Chapter Three

Breaking The News To Everyone

"Where've you been?" Alice asked as soon as she spotted me.

"Don't you already know?" I questioned, wondering if she'd seen any visions of me with Bella.

"No," she growled crossly. "I've been too busy to 'look' for you." I nodded.

"I've been back for hours," I bragged. I got tired of waiting around for the rest of you. What took you so long?"

All four of them smirked at me condescendingly.

"You wouldn't understand, but I can assure you we weren't playing chess," Emmett sneered playfully. "Rose was last, so she pays the forfeit."

"Only because Jasper cheated!" she shrieked indignantly. "Fine, name your forfeit, Eddie." She was trying to provoke me by using the nickname I hated, but I chose to ignore it. I had bigger fish to fry.

"Hammm," I hummed pretending to think, I already knew exactly what I wanted. I allowed an evil grin to cross my face. "I know" I'm going to invite a human to join us for lunch tomorrow, and you have to be nice to here the whole time."

My family gasped in shock.

"What?" Rose screamed. "A human girl?" No freakin' way.

"You've got to be kidding," Emmett complained. "Why should the rest of us have to suffer for her forfeit?"

"I cant believe it. You're absolutely serious about this, completely determined," Jasper added. Have you lost your mind.

"Do we have to eat human food?" Alice asked in disgust. Four minds screamed at me in protest.

"Son, do you think that's a good idea?" Carlisle inquired hesitantly, his glance flickering momentarily to Jasper.

"I'm confident Jasper can handle it. If I can, so can he," I responded firmly.

Wow I've never felt this kind of trust from him before. Did his experience yesterday help him understand me better? Thanks, Edward.

"I'll be fine," Jasper stated confidently. Alice quickly searched the future.

"Yes, it'll be fine. She eats lunch, but none of us do. It doesn't seem to bother her. Nobody talks much. I don't recognise her, must be Chief Swan's daughter, the new girl," Alice announced.

Oh, well. It's only half an hour, I can scare her off afterward. "Fine, I'll be nice to her during lunch," Rosalie sighed, resigned. "But she'll probably be too nervous to eat."

"This could be fun!" Emmett plotted, rubbing his hands together. I didn't even bother telling him to be nice. According to the Twilight series, Bella loved Emmett and took his teasing. In stride as long as it was no sexual, and she'd get her own back once she was a newborn.

"Rosalie, I wondered if you would go for a walk with me," I offered.

Why me?

"I wanted to speak to you privately for a few minutes."

Okay. She nodded. We headed into the forest, far enough so we wouldn't be overheard, before she turned to me expectantly. Well?

"I was thinking back to when you were first changed."

Oh no. She turned away from me. What about it?

"I realised how I must have sounded to you. I was feeling selfish. I was used to having Carlisle and Esme all to myself, and I knew we would all have to help take care of you as a newborn. I guess I felt similar to the way older children feel when their parents have another child. I was jealous that Carlisle chose to change someone else. I felt like our family was complete with just the three of us. I resented that we had to move to hide your existence. Plus, you were so beautiful as a human girl."

You thought I was beautiful?

"Of course I did. I'm not blind, you know!"

She turned back to look me in the eye, judging my sincerity.

As a vampire, you became the most beautiful woman I had ever seen. I know you would always be noticed no matter where we went. Your overwhelming beauty would command attention, when our whole existence required blending in, avoiding notice. I was afraid you would never expose us without even trying, because men would watch you wherever we went."

She smiled at me. I can understand your point of view.

"I'm sorry if I hurt you with my negativity and apparent rejection." She was surprised I understood how she felt.

"Please forgive me, Rose. I love you, and I'm really glad you're my sister. This family is much better for having you and Emmett in it."

Wow, thanks Edward. I didn't have any idea you felt that way. "I forgive you, Edward." But why didn't you even consider me as a possible mate?

"Ahh, Rose. If I were a human man, of course I would have, but I was and am a vampire. Vampires have soul mates, and they usually recognise them instantly. Reading Carlisle and Esme's thoughts, I have a good idea of what that would feel like. I didn't feel that pull toward your so I knew you weren't the one destined for me. I knew you would never be more than a sister in my eyes. Having experienced the love Carlisle and Esme shared, I refused to settle for anything else. You share that same love with Emmett. Having experienced that love, can you imagine yourself in a relationship with someone else?"

No, I can't. It wouldn't be worth it.

"So it was nothing personal, Rose. I could quickly tell we weren't meant to be a couple. You were destined for Emmett, not for me."

She nodded in understanding. Thank you, Edward. That's always bothered me all these years, but now I know the truth and it sets me free. She smiled.

"You're a wonderful sister though."

She grinned. Now I know you're flattering me. Don't worry; I'm not mad about the human. And I forgive you for being a selfish prick all those years ago. She giggled and took off for the house. I pretending to give chase but I was pondering the change in Rosalie. Just that one conversation seemed to have lifted a weight off her shoulders and removed a shadow from her eyes. I shuddered to think how much I had unknowingly hurt her all those years ago with just a few careless words.

When I came inside, Carlisle and Esme were sitting side by side on the couch reading. I walked over to Esme and pulled her into my embrace, hugging her tightly. Carlisle's eyes widened in surprise.

"I just wanted to tell you how blessed I've been to have you as a mother all these years. I don't know how you continually put up with us, but I'm very thankful you do. You're the reason we are a family and not just a coven. You're the glue that holds us together. Without you, our family would fall apart. You make each house into a home for us and you're always there for us when we need you. Thanks, Mom, for everything." Esme squeezed me tighter and O kissed the top of her head. Voices chorused from the second story.

"Yeah, you're awesome, Mom!"

"The greatest!"

"The best ever!"

"Thanks, Mom. We love you."

Esme's thoughts were jumbled and chaotic. She was actually sobbing, but I knew she was just overwhelmed with happy emotions. Carlisle stood up and took her into his embrace. What brought this on, son?

"I've just been thinking a lot about my family, and I realised some things about myself as well. I wanted to give credit where credit was due. Thank you for saving me all those years ago and adopting me as your son. I wouldn't want this existence without your love and guidance. Without you as my father, I would truly be a monster. However, you are my daily inspiration to be something more. Thank you, Dad."

Now Carlisle was the one choked up with emotion. The voices sounded out from the second story again.

"We love you too, Dad."

"You're an inspiration to us all."

"Thanks for teaching me a better way to live."

"Thanks for saving me, Dad."

Carlisle sank down on the sofa, cradling Esme in his arms. They clung to one another.

"Thank you, children. We love you all." They replied in unison, smiling into each other's eyes. I went upstairs to kill some time until I could return to my Bella.

BPOV

Time had dragged by all day, I felt like the clock was turning backwards when I wasn't watching. It. I had unpacked all my boys, cleaned and organised my room, gone grocery shopping and made several casseroles. I already had dinner prepared for the next three days. My mind spend the entire day thinking about the Cullen's, about all the mistakes Edward and I made in the Twilight series, and how we could do things differently this time. I had retired to bed early, too excited to calmly sit and make small talk with Charlie. I did hug him goodnight and thank him wholeheartedly for having me. Because of him, I had met my soulmate, and I knew m time with Charlie was short. I got ready for bed, climbed under the covers and my thoughts drifted to Edward again. Finally I heard Charlie shuffle off to bed. About fifteen minutes later, my angel appeared through my window.

Edward closed his eyes, inhaling deeply. After about five minutes of deep breathing, he opened his eyes and smiled at me. He came over and sat beside me on the bed, taking my hand in his.

"My siblings know you're going to sit with us at lunch tomorrow. They don't know anything else about you. I had a good talk with Rosalie that should help reduce some of the jealousy. Also, she lost a contest today, so her forfeit was to be the 'human' tomorrow at lunch. It doesn't give you much time to make a good first impression, but at least she won't be openly hostile for your first meeting," he explained.

"Thanks Edward," I murmured gratefully, staring into his eyes. My heartbeat picked up a bit and he smiled my favourite smile. My mind went blank. "So that's what its like to be dazzled." I closed my eyes and shook my head. "No fair dazzling me!"

He chuckled, clearly pleased with himself.

"Once you get your schedule, I'm going to try and match my schedule to yours. Now that I've found you, I want to spend as much time together as possible."

"Works for me! I was so bored today. I missed you already and couldn't wait for Charlie to go to sleep so you could come over. I even considered slipping a couple of sleeping pills into his dinner."

He raised an eyebrow at me.

"Well, I didn't seriously consider it, but it did cross my mind," I admitted.

He laughed quietly. "You need to get some sleep. You've got a big day tomorrow – brand new school, possessive vampire boyfriend, lunch with five vampires – not your typical Monday. Bedtime for the human. Besides, I'm looking forward to your sleep talking. I wonder if you'll say my name."

I groaned, "Probably."

I wanted to protest, but I hadn't had much sleep this weekend, trying to finish the books. My eyelids were starting to close on their own accord. I snuggled down under my covers and rested my head on his thigh, draping my arm across her leg. He ran his fingers through my silky brown locks for a few minutes. Then he started lightly massaging my temple, followed by my neck and shoulders. By the time he started on my back, I was sound asleep.

I woke up the next morning in Edward's embrace. As I began to stir, he released me. I opened my eyes to find myself staring directly into his gold ones. He smiled and my heart flipped.

"You stayed! You're wonderful!" I was beyond ecstatic. I was positively euphoric. His eyes flicked to my lips. I stopped breathing. Would he kiss me? He gently lowered his lips to mine. I threw my arm around him, trying to hold him there, though I knew it was futile. He didn't pull away. Our lips moved against each other, the sensation incredibly pleasant. He pulled away as I started to feel lightheaded.

"Breathe, Bella," he reminded me with a chuckle. I quickly relieved my screaming lungs. "Time to get up and ready for school.

"Are you sure we can't just stay here and practice kissing all day?" I begged.

"I guess the book was right about you," he teased, running his fingers down my cheek. I groaned. "I've decided not to be a prude. Obviously, it is possible to be intimate with one another while you're still human. I'll have to work into it slowly, as I did in the book.

I felt relieved and amazed at this incredible man who wanted me, needed me, loved me. And he was all mine. Forever. And he wanted to be intimate with me. I was willing to work into it. We could take it slowly. As long as we were making progress, I wouldn't ask for more.

"Okay, time for my human moment. I'll see you at school?"

"Count on it!" he exclaimed as he jumped out the window.

Today was going to be an incredible day.

EPOV

Jasper kept giving me funny looks on the way to school, but none of the others paid attention to me. After we went our separate ways, I returned to the parking lot to wait for Bella. I heard her truck long before I saw it. I was going to have to do something about that old thing, as soon as she would let me. Maybe for Valentine's Day?

Her eyes lit up when she saw me, and she headed straight for me after she parked. We walked side by side into the school.

"First test," I whispered, as I held the office door open for her. His eyes widened as she remembered the first day's office scene from Twilight. She entered confidently anyway and went right up to Ms Cope's desk. I followed her in, allowing the door to close behind me.

"Hello, I'm Bella Swan. Today's my first day, and I need to pick up my schedule," she greeted Ms Cope with a smile.

"Ah, yes, Charlie's daughter, right? I'll just print it out for you. So what do you think of Forks so far?"

"I'm optimistic that I'm really going to like it here," Bella smiled with a grin.

What a nice girl. So pretty too…

"Here you go dear. I hope you have a great day!" she enthused, handing Bella her paperwork. Bella thanked her, subtly holding up her schedule so I could read it.

"Wait in the hall for me," I whispered as she brushed past. Her scent had permeated the small room, but I was still under control, thanks to all the time I had already spent with her.

Ms Cope saw me waiting and beckoned me forward. "What can I do for you, Edward?" Anything ad I mean anything. No, no. Too young. But so hot!

I deliberately dazzled her, summoning up all my charm. "I really need to change my schedule, Ms Cope."

I heard the door open and looked behind me to see Alice come waltzing into the room. She quickly joined me at the desk. "Me too!"

I groaned too quietly for Ms Cope to hear, before ramping up the charm. Alice added her own dazzling charm and Ms Cope didn't stand a chance. We soon both had the same schedule almost identical to Bella's.

Why are you doing this, Edward? I only saw that you were, not why.

"Bella," I breathed.

Bella Swan? The new girl?

I nodded briefly on our way out the door.

Why?

I knew she was watching me, but I had eyes for the girl waiting in the hallway. She smiled at me, and I grinned back. I heard Alice gasp.

What on earth? You're lit up like a Christmas tree.

"Both our schedules match yours, love," I assured my mate. "We'd better head to class."

Love? Alice thought in shock, turning to look at Bella.

"Alice!" Bella squealed, throwing her arms around my sister. The look on Alice's face at being greeted so enthusiastically by a human was priceless. "We're going to be best friends, even though you do force me to go shopping with you and torture me with makeup sessions!"

Alice froze for a second at the unexpected embrace, then returned the hug. She quickly checked the future and saw the truth of Bella's words. She squealed and squeezed her tighter.

"Can't…breathe…" Bella gasped.

"Oops! Sorry!" Alice apologised immediately letting go and stepping back. Bella stumbled, but I was already prepared to catch her.

"That's okay," Bella laughed. "I have a feeling I'll soon get used to it."

She's your mate? Alice screamed in her head as we walked to class. I nodded happily.

You told her? I shook my head.

Then, how?

"I'll tell you later," I promised, speaking so softly.

Okay!

We all handed our paperwork to the teacher. She eyed us curiously.

"Do you guys already know each other?"

"Bella is a friend of the family," I answered smoothly. Ella blushed and nodded at the same time Alice did. Mrs Taylor arranged for the three of us to sit together to help Bella get settled, I thanked her and the students who moved to accommodate us.

When the bell rang, we hurried off to our next class ignoring the other students in our haste to secure three seats, some of the other students approached Bella. I didn't like their thoughts. I was sitting directly behind Bella, so I started to play with her hair, wanting all the children to know she was mine. Alice was sitting to Bella's left. She smirked when she saw what I was doing, knowing exactly why I was doing it. I was marking my territory.

"Hey, you must be Isabella Swan. I'm Jessica Stanley."

"Call me Bella, Jessica."

"So, um I guess you already know the Cullen's?"

"She's my best friend," Alice offered, knowing it would be all over the school before the end of the day. "I'm so happy she was able to move here to be with me."

"She's my fiancée," I growled. Everyone but Bella stared at me in shock. Even Alice.

What?

Fiancée?

Huh?

They're too young to be engaged!

Is she pregnant?

Is he serious?

Do their parents know?

Bella didn't have to be a mind reader to know what they were thinking. She laughed.

"Yes, he's perfectly serious. No, he hasn't asked me formally, so he hasn't given me the ring, but he already has it."

You do? Alice wondered. I nodded. Wow!

"No, we 're not getting married anytime soon. No, my parents don't know. No, I'm not pregnant. Both of us are still virgins for crying out loud, and we plan to wait for our wedding night. Satisfied?"

"Settle down,, class. Get in your seats," Mrs Clark commanded. Even she was shocked at our conversation.

Bella smiled at me and I smirked back, giving her the thumbs up sign. Alice beamed at both of us. You have so much to tell me, brother!

Once again, we raced to our next class when the bell rang. The other kiss whispered, but they kept their distance. The same was true for fourth period. Finally, the lunch bell three of us went through the line together. Emmett, Rosalie and Jasper were already at our usual table. Alice sat on one side of Jasper and Bella sat on the other.

Jasper stiffened slightly when he caught her scent. She smells so good, I don't know if I can handle it.

"Don't worry, Jasper," Bella whispered under her breath, reaching over to pat his arm. "I know you won't hurt me. I know I smell delicious, but you'll get used to it, and you just hunted yesterday, so you're not really thirsty. I do apologise for the burn in your throat though I hate that you have to suffer when you're near me." She casually picked up her pizza and took a bite. Emmett, Rose and Jasper all stared at here in shock.

"What the hell?" Rose shrieked too quickly for human ears to process.

"Remember your forfeit Rose," I reminded her.

She glared at me. Did you know this would happen?

I shrugged noncommittally.

"She's calm. She trusts me! What's wrong with her?" Jasper asked, completely confused. I put my arm around her and kissed her cheek. Her heartbeat sped up and she smiled at me.

"You two love each other!" Jasper accused in shock.

"She's my mate," I announced happily.

"I can tell," Jasper agreed thoughtfully.

"Edward!" Rosalie hissed. "You told her about us?"

I shook my head. Three sets of eyes stared at me in confusion.

"So, Bella," Alice drawled. "Time to spill the beans."

Bella nodded and smiled. "A few days ago, I received a package in the mail from a psychic by the name of Stephenie Meyer. The package contained four books which told me all about your family. The books said I would join your family because Edward and I are soulmates. At first I thought the books were a joke, a work of fiction, even though it described me perfectly. It included details no one else should have known. Yet how could I believe in vampires and werewolves? As soon as I met Edward though, I knew it was all true."

"She's telling the truth," Jasper confirmed.

"Alice?" Rosalie asked suspiciously.

Alice shook her head. "Wasn't me." It really wasn't, Edward.

I smiled at her "It wasn't Alice," I agreed. "I also received a package from the psychic.

I saw recognition light in everyone's eyes. "My package contained books contained books which explained about Bella and why I can't read her thoughts." Their eyes widened.

You can't read her thoughts? All four mentally shrieked.

"She's a very powerful shield. Her gift works even as a human. It's powerful enough that even Aro wouldn't be able to read her mind while she's human." Their eyes all widened.

"I was warned of multiple possible dangers to her, from a fatal car accident in the school parking lot to a gang rape by four men in Port Angeles to attacks by nomadic vampires. All thins that would happen if I don't prevent them."

Rosalie winced at the mention of rape, remembering the reason for her current existence.

"I was also blessed with the knowledge of some of the good things that will happen, if I allow them. She is my soulmate, the only woman I will lobe like this for all eternity. I fully intend to marry her and keep her with me forever. She has already agreed."

What? You plan to kill her? Take away her human life and damn her to this empty existence? Rose was clearly angry. I squeezed Bella's hip, encouraging her to speak.

"Rosalie, I would very much like to be your friend and your sister. You are the most beautiful woman I've ever seen, but I know there is so much more to you than that. I wanted to assure you that I will never reveal your family's secrets. Also, I am not planning to throw away my human life, I will not agree to being changed until I'm dying. I also intend to a have a child of my own before I am changed, God willing. I don't know anything about raising children, and I never even thought about having one until I met Edward. I know its premature to discuss this the day I meet you, so you have lots of time to think about it, but I'd really like your help raising our child. I'd like for you and Emmett to be our child's godparents." Bella paused and continued eating.

"Is she kidding?" Rosalie whispered too low for human ears. Her thoughts were frozen.

"She's completely sincere! She trusts you. She loves you like a sister! She trusts and loves all of us. She considers us her family! What a weird human!" Jasper exclaimed under his breath. "I've never come across anyone like her in all my years."

She really wants me to help raise her baby? She wants me to be a godmother?

"She and I have already discussed it. It was her idea, but I'd like that too."

Rose would have been crying if she had tears.

"Emmett, you're like the big brother I always wanted, only much, much scarier," Bella confessed. Emmett grinned. "I am extremely clumsy, even a human, which will be a consistent source of entertainment for you. Just remember that once I am a newborn, I'll be stronger than you, at least for a little while."

Emmett laughed out loud at the suggestion Bella could ever be stronger than him.

"By the way, we're driving everybody crazy. They are very upset they can't hear our conversation, and they're mad we're hogging the new girl. If you haven't heard the word already, I introduced Bella a friend of the family and my fiancé. Alice introduced her as her best friend. I'd appreciate it if you would support us in this."

They all nodded. It was time to head off to fifth period classes. Each one of them gave Bella a hug on the way out. Even Rosalie.

BPOV

This day was going so much better than it had in the book. Part of that was because I was a new person. Feeling confident that the sexy, drop-dead gorgeous man beside me loved me unconditionally and irrevocably forever and considered me the most beautiful woman he'd ever met, even more beautiful than Rosalie, did wonders for my self esteem. Knowing I had, or would have, the full support, acceptance, and love of the Cullen family helped me understand how fleeting time was and how little the opinions of others really mattered. I could give as good as I got, secure in the knowledge I would never be alone. I smiled at Edward peacefully. We were holding hands under out lab table. He stroked the back of my hand with his thumb, grinning when my heart rate responded. This was the one class Alice didn't share with us, since it was already full.

Finally, the last class of the day – Gym. Oh, joy. The Cullen's already knew how clumsy I was – Edward because he read about it and Alice because she could foresee it. Besides, I'd already announced it to the family at lunch. So rather than being embarrassed, I decided to just have fun. After all, even time I tripped I ended up in Edward's arms, so it was a win-win scenario.

As we were changing into our gym uniforms in the locker room, Lauren accosted me.

"So, Bella, how do you know the Cullen's?" she snipped frostily.

I looked her over carefully as if judging her and finding her wanting. "That's a story for another day," I remarked casually. Alice chuckled, enjoying my secret wordplay. We went out to the gym to find Edward. Apparently, basketball was on the menu. The boys would be practicing shooting hoops at one goal and the girls at the other.

"Hey, Edward," I whispered. "I dare you to bounce the ball against the floor so it goes through the hoop underneath, and then comes back through the correct way."

He grinned at me and proceeded to do just that. I heard the boys all start making jokes with him. Alice laughed playfully.

"Alice, I dare you to throw the ball so it sits up on the back of the hoop against the backboard and gets struck there," I challenged quietly. As soon as it was her turn, she threw the ball up there and got it stuck. She stuck her tongue out at me playfully and I laughed. Next I challenged Edward to toss it in his eyes closed but I had to bounce on the rim three times before going through the net. I dared Alice to bounce the ball off the rim at just he right ankle to hit Lauren in the butt where she stood gossiping with Jessica. That was absolutely hilarious. It was the fun gym class I had ever experienced. Edward and Alice assured me that the same was true for them. They were very thankful I had taken a time of pure torture for them and made it fun. The best part of being able to use some of their enhanced abilities without any of the humans noticing.

After class, Edward walked me to my truck.

"I'll meet you at your house, love. Would you like to come to my house this afternoon and meet Carlisle & Esme?"

"I'd love too Edward!"

EPOV

I kissed Bella goodbye and joined my family in the Volvo.

"So we're having a visitor?" Carlisle and Esme will be thrilled!" Alice sang happily. They'll be ecstatic you've finally found your mate.

"Well, if we're going to have a human hanging around for a while, I'd better get used to her scent. What if I hurt her, Edward? I'd never forgive myself if I killed your mate in a moment of weakness," Jasper worried. She smells so good.

"Jasper, I know you can do this. I know you're strong enough to resist. You just need to try. Mind over matter. We'll talk more about it later," I reassured him.

"Okay, Edward. I promise to try."

"Well, this should be interesting having a human around," Emmett speculated. Imagine the trouble I could cause…

"Edward, are you sure this is a good idea? She's a human!" Rose accused half heartedly. But she's going to have a baby and share it with me. If anyone screws this up, I'm going to rip off their heads. If anybody hurts her, they're dead meat, including you, Edward."

I smiled. "She's my mate. Esme was human when Carlisle found her, and Emmett was human when you found him."

"They were already dying! So are you just going to kill her?"

"I'll wait until she's dying to change her."

Rose nodded. "That's fair…"

"Please don't tell Carlisle and Esme yet. I want to do it myself," I begged. They all agreed, knowing I would be over with Bella shortly. I dropped them off at the house and went to get Bella.

ESMEPOV

It was nice to have Carlisle home during the day for once. He had worked the 10pm to 10am shift in the ER last night, so we had the house all to ourselves for a few hours before the kids got home from school. We didn't hesitate to make good use of that time, enjoying the freedom of privacy. We finished up shortly before the kids were due home and settled in the living room. Carlisle was reading a few medical journals, keeping up to date on the newest drugs and procedures, and I was sketching a few ideas for renovating the dining room.

We both paused to greet the kids when they entered none of them had strange expressions on their faces. They settled down in the living room as well, with an air of expectancy. Alice was positively vibrating with enthusiasm and excitement. Jasper had both hands on her, desperately trying to calm her down, but judging by the giddy grin that kept manifesting on his face, he was losing the battle. Rose was perched on the edge of the couch, almost as if prepared to run at a moment's notice, wearing an ambivalent expression I hadn't seen on her face since she waited for Emmett to awaken from his change. Emmett was relaxed, sporting a mischievous grin, which was actually a normal look for him.

"What's going on, children?" I asked suspiciously. Suddenly, I realised my first son was missing. "Where's Edward?"

"Oh, he just went to get something. He'll be right back," Emmett replied casually, his grin turned wicked.

Jasper snorted, but kept his head averted so I couldn't read his expression.

I squeezed Carlisle's thigh to get his attention. "Our children are up to something, and it involves Edward. Mother's intuition."

Carlisle looked at their faces and all four of them looked guilty. They all exchanged glances. Carlisle was intrigued now. There was no doubt in my mind that something was going on, and Edward was in the thick of it.

"Hey, why don't we watch a movie?" Emmett suggested cheerfully. "How about "Look Who's Coming For Dinner?"

The other three kids began laughing hysterically. We were hit with a wave of it, courtesy of Jasper, and we were both laughing long and hard too, though we didn't get the joke. We all managed to calm down after a few false starts.

"Stop trying to distract me!" I remonstrated. "Where is your brother?"

Just then, we heard the Volvo coming down the driveway. The kids all looked relieved and excited. We heard two doors shut. Two? Then we heard a feminine squeal. One we didn't recognise. As they approached, we could have a human heartbeat. A human? Edward was bringing a human to our house, without even warning us first? My eyes rapidly scanned the room for anything that might set us apart. Edward walked in, carrying a human girl in his arms. Carlisle and I exchanged a quick look of surprise. Carlisle stood up and slowly approached, assuming his medical skills were needed.

"What's wrong?" he asked in his professional doctor voice. Edward set her down on her feet, taking a few extra seconds to be certain she found her balance.

"Nothing right now, Carlisle," the girl murmured quietly. "No doubt I'll need your services many times in the next couple of years though. I'm terribly clumsy."

Emmett snickered. She walked right up to Carlisle and gave him a full body hug. I was on my feet and by Carlisle's side before I even realised it, instinctively staking my claim on my mate.

Edward smirked at me and announced, "Um, yeah, we really need to start keeping human food and a first aid kit handy."

What? Why?

Edward nodded toward the girl who still had her arms wrapped around my husband. Before I could say anything, she released Jim and saw me. Suddenly, her arms were wrapped around me, her head resting on my shoulder.

"Esme! Oh, Esme! I have always longed for a mother like you. I have always needed to take care of my mother, rather than her take care of me. I was always the responsible one, while my mother behaved like a child. I love my mother, of course, but she never fulfilled that role in my life. I would dearly love it if you would adopt me too and be the mother I always dreamed of but never thought to have," the girl choked out between shaky breaths. I felt my heart swell with love at her words. She needed me. She needed me to take care of her. I loved being needed and taking care of my children. My heart had already claimed her as one of my own, and I didn't even know her name yet. She stepped back, looking at both of us with respect, trust, and love. It she's a human. How could she feel that way?

"Carlisle, you are my hero. You are the perfect example of persistence and determination overcoming all odds and tremendous obstacles to do what is morally right. Esme, you are my hero, too. You represent the epitome of motherly devotion and love, adopting five children into your family, making them feel like your own, and tying all these different personalities into one unbreakable bond, teaching them all love, respect, and loyalty to each other. I would be deeply honoured if you would accept me into your family and love me as one of your own."

Carlisle and I were both overwhelmed. Neither of us knew what to say.

"You know, you never even told them your name, love," Edward laughed. "Let me do the honours. Mom, Dad, this is Bella Swan, my soulmate and future wife."

He wrapped his arms around her and pulled her close to his chest. Her heartbeat immediately responded to his touch, but there was no fear in her eyes.

Love? Soulmate? Wife?

She looked up into Edward's eyes and smiled. I didn't need Jasper's gift to witness the love and devotion they shared. I had seen it on the faces of the other mated couples in the house. He bent down and lightly touched his lips to hers. Her heartbeat started racing like crazy. All the vampires laughed. Her cheeks flushed bright pink. I gasped as her scent hit the back of my throat.

Does she know what we are? The danger? The limitations?

Edward broke the kiss and looked at both of us. "Yes she knows everything and no, I didn't tell her. You remember the package I got the other day? It was from a psycho by the name of Stephenie Meyer. Bella got a duplicate copy. I learned a lot about her and how to protect her. I also learned a great deal about myself and pitfalls to avoid. For both of us, the words disappeared off the pages shortly after we finished reading them, so we have no proof. Both of us were unsure of the existence of the other and the truth of the writings until we met. I put out a search on Stephenie Meyer, but there doesn't seem to be such a person."

"The words disappeared after you read them? How odd," Carlisle commented.

"Bella thinks it may be because we already changed the future, just by knowing what could happen and choosing to do things differently."

I found my voice at last. "Bella, sweetheart, welcome to our family. We are very pleased and honoured that you choose to join us. I already think of you as one of my children," I gave her another hug to emphasise my words.

"Thank you, Esme," she gasped, with tears of joy in her eyes.

"Oh, my! I need to go grocery shopping! We don't have any food in the house. Oh, I hope my cooking skills are still up to par. It's been eighty years since I cooked anything. I'll need to pick up some more kitchen things. Does our oven even work?"

"Calm down, love," Carlisle laughed, putting an arm around me. "One step at a time. I'm sure you'd like to spend a little time getting to know our new daughter first, wouldn't you? We can order her some pizza for night," I beamed at him, overflowing with happiness. Edward finally found his mate and now our family is complete. I let out a sigh of contentment. At that moment, all was right with my little world.

She nodded shyly, sitting on the couch beside Edward.

"Do you have any questions for us, Bella?"

"Not at the moment."

"Well, then I will go first. Feel free to ask a question whenever you think of one. So you know we are vampires?" Carlisle began his interrogation. She nodded."Do you know what that means?"

She sighed, "Yes, you drink the blood of animals, which is what gives your eyes their golden colour, versus the red eyes of those who drink human blood. You're incredibly strong and fast, all of your senses are enhanced, and you are always somewhat thirsty. Your eyes fade to black when you're hungry, angry or aroused. You have no heartbeat, but you do have a soul." With that last statement, she glared at Edward as if trying to burn it into his head. He chuckled and nodded. She smiled and continued, "The only way you can die is to be dismembered and burned to ash. Werewolves, like the ones at LaPush, are your natural enemies. The change from human to vampire takes three days and is painful beyond imagination. The change occurs when vampire venom circulates through the human bloodstream. Vampires mate for eternity. Even though you are animal drinkers, you are still dangerous to humans because you could accidentally lose control, either of your thirst or your strength. The Volturi are very dangerous. They collect gifted vampires, and we want to avoid them knowing anything about us at all if possible, because they would kill to get hold of Edward and Alice in particular. Once I am a vampire, I could learn to control my shield and use it to protect the whole family from Jane and Alec, and some of the other vampires who use mental attacks."

She stopped as she realised everyone but Edward had gone into shock at her words about the Volturi, Edward sighed.

"What happened to ignorance is bliss, sweetheart?" he asked. She looked at him in surprise.

"Well, you are going to take the path that leads them to our front door, but I still think everyone should know how dangerous they are to our family. Though Aro remembers Carlisle fondly, he believes Carlisle to be weak. If he finds out how large and powerful the Cullen family is, he will find an excuse to attack us. He would view us as a rival coven and would give us the choice of death or joining the guard. If anybody doubts me, all you have to do is ask Eleazar. He figured out the pattern in our alternate future, so I'm sure he could do so again in this one. But the Volturi don't know anything about us, so as long as we don't give them any reason to investigate us, we should be fine. As long as everyone stays away from Italy, we should be in good shape."

Oh, dear. Ignorance is bliss. Now I have to worry about my family's safety even though their isn't an imminent threat. The possibility of a future threat is enough to trigger my anxiety.

"I'll keep an eye on the Volturi, for us. I'll know if they ever learn about us, and we can act accordingly then," Alice promised. Jasper sent me a wave of calm. I smiled gratefully at both of them. I'm so blessed to have such wonderful children.