Five years after the confrontation with the Volturi

"Sam?" My dark haired husband peeked out from the nursery with our son Eli on his hip. Eli's twin brother Ezekiel toddled behind his father as Sam approached me. I smiled warmly as I lifted Zeke from the floor. His wrapped his chubby arms around my neck and buried his face in my hair.

"Yes love?" Sam answered me, leaning foward to steal a kiss from my lips. Eli squealed and clapped his hands. He had a strange habit of cheering whenever Sam and I kissed.

"Do you know when the boys will be here?" This was something I usually knew, especially when were planning a cook out, but some how, the time had evaded me.

"They said some time after 5:30." I frowned and felt the pull of one of my scars.

"That's helpful." I commented sarcastically before heading back into the kitchen. I set Zeke down so I could remove the banana nut muffins from the oven. I heard the front door open and heavy foot falls follow after.

"Mmmm, are those banana nut muffins I smell?" Seth's voice came from the doorway, so I set the pan down and turned to see him. He had grown so much in the past five years, it was almost impossible to see the gangly youth that he used to be in his gigantic form.

"Yes they are, but you don't get anything yet." He frowned pitifully and tried to give me the puppy dog look. "Ah ah Seth, that look doesn't work on me anymore! If you want anything, you have to wait." He smiled at me and gave me a warm hug. He pulled me in tight and kissed my left cheek.

"You're the best Emily." He whispered when he pulled away. I was confused until I saw the steaming muffin in his hand. I grabbed a handy spatula and chased him out of the kitchen, landing a few hits every once in a while.

Laughter from the living room gave me pause. I turned to see who else was here and saw Leah. She was still beautiful; time could never steal that from her. Her long, black hair was pulled into a loose pony tail and her strong, yet feminine features were vaguely enhanced by the light touch of make up. Her black eyes peered at me from across the room and I admired her, not for the first time, for her resiliency. This woman, who used to be my best friend, had conquered all with only a few wounds along the way.

"Leah." I whispered her name like a prayer. It still amazed me that she could forgive me for my harsh words. I think it amazed her as well that I had forgiven her too.

"Emily." We stood across from each other for a long moment before grasping each other tightly.

"Hey! Do I get a hug too?" Embry was standing in the doorway behind Leah, but I didn't pull away. I merely stuck my tongue out at him and hugged Leah tighter.

"You can let go now Emily." Leah whispered in a teasing tone. Even as I pulled away and stared into her obsidian eyes and spoke again, I still wished to linger in her embrace.

"Never."

And we both knew I wasn't talking about the hug.