All things Twilight belong to Stephenie Meyer; I just like to play with her characters.

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Thanks to my betas Darcysmom and twimom817 as well as my pre-reader, EdwardsMyObsession1971 - I appreciate all you ladies do.

Where Life Takes You

Outtake: Kaden

Thirteen years after the Epilogue ….

"Mom! Can you pick up my suit from the cleaners, please?"

"I won't have time, Little Bear, but I'm sure I can arrange for Uncle Jazz to take care of it."

"Mom …." I whined.

Seventeen years old and my mom still called me Little Bear. I sort of hated it, but I knew if she ever stopped, I'd sorely miss it. There was a time; a couple years ago in fact, that I fought it and Dad pulled me aside.

"Buddy, I know you feel like you're too old and grown up for your mom to call you that, but you are, in fact, her Little Bear. You're her baby no matter how old you are. She loves you … so if she wants to call you that – let her. Give her that one thing."

"Dad …." I whined.

Dad looked at me seriously, silently telling me to not argue with him.

"At least she doesn't call you that in public." Dad grinned as he clapped me on the shoulder and left the room.

"Kaden …" Mom said softly, breaking me from my memory. "Everything will be fine, honey. Uncle Jazz will take care of your suit, and he and Dad will be here in plenty of time to get to the ceremony."

Mom must have known how nervous I was. I was hours away from my high school graduation and giving my valedictorian speech. More than anything, I needed my dad's soothing words and loving reassurance.

Dad came into my life when I was three years old, and my first memory of him was when mom took me to his house one night for dinner, but my favorite memory was when I woke from a nap to find him lying next to me. He'd just come home from filming and surprised both me and Mom by coming home early. He took me back to his house and we spent the afternoon playing in the mud. We'd made hundreds of memories together since that day, but it was my favorite because that was the day that it clicked in my three-year-old brain that I wanted him to be my dad.

My recollection of my biological father is short and fleeting. I remember asking about him and Mom told me that he wasn't coming back. For a short time we lived with Papa Charlie. Vague memories of getting up in the morning and sitting on his lap watching cartoons before school seem to be the only thing I can recall about our time living with him. After that, I can only ever remember living with Dad. Edward Cullen came into our lives when we needed him the most. He took us into his heart and never looked back.

Mom and Dad got married a few days before my sixth birthday. I thought it was cool because they got married on the beach. Mom looked so pretty that day, but looking back at it now; especially since I'm older – I realize that mom wasn't pretty – she was beautiful. Papa Charlie looked so happy as he walked her down the path. Dad and I waited impatiently as they made their way through the small gathering of guests. Nana Esme held my baby sister, Natalie, who was almost four months old.

Natalie was born Natalie Renee Cullen, but we called her Rae – in honor of my Nana Renee. Mom said Nana Renee hated it when people called her Nee because that was for horses and preferred the nickname Rae. Nana Esme declared it fitting for Natalie too, because she was a little "Rae" of sunshine. Everyone adored the little dimply cheeked dork – including me. I was so happy to finally have a sibling and a dad that I didn't care she was a girl.

The day that Mom and Dad got married was also the day that Dad signed off on my adoption papers and I officially became a Cullen. We were joined by more than our hearts – forever.

"Hey, Buddy."

Dad's voice filtered in through my haze of memories.

"Hey, Dad."

"All ready for your speech?"

"Yeah. Mom said it's really good. I feel comfortable with it."

"Good. If mom thinks it's good, I'm sure it is. If your speech isn't bothering you, then what is?"

Somehow, Dad always knew.

"Mike's coming tonight," I said quietly.

"I know. Mom told me that he'd be here with your Grandma Karen."

"Why now?" I asked.

Dad sighed and ran his hand through his hair like he always did when he was frustrated.

"Kaden … Buddy, don't worry yourself because you may never get the answer to that. Only Mike can tell you that, but don't think for one minute that you weren't good enough for him. He wasn't good enough for you or your mom. I thank my lucky stars every day that he walked out of your life, because if he hadn't – your mom wouldn't have walked into mine."

"I don't want him to come here thinking that the past can be forgotten, Dad. I'm not his son anymore. You're my dad and always have been. He's just a sperm donor. Dad is a title you earn and where I'm concerned, he failed horribly."

"Kaden, you'll always be my son. Mike coming here can't take that away from you. He gave you up when you needed him the most. Your mom and me – we've always tried to do our best by you – we were honest with you because we knew that you weren't naïve enough to think that I'd been your dad all along. You had some recollection of Mike. We gave you the facts and let you form your own opinion of him and knew that when you were old enough, if you wanted to contact him – you would. I know that your Grandma Karen pushed this on you, but I'm proud of the way you've handled it so far. Don't let his presence at your graduation throw you off center. Hold your head up high, and do yourself proud tonight."

"What about you and Mom?"

"What about me and Mom?"

"Don't you want me to make you guys proud too?"

"We already are, Buddy. We love you so much."

I lunged toward my dad. I loved this man so much. He had given me everything I ever wanted and needed just by being my dad. His arms wrapped around me and I felt him press a long kiss to my head. It was in that moment – I knew everything would be okay that night no matter what happened.

"Everything okay in here?" Mom's voice floated into my room.

"Yeah, we're good, baby." Dad said, turning toward her voice.

He still called her baby after eleven years of marriage. Better yet – he still looked at her like she hung the moon. Who's to say she didn't? I wanted to believe that too. My dad's world revolved around me, my mom and my brother and sisters.

John Michael and Katelyn Elizabeth Cullen were a surprise. Well, I suppose Natalie was a surprise too, but never in their wildest dreams, did Mom and Dad ever think they were going to have more kids after Rae. They didn't go on a honeymoon after the wedding because Rae was so little – instead they opted to take one the following spring and a couple months after they got back from a tour of Ireland and England, Mom found out she was pregnant with the twins. Mom teased Dad about it at first, but Nana Esme told them it happened because it was "meant to be" – just like Mom and I were meant to be a part of their family.

There for a while, our family grew by leaps and bounds. Aunt Carlie and Uncle Jared finally got married. They were married in Papa Carlisle and Nana Esme's backyard. I was the ring bearer, of course. Aunt Rosalie and Uncle Emmett were married the following summer, not long after Mom and Dad got home from their belated honeymoon. Aunt Rose and Uncle Em got home from their honeymoon just in time for Aunt Carlie's baby shower and little Maddy was born a few weeks later. Mom found out about the twins about the same time Aunt Rose found out that she was expecting too – just when we thought Nana Esme couldn't be any happier, she'd find out another grandchild was on the way. In fact, she'd rekindled her love for interior design planning out all the nurseries.

Through all the changes those first few years, I never felt like I was an outsider. Not for one minute did I ever feel unloved. As time went on, my bond with Dad only grew stronger. Don't get me wrong – I am every bit a mama's boy – my mom is one of the strongest people I know, but I love my dad. He's my hero and not in the cape wearing, saving people kind of sense. He loves and he loves fiercely, he is protective to a fault, and he'll fight for everything and anything he believes in. Dad's successful in business – he's still one of the most sought after actors in Hollywood, but he's pickier about the roles he takes because he wants to be around for me, Natalie, John and Katie.

"Little Bear … you better get dressed, you don't want to be late."

"Mom, they can't start without me. I'm the Valedictorian."

"Yes, you are. I love you, baby."

"Love you too, Mom."

Dad drove the six of us to my school auditorium where the ceremony was being held. Mom wanted to get there early to make sure that there were plenty of seats for everyone. My entire family was coming because I wasn't sure when I'd see them all again. I was going to soccer camp for a couple weeks and then at the end of the summer, I was off to college. Mom and Dad pushed for Stanford because it was close to Papa Carlisle and Nana Esme. Papa Carlisle pushed for Columbia because it was the best – so Columbia it was. Mom cried a little when I told her about my decision, but she understood why I needed to go better than anyone – she'd done it herself so many years ago.

I walked into the auditorium with my brother and sisters in tow. Mom and Dad trailed behind them arm in arm. As we walked in, I saw a blond haired man sitting next to two women. One I recognized from pictures as my grandmother, Karen. Once my siblings were seated, I whispered to Mom and Dad that Mike and Grandma Karen were sitting in the back and I was going to say hello. I could see the panic on Mom's face, but Dad leaned in and kissed her softly, whispering that it would be okay.

"We're right here if you need us, Little Bear."

"I know you are, Mom. Love you."

"Love you too, baby."

Just as I reached Mike and the two women, my grandparents walked in. I couldn't very well ignore them, so I said hi quickly and excused myself promising to come back after I seated my grandparents.

Mike Newton wasn't at all what I was expecting. He was thin and frail looking. His blue eyes were full of sadness and obvious remorse for what he'd done. His blond hair was similar to my own, if only a little thinner. Next to him sat a pretty blonde woman who introduced herself as Diane, his wife. I shook her hand and smiled. Grandma Karen pulled me into a hug and told me how handsome I was.

For a moment, I wasn't sure what to do with their affection. It seemed so strange to have gone without it and then suddenly have them showering me with it.

I told them a little bit about what I was doing after graduation and assured them that I was happy because I was. When I noticed that my classmates were starting to line up, I excused myself once again and told them I hoped to see them again after the ceremony. Mike assured me that he wasn't going anywhere.

My speech was flawless. I had to use my notes, but that was okay. Mom promised that as long as I was confident in my words everything would work itself out, and it did. As I wrapped up, I looked over to see my mom and she was so proud. Tears were falling down her face as Dad wrapped his arm around her shoulder and spoke into her ear. She realized that it was all because of her, and I'd said as much in my speech. I mentioned Dad too, but Mom was more emotional about it.

As we walked out, I realized I'd been nervous over nothing. Mike Newton had no power over me. I merely wanted to thank the man and go about my life. I certainly didn't need anything from him – no apologies – no nothing.

Mom had told me that she was going to invite him to dinner because it was the polite thing to do, but I didn't really want him there. The dinner was for family only and Mike Newton was the farthest thing from family.

I felt my nerves again as I looked over and saw Mom talking to Mike. I knew it was taking a lot for her to stand in front of him. Dad talked to her about it several times and finally told her that she should walk up to Mike and stick her tongue out and blow raspberries at him.

"Edward! I can't do that – it's so immature!" Mom screeched.

"No, maybe you can't, but it would definitely make you feel better wouldn't it?" Dad grinned.

"Maybe a little," Mom laughed.

"Mom … Mike will see that we did okay without him. You don't have to prove anything to him because he'll see it, I promise."

How could he not?

Mom and Dad turned to walk away from Mike and I saw Mike reach out to Mom and say something else. All I heard was Mom say, "thank you for him".

I talked to Mike for a few minutes, thanking him for coming all the way from Washington for graduation, before Uncle Em stuck his head in the door and asked me if I was coming. I nodded and said I'd be there in a few before asking Mike if it would be okay if we met for lunch because I wanted to be with my family for dinner that night. He nodded in understanding and promised that we'd be in contact the next morning.

Dinner with my family was crazy as usual. There was so many of us, it was hard to keep the noise down to a dull roar. I'd been passed around to everyone – congratulations and lots of hugs and kisses were offered. In the end, I came to sit next to my dad. He was quietly sitting and watching the chaos around the table.

"That was a great speech, Son." Dad said proudly.

"Thanks, Dad. That means a lot."

"Your speech meant a lot, Kaden. Thank you."

"You don't have to thank me, Dad. You've done so much for me that I can't begin to …"

"Kaden, stop. I'm your dad, it's my job to do that and even when it wasn't official, it was my pleasure. I wouldn't have done it if I didn't want to."

"I love you, Dad." I said, hugging him.

"I love you too, Little Man."

Soccer camp was great, but went by way too fast that summer. When I got home, there was a letter waiting for me on my bed. It was from Diane, Mike's wife. Apparently the residual guilt had taken its toll on him and he'd given up. He was buried in a small service while I was at soccer camp.

"Everything okay, Little Bear?" Mom asked as she peeked in my doorway.

"Yeah, I guess. I think you should read this." I passed Mom the letter and she sat down on my bed.

I watched her face as she read Diane's letter, her hand over her lips and a few stray tears falling from her cheeks.

"I'm so sorry, honey. I never knew how sick he really was."

"I know, Mom. It's okay. He said he tried to hide it from everyone until he just couldn't anymore. It's not your fault, Mom. He loved you and he loved you enough to let us go. We got Dad out of the deal, so I think we ended up better than we started."

"Oh, Little Bear ... we sure did."

Leaving for college was hard. Saying goodbye to my brother and sisters sucked. I hated leaving Melissa but she promised she'd be there when I came back to visit. The only good thing was that Mom and Dad flew with me to New York to get me settled into my apartment. They didn't stay more than a few days, but it was enough – for four wonderful days, it was just the three of us again. They stayed in my bedroom while I took the couch, and the day that they were to fly home, I crept into the bedroom and crawled into bed beside mom.

"Oh, Little Bear," she whispered, wrapping her arms around me.

"I'm going to miss you, Mom. I'm gonna miss Dad too."

"I know, honey, but we're not going anywhere. We'll be here for you whenever you need us."

"I'll always need you, Mom."

I would – I'd always need my mom. I learned more from her than I learned anywhere else. She was strong and independent and she loved with her whole heart. Whenever Dad would leave to shoot a film, I'd assume the role of her protector – taking care of her and keeping her company. It seemed so odd to switch roles with Dad. Now I was the one leaving and he was the one staying with her.

"Take care of her, Dad."

"I will, kiddo. You be good and call us whenever you can, okay? We love you."

"Love you too, Dad."

I couldn't help the tears that fell as their cab pulled away. They'd given me all the tools I needed to be successful. I just needed to figure out how to use them.

A/N: With a content heart, I've marked this "complete". This is the end of the line for this little tale. Thank you again for all the favorites and follows, for the lovely reviews and for all the love and encouragement YOU – the readers have given me. Thanks for taking a chance on this story and an even bigger thanks to those who saw it through to the end.

To those of you who voted this "Fic of the Week" over at the Lemonade Stand … there are no words because "thank you" doesn't seem like enough.

ChristagBanners - Thank You for the beautiful banners you've created for this story. So much time and detail went into them that Thank You doesn't seem like enough!

And last but certainly not least … THANK YOU to darcysmom, twimom817 and EdwardsMyObsession1971 – these ladies are the best friends/support group that anyone could possibly ask for – I'm so lucky to have them on my team. I love you ladies!

XOXO - until next time …

Kare