get your information for the payroll,” Betty said.
“Okay,” Katie said. They followed her to the office and sat down.

Chapter 7

“Okay names?” Betty asked.
“Isabella Carson, but I like to be called Bella,” Bella said.
“Katherine Carson, but I like to be called Katie,” Katie said.
“Okay, ssn and date of birth?” Betty asked.
“XXX-XX-XXXX and our birthdate is July 6th, 1994,” Bella said.
“XXX-XX-XXXX,” Katie said.
“Okay address?” Betty asked.
“Oh um, we are staying at Jake and Lance's ranch,” Katie said.
“We aren't sure of the address,” Bella said.
“I know the address,” Betty said. She got everything written down and smiled at them.
“Okay I will get this put in and get you both on the payroll and we will see you both bright and early in the morning,” Betty said.
“Thank you,” Katie said.
“Thank you,” Bella said. They went out and Jake and Lance stood up.
“All set, darlin'?” Jake asked.
“Yep,” Bella said.
“See you both in the morning!” Maggie said.
“See ya,” Katie said. They went out the door and went back to the ranch.
“She asked for our address and we told her we were staying with you guys and she said she knows it,” Katie said.
“Small town, everyone knows everyone,” Jake said.
“I'm beginning to like it here,” Bella said.
“Me too,” Katie said. They pulled up to the ranch and Jake and Lance helped the girls out. Jake held Bella's hand and they walked into the house followed by Lance and Katie holding hands. They found Alice sitting in the kitchen with their father and another man.
“Bella, Katie, this is our father, Ray, and our ranch foreman Corey, they've been out of town at a cattle auction,” Jake said.
“Maggie's Corey?” Katie asked.
“Yep,” Corey said.
“She's missing you a lot,” Bella said.
“I know, I'm missing her too,” Corey said.
“Go on, Corey, go see your girl,” Ray said.
“Thanks boss, bye guys and ladies,” Corey said. He left. Jake sat down and pulled Bella down in his lap.
“There are plenty of chairs, son,” Alice said.
“I know that,” Jake said.
“It's okay, it's more comfortable,” Bella said.
“So you two are a couple?” Ray asked.
“Yes Dad, we are seeing where things go as a couple and taking things slow,” Jake said.
“What happens after their car is fixed,” Ray said.
“They don't have the money to pay upfront so they got jobs at the diner to pay Austin in payments while he works on the car,” Lance said.
“Well I can pay it for them,” Ray said.
“No, we can't let you do that,” Katie said.
“It is our car, we want to pay for it,” Bella said.
“I offered and so did Mom, they turned the offers down, they want to do it themselves,” Jake said.
“We grew up with our parents paying everything, they threw a fit when I got a job in high school and got me fired from it, they wanted complete control over us,” Bella said.
“They emotionally abused us growing up, we decided that it was time to get out and live our own lives and make our own choices,” Katie said.
“Dad, are you trying to get them out of town?” Jake asked.
“Ray, are you?” Alice asked.
“I just want my sons back,” Ray said.
“Oh god, it's just like our parents, complete control over your sons,” Bella said.
“Are you kidding me Dad!” Jake said.
“Unbelievable,” Lance said.
“Ladies, get your stuff together,” Jake said.
“Let's go pack, bro,” Lance said.
“Boys!” Ray said.
“No father, enough is enough!” Jake said. They went upstairs and got their bags packed. Jake carried his and Bella's and Lance carried his and Katie's bags.
“Boys please,” Alice said.
“Sorry Ma, but we can't stay here with him,” Jake said.
“We are old enough to decide what to do,” Lance said.
“We will not be controlled,” Jake said.
“Don't go blaming the girls, we would have realized it on our own,” Lance said.
“Let's go,” Jake said. Jake took Bella's hand and went out the door. Lance took Katie's and followed.
“Where will we go?” Bella asked.
“Want to see Mount Rushmore?” Jake asked.
“But our job?!” Bella said.
“I'll call Maggie and tell her you guys will start Monday,” Jake said.
“A week later?” Katie asked.
“We need a vacation and want to spend it with you two beautiful ladies, right Lance,” Jake said.
“Yep,” Lance said. Jake called Maggie and told her to expect Bella and Katie on Monday instead. After explaining what happened, Maggie understood and told Jake to tell the girls she will see them then.

Chapter 8

They arrived in Keystone, South Dakota. They checked into a hotel. Jake and Bella were sharing a room and Lance and Katie were sharing a room. Jake and Bella walked into their room and he put their bags down and closed the door and hugged her.
“You okay, darlin'?” Jake asked.
“Yeah, I can't believe how your father was, you mom was so welcoming but your father wanted us out,” Bella said.
“I guess we didn't see how controlling he was,” Jake said.
“I hope he doesn't cut you off financially, I don't want you scrambling to make a living,” Bella said.
“He won't, my mom will make sure of it,” Jake said.
“He listens to her?” Bella asked.
“Yep because he knows what will happen if he doesn't,” Jake said.
“What would she do?” Bella asked.
“Well he should go to sleep with one eye open,” Jake said.
“Oh my god, really, she would go that far?” Bella asked.
“Yes, darlin', she would,” Jake said. He took his hat and boots off and she took her shoes off and they laid down on the bed and he pulled her close and she rested her head on his chest. They went to sleep. Two hours later, Bella woke up and saw him awake smiling at her.
“Hey beautiful,” Jake said.
“Hey handsome,” Bella said. He kissed her forehead. She smiled and kissed his cheek. She got up and went to the bathroom and came back and looked at the time.
“Dinner?” Bella asked.
“I'm taking you on a date, darlin',” Jake said.
“You are?” Bella asked.
“Will you go out on a date with me?” Jake asked.
“Of course,” Bella said. He held out his hand and they went out the door and went to eat. After dinner, they went for a walk and found an ice cream ship and went in and shared a large hot fudge sundae. He fed her and she fed him and they would occasionally kiss. They finished the sundae and went back to the hotel and went to their room and she went to shower and put on her pajamas. He went and showered and came out in his boxers and they climbed in bed. She faced away from him and he pulled her back against him.
“Goodnight beautiful,” Jake said.
“Goodnight handsome,” Bella said. He kissed her neck and held her close as they went to sleep.

Chapter 9

The next day they got up and changed and got breakfast and met up with Katie and Lance in the lobby and they went to see Mount Rushmore. After they were done, they went and got lunch and walked through town. Jake's phone rang. He looked at it.
“Hey Ma, what, he did what, I can't believe this, he doesn't learn huh, ain't gunna happen, nope, I'll be in touch, sorry ma but he's got to learn not to treat us this way, bye ma, love you too,” Jake said. He hung up and looked at them.
“What happened?” Bella asked.
“Our father paid your bill with Austin, he's trying to get you girls out of town,” Jake said.
“What,” Bella said.
“Unbelievable,” Katie said.
“He also called your parents and talked with them,” Jake said
“No no no,” Katie said.
“Oh no, we can't go back,” Bella said.
“Darlin', what's going on?” Jake asked.
“We told you the truth, our parents are controlling and emotionally abused us,” Bella said.
“We can't go back to that, we want to have our own lives and live the way we want,” Katie said.
“We want freedom and being with you guys gives us that,” Bella said. Jake hugs her close to him. Lance hugs Katie to him.
“We aren't letting you guys go,” Jake said.
“Not a chance,” Lance said. Bella's phone rang. She looked at it.
“Sis?” Katie asked.
“It's Dad,” Bella said.
“Don't answer it,” Katie said. Bella ignored the call and put it on silent.
“I can't believe this,” Katie said.
“Just answer and put it on speaker,” Jake said. Bella looked at it as it was ringing again and she answered it and put in on speaker.
“Hello?” Bella said.
“Isabella,” Dad said.
“What father?” Bella asked.
“Is that the way to talk to me young lady?” Dad said.
“Why should we be nice to you, father,” Katie said.
“Since I have control of your bank account and I can freeze it and you won't have money,” Dad said.
“Who said we use that account,” Bella said.
“We have our own account in a different bank that you have no control of,” Katie said.
“You two are my daughters, you belong here with me and your mother,” Dad said.
“Not anymore,” Bella said.
“We are over 21, we are adults, you have no control over us anymore,” Katie said.
“You may be our father but we don't belong to you, we are not your property, you don't own us,” Bella said.
“Property is going to the store and paying for it, you didn't pay for us in a store, Mom gave birth to us,” Katie said.
“You were just the sperm donor, you were never a father to us,” Bella said.
“Work was more important, you never came home to be a father to us,” Katie said.
“You little witches, how dare you do this to me,” Dad said.
“I don't know why you feel the need to control us,” Bella said.
“Why do you need us for, Dad, you don't need us for anything,” Katie said.
“You are my daughters, you belong here with me and meet men suitable for you,” Dad said.
“Suitable, like who?” Bella asked.
“Tom and Paul,” Dad said.
“Paul cheated on me, no way would I ever be with him again,” Katie said.
“Tom cheated as well, with two different women,” Bella said. Jake held her hand as Lance held Katie's.

Chapter 10

“Dad, it's time to let us go, we want our own lives,” Bella said.
“We just want to be free to make our own choices,” Katie said.
“We can't be with cheaters,” Bella said.
“They obviously didn't want to be with us either if they couldn't stop looking at other women,” Katie said.
“We did everything for them,” Bella said.
“It wasn't good enough for them,” Katie said.
“Girls, I get it, I will have a chat with them, now I got a call from Ray Parker about you two taking off with his sons,” Dad said.
“He's like you, controlling his sons, their mom was very welcoming and kind and said we could call her Mama and said we were a part of the family,” Bella said.
“Their father wanted us gone because we were changing things,” Katie said.
“His sons were becoming independent and he didn't like that,” Bella said.
“I will not touch that bank account and I will put more money in there for you guys to live on until you find a place to settle down, you both are right, I'm sorry for how I have been towards you both, you need to be independent, how would you get through life otherwise,” Dad said.
“Thanks Dad,” Bella said.
“How is Mom?” Katie asked.
“I'm fine, girls, I'm proud of you both and proud of your father's change of heart,” Mom said.
“If Ray calls again, have a chat with him,” Katie said.
“I fully intend to, it's time for him to let go of the reins and let his sons be independent,” Dad said.
“We appreciate that sir, I'm Jake, his second oldest son,” Jake said.
“I'm Lance, the youngest son,” Lance said.
“Their older brother is Austin, he's a mechanic, our car broke down in Montana and needed a new engine so he's fixing it for us,” Katie said.
“How much will it cost?” Mom asked.
“New engine would cost $7500 but he gave us a discount of $3250, but he said he would accept payments so we got jobs to pay him in payments but we haven't started yet because Jake and Lance needed to get away from their father for awhile so we are visiting Mount Rushmore today and who knows where we will go next but we can't go back right now,” Bella said.
“Was that the best deal he could do, no offense to your brother, guys,” Dad said.
“That's the best he could do and he said he would accept what they could pay him each week,” Jake said.
“Our mom offered to pay so they wouldn't have to worry about it but they insisted on paying themselves,” Lance said.
“That's my girls, independent,” Mom said.
“I will call and talk to your father, boys,” Dad said.
“He can be stubborn,” Jake said.
“If he was being like I was, he can change as I just did,” Dad said.
“Thanks Dad,” Bella said.
“Thanks Dad,” Katie said.
“I do love you girls, both of us do,” Dad said.
“We love you both,” Bella said.
“I love the new you, Dad,” Katie said.
“So do I,” Mom said.
“I'm starting to like the new me, too,” Dad said.
“Bye Dad,” Bella said.
“Bye Mom,” Katie said. She hung up and hugged Katie.

Chapter 11

That night, Jake and Bella laid there on the bed in their room. She had her head resting on his chest stroking his stomach.
“I do hope my dad can talk sense into your dad,” Bella said.
“If not, I don't care, I'm not letting you go no matter what, I just got you,” Jake said.
“You do, huh,” Bella said.
“You know what I mean,” Jake said.
“I'm kissing, kiss me cowboy,” Bella said. He smiled and kissed her deeply and they began making out. His hands slid up and down her side as he pulled her closer.
“Bella?” Jake asked.
“Hmm?” Bella said.
“I'm falling for you,” Jake said.
“Jake, I feel the same way,” Bella said.
“Will you be my girl?” Jake asked.
“Yes I will be your girl,” Bella said. He kissed her deeply as they held onto each other. They were kissing when his phone rang. He groaned and grabbed it and looked and saw it was his father.
“What do you want, father, he called you, we talked to him, he changed his ways as can you, we are not little kids anymore, father, we are grownass men wanting to make our own choices, yeah, you think long and hard,” Jake said. He hung up and groaned and held his head in his hands. Bella sent a text to Katie and soon she and Lance came in.
“Bro?” Lance asked.
“Talked to our father,” Jake said.
“What happened?” Lance asked.
“He said he can't change,” Jake said.
“Stubborn ass,” Lance said.
“Yep, but he will think long and hard on what their father said to him,” Jake said.
“So he talked to their father,” Lance said.
“Yeah he did say he made good points but it will be difficult to change everything,” Jake said.
“Okay so what now,” Lance said.
“We continue traveling until he changes his mind, if not, we find a place to live,” Jake said.
“What if he cuts us off?” Lance asked.
“Mom will cut him off literally,” Jake said.
“True,” Lance said.
“Has she tried talking to him?” Bella asked.
“Until she was tired of talking and he tuned her out on the subject,” Jake said.
“I thought our dad was stubborn,” Katie said.
“Nope, our father gets the award for that,” Lance said.
“Okay let's get to bed and we will talk over breakfast where to go next,” Jake said. Katie and Lance went back to their room. Jake got into bed with Bella and curled up behind her.
“Goodnight beautiful,” Jake said.
“Goodnight handsome,” Bella said.

Chapter 12

The next morning, Bella woke up to kisses on her neck. She smiled.
“Morning cowboy,” Bella said.
“Morning beautiful,” Jake said.
“Let's get some breakfast and plan our next move,” Bella said.
“Okay darlin',” Jake said. They got up and she took a shower and got dressed. He took a shower and got dressed and they got everything packed up ready to go an went down and met Lance and Katie in the restaurant.
“So what's next?” Lance asked.
“Well we can continue traveling around until your father comes to his senses,” Bella said.
“Highly doubtful,” Jake said.
“Let's go to Yellowstone National Park,” Katie said.
“That's like going back towards Montana,” Jake said.
“Are you trying to get further away?” Lance asked.
“If I get closer to Montana, I would be tempted to go back to the ranch and beat the crap out of our father,” Jake said.
“Let's head to Chicago,” Bella said.
“And then Minnesota and go to the Mall of America,” Katie said.
“Okay sounds like a plan, how about we go to Minnesota first and then Chicago after,” Lance said.
“Let's do it,” Jake said.
“Let's get some food first,” Bella said. They ate breakfast and went up and got their stuff and checked out and got into Jake's truck and drove to Minneapolis.
“Okay so we probably should get hotel rooms because the mall is huge and it will take us days to get through it,” Bella said. They went to a hotel and checked in and Bella and Jake went to their room while Lance and Katie went to theirs.
“You okay beautiful?” Jake asked.
“I'm fine,” Bella said. He wrapped his arms around her and held her close. She rested against him.
“How slow do you think my sis and your brother are going?” Bella asked.
“I talked to Lance while we were stopped at the gas station, he said they are going the same speed we are, no rushing things but they are officially boyfriend and girlfriend,” Jake said.
“I'm happy,” Bella said.
“Me too, darlin',” Jake said. He kissed her softly and hugged her.

Chapter 13

The next day, they met in the lobby and headed to the Mall of America in Bloomington.
“Wow,” Bella said.
“It's going to take us days to get through here,” Katie said.
“Let's get a map and mark where we have gone today and cross off the areas until we have seen it all,” Jake said. They spent the net few days at Mall of America. They finally got through the whole place.
“Wow,” Katie said.
“I'm tired,” Bella said.
“Let's go rest before dinner, guys,” Jake said.
“Let's go,” Lance said. They went back to the hotel and went back to their rooms. Bella collapsed on the bed. Jake took off his hat and boots. He took off Bella's shoes and crawled up next to her and pulled her close as they went to sleep.
KNOCK KNOCK
“Jake?” Bella said.
“Hmmm,” Jake said.
“Door,” Bella said. He got up and opened it and saw Lance and Katie.
“What is it,” Jake said.
“Mom called,” Lance said.
“Okay??” Jake asked.
“Dad had a heart attack this morning,” Lance said.
“And??” Jake asked.
“Jake, it's not looking good, we need to go back,” Lance said.
“He's not faking to get us back there, is he?” Jake asked.
“Why would Mom call us if he was faking,” Lance said.
“Could be fooling her,” Jake said.
“He's in the hospital and she never left him alone with the doctors,” Lance said.
“Lance, we will go back but if this is all fake, I'm gone and you can stay behind,” Jake said.
“Bro, I know man, I'm right there with you, I talked to Austin, he's buddies with Dad's doctor, it's legit,” Lance said.
“Let's go,” Jake said.
“We could all take turns driving if it helps,” Bella said.
“Probably a good idea,” Jake said. They all packed up and checked out of the hotel and headed out. Jake drove first while Lance and the girls slept. A few hours later, they stop for gas and Lance took over driving. Bella sat in the back with Jake as he slept. He held her close to him as they slept. Bella woke up and drove next. Jake sat up up front with her. Katie took over with Lance up front. Finally they hit Montana and stop and filled up the truck and Jake drove the rest of the way and they arrived in town.
“Hospital?” Jake asked.
“Yep,” Lance said. They went to the hospital and walked in and saw Austin and their mom.
“Oh my boys!” Alice said. They hugged their mother.
“Hey Ma,” Jake said.
“Hi Ma,” Lance said.
“Hey girls,” Austin said.
“Hi Austin,” Bella said.
“Sorry we haven't paid you for the car yet,” Katie said.
“I understand why you haven't, it's okay, I got it all ready for you, just pay when you can,” Austin said.
“Thanks,” Katie said.
“Thanks,” Bella said.
“Mom where is he?” Jake asked.
“In there, just don't argue with him,” Alice said.
“We will try, Ma,” Lance said. They went into the room. Bella and Katie stood there. Alice hugged them.
“Sorry for taking off with them,” Katie said.
“We are sorry about everything,” Bella said.
“Girls, it's okay, I understand why you all took off, I would have done the same thing but someone had to try to talk sense into him, ever since you all left, I slept in a separate bedroom,” Alice said.
“Jake and Lance had me checking out places for sale and I found a couple they might like,” Austin said.
“But only if you two are planning to stay,” Alice said.
“Lance and I are officially a couple,” Katie said.
“As are me and Jake,” Bella said.
“We can't see ourselves leaving until they want us to,” Katie said. They heard beeping from inside the room. Alice ran in with Austin behind her. Bella and Katie let the doctors and nurses go in before standing at the door. They pushed Alice and the guys out. Bella wen tot Jake and hugged him. He held her to him as Lance held Katie to him.

Chapter 14

Alice, Jake, Lance, Austin, Bella, and Katie stood there waiting for word from the doctor. Jake held onto Bella.
“I'm glad you are here with me,” Jake said.
“There is no place else I'd rather be,” Bella said. The doctor came out and looked at them.
“I'm sorry, Mrs. Parker, we couldn't save him, his heart was too weak and I think he was holding on for his sons,” the doctor said.
“Oh god no!” Alice said. Austin held his mother as she sobbed. Bella took Jake in her arms. Katie took Lance in her arms. Jake buried his face in Bella's neck and sobbed. Lance did the same with Katie. They went and said goodbye to him before leaving and going home to the ranch. Jake and Bella went to his room. He took off his hat and boots and she took off her shoes and they laid on the bed and she held him close as he cried. He rested his head on her chest.
“Bella?” Jake asked.
“Hmmm?” Bella asked.
“I need to tell you something,” Jake said.
“What is it?” Bella asked.
“You don't have to say it back, I can wait for you to be ready but I have to say it, Bella, I love you,” Jake said. She looked at him and stroked his cheek as he looked at her. She kissed his forehead and hugged him.
“Jake, I love you too,” Bella said. He smiled and stroked her cheek and kissed her deeply.
“ARE YOU KIDDING ME RIGHT NOW!” Lance yelled. They heard Lance yell outside the door as they heard footsteps running after him. They got up and got their shoes on and went out the door and found Lance and Katie by the front door. Katie was crying.
“What's going on?” Bella asked.
“I told her I loved her and she told me she doesn't think she can ever love me back!” Lance said.
“Katie?” Bella said.
“Bella, I think I should leave,” Katie said.
“What,” Bella said.
“Go!” Lance said. He walked back upstairs. Alice went after him.
“Katie, what is it?” Bella asked.
“I can't do this, I can't,” Katie said.
“What are you talking about, Katie, you are not making any sense!” Bella said.
“I'm pregnant, okay, I'm pregnant with Paul's baby, he wasn't so careful the last time before I left him for cheating,” Katie said.
“Oh god,” Bella said.
“You told Lance?” Jake asked.
“No, I couldn't,” Katie said.
“Katie, don't leave,” Bella said.
“Talk to him and be honest with him,” Jake said.
“I can't expect him to raise another man's baby,” Katie said.
“You will tell him, sis,” Bella said.
“LANCE! MOM!” Jake said. They came downstairs and looked at them.
“What,” Lance said.
“Katie has something to tell you,” Jake said.
“Katie, tell him or I will,” Bella said.
“I'm pregnant with my ex's baby,” Katie said.
“Paul?” Lance asked. She nodded and broke down sobbing.
“She was scared to tell you because she didn't think you would want to raise another man's baby,” Bella said.
“Katie,” Lance said.
“I'm sorry!” Katie said.
“Come here,” Lance said. She ran into his arms and he held her close.
“Don't be afraid to be honest with me,” Lance said.
“I love you!” Katie said.
“I love you too, and I want to raise this baby with you, it will be my baby, he will never find out,” Lance said.
“A grandbaby!” Alice said.
“Lance, are you sure about this?” Katie asked.
“I'm sure, Katie, I love you and I don't want to lose you,” Lance said. She hugged him and cried as he held her. Jake pulled Bella close and she rested her head on his shoulder.

Chapter 15

Bella and Jake went back to his room and took off their shoes and laid down on the bed. Jake held her to him. She picked at his shirt.
“What's wrong, darlin',” Jake said.
“I can't believe my sister is having a baby, I'm glad Lance is willing to be a father,” Bella said.
“He really wants to be with her,” Jake said.
“I guess I'm a little envious of her,” Bella said.
“What?” Jake asked.
“I thought she and I would always do everything together including being pregnant at the same time but that's not possible,” Bella said.
“Oh Bella,” Jake said. He hugged her close to him.
“There was a reason I got cheated on, Tom wanted sex and I wanted to wait until marriage, I thought Katie was the same way, I guess not,” Bella said.
“Bella, are you?” Jake asked.
“Yes, 25 and still a virgin,” Bella said.
“Wow, don't worry, darlin', I'm not going to cheat, I will wait for you,” Jake said.
“You will?” Bella asked.
“Yes, beautiful, I will wait, I love you, Bella, you are worth waiting for,” Jake said. She smiled and kissed him deeply and snuggled up to him.
“So if I said I wanted to wait until marriage to have sex, you would wait too?” Bella asked.
“I would wait forever for you, Bella, when I first saw you, that was it for me, you are the one for me, I don't care if it's a year from now, I want you forever,” Jake said.
“Oh Jake, I feel the same way, you are my forever,” Bella said. He kissed her deeply. They began making out heavily.
“JACOB! LANCE!” Alice called. Jake groaned and got up and they got their shoes on and they went downstairs. Lance and Katie came downstairs.
“Ma?” Jake asked.
“What is it?” Lance asked.
“Corey called, cattle are out and they need help,” Alice said.
“Okay, be back soon, darlin',” Jake said.
“Be careful,” Bella said. He kissed her forehead and went out the door. Lance kissed Katie and went out the door. Bella sat down at the table with Katie and Alice.
“How many cattle do you all have?” Katie asked.
“Over a hundred, Jake and Lance wanted to cut down but Ray was against it because the cattle prices were down,” Alice said.
“How many ranch hands are there?” Bella asked.
“There's Corey and 8 ranch hands that live on the ranch and five more in town, they should be on the way out to help,” Alice said.
“Bella?” Katie asked.
“Hmm?” Bella said.
“Did you and Tom ever, you know?” Katie asked.
“No,” Bella said.
“You mean you are still a virgin?” Katie asked.
“Yes, I'm waiting for marriage,” Bella said.
“I wish I did,” Katie said.
“Bella, have you and Jake talked about all this?” Alice asked.
“You mean does he know I'm still a virgin, yes he knows, he said he'll wait for me, he told me I'm worth waiting for, he wants me forever, I can see it with him,” Bella said.
“I can see it with Lance,” Katie said.
“I'm so happy my boys found their girls, now Austin needs to find that special someone,” Alice said. They sat there talking and two hours later, the door opened and Lance and Corey came in helping Jake.
“Jake!” Bella said.
“I'm okay darlin',” Jake said.
“What happened?” Katie asked.
“Horse got spooked and threw him and think his ankle is broken, let's get him up to bed,” Lance said. They helped him upstairs and laid him on the bed.
“Better call the doctor to come look at it,” Corey said.
“No, I can do it,” Bella said.
“She volunteered at the hospital in high school,” Katie said. They got her a first aid kit and she got his boots off and looked it and wrapped it and put a splint on it.
“Probably should go to the hospital tomorrow to see how bad it is, need an x-ray probably,” Bella said.
“Thank you, baby,” Jake said.
“I love you,” Bella said.
“I love you, too,” Jake said.
“Get some rest, you two, Corey, stay close in case,” Alice said.
“Yes ma'am,” Corey said.
“Holler if you need me, bro,” Lance said.
“I will, thanks,” Jake said. They all left the room. Bella curled up against him.
“Is it just your ankle?” Bella asked.
“Yeah, I'll get the full examination tomorrow,” Jake said.
“I'm just glad it wasn't worse,” Bella said.
“Me too,” Jake said.
“Horse okay?” Bella asked.
“Yeah, I don't know what spooked him but he didn't go far,” Jake said.
“Let's get some rest babe,” Bella said.
“Okay,” Jake said. He held her close and they went to sleep.

Chapter 16

The next day, they take Jake to the hospital to get his ankle looked at. The doctor looked at the splint.
“Who did this splint” the doctor asked.
“I did,” Bella said.
“You are?” the doctor asked.
“His girlfriend,” Bella said.
“You a nurse?” the doctor asked.
“No but I volunteered at a hospital when I was in high school,” Bella said.
“This is very impressive, you did the right thing,” the doctor said. He went to work getting x-rays and he put a cast on it and told them to come back in six weeks. They went home. Jake sat on the couch. Bella went upstairs. She came downstairs and heard Jake and his mom talking.
“Jake, I know about her wanting to wait until marriage to take the next step but here you are wanting to ask her to marry you, for what, to take that step?” Alice asked.
“No, Ma, I want to ask her because I love her and I can't imagine my life without her, she is the one, Mom, she has my heart,” Jake said.
“Oh honey, she is already a daughter to me, I can't wait for it to be official,” Alice said. Bella smiled and wiped her eyes and took a deep breath and walked into the living room.
“Everything okay?” Bella asked.
“Yep,” Jake said.
“Yes honey,” Alice said.
“Do you need anything?” Bella asked.
“Just you sitting by my side, need you in my arms, beautiful,” Jake said. She sat down and curled up against him as he wrapped his arms around her. She rested her head on his shoulder. He kissed her forehead.
“Better?” Bella asked.
“Perfect,” Jake said.
“You two make a cute couple,” Alice said.
“You bet we do,” Jake said.
“Alice, how you holding up?” Bella asked.
“I'm hanging in there, finally got the arrangements done, funeral is tomorrow,” Alice said.
“I won't be able to be a pallbearer,” Jake said.
“I know, honey, we have plenty of guys to do it, the ranch hands will do it, I want my sons with me, and my daughters,” Alice said. Bella's phone rang. She looked and saw it was her father. She answered it.
“Hi Dad,” Bella said.
“Hi honey, how is ranch life?” Dad asked.
“It's good, but Jake's dad passed away of a heart attack, the funeral is tomorrow,” Bella said.
“I'm sorry to hear that, how are they holding up?” Dad asked.
“Everyone is hanging in there,” Bella said.
“How are thing with Jake?” Dad asked.
“Going great, he's kind of injured right now,” Bella said.
“What happened?” Dad asked.
“Cattle got out and he went to help get them back in, horse spooked and threw him off, he's got a broken ankle, it happened last night but we went to the hospital today, I put what I learned from volunteering in high school at the hospital to use last night, doctor today was impressed,” Bella said.
“I'm proud of you, both of us are, now I called because I had a little chat with Paul and Tom,” Dad said.
“Okay, what did they have to say?” Bella asked.
“They certainly didn't deny cheating on you and Katie, but Tom admitted to something that affects you,” Dad said.
“What is it?” Bella asked.
“Bella, he was Katie's first time,” Dad said.
“What?” Bella said.
“He slept with your sister thinking she was you,” Dad said.
“Oh god,” Bella said.
“I'm sorry, honey, they won't be bothering you guys again,” Dad said.
“I have to go, bye,” Bella said. She hung up and covered her face and cried. Jake pulled her into his arms and held her. He looked at his mother. She stroked Bella's hair.

Chapter 17

“What's wrong, beautiful?” Jake asked.
“My dad talked to my ex and Katie's, they told him they cheated on us but something else happened,” Bella said.
“What is it?” Jake asked.
“My ex, Tom, slept with Katie thinking she was me, he was her first,” Bella said.
“Oh my god,” Jake said.
“I don't know what to say or do,” Bella said. Lance and Katie came into the house and saw them. Bella stood up and looked at her sister.
“Bella, what is it?” Katie asked.
“Don't standing there and tell me it didn't happen!” Bella said.
“What are you talking about?” Katie asked.
“Your first time, Katie, with her ex,” Jake said.
“How did you?” Katie asked.
“Dad called, he talked to them and he told Dad,” Bella said
“Oh god Bella,” Katie said.
“How could you do that to me, no wonder he cheated, thought I gave it up and wouldn't sleep with him again, or did you tell him who you really were,” Bella said.
“It wasn't consensual!” Katie said.
“What?” Lance asked.
“He forced himself on you?” Jake asked.
“He raped me,” Katie said.
“Are you lying to me?" Bella asked.
“No Bella, I'm not, I swear!” Katie said. Bella got out her phone and dialed a number.
“Hello? Bella is that you?” Tom asked.
“Yes it's me, I have a question and you better answer me with the truth!” Bella said.
“I will,” Tom said.
“Did you rape my sister and take her virginity?” Bella asked.
“What,” Tom said.
“You heard me, tell me the truth, did you take her virginity by rape?” Bella asked.
“Is she saying that I did that to her, Bella, I swear on my mother's life that I didn't rape her!” Tom said.
“I don't know who to believe, my twin sister who I never thought would hurt me or lie to me or believe some douche who cheated on me, one being my twin sister!” Bella said.
“I swear, Bella, I couldn't do that to a woman,” Tom said.
“You better not be lying,” Bella said.
“I'm not, I swear!” Tom said.
“Goodbye Tom,” Bella said. She hung up and looked at her sister.
“Well? Want to lie some more or tell me the truth,” Bella said.
“He seduced me okay!” Katie said.
“I can't believe this,” Bella said.
“Katie, why,” Lance said.
“Paul and I had a fight and I ended up at the diner in the city and Tom was there, he thought I was Bella and I told him I was Katie but he refused to believe me and one thing led to another and we were at his place in bed, afterwards he realized that I wasn't Bella and told me to leave,” Katie said.
“Oh my god,” Bella said.
“It was a mistake that I will never make again!” Katie said.
“I need to go for a walk, do me a favor, don't touch Jake at all!” Bella said.
“I swear it was just that one time and I don't even think of it being my first time, to me it meant nothing, that's why I told everyone that Paul was my first and only, until now,” Katie said.
“You two have done it?” Jake asked.
“Yeah,” Lance said.
“I need to get out of here,” Bella said.
“Bella,” Jake said.
“Don't worry, I'm not leaving you,” Bella said. She goes out the door. Jake looks at Katie and Lance.
“Katie, best stay away from her for a bit,” Jake said.
“Come on, Katie, let's see if Austin will let us use his place and he stay here for a bit,” Lance said.
“No, don't do that, just stay, they need to talk this out, this happened before they came here and it's in the past, that's where it should stay,” Alice said.
“Maybe I should change my look, so I won't look like Bella in a way so people can tell us apart, so there is no mistake who is who,” Katie said.
“We will know who is who when you start showing,” Lance said.
“I might cut my hair, I've wanted shorter hair and it might be better as I get further along,” Katie said. They went upstairs. Jake looked at his mom.

Chapter 18

Two hours went by and Bella hadn't returned from her walk. Jake was getting worried. Lance and Katie came downstairs. Lance went to look for her.
“I'm worried about her, what if something happened to her,” Jake said.
“Lance will find her, honey,” Alice said. The door opened and Lance came running in with Bella in his arms.
“Oh god Bella!” Katie said.
“Oh god no!” Jake said. Jake moved off the couch and Lance lays her down.
“I found her near the lake, there was blood on the rock, looks like she tripped and hit her head,” Lance said.
“We should get her to the hospital,” Katie said.
“Katie's right,” Alice said. Lance picked her up and carried her out with Katie, Jake, and Alice behind them and they got into the truck and headed to the hospital and she was taken to a room. Lance, Katie, Jake, and Alice sat in the waiting room. Jake leaned forward and held his head in his hands.
“Jake,” Alice said.
“I can't lose her, Ma, I can't,” Jake said. Alice hugged him. The doctor came out.
“How is she?” Katie asked.
“She suffered a blow to the head, she's still unconscious, there is some swelling in her brain, we won't know when she will wake up until it goes down,” the doctor said.
“Oh god,” Katie said.
“We are doing everything we can for her,” the doctor said.
“Can I go be with her?” Jake asked.
“As soon as we have her settled in a room,” the doctor said.
“One more thing, there is a possibility of memory loss, we won't know for sure until she wakes up,” the doctor said.
“Thank you Doctor,” Katie said. She leaned against Lance as he held her. Alice hugged Jake.
“Oh god, Ma, what if she lost her memory and won't know who I am,” Jake said.
“Doc said it was possible not definite,” Alice said.
“Hey guys,” Austin said.
“Hey bro,” Lance said. Alice told him what happened. Austin sat with Jake.
“We have Dad's funeral tomorrow, how can I leave her,” Jake said.
“I'll come get you, take you to the funeral and then bring you straight back,” Austin said.
“What if she wakes up and no one is here,” Jake said.
“I'll stay with my sister tomorrow,” Katie said.
“No Katie, Lance will need you by his side, one of us should be able to have his girl by his side,” Jake said.
“All right,” Katie said.
“We got her in a room now,” the doctor said. Jake followed him along with the others and they walked into the room and saw her lying there.

Chapter 19

The next morning, Jake sat there at Bella's bedside holding her hand, watching her. Austin came in with Jake's suit for the funeral.
“Here you go, bro, go change,” Austin said.
“All right,” Jake said. He kissed Bella's hand and got up and got his crutches and took the suit and went into the bathroom and changed. He had to use the shower seat to get his pants on over his cast. He got up and finished getting ready and came out and hobbled over to the bed and kissed Bella's forehead.
“I'll be back, baby, I love you,” Jake said. He went out the door with Austin. Three hours later, Jake came in and went to change and gave the suit back to Austin after he was done and Austin left. Jake sat down and took Bella's hand and held it.
“I'm back, baby, it was brutal today, I wish you were there by my side,” Jake said.
“Hello?” Kevin asked. Jake looked and saw a couple standing at the door.
“Hello, can I help you?” Jake asked.
“We are Bella and Katie's parents, I'm their mother, Jody, and this is their father, Kevin,” Jody said.
“I'm Jake, Bella's boyfriend,” Jake said.
“Can you tell us what happened, they called and told us she was here and that she had a head injury,” Kevin said.
“She just found out that Katie slept with Tom and tried to lie and say he raped her but then said he seduced her, Bella got upset and went for a walk, two hours later she hadn't come back so my brother, Lance, who is Katie's boyfriend went to look for her and he found her by the lake on the ranch, there was blood on a rock under her head so we guess she tripped and hit her head on the rock, he found her and brought her to the house and we all brought her here,” Jake said.
“Why didn't you go after her?” Jody asked. Jake moved around and showed them his cast on his foot.
“I was thrown from my horse after he got spooked and I broke my ankle, otherwise I would have gone after her, she wanted to be alone, I wanted to give her that, I just thought she wouldn't go far,” Jake said.
“We understand now why you couldn't run after her, you would risk doing more damage to your ankle, do you love our daughter?” Kevin asked.
“Yes sir, I do, she's the one for me,” Jake said. They heard a groan from the bed. They saw her moving her head and arms. Jody went to get the doctor. Jake took her hand and held it.
“Bella?” Jake asked.
“Jake?” Bella asked.
“I'm here, darlin',” Jake said.
“My head hurts,” Bella said.
“I know, baby, I know, you tripped and hit your head on a rock,” Jake said.
“Who found me?” Bella asked.
“Lance did,” Jake said.
“Where's Katie?” Bella asked.
“Home resting, your parents are here,” Jake said.
“Hi honey,” Kevin said.
“Dad,” Bella said.
“Honey,” Jody said.
“Mom!” Bella said.
“Bella, hello, let's get you checked over,” the doctor said. The doctor examined her. She refused to let go of Jake's hand.

Chapter 20

Bella sat there in bed after the doctor finished examining her.
“When can I leave?” Bella asked.
“I want to keep you for a couple more days to monitor you, you hit your head pretty hard, I will schedule another x-ray to make sure everything is okay and then we will see if we can get you out sooner,” the doctor said.
“Thank you doc,” Jake said. The doctor left the room and Bella looked at Jake.
“Jake, did I miss your dad's funeral?” Bella asked.
“Yeah, it was this morning,” Jake said.
“I'm sorry,” Bella said.
“It's okay, baby,” Jake said.
“No, I shouldn't have went out yesterday, I should have just went up to the bedroom,” Bella said.
“You needed some fresh air, you wouldn't have gotten it in the bedroom,” Jake said.
“On the balcony I would have,” Bella said.
“Right, anyways Lance was ready to take Katie to stay at Austin's and have him come stay at the ranch so you wouldn't have to talk to her for a bit,” Jake said.
“I'm sorry, honey, I shouldn't have told you about what happened with them,” Kevin said.
“No, I needed to know the truth,” Bella said.
“But look at what happened, you needed to get out of the house to think and end up hitting your head and are in here recovering,” Jody said.
“I know, and this is all my fault, maybe I should have just given it to him,” Bella said.
“Bella, are you sure that's why he slept with your sister, because you wouldn't give him your virginity,” Jake said.
“Maybe,” Bella said.
“No, you heard what your dad and sister said, he thought she was you, because you two are twins, I'm not making excuses for them,” Jake said.
“I know, you are just trying to come up with a logical explanation for what happened,” Bella said.
“Bella, no matter what, I'm on your side,” Jake said.
“I know, you are staying here with me until I leave, right?” Bella said.
“I wouldn't be anywhere else, baby, they will have to get security to get me out of here,” Jake said.
“We should probably find a hotel to stay for awhile,” Kevin said.
“Nearest one is two hours away in Billings, we have a bed and breakfast in town but it's full up, they should change it to apartments since they never have openings and no one leaves and they don't kick anyone out,” Jake said.
“That's why Jake and Lance took us to their ranch to stay, nowhere else to go,” Bella said.
“I'll call my mom, you guys can stay there, we have plenty of rooms,” Jake said.
“We couldn't impose,” Jody said.
“Nope, my mom would whip me if I wasn't hospitable,” Jake said.
“Just stay at the ranch, his mom won't mind a bit,” Bella said.
“She's right, I'm Alice, Jake's mom,” Alice said.
“I'm Kevin, Bella and Katie's father,” Kevin said.
“I'm Jody, their mother,” Jody said.
“You both are welcome to stay at the ranch, your daughters are there and there is plenty of room,” Alice said.
“Okay,” Kevin said.
“Let's get you guys settled in at the ranch, if you will follow me please,” Alice said.
“We will see you later, Bella,” Jody said. They hugged her and left with Alice. Bella grabbed Jake's hand and held it. He kissed her hand and they sat there.

Chapter 21

The next morning, Bella was getting an x-ray. Jake sat in the room waiting for her to get back. Lance and Katie came in.

“Hey bro,” Lance said.
“Hey guys,” Jake said.
“Is Bella okay?” Katie asked.
“Yeah, they took her to get an x-ray,” Jake said.
“I talked with my parents, they said Bella blamed herself for Tom sleeping with me,” Katie said.
“Yeah, I told her that it was a case of mistaken identity, that he thought you were her and all that,” Jake said.
“I told him I was Katie but he wouldn't listen, he thought it was an excuse to not give it to him, it was a huge mistake,” Katie said.
“Or he knew and he didn't care and wanted to hurt Bella because she wouldn't give him her virginity so he took her sister's instead,” Jake said. The door opened and they wheeled Bella back in.
“Hey beautiful,” Jake said.
“Hey handsome, hey sis,” Bella said.
“Hey how you feeling?” Katie asked.
“Head still hurts a bit but my heart hurts too, I miss my sis,” Bella said. Katie hugged her and they cried.
“You never lost me, sis, I was giving you time but I wasn't far,” Katie said. The doctor came in and looked at them.
“Bella, your x-rays came back good, you will be discharged today but I want you to spend the next few days in bed, take Tylenol for any pain you experience,” the doctor said.
“So she doesn't have a cracked skull from hitting the rock,” Katie said.
“No, and that is a miracle, it might have been enough of a hit to knock her out but not enough to crack her skull, no one knows but this is a good thing,” the doctor said.
“Thank you doc,” Katie said.
Three hours later, they all were heading back to the ranch. Jake helped her out of the truck.
“Come lay down with me?” Bella asked.
“Of course,” Jake said. They all walked inside. Alice and her parents came in from the living room.
“You're home!” Alice said. She hugged Bella. Her parents hugged her.
“Yeah, I'm going to go lay down, doc wanted me to rest the next few days,” Bella said.
“Come on, darlin',” Jake said.
“We can help her,” Jody said.
“Jake is going with me, he's feeling pain in his ankle,” Bella said.
“Are you two sharing a room?” Kevin asked.
“Yes, but we aren't doing anything more than sleep,” Bella said.
“She wants to wait and I will wait for her, she is worth waiting for,” Jake said. Jake and Bella went upstairs to his bedroom and went in and sat on the bed and took off their shoes and moved back on the bed and she laid her head on his chest. Alice came in with water and Tylenol.
“Thanks Ma,” Jake said.
“Get some rest, both of you,” Alice said. She kissed his forehead and Bella's and went out the door closing it. Bella and Jake fell asleep in each other's arms.

Chapter 22

Three days later, Bella and Katie's parents went back home. Bella was resting in bed with Jake beside her.
“Jake?” Bella asked.
“Yeah baby,” Jake said.
“I want to tell you something,” Bella said.
“What is it, darlin',” Jake said.
“I love you,” Bella said.
“I love you too darlin',” Jake said.
“I heard you talk to your mom,” Bella said.
“What do you mean?” Jake asked.
“About wanting to ask me to marry you,” Bella said.
“Oh,” Jake said.
“If you ever ask, the answer would be yes,” Bella said.
“Bella, really?” Jake asked.
“Yes, you said I have your heart, you have mine,” Bella said.
“Oh god, Bella,” Jake said. He pulled her close and kissed her deeply.
“So are we engaged now?” Jake asked.
“Well technically you didn't officially ask me,” Bella said.
“Right, of course, I need to come up with something,” Jake said.
“But I would say yes we are, I don't care how you ask me, I want to be with you forever,” Bella said. He smiled and kissed her softly and hugged her to him and buried his face in her neck.
“MOM! LANCE! KATIE!” Jake yelled. Alice, Lance, and Katie came in.
“What's wrong, bro?” Lance asked.
“Sis, you okay?” Katie asked.
“What's wrong?” Alice asked.
“Everything is right, we are engaged!” Jake said.
“Oh my god!” Katie said. She ran and hugged Bella. Lance bro hugged Jake. Alice came over and hugged her son and came around and hugged Bella.
“Bella, you call me Mom now okay,” Alice said.
“Okay Mom,” Bella said.
“We have to start planning the wedding!” Katie said.
“Whoa hold up guys,” Bella said.
“We might do a long engagement, maybe next year or sooner, I'm certainly not limping up or down the aisle,” Jake said.
“And I want to make sure I don't have any lasting effects from hitting my head,” Bella said.
“Plus I need to get a ring,” Jake said.
“I have one, Jake, I'll be right back,” Alice said. She left the room and came back with a small box. Jake opened it and saw the most beautiful ring. He looked at his mom.
“It was your grandmother's,” Alice said.
“It's beautiful,” Bella said. Jake took it and slid it on Bella's finger and it was a perfect fit.
“Bella, I love you and I want to spend the rest of the my life with you, you complete me and you are my forever, will you marry me?” Jake asked.
“Yes!” Bella said. He cupped her face in his hands and kissed her deeply. He hugged her as everyone joined the hug.

Chapter 23

Two months later, Jake and Bella were at his doctor's appointment. His cast was taken off and he was getting an x-ray on his ankle. She sat there waiting for him. She looked around and realized something. She will talk to Jake later about it.
“Hey beautiful,” Jake said.
“Hey how did it go?” Bella asked.
“Waiting to look at them,” Jake said. They got him settled on the table. She stood up next to him. The doctor came in.
“Jake, got your x-rays here, is it okay to speak in front of your girlfriend?” the doctor asked.
“No, you can speak in front of my fiance,” Jake said.
“Congratulations you two,” the doctor said.
“Thank you,” Bella said.
“Your ankle healed up nicely, let's see how well you walk on it,” the doctor said. Jake got up and stood on his ankle and walked around the room. Bella watched him along with the doctor.
“Let's go out in the hallway and walk,” the doctor said. They went out to the hallway and walked up and down it.
“Looks like you are back to normal, Jake,” the doctor said.
“I hope so, I want to be normal for our wedding, I don't want to be limping at all,” Jake said.
“We have plenty of time, babe,” Bella said.
“I know, just don't want any setbacks,” Jake said.
“Me either,” Bella said.
“How have you been doing, Bella?” the doctor said.
“A headache here and there but other than that, I'm okay,” Bella said.
“Normal after a head injury, you will be completely back to normal soon,” the doctor said.
“I was wondering about something, do you all need nurses here?” Bella asked.
“We could always use more nurses, why do you ask?” the doctor asked.
“I said before that I volunteered at a hospital in high school and now after all that has happened, it hit me thinking of maybe becoming a nurse,” Bella said.
“I can help you get into the program if you are serious about it,” the doctor said.
“Bella?” Jake asked.
“I'm serious about it, but I would like to talk it over with my family before making a final decision,” Jake said.
“No need to talk it over, we all will support you in this,” Jake said.
“Really?” Bella asked.
“Of course, you should be able to make your own decisions, have control of your life, I don't want to control you, baby, I want to be your partner, your equal, I want to be your biggest supporter,” Jake said.
“I love you,” Bella said. She hugged him tight.
“I love you, too, so doc, get her into that program, she is going to be a nurse,” Jake said.
“Thank you so much!” Bella said.
“I'll get things going right away, I just need to know where to contact you and send you the info,” the doctor said.
“Jake's ranch,” Bella said.
“Got it,” the doctor said. They left the hospital and went back to the ranch and they walked in. Alice, Lance, and Katie saw them walk in.
“Oh my boy is back walking normal,” Alice said.
“Yep, and we have some other news, Bella is going into the nursing program to become a nurse,” Jake said.
“That's great!” Katie said.
“Oh honey, so proud of you!” Alice said. Alice and Katie hugged Bella. Lance hugged Jake and they all went to celebrate the news.

Chapter 24

That night, Jake and Bella were in bed. Bella laid there with her head on his chest as he held her close.
“I love being in your arms, it just feels so right,” Bella said.
“Because we were meant to be,” Jake said.
“To think me and my sister were just passing through town, our car quits and you guys help us and now here we are, in love and engaged, I'm so happy that the car quit that day,” Bella said.
“So am I, I saw you and I knew you were the one, I tried to get the courage to talk to you before you left but by that time, you two had gone out the door but fate was with me when you came in saying you needed help with your car,” Jake said.
“I love you, Jake,” Bella said.
“I love you, too, Bella,” Jake said.
“I have to ask, have you ever had a girlfriend?” Bella asked.
“Yes I have, it's been five years since the breakup, she cheated on me with one of my best friends and I heard they are married and living in Texas,” Jake said.
“Another question,” Bella said.
“Yes, I've had my first time, no it wasn't with her, it happened in high school, senior year with my prom date,” Jake said.
“Oh okay, so do I need to worry about her or anything?” Bella asked.
“No, we are friends but we just didn't want to be virgins anymore and she's into girls,” Jake said.
“Oh, okay so we are clear of anyone trying to come between us,” Bella said.
“No one will come between us, I won't let it happen, I will fight for you,” Jake said.
“Okay, good to know,” Bella said.
“You know there are things we can do without going all the way,” Jake said.
“Like what?” Bella asked.
“It involves my mouth and fingers,” Jake said.
“I think I know what you are talking about, I've read stories and had a health class in school and heard other girls talk about sex and stuff so you think you can keep from going all the way,” Bella said.
“Of course,” Jake said.
“So you are wanting to do something?” Bella asked.
“Maybe if you are up for it,” Jake said.
“What did you have in mind?” Bella asked.
“I thought about sliding my finger under your pants and under your underwear and sliding in between your legs and working my fingers in and our of your core and giving you your first orgasm,” Jake said.
“Does it require no clothes or them on?” Bella asked.
“It can be fine either way,” Jake said.
“Touch me, Jake, make me come with your fingers,” Bella said.
“Oh Bella, I love you,” Jake said.
“I love you, too,” Bella said. He kissed her deeply. He slowly slid his hands under her shorts and underwear.
“If you want me to stop, just tell me and I will okay,” Jake said. She nodded and he rested his forehead against hers as his fingers rubbed against her core. He slipped two fingers inside her. She moaned and wrapped her arms around him. He worked his fingers in and out of her and hit her g-spot and she arched off the bed and cried out his name softly as she came around his fingers. He pulled them out and put them in his mouth and licked them clean. He held her close to him.
“Oh god Jake,” Bella said.
“I know, did you like it?” Jake asked.
“I loved it, can I return the favor?” Bella asked.
“Bella, you don't have to, baby, this was just for you,” Jake said.
“I want to,” Bella said. He took her hand and guided it down his body under his boxers and she felt him. She looked at him.
“Jake?” Bella asked.
“It's okay, baby, it does that when I'm close to you,” Jake said.
“I know it's called an erection, just never felt it before,” Bella said. She wrapped her fingers around him and he guided her hand up and down. He moaned as he helped her go the speed he needed and he came inside his boxers. She pulled her hand out and saw it covered with his juices. She licked her fingers and he just gazed at her and she looked at him.
“You taste good,” Bella said.
“So do you, baby,” Jake said. He got up and went to the bathroom and took a quick shower and put a new pair of boxers on and she got up and washed her hands and he pulled her close.
“I love you baby so much, I can't wait to marry you,” Jake said.
“I love you too and I can't wait to be your wife, how about getting married in four months,” Bella said.
“You sure baby, it's going to be snowing,” Jake said.
“Okay six months?” Bella asked.
“Might be cleared up by then, okay now the date,” Jake said. They looked at the calendar and decided on the date.
“March 30th,” Bella said.
“Our wedding day,” Jake aid. They went back to bed in each other's arms.

Chapter 25

Three weeks later, Bella and Katie were working at the diner with Maggie and Betty. They weren't busy so they just did some things around the counter when a couple came in and sat down at one of Bella's tables. Maggie held her arm.
“Katie, can you take care of them, I'll explain later,” Maggie said.
“Sure,” Katie said. Katie went over to them. Bella looked at Maggie.
“Text Jake and tell him not to come here,” Maggie said.
“Why?” Bella asked.
“That's his ex and her husband, his ex best friend,” Maggie said.
Bella sent a quick text and he replied back saying he was already on the way but would wait for her at Austin's.
“He's at his brother's shop, why is she back in Montana I wonder,” Bella said.
“Who knows, I hope not to see Jake,” Maggie said. Katie came over with an order and got their drinks and took it to the table and came back.
“Who is that?” Katie asked.
“Jake's ex and ex best friend,” Bella said. Lance came in and kissed Katie and saw who was there and looked at Bella.
“Jake told me she was here but I didn't believe it,” Lance said.
“He's with Austin,” Bella said. They were whispering so no one could hear them. The food was ready and Katie took it to their table and came back and hugged Lance.
“She's beautiful,” Bella said.
“Probably had work done while in Texas,” Lance said.
“Maggie, can I go?” Bella asked.
“Sure see you,” Maggie said. Bella took off her apron and went out the door and went to Austin's and walked in and saw Jake talking with Austin. She walked into his arms.
“Hey beautiful, what's wrong?” Jake asked.
“I'm scared,” Bella said.
“Scared why?” Jake asked.
“Your ex, she's beautiful, probably more than me,” Bella said.
“Nonsense, you are more beautiful to me than anyone in this town and in Texas,” Jake said.
“I just don't know if I can compete with her,” Bella said.
“Baby, there is no competition here, I'm with you, she cheated and married the man she cheated on me with , she made her choice and I have my future right in front of me, my beautiful fiance,” Jake said.
“I'm sorry I'm being this way, just seeing her knowing she's your ex and how beautiful she is, got me all insecure but I know I love you and I want to be with you forever, I hate having you wait for me, for our wedding night,” Bella said.
“Hey you are worth waiting for, baby, you know every night we pretty much do all the foreplay stuff,” Jake said.
“I know and I love it, I can't wait until our wedding night when you make me yours officially,” Bella said.
“Me either baby, you are mine no matter what,” Jake said.
“Jake, hide, she's coming this way,” Austin said. Jake grabbed Bella's hand and ran to the office and closed the door and locked it and closed the blinds to the window in there and Bella looked around and saw that the door was the only one.
“What do you want, Amy,” Austin said.
“I was wondering if Jake was around, I saw his truck here,” Amy said.
“Now why would you be looking for the guy you cheated on with his best friend and you married that said best friend and moved to Texas, so why are you back?” Austin asked.
“I made a mistake and I need to talk to him,” Amy said.
“A mistake, you made the biggest mistake of your life falling into bed with your husband and that is unforgivable, Jake has moved on with his life, he doesn't even think of you anymore, you were just a bad memory he just wanted to forget,” Austin said.
“Austin, please I just need to talk to him,” Amy said.
“Why, why do you need to talk to him?” Austin asked.
“Because I'm pregnant and it's his,” Amy said. Bella looked at Jake and he shook his head at her.
“Nope, not mine, haven't seen her in five years baby, I swear to you,” Jake said. Bella nodded. Jake motioned to be quiet.
“I say bullshit because he hasn't seen you in five years and I know my brother, he never lies to me or to Lance, if he met up with you, he would have told us so get your lying ass out of here,” Austin said.
“Austin, please I'm telling the truth,” Amy said.
“How is it possible you are having his baby if he hasn't touched you in over five years, huh, unless you are carrying a five year old in your stomach,” Austin said.
“All right fine, I was sent here to cause problems between him and his girl,” Amy said.
“Who sent you?” Austin asked.
“A guy named Tom, he is her ex and he wants her back,” Amy said.
“That's too bad, he cheated on her countless times, even took her twin to bed thinking it was his girl and wouldn't listen to her twin saying he wasn't her,” Austin said.
“He is a piece of work, I'm going back to Texas, I'm calling him and telling him to go to hell, goodbye Austin,” Amy said. Bella looked at Jake and rested her forehead on his chest. Austin knocked on the door. Jake opened it and looked at his brother. Austin saw Bella.
“I can't believe this, I'm calling my dad,” Bella said. She got out her phone and dialed her dad's number.
“Bella, hi honey,” Kevin said.
“Dad, I need you to go to Tom's house and kick his ass for me and Jake,” Bella said.
“What happened?” Kevin asked.
“He is trying to get me back with him so he tracked down Jake's ex and had her come to Montana claiming to be pregnant with Jake's child and cause problems between us so I would break up with him and come back, Jake hasn't seen his ex in five years so it was impossible to be his child,” Bella said.
“That son of a bitch,” Kevin said.
“I know, I think Jake wants to kill him,” Bella said. Jake nodded.
“No need, honey, I will take care of him and he won't bother you again,” Kevin said.
“Thanks Dad, love you,” Bella said. She hung up and looked at Jake and Austin.
“Your dad taking care of it?” Jake asked.
“Yes,” Bella said. Jake smiled and hugged her close. They left and went back to the ranch and walked in and saw his mom sitting at the table with the two people he never wanted to see again.

Chapter 26

Bella and Jake stood there staring at who was sitting at the table with Alice.
“What are you doing here?!” Jake said.
“I wanted to talk to you and your girlfriend,” Amy said.
“I'm not his girlfriend,” Bella said.
“She's my fiance,” Jake said.
“We know all about your little job you were supposed to do,” Bella said.
“How?” Amy asked.
“We were there at Austin's when you came in, we were hiding in his office and heard everything,” Jake said.
“I called my dad, he's taking care of my ex,” Bella said.
“Brad, you went along with this?” Jake asked.
“Not happily, but I didn't really want to argue with her,” Brad said.
“I'm sorry that I went along with his plan, I shouldn't have had anything to do with it, he sounded sincere and heartbroken,” Amy said.
“He's a really good actor,” Bella said.
“Did you call and cancel the plan with him?” Jake asked.
“Yes, she told him she was done and doesn't want to be a part of his plan, he told her fine, he will find someone else to break you guys up,” Brad said.
“I hope my dad makes him back off,” Bella said.
“Call him, baby,” Jake said. She gets out her phone and calls her father.
“Hey honey,” Kevin said.
“Did you talk to him?” Bella asked.
“Yes I did, I told him that he is the one who screwed up and that you can't forgive him, I even asked him if the roles were reversed, would he be able to forgive you, he said no so I told him there's your answer, he should leave you alone now,” Kevin said.
“Hopefully because I just spoke with Amy, Jake's ex, and she had called him and told him that he was done and wanted out and he told her fine, he would find someone to break me and Jake up,” Bella said.
“How long ago was that?” Kevin said.
“Hold on, when did you talk to him?” Bella asked.
“An hour ago,” Amy said.
“An hour ago,” Bella said.
“Son of a bitch lied to me, I talked to him two hours ago, I'm going to knock some sense into that boy,” Kevin said.
“Dad, be careful, he might press charges if you go over there and hit him,” Bella said.
“I will be careful, he wouldn't dare press charges against me, he knows what I will do to him,” Kevin said. Someone pounded on the front door. Jake went and opened the door.
“Can I help you?” Jake asked.
“I'm sorry to bother you but I was told that my girlfriend was here,” Tom said.
“Who is that?” Jake asked.
“Bella Carson,” Tom said.
“So you are Tom, the cheating ex,” Jake said.
“Dad, he's here,” Bella said. She whispered into the phone. Lance and Katie came to the door.
“What are you doing here, jackass!” Katie said.
“Apparently looking for his 'girlfriend' Bella,” Jake said.
“She's not your girlfriend anymore, you cheating lowlife!” Katie said.
“Katie, please I love her,” Tom said.
“If you loved her, you wouldn't have cheated on her with those girls, or taken my virginity thinking I was her when I told you over and over again that I was Katie not Bella, you alone destroyed the relationship because you couldn't wait for her,” Katie said.
“A real man is patient and waits, you are not a real man,” Jake said.
“Who are you?” Tom asked.
“I'm Jake, as in Bella's Jake, I'm her fiance and a real man, you lost pal, she doesn't want to see you again, go back home and never come back, get off this ranch now before I call the cops and have you thrown in jail for trespassing,” Jake said.
“I made mistakes!” Tom said.
“Oh my god you are obsessed!” Katie said.
“Please I love her!” Tom said.
“She's mine now, she loves me and I love her and we are getting married, get over this obsession, she does not want you anymore and she will never give you another chance no matter how much you beg, move on with your life and leave her be!” Jake said.
“I can't, please I beg you, let her go so I can be with her please!” Tom said. He gets on his knees and begs Jake. Jake, Lance, and Katie looked at each other.
“Lance call the cops,” Jake said. Lance makes the call and soon they show up and arrest Tom for trespassing and they leave. Bella hangs up with her dad and sits down on the couch. Jake comes and sits beside her.
“You okay baby?” Jake asked.
“I can't believe he actually was on his knees begging, I'm glad you called the cops, he's insane, he doesn't listen to anyone,” Bella said.
“I'll make a call to my buddy, Charlie, he's the police chief in town,” Jake said.
“My dad is getting his dad and coming to get him,” Bella said.
“I texted Dad and told him that Tom was in jail,” Katie said.
“I think we should move up the wedding,” Bella said.
“Bella, are you sure?” Katie asked.
“I don't want to risk anything happening,” Bella said.
“Bella,” Jake said.
“You saw how desperate he sounded right, he will not stop until he has me, I will not give my virginity to him, I want it to be with you, Jake, it needs to happen soon,” Bella said.
“You guys, I have an idea,” Alice said.
“What is it, Ma?” Jake asked.
“Go to Vegas for the weekend and get married in the nicest chapel they have and stay at the nicest hotel with the best honeymoon suite and have your wedding night, we can have a family wedding too,” Alice said.
“Bella?” Jake asked.
“Let's do it,” Bella said.
“Lance, Katie?” Jake asked.
“We are coming,” Katie said.
“Yep,” Lance said. Amy and Brad came in and said goodbye and left. Jake, Bella, Lance, and Katie packed a bag and went to the airport and headed to Las Vegas.

Chapter 27

The plane landed in Las Vegas. They rented a car and drove to the strip. They went to the hotel they were staying at. Jake and Lance checked them in while Bella and Katie looked around the lobby.
“I can't believe we are here, sis,” Bella said.
“And you are here to get married,” Katie said.
“Have you and Lance talked about getting married?” Bella asked.
“Yes, but this is your time, we can wait, maybe have a double family wedding,” Katie said.
“Or we could have a double wedding here,” Lance said.
“I'm okay with that, bro,” Jake said.
“Really?” Katie asked.
“Yes!” Bella said.
“Okay so we should tell Mom and Dad and Alice,” Katie said.
“I'll tell Mom and we can have a family double wedding later,” Lance said.
“Let's get to our rooms,” Jake said. They went to their rooms. Lance and Katie walked into theirs. Jake and Bella walked into theirs.
“Purple rooms,” Bella said.
“I caught a glimpse of their room, purple too,” Jake said.
“I wonder what the honeymoon suite is like,” Bella said.
“We will find out tomorrow night,” Jake said.
“I guess you and Lance should switch rooms,” Bella said.
“What, why,” Jake said.
“Can't see the bride before the wedding,” Bella said.
“Bella, no I can't sleep without you in my arms and there is only one bed and I am not sleeping with my brother on the same bed,” Jake said.
“Fine, I will get up early in the morning and get Katie and go out shopping and you you guys need suits and wedding rings and Katie and I will need dresses so we will spend the day apart and meet at the chapel,” Bella said.
“Okay, but still being away from you is torture,” Jake said.
“You will survive, we have forever babe,” Bella said. Jake pulled her close ad kissed her and hugged her to him.
“Yes we do,” Jake said.
“I forgot to ask, did you bring condoms?” Bella asked.
“Crap, no I didn't, but couldn't we get started on a family?” Jake asked.
“I thought we could have some time to ourselves before we think of kids, maybe a few months before we start trying,” Bella said.
“All right, I'll get some tomorrow but you know they are not that effective, one bad one could result in a pregnancy,” Jake said.
“You sound like you had that happen,” Bella said.
“Luckily I haven't but a friend of mine did,” Jake said.
“Brad?” Bella asked.
“No, this guy's name is Hank, he moved to Wyoming with his baby mama,” Jake said.
“I might see about a day after pill or something,” Bella said.
“I just can't wait to marry you and call you my wife, my everything,” Jake said. He kissed her softly and hugged her to him. She rested her head on his chest.
“I love you so much baby,” Jake said.
“I love you too,” Bella said. They each took a shower and met at the bed and got in and laid down and went to bed. The next morning, she woke up and saw him asleep and got up and went to change and came back and went out the door after leaving a note. She knocked on Lance's door and Katie came out and they went to the elevator and went down and got off in the lobby and went out of the hotel and walked down the street. They found a wedding dress shop and went in.
“Hello ladies, I'm Geena, how can I help you two today?” Geena asked.
“We are here to buy wedding dresses, we are getting married tonight,” Bella said.
“Double wedding?” Geena asked.
“Yes,” Katie said.
“I hope we find one that fits around your belly,” Bella said.
“Me too,” Katie said.
“Did she just call you fat?” Geena asked.
“No, I'm pregnant, but that's not why we are getting married, I love my man and we want to be together forever, baby is just a bonus,” Katie said.
“Congratulations on both for you and congratulations to you on your wedding, let's get you dresses shall we,” Geena said. They tried on dresses and Bella put one on and smiled.
“This is it,” Bella said.
“Bella, that's perfect, and so is this one,” Katie said.
“Oh no, Katie, they are going to think you are me,” Bella said.
“I'll send him a text telling him that you are the one wearing white,” Katie said.
“You better,” Bella said.
“You will walk to Jake anyways,” Katie said.
“I know but I don't want them confused,” Bella said.
“It will be fine,” Katie said. They paid for the dresses and went to get shoes and then had lunch and went back to the hotel and went to their rooms and saw the guys gone. Bella saw a note from Jake.
“Okay, the boys went to get suits and rings and will get ready in your room so get what you need and come over,” Bella said. Katie went to get her makeup bag and they started getting ready.
“Where are we getting married?” Katie asked.
“Glass Gardens Wedding Chapel,” Bella said.
“So it will be just us four and the minister,” Katie said.
“And staff probably,” Bella said.
“Witnesses,” Katie said.
“Probably,” Bella said.
“I can't wait to get married,” Katie said.
“Me too, I love Jake so much,” Bella said.
“I love Lance and he loves me and the baby, I just wish it was his,” Katie said.
“It will be, just put his name down as the father on the birth certificate, Paul has no claim on the child, he cheated on you countless times, you were faithful to him because that time with my jerk of an ex happened before you and Paul got together,” Bella said.
“I'm going to, even Lance said for me to, Alice is looking forward to being a grandma,” Katie said.
“I told Jake to get condoms,” Bella said.
“You guys don't want to have kids right away?” Katie asked.
“He does, I want to wait a bit, just have me and him time,” Bella said.
“And he understands that?” Katie asked.
“Yes he does, he wants to marry me, he told me he can't wait to be with me forever,” Bella said.
“We are so lucky, sis,” Katie said. They finished getting dressed and ready to go. They looked at each other.
“Ready?” Bella asked.
“Ready,” Katie said.

Chapter 28

They went out the door and went to the chapel and peeked in and saw the guys standing up front with the minister.
“Hey girls,” Kevin said.
“Dad!” Bella said. They hugged their father.
“We can't believe you are here!” Katie said.
“They boys arranged it, we just landed an hour ago and came straight here, your mom is in there seated right now with Alice and Austin,” Kevin said.
“Oh Dad!” Katie said.
“You two ready?” Kevin asked.
“Yes definitely,” Bella said.
“You both look so beautiful!” Kevin said. The music started and they linked arms with their father and walked down the aisle. They looked at Jake and Lance. Jake was gazing at Bella as was Lance at Katie. They arrived at the front and Bella stood before Jake and Katie stood before Lance.
“You look gorgeous,” Jake said.
“Thank you handsome,” Bella said.
“Beautiful,” Lance said.
“Thank you handsome,” Katie said. The ceremony began. They exchanged vows and rings and the minister pronounced them man and wife and told the guys they could kiss their brides. Jake cupped her face in his hands and kissed her softly. Lance did the same with Katie. They hugged their family and they went to a little reception and danced and ate. Bella sat down on Jake's lap and kissed him.
“Hello husband,” Bella said.
“Hello wife,” Jake said.
“I love you,” Bella said.
“I love you too,” Jake said.
“I'm ready when you are babe,” Bella said.
“Time to go baby, bye everyone have a good night!” Jake said. He and Bella went out the door.
“In a hurry are we?” Bella asked.
“Always baby,” Jake said. They went to the hotel and went up to their room and got their bags and went up to the honeymoon suite and he opened the door and picked her up and carried her into the room and put her down and got the bags and brought them in and closed the door and turned and saw her looking around the room. He hugged her from behind and kissed her neck.
“You okay baby?” Jake asked.
“Yeah, I'm going to go change,” Bella said.
“Okay, I'll get comfortable,” Jake said. She got her bag and went into the bathroom and changed into something she got for the night. She smiled as she looked in the mirror. She took a deep breath and opened the door and stood there. He looked up and saw her and he gazed at her.
“Oh my god, darlin',” Jake said.
“You like it?” Bella asked.
“Come here and I'll show you,” Jake said. She walked over to him and he pulled her down on the bed and rolled over on top of her and kissed her deeply. She felt him against her. He gazed in her eyes.
“You are so beautiful,” Jake said.
“I love you,” Bella said.
“I love you more,” Jake said.
“Make me yours,” Bella said. He kissed her softly before kissing her neck and moved the straps of her lingerie down and kissed her shoulders. He removed the nightie and gazed at her body.
“Gorgeous, breathtakingly beautiful,” Jake said.
“Jake,” Bella said. He pushed off his boxers and reached over and grabbed a condom and slid it on and laid between her legs.
“Baby, this is going to hurt but it will go away,” Jake said.
“I noticed there are towels under us,” Bella said.
“It could be a little messy and I didn't want to leave the bed a mess for housekeeping,” Jake said.
“Messy, how?” Bella asked.
“Baby, when you lose your virginity, there is a little blood,” Jake said.
“Oh,” Bella said.
“It's okay though, that will be the only time there will be blood unless it's your time of the month and you have an accident in bed but it won't be from having sex because those few days we won't be having any,” Jake said.
“You seem to know a lot about this,” Bella said.
“My ex talked a lot about that stuff and I don't know why I remembered all that but I thought it would help you a little,” Jake said.
“Okay now make love to me, my husband,” Bella said.
“If you want me to stop, I will stop,” Jake said.
“I never want you to stop, I want my husband,” Bella said.
“Yes ma'am,” Jake said. He slowly slid into her body. He got to the barrier that was her virginity and stared into her eyes. She looked up at him. He slowly pushed through it and held still as tears fell down her cheeks.
“I love you, I love you so much, tell me when there is no pain,” Jake said.
“Oh god Jake, it hurts,” Bella said.
“I know baby I know,” Jake said. They laid there not moving. They held onto each other. He buried his face in her neck and kissed her neck softly and hugged her.
“I'm okay now,” Bella said. He slowly moved in and out of her. She moved with him and held onto him as he went faster and harder. She cried out as she came around him and he came inside her. He laid on top of her and buried his face in her neck and moved out of her and kissed her before getting up and going to the bathroom to take care of the condom. He ran a bath and came and got her and carried her into the bathroom and they got into the bathtub and he sat with her in front and he held her close.
“That was amazing,” Bella said.
“It was but are you hurting?” Jake asked.
“A little but in a good way, I think maybe I should go on birth control when we get home, there is a shot that works right away,” Bella said.
“Maybe we could get it done here before we go home,” Jake said.
“Okay because I want to experience it without a condom,” Bella said.
“Hmmm, I'm for that,” Jake said.
“You hate using them, don't you,” Bella said.
“Yeah a little,” Jake said.
“Have you used them before?” Bella asked.
“For my first time I did, my ex was on the pill so I didn't with her,” Jake said.
“Are you clean?” Bella asked.
“Yes baby,” Jake said.
“Hmmm,” Bella said. She turned around and moved to straddle him.
“Baby,” Jake said.
“I want to feel you inside me,” Bella said.
“Baby if I go inside you, I won't be able to pull out without coming,” Jake said.
“What if that's what I want,” Bella said.
“Baby, you could get pregnant and you wanted to wait,” Jake said.
“I got day after pills so I can take one and be safe,” Bella said.
“Baby I love you,” Jake said.
“Inside me now mister,” Bella said.
“Yes ma'am,” Jake said. He grabbed her hips and pushed inside her body. She rested her head on his shoulder as they moved together. They came together and she felt his warm release inside her body. She laid against him as he held her close. They got out of the tub and showered and washed off before going to bed in each other's arms after Jake got rid of the towels.

Chapter 29

The next morning, Bella woke up and saw Jake still asleep. She got up and went to the bathroom and got her bag out and got the pills out and looked at them and looked in the mirror and thought about what to do. She looked out and saw him asleep and sighed. She knew he wanted to start a family and she looked at the pills and put them back in her purse and used the bathroom and came out and got back in bed and laid there watching him sleep.
“Morning beautiful,” Jake said.
“Morning handsome,” Bella said. He pulled her in his arms and kissed her deeply.
“Did you take your pill?” Jake asked.
“No I decided not to,” Bella said.
“What?” Jake said.
“I don't want to wait,” Bella said.
“Bella, are you sure?” Jake asked.
“I want to start our family,” Bella said. He pulled her under him and they began making love. He came inside her emptying into her body.
“I love you so much baby,” Jake said.
“I love you too,” Bella said.
“I can't wait until we start having babies, a mini me or a mini you running around,” Jake said.
“Or both at the same time,” Bella said.
“Baby?” Jake asked.
“Twins run in my family so it's possible that I will have twins at some point,” Bella said.
“I will be happy no matter what and I will be happy with however many babies you want,” Jake said.
“No more than six,” Bella said.
“Six?” Jake asked.
“My plan was three but changed it if it's all twins,” Bella said.
“Six it is, and I will have fun putting them into you,” Jake said.
“More like you will have fun making them with me,” Bella said.
“Most definitely,” Jake said. He pulled her close and kissed her deeply and they began making love. He moved fast and hard. She held onto him. She came around him crying out his name. He came inside her filling her with his warm release. He kissed her deeply and laid on top of her and buried his face in his neck. They heard a cell phone ring. Jake groaned and moved off and got up and she smiled as she gazed at his body. He smiled as he saw her watching him.
“See something you like baby?” Jake asked.
“Oh yeah,” Bella said. He smiled and got his phone and answered it. He went into the bathroom and closed the door.
“Better be important,” Jake said.
“It is bro, Tom is back, he's at the ranch and won't leave until he talks to Bella,” Lance said.
“Dammit, I thought we had a restraining order,” Jake said.
“I called the cops but he's locked himself in the house with one of the ranch hands and he has a gun,” Lance said.
“Son of a bitch, go back and handle it, Lance, I'm not letting him get near my wife,” Jake said.
“Katie said she will pretend to be Bella, she's not showing that much yet so she might be able to pull it off,” Lance said.
“If he has a gun and finds out she's not Bella, he might hurt her,” Jake said.
“She is determined to do this, she would do anything for her twin and there is no talking her out of it,” Lance said.
“Be careful, both of you, let me know what happens,” Jake said.
“I won't let anything happen to her, keep Bella safe bro, we got this,” Lance said.
“I'll call Kevin and tell him what's going on,” Jake said.
“I did and he called Tom's father to meet him there,” Lance said.
“Seriously this guy needs to be in a mental hospital,” Jake said.
“I know, he is obsessed with your wife and won't accept the fact that he is the one who screwed up,” Lance said.
“I'll let you go to take care of that trash in our home, call me back,” Jake said.
“Bye bro,” Lance said. Jake hung up and went out and got back in bed.
“Everything okay?” Bella asked.
“I hope so baby,” Jake said.
“Who was that?” Bella asked.
“Lance,” Jake said.
“Is Katie okay?” Bella asked.
“I'm sure she is, he was calling about something else, something with the ranch,” Jake said.
“Jake, what's wrong?” Bella asked.
“Nothing, just that I love you more than anything in the world and I can't imagine my life without you in it,” Jake said.
“Same goes for me, now make love to your wife please,” Bella said.
“Yes ma'am,” Jake said. He moved on top of her and kissed her deeply. They made love off and on throughout the day. They were having dinner when the phone rang. Jake answered it.
“Bro?” Jake asked.
“It's over bro,” Lance said.
“What happened?” Jake asked.
“Katie played the role of Bella perfectly, Tom thinking she was Bella, begged her to come back to him, Katie said she couldn't because he broke her heart and he can't put it back together, it took another man to put it back together she told him, he told her if she didn't come back to him, he would kill him, Katie said why does he want her back so badly, turns out his father won't let him take over the company if he doesn't have a wife,” Lance said.
“It's her or nothing,” Jake said.
“Yep, and then his father came in and told him that he found the perfect woman for him and it wasn't Bella, he showed him a picture of the girl and he just stared at it,” Lance said.
“Okay?” Jake asked.
“He told Katie he was over her and ran out the door, Kevin stayed with us and his father called Kevin and told him that Tom met the girl and it was love at first sight,” Lance said.
“Thank god,” Jake said.
“Yeah no kidding, his father assured Kevin that his son won't bother Bella anymore,” Lance said.
“I hope not,” Jake said.
“I will let you get back to your honeymoon bro,” Lance said.
“Bye bro,” Jake said. Jake hung up and looked at Bella.

Chapter 30

Jake and Bella laid there in bed holding each other. Bella looked up at him.
“Babe, what's been going on, the phone calls and all that?” Bella asked.
“I guess it's safe to tell you now, Lance told me that Tom was at the ranch and wasn't leaving until he talked to you and since there was a restraining order, I told Lance to handle it, he called the cops but Tom had a gun on one of the ranch hands and locked them in the house,” Jake said.
“Oh god,” Bella said.
“So he called your dad and he called Tom's father and headed there, Lance came up with an idea, Katie pretended to be you and went to talk to him to find out why he was so desperate to talk to you,” Jake said.
“Jake,” Bella said.
“She's fine, baby, he didn't hurt her, he never knew it was Katie, she played you perfectly, he never knew it wasn't you, turns out that he wanted you back so badly was because his father wouldn't let him take over the company until he found a wife, she told him that he hurt you and broke your heart and another man had to put it back together and he couldn't heal your heart,” Jake said.
“So what happened?” Bella asked.
“His father came in and told him that he found him the perfect woman and showed him the picture and he stared at it and told Katie who he thought was you, that he was over you and ran out the door, his father called your dad later and told him that Tom met the girl and it was love at first sight,” Jake said.
“So he won't bother me anymore?” Bella asked.
“No baby, it's done, he is out of your life for good,” Jake said.
“I hope so, I wish you told me what was going on,” Bella said.
“And what would you have done?” Jake asked.
“I would have went back to confront him,” Bella said.
“Exactly and I wasn't ready for our honeymoon to be over baby,” Jake said.
“Oh you come here,” Bella said. She pulled him close and kissed him deeply and they made love.
“I love you,” Bella said.
“I love you too darlin',” Jake said. They went to sleep. The next day, they went out and rode the roller coaster that was nearby. They walked around the city. They went back to the hotel and had lunch. They took a shower together and made love in the shower. They washed off and gout out and collapsed on the bed and made love off and on the rest of the day and evening. They had dinner and went back to making love again before finally going to sleep in each other's arms. Three days later, they packed up and headed home to Montana. They arrived at the ranch and got their bags and went inside and to his room. They went downstairs and found Katie on the couch crying in Lance's arms.
“Katie?” Bella asked.
“What's going on?” Jake asked.
“The baby's gone,” Lance said.
“What, oh no Katie!” Bella said. She sat down and hugged her sister. Katie cried in her arms.
“I'm mostly upset because the baby was a part of me, but a little bit of me is glad because it was dumbass's baby, but good news is that I can have more babies,” Katie said.
“We talked and once she is completely healed, we will get to work,” Lance said.
“Okay so Mama Alice is in planning mode,” Katie said.
“She is planning the big family wedding,” Lance said.
“Does she need help?” Bella asked.
“Let's go sis,” Katie said. They went to help Alice with the planning while Jake and Lance talked about the ranch and the future.

Chapter 31

That night, Jake and Bella were in their bed holding each other after they made love. Bella rested her head on Jake's chest.
“I love you,” Bella said.
“I love you too baby,” Jake said.
“Do you think anything happened yet?” Bella asked.
“The rate we are going, it won't be long,” Jake said.
“I don't regret anything,” Bella said.
“Me either baby, you are everything to me, I can't be without you,” Jake said.
“Do you want a boy or a girl first?” Bella asked.
“I want a healthy baby, I will be happy either way, with either a little cowboy or a cowgirl,” Jake said.
“Or it could be one of each, twins run in the family,” Bella said.
“How many kids to do you want baby?” Jake asked.
“Maybe a lot, like as many as we can have,” Bella said.
“House full of kids?” Jake asked.
“Maybe, how many do you want?” Bella asked.
“However many you want, baby,” Jake said.
“Let's get to work on making sure it really happens,” Bella said.
“I'm all for that,” Jake said. He pulled her close and kissed her deeply. He began making love to her. She held onto him as he went faster and harder.
“I love you so much, baby,” Jake said.
“I love you too, Jake, I need you,” Bella said. He pulled her close and went harder and pounded her wetness. She buried her face in his neck. He kissed her shoulder.
“I'm coming Jake!” Bella said.
“Come for me baby!” Jake said. She came around him and he came behind her. She felt his warm release inside her body. He collapsed on top of her and buried his face in her neck. She held him close.
“Oh god baby,” Jake said.
“I know,” Bella said. He pulled out and laid beside her and she laid her head on his chest.
“I love you, my everything,” Jake said.
“I love you too, my everything,” Bella said. They put some clothes on and went back to sleep. They woke up some time later and started kissing.
“I should get up to do my chores,” Jake said.
“I don't know if I want to let you,” Bella said.
“Baby,” Jake said.
“Hmmm,” Bella said.
“My brothers and I are running this ranch now, we have to keep it going,” Jake said.
“I know, I just love being in your arms,” Bella said.
“I love having you in them, but we will be back here tonight,” Jake said. They got up and got dressed and went downstairs. Jake kissed Bella and went out the door. Bella sat there in the kitchen. Alice came in and sat down.
“What's wrong?” Alice asked.
“Nothing, just thinking of what happened the last time Jake went out the door to work on the ranch, he came back with a broken ankle,” Bella said.
“He will be fine,” Alice said.
“I know, I love him so much,” Bella said.
“I know and he loves you,” Alice said.
“Where's Katie?” Bella asked.
“She's resting in the bedroom, Lance took her to the doctor so they can get her cleaned up so there wouldn't be an infection,” Alice said.
“Oh,” Bella said.
“Bella?” Alice asked.
“I'm sad for her,” Bella said.
“I know but think of it as a blessing, she can finally put it all in the past and focus on the present and future,” Alice said.
“Yes she can,” Bella said. They sat there talking about things.

Chapter 32

Three days later, Jake and Lance were working on the ranch. Bella and Katie were working at the diner. They were mucking out the stalls in the barn when they heard their mother yell at them.
“JAKE! LANCE!” Alice yelled. They ran to the house and saw their mom on the porch.
“Mom, what is it?” Jake asked.
“Maggie just called, she said there was an accident in front of the diner,” Alice said.
“Ma?” Lance asked.
“It's Bella, she was hit by a car,” Alice said.
“What,” Jake said.
“Katie?” Lance asked.
“She's fine but she went in the ambulance with her so let's go!” Alice said. They went to the hospital and found Katie waiting.
“Katie honey!” Lance said. Katie ran into Lance's arms and cried.
“They almost lost her twice on the way here!” Katie said crying. Jake nearly collapsed to the floor but managed to get to a seat.
“Oh honey,” Alice said. She sat with him and wrapped her arms around him.
“No, she can't leave me, I can't live without her,” Jake said. He broke down crying in his mother's arms.
“What happened?” Lance asked.
“A child ran out of the diner, his mother had her hands full with her twin babies and the little guy got away from her so Bella ran to help, he ran out into the street and the car was coming and Bella pushed him out of the way and took the hit,” Katie said.
“Oh dear,” Alice said.
“The mother was so upset that her son caused Bella to get hit,” Katie said.
“No, Bella was just trying to help, she saved that little boy,” Jake said.
“That's what I told her,” Katie said.
“Jake?” the doctor said.
“Doc?” Jake asked.
“Jake, I'm sorry but it's not looking good,” the doctor said.
“What do you mean?” Jake asked.
“She has severe internal bleeding, some broken ribs, broken legs, some head trauma,” the doctor said.
“Is she going to live?” Jake asked.
“It's too soon to know, she's in a coma and it's possible she will never wake up,” the doctor said. Jake nearly collapses. Lance holds him.
“Please save her, please she's everything to me,” Jake said.
“We are doing everything we can but it's up to her and god,” the doctor said. Jake nodded and sat down and broke down crying. Alice hugged her son.
“I better call Mom and Dad,” Katie said. She went to make the call. Jake sat there staring at the floor with tears in his eyes.
“She can't leave me, she can't, she has to live, she has to come back to me,” Jake said.
“She will honey,” Alice said.
“Jake,” Maggie said. They looked up and saw Maggie, Corey, and Austin coming towards them.
“Hi honey,” Alice said.
“Bella?” Austin asked.
“She's got severe internal bleeding, some broken ribs, a broken leg, and some head trauma, she's in a coma, it's possible she'll never wake up,” Alice said.
“Oh god no,” Maggie said. Corey took her in his arms. Austin sat down by Jake.
“I'm here for you bro,” Austin said.
“I can't lose her bro,” Jake said.
“She won't leave you, she'll fight to come back to you,” Austin said.
“Katie said they almost lost her twice in the ambulance on the way here,” Jake said. They heard the intercom go off saying there was a code blue in one of the rooms. They saw Bella's doctor and nurses running to the room.
“Bella? Oh god no!” Jake said.
“I'll go check it out,” Austin said. He went down the hall to the room they saw the doctor and nurses go in. Austin looked back at Jake and Jake knew it was Bella. Lance and Alice took Jake in their arms as he broke down sobbing.
“What's going on?” Katie asked. Lance moved to Katie and took her in his arms.
“It's Bella, the code blue was her,” Lance said.
“NO!!” Katie cried. She broke down sobbing in Lance's arms.
“I'm here baby,” Lance said.
“No please god no!” Katie said. Maggie broke down crying in Corey's arms. He had tears in his eyes. Alice cried as she held Jake as he sobbed. Austin came back and knelt down in front of him.
“They got her back,” Austin said.
“Jake,” the doctor said.
“Doc please tell me,” Jake said.
“She's now on life support but she still has brain activity so that is the good news,” the doctor said.
“Is there anything else that can be done?” Jake asked.
“We will monitor her closely and let her heal and see about taking her off to see if she can breathe on her own,” the doctor said.
“I need to go be with her, please can I go be with her,” Jake said.
“Yes of course, and she can probably hear you so that might help her fight harder,” the doctor said. Jake went to the room and saw her lying there with the life support and the tubes. He sat down and took her hand in his.
“Bella, baby, I'm here, you need to fight, come back to me, baby, I can't live without you, you are everything to me, you are my life, my heart and soul, please find your way back to me, you can't leave me, baby, I love you more than life itself, you fight hard baby,” Jake said.
“I hear you baby, I'm trying to come back but something is preventing me from waking up, I can hear how much you love me, I'm trying to get but something is blocking me, I'll come back as soon as I can, my cowboy,” Bella said in her head.
“Jake honey,” Alice said.
“I'm not leaving her, Mom, I can't leave her,” Jake said.
“I know sweetie, I was just letting you know that Austin is taking me home to get you some clothes and stuff, I'll tell the doctor you are staying and they can have a cot brought in for you,” Alice said.
“Thanks Ma,” Jake said. Alice hugged her son and kissed Bella on her forehead.
“I love you my girl, come back to us,” Alice said. She kissed Jake on his cheek and hugged him again.
“I love you my boy,” Alice said.
“Love you too Ma, tell Katie she can come in,” Jake said.
“Lance took her home to rest, she was too distraught to come in but she will come when she's rested up, I think she wanted to give you time with her alone, Kevin and Jody will be here in the morning,” Alice said.
“Okay Ma, just have Austin bring me my bag when he comes back into town,” Jake said.
“I will bro,” Austin said.
“And tell Corey to tell the ranch hands to finish out the stalls in the barn and that he's in charge until further notice,” Jake said.
“We will honey,” Alice said. She left with Austin. Jake kissed Bella's hand and held it against his face.
“I love you, baby so much, I'm not leaving until you do,” Jake said.
“I love you too my cowboy,” Bella said in her head. They brought a cot in for him and after a couple hours in the chair, he went over and laid down on the cot. Austin brought in the bag for him and they talked and he left. Jake faces the bed and went to sleep the best he could without her in his arms.

Chapter 33

It's been two weeks since Bella has been in a coma and on life support. Jake never left the hospital. He practically lived in Bella's room. He would shower and shave and change clothes in the bathroom. The doctor knew he wasn't leaving until Bella was awake and out of the hospital. Her parents have been staying at the ranch and come visit every day. They sit with Bella while Jake goes to the cafeteria to get something to eat. They were going to take her off life support to see if she can breathe on her own. Jake was optimistic about the whole thing. He was scared she would code again. He talked with her before the doctor and her parents came in.
“Hey baby, they are going to try to take you off life support today to see if you can breathe on your own, take your time to wake up but just breathe on your own and don't leave me or the family, I love you more than anything in the world, come back to me baby please,” Jake said.
“Oh Jake, I will try my best, I'm trying to come back to you,” Bella said in her head. The doctor came in with Kevin and Jody. Katie, Lance, Austin, Alice, Corey, Maggie, and Betty stood at the door.
“Okay here goes,” the doctor said. He switched off the machine and they watched her. She started breathing on her own. They all smiled.
“Thank god,” Jody said.
“Thank you baby, I knew you could hear me,” Jake said.
“So now we wait to see if she'll wake up,” Kevin said.
“This is the first step,” the doctor said. Jake sat there watching her while holding her hand. He kissed her hand and held it to his face.
“How she doing with the healing, like her leg and ribs?” Jake asked.
“Her ribs are almost healed and her leg is halfway there and her head trauma is nonexistent but I can't rule out the possibility of her waking up with amnesia,” the doctor said.
“Thanks doc for everything,” Jake said.
Three weeks later, Jake went for a walk on the hospital grounds. Kevin and Jody were with Bella.
“Here you are honey,” Alice said.
“Hey Ma,” Jake said.
“Honey she will come back to you, I know it,” Alice said.
“I hope so, my life is nothing without her in it,” Jake said. Alice hugged her son and they walked back to Bella's room and saw Kevin and Jody talking with the doctor.
“What's going on?” Jake asked.
“She's awake!” Jody said.
“But she has amnesia, they are doing a test to see how far back she remembers,” Kevin said.
“Oh dear,” Alice said.
“So it's possible she doesn't know me?” Jake asked.
“I'm sorry Jake,” Jody said.
“Bella saw the rings and asked for Tom so she remembered being with him,” Kevin said.
“Oh god,” Jake said. He leaned against the wall. Alice hugged him. Lance and Katie came down the hall and Jody told them the news. Lance moved to Jake and hugged him.
“It'll be okay bro,” Lance said.
“How, I just lost her all over again,” Jake said.
“She's asking for her parents and sister,” the doctor said. Kevin, Jody, and Katie went in. Jake leaned against the wall and stared at the ceiling as tears fell down his cheeks. He heard Bella talking.
“I don't understand, where's Tom, I'm married aren't I,” Bella said.
“Yes honey, but not to Tom,” Jody said.
“You and Tom broke up because he cheated on you,” Katie said.

“Oh god,” Bella said.
“We are currently in Montana, you and Katie went traveling and your car died here in this small town and you met your husband here, his name is Jake,” Kevin said.
“I'm married to his brother, Lance,” Katie said.
“How can I be married to someone I don't even know,” Bella said.
“Honey, meet him and get to know him again,” Jody said.
“I can't,” Bella said.
“Bella honey,” Kevin said.
“No, I can't be married to someone I don't know,” Bella said. Jake was crying outside the room and he heard everything she had said and he walked off down the hall and out to the gardens where he sat on the bench there and just broke down crying. His heart was broken in a million pieces. Alice came and sat with him.
“I lost her, I lost my wife, Mom, she doesn't want to get to know me, she doesn't want to see me,” Jake said.
“I'm sorry, honey, I'm so sorry,” Alice said. She held him in her arms as he sobbed. Austin came out and Alice told him everything. Austin sat with them.
“Jake?” Lance asked.
“What?” Jake said.
“Bella will be released tomorrow and she's going back to Portland with her parents, Katie wants to go with her so I will go too,” Lance said.
“Oh ok,” Jake said.
“I will look out for her,” Lance said. Jake nodded and held his head in his hands. Alice and Austin took him home and he packed up her stuff. Austin took it downstairs for Lance to take when he came to pack a bag for him and Katie. Jake laid down on the bed and stared at the ceiling.
“Honey get some sleep okay,” Alice said.
“Highly doubtful that I will sleep, my heart is broken,” Jake said.
“Give it time, her memory will come back, there is that chance and hope,” Alice said.
“I hope you are right about that,” Jake said.
The next day, Jake laid in bed while downstairs, Alice was hugging Lance and Katie goodbye before they left for Portland.
“How is he, Ma?” Lance asked.
“Heartbroken,” Alice said.
“My heart breaks for him,” Katie said.
“Mine too,” Lance said.
“No change?” Alice asked.
“No,” Katie said.
“Take care of him, Ma,” Lance said.
“You know I will,” Alice said. She hugs them and they leave. Alice goes upstairs and looks in on Jake. He's curled up on the bed hugging the pillow that Bella has slept on and was crying. She prayed that Bella got her memory back before she lost her son to his broken heart.

Chapter 34

Two months went by. Bella still hasn't remembered anything. She found out she was pregnant. Jake has turned to drinking to cope with his broken heart. Lance was torn with going back to help his brother or staying with his wife. Alice and Austin told him that they were trying to help him and that his place was with his wife.
“I'm pregnant with my husband's child, the husband I don't know,” Bella said.
“Because you wouldn't see him or meet him!” Katie said.
“Katie,” Bella said.
“I understand how hard it is for you to not remember him but you didn't bother seeing him at all,” Katie said.
“I know, maybe I should,” Bella said.
“Because you are pregnant, that's the only reason,” Katie said.
“Katie stop,” Bella said.
“Bella, I love you, I'm a part of you, you know you can trust me,” Katie said.
“I know,” Bella said.
“Let's go to Montana and you can meet your husband and get to know him, okay, and you can tell him he's going to be a father, he loves you, you don't have to rush into loving him back, he is very patient,” Katie said.
“Hey girls,” Lance said.
“Call Mama and tell her we are coming home with Bella and tell her to make sure Jake is sober and also tell her that Bella isn't back to normal yet,” Katie said.
“Got it,” Lance said. He went to make the call. Bella looked at Katie.
“He drinks?” Bella asked.
“Usually he doesn't drink more than one beer a day but for the last couple of months, he's been drinking heavily to cope,” Katie said.
“Cope?” Bella asked.
“With the pain of losing you,” Katie said.
“Oh,” Bella said.
“When you didn't want to see him and came home with Mom and Dad, it broke his heart, he understood that you didn't know him and all that but it shattered him, he never left the hospital while you were there, he practically lived in your room,” Katie said.
“Let's get packed and go,” Bella said. A couple hours later, they were headed to Montana. Lance was driving.
“Mama said that the ranch hands hid all the alcohol and keeping him too busy to drink, she told him you were coming back but still no memory so that's keeping him sober as well,” Lance said.
“Thank goodness,” Katie said.
“He really loves me?” Bella asked.
“Bella, you are everything to him,” Lance said.
“Okay, I should have stayed and gave it a shot,” Bella said.
“Yes you should have,” Katie said.
“Katie,” Lance said.
“No, I know she didn't know him and all that but she didn't even see him or anything, that destroyed him,” Katie said.
“It would have been worse if she said it to his face,” Lance said.
“I'm sitting right here you know,” Bella said.
“We know,” Katie said. Soon they arrived in town and went to the ranch.
“It seemed longer the first time,” Katie said.
“Because you guys went to visit friends in Seattle and were coming from there,” Lance said.
“Who lives in Seattle that we know?” Bella asked.
“Hannah and David,” Katie said.
“Oh they together?” Bella asked.
“Married with a baby on the way,” Katie said.
“I need my memory back,” Bella said.
“Well he will be happy for you to have it back,” Lance said. They saw Jake waiting on the porch with Alice and Austin as they pulled in. They got out. Bella looked around and walked up to the porch. Jake came to her.
“Bella?” Jake asked.
“You must be Jake?” Bella asked.
“Yeah,” Jake said.
“Do me a favor, no drinking,” Bella said.
“All right,” Jake said.
“Okay so I may not remember you but I have been told over and over again that you are my husband so after being home in Portland for a bit, I think it's time to work on getting my memory back so I will have to get to know you again, can you be patient with me?” Bella asked.
“Yes, of course anything as long as you are here, if you want, my mom can make up a room for you,” Jake said.
“Actually since we are married, we should be in the same bed, but nothing more than sleep,” Bella said.
“That's fine, we will go your pace,” Jake said.
“Okay and there is something else, and it's not the reason I came here, but you should know,” Bella said.
“What is it?” Jake asked.
“I'm pregnant, they told me almost three months so I would say that it's yours,” Bella said.
“Ours,” Jake said.
“Ours, yes,” Bella said.
“Can I hug you?” Jake asked.
“Yeah,” Bella said. He hugged her close. She rested her head on his shoulder. She closed her eyes and images flashed in her head and she realized what they were. She pulled back and looked at him.
“Bella, what's wrong?” Jake asked.
“Jake?” Bella asked.
“Yeah,” Jake said.
“I love you,” Bella said.
“What, Bella?” Jake asked.
“Bella?” Katie asked.
“You remember?” Jake asked.
“It just came back to me,” Bella said. He hugged her tight as she cried in his arms. He buried his face in her neck.
“This is amazing!” Katie said.
“I guess that's all it took,” Lance said.
“What, a hug from me?” Jake asked.
“I should have stayed here,” Bella said.
“Bella, you did what you had to do,” Jake said.
“You are here now,” Katie said.
“But so many days apart!” Bella said.
“It's okay, you are back and home now,” Jake said.
“Oh Jake, don't let me go!” Bella said.
“Never again!” Jake said. He crushed his mouth to hers and they kissed deeply. He held her to him. Lance and Katie went inside with Alice and Austin. Jake and Bella went inside.
“I just called Mom and told her and she said we should have dragged Jake into the hospital room for a hug,” Katie said.
“I shouldn't have pushed you away,” Bella said.
“It's okay baby,” Jake said.
“I will tell you that I didn't go anywhere while at my parents except to track down Tom and give him a kick in the nuts,” Bella said.
“And it was a good one too!” Katie said.
“Proud of you baby,” Jake said.
“Bella! Katie!” Maggie said.
“Hey Maggie, can we come back to work?” Bella asked.
“Of course, first thing in the morning!” Maggie said.
“Maggie and I are engaged!” Corey said.
“Congratulations!” Bella said.
“Thank you! Bella, will you be my maid of honor?” Maggie asked.
“Yes!” Bella said.
“I'll be a bridesmaid!” Katie said.
“Exactly what I was thinking!” Maggie said.
“Jake, will you be my best man and Lance and Austin my groomsmen?” Corey asked.
“Yes,” Austin said.
“Yes,” Lance said.
“I'm honored man,” Jake said. They shook hands. Alice hugged Maggie.
“Let's get to planning the wedding, we can have it here at the ranch,” Alice said.
“That sounds perfect, right babe?” Maggie said.
“Yes it does, honey,” Corey said. Bella, Katie, Maggie, and Alice went into the kitchen while the guys hung out in the living room.
“So the girls are going back to work at the diner, I can just write off the bill for the car,” Austin said.
“No, they want to pay it themselves, they have had someone pay their way all their lives, let them pay the bill and show their independence from their parents and from us,” Jake said.
“But isn't your money their money as well?” Austin asked.
“They have an account together,” Jake said.
“Did you guys put them on your accounts?” Austin asked.
“Not yet,” Jake said.
“Katie is on mine actually but she told me she won't touch it unless she has to,” Lance said.
“I'll talk to Bella about mine,” Jake said.
“What about?” Bella asked. She came in and sat down on his lap. He smiled.
“Put you on my bank account as my wife,” Jake said.
“So I would have access to your money?” Bella asked.
“Well it's your money too,” Jake said.
“I want to keep my own bank account,” Bella said.
“Never said you had to close it,” Jake said.
“I love you and we will do it tomorrow,” Bella said.
“I love you too and I'm glad to have you back home in my arms,” Jake said.
“Where I belong,” Bella said.
“You bet,” Jake said.
“Corey, I'm heading home to talk to my mom about the wedding so she and Alice can combine efforts,” Maggie said.
“Okay I'll take you home,” Corey said.
“Bye guys,” Maggie said.
“See you in the morning!” Bella said. Corey and Maggie left. Lance and Katie went up to bed. Alice went on up to bed. Austin left. Jake locked up and carried Bella up to bed. They took a shower together and he made love to her in the shower.
“Oh god Bella, it's been so long,” Jake said.
“I know, oh god Jake harder faster!” Bella said. He went faster and harder and he came inside her and they washed off and got out and dried off and collapsed on the bed and made love again before going to sleep in each other's arms.

Chapter 35

The next morning, Bella and Katie were at the diner working. They were setting up tables and were behind the counter rolling up silverware in the napkins. The door opened and Jake, Lance, Corey, and Austin came in.
“Hey boys,” Bella said.
“Hey baby,” Jake said.
“You guys want lunch?” Katie asked.
“Yes we do, sweetheart, Corey is getting a head start on the wedding so we are headed to Billings to get suits,” Lance said.
“Good idea, girls, we will go dress shopping tomorrow,” Maggie said.
“Okay, what about the diner?” Katie asked.
“The boys are trained to work here,” Betty said.
“Uh I can't because I closed down today for this so I will be behind tomorrow,” Austin said.
“We have ranch work to do because half of the ranch hands have family obligations that they needed to be off,” Jake said.
“Sorry ladies,” Corey said.
“We can't close the diner and when is Maggie supposed to go shopping for her dress?” Betty asked.
“Guys please,” Maggie said.
“We can help with the ranch work later,” Bella said.
“Oh no you can't baby,” Jake said.
“Bella, the baby,” Katie said.
“I have been reading up on what I can and can't do and I can do some light lifting,” Bella said.
“Baby no,” Jake said.
“I can work on fences or does that count as heavy lifting,” Bella said.
“Okay but you stick by my side,” Jake said.
“Jake,” Lance said.
“I don't want to argue with my wife, bro,” Jake said.
“One thing boys, don't argue with the wife,” Betty said.
“Don't plan on it,” Corey said.
“Love you babe,” Maggie said.
“Love you too baby,” Corey said.
“Okay, so I guess we are working here tomorrow,” Lance said.
“Just give us three hours tops,” Maggie said.
“Let's get some food and hit the road,” Jake said. He kissed Bella as they sat down and ordered food and ate and they left.
“Bella, are you really going to do ranch work tomorrow?” Katie asked.
“I'm pregnant not invalid,” Bella said.
“Bella said she's been reading up on what she can and can't do so she will be fine, ladies, I was doing more than she was when I was pregnant with you, Maggie,” Betty said.
“Really?” Maggie said.
“Sure, and Alice helped on the ranch while she was pregnant with all three boys,” Betty said.
“Okay I'll be quiet,” Katie said.
“I'll be fine, you know Jake will watch me like a hawk,” Bella said.
“True true,” Katie said.
The next day, leaving the boys at the diner, Bella, Katie, Alice, Maggie, and Betty headed to Billings to go dress shopping. Maggie picked out dresses for the girls and her mom and Alice found dresses.
“Are you sure you don't want to have the wedding with me?” Maggie asked.
“This wedding is your moment with Corey, you two deserve it to yourselves,” Katie said.
“I'm planning a party for you all,” Alice said.
“I guess Jake and Lance didn't want a big wedding?” Maggie asked.
“They said the wedding in Las Vegas was special and they had family there, so they said a party was just fine,” Alice said.
Meanwhile back at the diner....
“What do we do if it's not busy?” Jake asked.
“Just stand here and hold down the place,” Lance said. The door opened and a guy came in and walked up to the counter.
“Excuse me?” the guy said.
“Yes?” Jake asked.
“I'm lost, I'm looking for the Parker Ranch?” he asked. Jake and Lance looked at each other. They looked at the guy.
“You don't have to go to the ranch to find a Parker, I'm Jake Parker and this is my brother, Lance, why are you looking for our ranch?” Jake asked.
“I am looking for my wife and someone said she lives there,” the guy said.
“Who is your wife?” Lance asked.
“Katie Carson,” the guy said.
“How long have you two been married?” Lance asked.
“Two weeks,” Paul said.
“Invalid marriage,” Jake said.
“Or fake,” Lance said.
“Excuse me?” the guy asked.
“Katie is my wife, we got married a few weeks ago, so your marriage is fake or you are a lying sack of crap,” Lance said.
“You must be the lying cheating ex of hers, Paul,” Jake said.
“So why do you think you are married to my wife?” Lance said.
“I got the marriage license right here,” Paul said. He showed it to them. Lance held it up to the light and ripped it up.
“Hey!” Paul said.
“I know what a real marriage license looks like, this one doesn't have the state seal embedded in it, I got a real one at home,” Lance said.
“Son of a bitch!” Katie said. Katie came up and kneed Paul right between his legs. He doubled over holding himself.
“Katie, can you do that again, he claims you were his wife,” Lance said.
“Gladly,” Katie said. She kicked him in the balls again.
“Lying sack of shit!” Katie said.
“Come here sweetheart,” Lance said. Katie walked into Lance's arms and kissed him.
“He's lying,” Katie said.
“I know, he had a fake marriage license,” Lance said.
“Why Paul, I told you it was over, I couldn't be with a cheater,” Katie said.
“I'm sorry, Katie, for everything, I wanted you back so badly,” Paul said.
“So you admit that the whole marriage thing was a fake,” Bella said.
“Tom told me she was with someone else, I couldn't move on,” Paul said.
“Well you will have to because I am happy with Lance, my husband,” Katie said.
“I'm sorry again, goodbye,” Paul said. He went out the door and Katie snuggled against Lance as he kissed her head.

Chapter 36

Three weeks later, it was the day of Corey and Maggie's wedding. The girls were getting ready in one of the guest rooms while the guy were getting ready in Corey's room in the bunkhouse. Bella and Katie put the finishing touches on Maggie's hair.
“Perfect,” Katie said.
“So beautiful,” Bella said.
“Thank you, ladies, I can't wait to walk down the aisle to Corey, he is the one,” Maggie said.
“You wish your dad was here?” Bella asked.
“Yeah, it's not the same without him but my mom is excited to walk with me,” Maggie said.
“Bella, I'm glad we made up with Dad before we got married,” Katie said.
“Me too,” Bella said.
“You guys had a fight?” Maggie asked.
“He was too controlling,” Katie said.
“We couldn't have jobs in high school,” Bella said.
“He got Bella fired from her job,” Katie said.
“He even told the hospital that I had a contagious disease and should not be allowed in the building,” Bella said.
“He wanted to run our lives,” Katie said.
“We had to put money in a separate account that he didn't know about and we left town while he was at work, our mom helped us and she said she will deal with him,” Bella said.
“We were fine until Ray called him because he wanted us out of Jake and Lance's life because he was the same way with them,” Katie said.
“We were changing things and Ray was losing control of his sons,” Bella said.
“I'm glad everything is all good now although I feel bad that the guys lost their father but you guys are free to live your lives,” Maggie said. Betty came in and saw Maggie and smiled.
“You all look beautiful,” Betty said.
“Thanks Mom,” Maggie said.
“Thanks Betty,” Bella said.
“Thanks Betty,” Katie said.
“The boys aren't going to know who is who,” Betty said.
“Yes they will,” Bella said. She pulled her dress to show her bump. Betty smiled.
“My little niece or nephew in there,” Katie said.
“We find out next month,” Bella said.
“Are you wanting a boy or a girl?” Maggie asked.
“Jake wants a boy, I am happy either way, leaning towards a girl though,” Bella said.
“Jake told Lance that he would be happy with either one,” Katie said.
“Last night he told me a boy,” Bella said.
A hour later, they were downstairs waiting to walk. Jake walked up to Bella and Katie. He looked at their fingers and smiled and linked arms with his wife.
“How did you know it was her?” Maggie asked.
“The engagement ring and the fact that she can't get it off to mess with us,” Jake said.
“He's right, they are stuck,” Bella said.
“Let's go baby,” Jake said. They let Lance and Katie go first and then walk down the aisle. They stood at the altar as Maggie and Betty walked down. The ceremony began. They exchanged vows and rings and the minister pronounced them husband and wife. Corey and Maggie kissed. Everyone clapped and they walked up the aisle and they all went to the reception.

Chapter 37

Bella sat on Jake's lap at the wedding reception. Katie sat on Lance's lap. Jake was stroking her stomach.
“Our little one is in here, I know I said this morning that I wanted a boy, but I will be happy either way, baby, a boy or a girl, or both if it's twins, our love made them,” Jake said.
“I love you,” Bella said. She kissed him softly. She rested her forehead against his.
“I love you too darlin',” Jake said. Maggie called for all the single ladies to get together for the bouquet toss. A small group of women gathered together. Bella saw one person in there and nudged Jake and pointed.
“Lance,” Jake said.
“What,” Lance said.
“Oh my goodness,” Katie said.
“Ma?” Jake said.
“Oh boy,” Lance said.
“She's single now,” Bella said.
“But she was married,” Jake said.
“But she's not now, she's a widow thought but single,” Katie said.
“She might be ready to move on,” Bella said.
“I don't know about this,” Lance said.
“Guys, chill, it was my idea,” Austin said.
“Bro,” Austin said.
“What,” Lance said.
“Mom was talking about how lonely she was and although she was sad that Dad died, he told her a few years ago that if he should die before her, like an accident or something, he said for her not to mourn him for very long, to move on with her life and find her forever person if he couldn't be that, he had her promise,” Austin said.
“Okay so does she have a new guy?” Jake asked.
“Not yet but she has met a couple of guys who are interested,” Austin said.
“What,” Lance said.
“Who are they?” Jake asked.
“Where did they meet?” Lance asked.
“Boys calm down,” Bella said.
“I'm sure she will let you guys meet them when she wants you to, let her see what happens, give her the support she needs, you guys will always be number one in her heart,” Katie said.
“All three of you together,” Bella said.
“We know that,” Jake said.
“We just love her,” Lance said. They watched Maggie throw the bouquet and they watched as Alice caught it. Everyone clapped and cheered. Alice walked over to a man who looked to be her age and hug him. Jake and Lance looked at each other and looked at Austin.
“That's one of the guys,” Austin said.
“What's his name?” Jake asked.
“Jack,” Austin said.
“What's he do?” Lance asked.
“He's a former rancher, he retired and gave his ranch to his sons and their families and he lives in a small cabin on the ranch alone,” Austin said.
“Why do you know this and not us,” Jake said.
“Austin?” Lance asked.
“Because I got them together,” Austin said.
“So they are officially a couple?” Jake asked.
“She is dating both guys and will have to decide between them, the guys know about the other and will support her choice when it comes to it,” Austin said.
“I don't know about this,” Jake said.
“Babe, be happy for your mom, please,” Bella said.
“Yeah, she needs your support, all three of you,” Katie said.
“I'll try baby,” Jake said.
“Yeah, what he said,” Lance said. Jake rested his head on her shoulder. Lance did the same with Katie. Alice brought her guy over.

Chapter 38

Bella, Jake, Katie, and Lance sat there looking at Alice and her guy friend.
“Jack, this is my second oldest son, Jake, his wife, Bella, who is expecting my first grandchild,” Alice said.
“Hello,” Jake said.
“Hello,” Bella said.
“My youngest son, Lance, and his wife, Katie, who is Bella's twin if you couldn't tell,” Alice said.
“Nice to meet you all, and congratulations on the little one coming,” Jack said.
“Thank you,” Bella said.
“Thanks,” Jake said.
“Jack, it's good to see you again,” Austin said. They shook hands. Jake and Lance looked at each other.
“You too Austin,” Jack said.
“How do you two know each other?” Jake asked.
“I have done some repair work on his truck a couple times, one time he came to pick it up, Mom was there visiting, that's how they met,” Austin said.
“She told me I had a nice truck,” Jack said.
“That's not all I said,” Alice said.
“I know but I didn't think your sons should hear it,” Jack said.
“Austin did,” Alice said.
“Not intentionally,” Austin said.
“What did you say, Mom?” Jake asked.
“Yeah Mom,” Lance said.
“Boys stop,” Bella said.
“Maybe she doesn't want to tell you guys,” Katie said.
“Listen to your wives,” Alice said.
“Ma!” Jake said.
“Ma!” Lance said.
“Enough boys!” Alice said.
“Jake just let it go,” Bella said.
“Let her be happy,” Katie said.
“Thank you, you boys don't need to know,” Alice said.
“Ma?” Austin asked.
“Austin forget what you heard, I mean it,” Alice said.
“Geez Ma,” Austin said.
“Austin Parker!” Alice said.
“Okay okay all right,” Austin said. He walks off and Jake and Lance gently moved Bella and Katie from their laps and stood up.
“Ma is he the one?” Jake asked.
“Austin said there were two guys, is Jack the one you picked?” Lance asked.
“No honey, I haven't picked yet, Jack was my date for the wedding, I have a date with the other guy tomorrow night, I will make my decision Friday,” Alice said.
“And you are okay with her going out with another guy tomorrow night,” Jake said.
“Yes I am, I have gotten to know your mom and I care about her already and all I want is for her to be happy and if it's not me and it's him, then that's the way it is,” Jack said.
“I need some air,” Jake said. He nudged Bella and she gets up and he gets up and goes outside. Bella follows him.
“Babe?” Bella asked.
“I'm fine Bella,” Jake said.
“You know you can talk to me,” Bella said.
“Can I really?” Jake asked.
“Jake what's going on?” Bella asked.
“You really support that in there, she is dating two men and it's okay,” Jake said.
“She will make her choice Friday,” Bella said.
“I can't believe this,” Jake said.
“What did you want me to do?!” Bella said.
“I want you to be on my side!” Jake said.
“And what is your side?!” Bella said.
“That this is all wrong!” Jake said.
“How is this wrong, Jake?” Alice asked.
“Mom, dating two guys?” Jake asked.
“After tomorrow, there will be one,” Alice said.
“Jake, please, just support your mom,” Bella said.
“I'm going for a walk,” Jake said. He took off down the road towards the barn. Bella looked at Alice.
“I'll have Lance go to him,” Alice said. She went in and Lance came out and went after Jake.

Chapter 39

Bella went up to the bedroom and got ready for bed. She went and took a shower and was washing off when she felt arms around her from behind and hands on her stomach.
“I'm sorry baby,” Jake said.
“It's okay,” Bella said.
“No it's not, I should be happy for my mom, I'm just scared of her getting hurt or picking the wrong guy,” Jake said.
“I know babe, we all are but we should just support her choice and be there for her when she needs us,” Bella said.
“I'm all for that, five more months and this little one will be here,” Jake said.
“I know, we should start shopping,” Bella said.
“But we don't know what the baby is yet,” Jake said.
“There are things we can get that aren't gender related like the crib and bedding and other things,” Bella said.
“Baby, do you want us to stay here or have our own place?” Jake asked.
“Do you guys really want to leave your mom?” Bella asked.
“Lance and I talked and since you and I are starting our family, he said he and Katie will stay here for the time being and maybe by the time Lance and Katie start their family, Mom will have that special someone, plus the ranch hands and Corey will take care of the ranch,” Jake said.
“Okay,” Bella said.
“Okay?” Jake asked.
“Let's do it,” Bella said.
“We will start tomorrow so that way we can get things rolling for the nursery and decorating the house before you get tired easily,” Jake said.
“Hey!” Bella said.
“It's true baby, I have been reading up on the pregnancy,” Jake said.
“Okay,” Bella said.
The next day, they went hunting for a house. They saw two and they didn't seem right and they came up on a ranch not far from his family's ranch and she saw the house and smiled.
“This is it,” Bella said.
“Okay baby,” Jake said. He went over to the realtor and talked with her and they came back.
“Okay they accepted the offer,” the realtor said.
“So it's ours?” Bella asked.
“As soon as the paperwork goes through baby,” Jake said.
“Congratulations to you both!” the realtor said.
“Thank you!” Bella said.
“Thank you!” Jake said. Jake hugged Bella and they went back to the ranch and told everyone.
“I'm so happy for you both!” Alice said.
“Thanks Ma,” Jake said.
“Thanks Mama Alice,” Bella said.
“And I have some news as well, I no longer have to choose between the two men, I'm officially with Jack,” Alice said.
“Really?” Bella asked.
“That's great Ma,” Jake said.
“Jake,” Alice said.
“Ma, really, I just want you to be happy, I was just afraid of you getting hurt,” Jake said.
“Oh honey,” Alice said.
“I'm sorry, Mom, for how I acted,” Jake said.
“It's okay honey, I love you always,” Alice said.
“I love you too, Ma,” Jake said. They hugged. Bella smiled.
“No matter what, you and your brothers will always be the most important men in my life, all three of you are first in my life,” Alice said.
“And you are important to us as well, but sorry Ma, Bella is first in my life,” Jake said.
“As she should be,” Alice said.
“Let's get packing babe,” Bella said. They all went up to Jake and Bella's room and started packing.

Chapter 40

Three weeks later, they were completely moved into their new home. They had a lot of help from their family and the ranch hands. No one let Bella do anything but supervise from a chair. They sat in the living room in each other's arms in front of the fireplace.
“Mmm, this is nice,” Bella said.
“Yes it is, I love having you in my arms, baby,” Jake said.
“I love being in your arms, getting close to find out what our little one is, you sure you want to know right away?” Bella asked.
“Yes baby, so we can shop early and be prepared,” Jake said.
“Glad there is only one in there?” Bella asked.
“Yep, I mean I would have been okay with twins, besides this baby probably won't be the only one we have,” Jake said.
A month later they find out they were having a boy. They got the shopping done and the nursery ready early so they can spend the rest of the pregnancy relaxing and together as much as possible. Lance told him that they got the ranch running smoothly so he doesn't have to come help them as much. Jake has been working around their place. Lance and Corey come over and help him put fence up so he could bring in some cattle and his horse. They checked the barn out and made the necessary repairs.
“Thanks guys for help,” Jake said.
“No problem, bro, I know you want to get everything done before my nephew comes so you can focus on fatherhood,” Lance said.
“I know, I can't wait, how are things with you two, any news on me being an uncle or honorary uncle yet?” Jake asked.
“Not yet, Katie wants us to get checked out, she's worried that the miscarriage affected her being able to get pregnant since nothing happened yet, I hope it's not me,” Lance said.
“Maggie will kill me but we are expecting, don't tell her I said anything,” Corey said.
“Said what?” Jake asked.
“I didn't hear you,” Lance said. They smiled at him letting him know that it will be kept a secret.
“I guess we can't tell our wives,” Jake said.
“Tell us what?” Bella asked.
“Baby I thought you were taking a nap,” Jake said.
“I missed you and saw the guys and wanted to come say hit to my brothers,” Bella said. She hugged Lance and Corey.
“How's our little guy?” Jake asked.
“He woke me up dancing on my bladder,” Bella said.
“Hey little guy, stop dancing on your mom's bladder and let her rest,” Jake said. He kissed her stomach and rubbed it.
“So what is it you are to keep from your wives?” Bella asked.
“Nothing,” Lance said.
“Nothing,” Jake said.
“She can know if she keeps it to herself and not tell anyone until we are ready,” Corey said.
“What is it, Maggie pregnant, I know, she told me in a text message just before I came out here,” Bella said.
“She told me not to tell anyone,” Corey said.
“I think I wasn't supposed to say anything,” Bella said.
“Too late,” Jake said.
“I know, blame my pregnancy brain,” Bella said.
“Oh no,” Jake said.
“Yep, be ready for my hormones,” Bella said.
“I love you baby,” Jake said.
“I love you too, keep saying that, okay, it keeps me calm,” Bella said.
“Bella, your sister is worried,” Lance said.
“I know she told me, we will go with you guys for support,” Bella said.
“Thank you,” Lance said.
“Corey Taylor!” Maggie said.
“Oh no,” Corey said.
“You told the guys didn't you,” Maggie said.
“You told the girls didn't you,” Corey said.
“Cray sorry babe,” Maggie said.
“Me too but you know I can't keep secrets from the guys,” Corey said.
“I know,” Maggie said.
A month later, after talking with the doctor, they didn't find anything wrong with Katie or Lance, other than Katie forgetting she had an IUD in which she immediately removed and they began working on getting pregnant.
“I hope we find out soon,” Lance said.
“Two weeks to conceived,” Jake said.
“It's been nonstop every night, Mom had to get earplugs,” Lance said.
“Yikes,” Jake said.
“We are looking for a place of our own,” Lance said.
“And leave Mom all alone?” Jake asked.
“Jack is moving in,” Lance said.
“Oh moving fast aren't they,” Jake said.
“Jake!” Lance said.
“I'm just saying,” Jake said.
“Don't say it in front of Mom,” Lance said.
“Say what in front of Mom?” Austin said. Austin walked up to them. Jake and Lance looked at each other.
“Nothing,” Jake said.
“Nothing,” Lance said.
“Yeah okay,” Austin said.
Three months later, Bella was one month from her due date. Katie and Lance found out they were expecting. Maggie was two months along and Corey was over the moon about it. Bella was in the kitchen cooking dinner. Jake had ran over to the family ranch to pick up something his mom got them for the baby. Alice was in bed with the flu so she had Jack pick it up and set it outside so he wouldn't get sick or bring germs back to her. She was stirring the sauce in the pot for the spaghetti when she felt pain in her stomach. She grabbed it and she doubled over and screamed. She reached for her phone and called Jake.
“Baby what's wrong?” Jake asked.
“Pain in my stomach...OW!” Bella said.
“Shit, baby I'm headed back, I'll be there in a minute,” Jake said.
“Hurry!” Bella said crying. She dropped the phone and held onto the counter. She reached over and turned off the stove. Jake came flying in and picked her up and carried her out the door and they went to the hospital.
“Oh god it hurts!” Bella said.
“Hang on baby, we are almost there,” Jake said. He parked and got out and helped her out and carried her in.
“Please help, my wife is eight months pregnant and she's in pain,” Jake said.
“AAAAHHHH!” Bella said.
“Let's get her to a room, call Dr. Webber!” Nurse Amy said. Jake carried her to a room and laid her on the bed.
“Name?” Nurse Amy asked.
“Her name is Isabella Parker, Bella for short,” Jake said.
“Oh god I think my water just broke!” Bella said. The nurse checked her and looked at them.
“I believe so, I'll see what's taking the doctor so long,” Nurse Amy said.
“I'm here Amy,” Dr. Webber said.
“Her water broke,” Nurse Amy said.
“She's a month from the due date, is this normal?” Jake asked.
“You are?” Dr. Webber asked.
“Jacob Parker, her husband and the baby's father,” Jake said.
“Please do something, I feel it coming!” Bella said. The doctor looked and went over and washed her hands as the nurse got the bed ready for the delivery.
“Amy, get the pediatric nurses in here,” Dr. Webber said.
“On it doc!” Nurse Amy said. She ran the door and came back with the nurses with the items needed. They got Bella ready to deliver the baby. The doctor looked and looked at Bella.
“Okay on the count of three, I need one big push, Bella,” Dr. Webber said.
“1....2.....3....push!” Dr. Webber said. Bella grabbed Jake's hand and she pushed hard.
“I can't!” Bella said.
“Yes you can, baby, you are strong, you can do it,” Jake said.
“Jake,” Bella said.
“Hey I love you, I know you can do this,” Jake said. She pushed and pushed until they heard the baby cry. They got the baby cleaned up and laid him on Bella's chest.
“Your baby boy is here,” Dr. Webber said.
“Oh my goodness, hey little guy, I'm your Mommy,” Bella said.
“I'm your daddy,” Jake said. He kissed his son's head and stroked Bella's forehead. He rested his head against hers as they watched their son.
“Brian Jacob Parker,” Bella said.
“I love it,” Jake said.
“I love you,” Bella said.
“I love you more,” Jake said. An hour later, they were in a room enjoying quality time with their son. The family showed up and took turns holding him. Three days later, they were home.
A year later, Jake and Bella were enjoying being parents to Brian. Bella is expecting their second child.

Katie and Lance has a baby girl they named Abigail Jo Parker.

Corey and Maggie had a baby boy they named Thomas Allen Taylor.

Lance and Katie got their own place as did Corey and Maggie. Thy boys still did work around the family ranch.

Jack and Alice got married after all the babies were born. Brian and Thomas were co-ring bearers and Abigail was the flower girl. Although she was carried by her mother who did the flower job for her. They enjoyed being grandparents.

Austin found the right woman for him. Turned out to be Nurse Amy who he met at the hospital when Brian was born.

They all enjoyed their families and always got together at the family ranch every Sunday for family dinner.

They knew everything happened for a reason like the girls coming into town and their car quit. They all believe it was fate that brought them to town and into their lives and they knew they would never take it for granted.

THE END!!!