Disclaimer: I do not own Twilight or any of its characters. They belong to Stephenie Meyers.

Chapter Seventeen: We Are Family

It was the Cullens final day in London and while happy to be returning home, there was a sense of sadness that their family trip and adventure was coming to a close.

For Bella, it had been the happiest time in her life thus far. They'd been in England for three weeks and had seen so many things and visited so many places, but now it was time to say good-bye to London and the Cullens were going to do that by taking one last ride on The Eye.

When they'd first arrived in London Alice had insisted on seeing London from The Eye. For this final evening in London they were going to visit in the evening so as to enjoy the beauty of the great city by night.

The Cullens arrived shortly after sunset and were able to secure a capsule for themselves. Each of the couples stood a little away from the others as the capsule slowly made its way to the top.

The night ride was absolutely breathtaking, all the bright lights of the city flickering on one by one. The lights illuminating the Houses of Parliament were also magnificent, with the reflection of the buildings seen on the River Thames.

Edward was standing behind Bella, arms wrapped securely around her as she leaned her head back against his chest, watching as he pointed to different landmarks as they became visible. It was a clear night and they could see for miles out in each direction, with the stars twinkling in the sky.

"So, love, what was your favorite highlight of this trip?" Edward whispered into Bella's ear as they reached the top. Bella was quiet, thinking back over the last three weeks. Edward waited patiently for her reply, eager to find out what moment, place or event had meant the most to her.

From across the capsule Alice chimed, "Well, I can tell you what my favorite highlight of the trip was…" Jasper smiled at her indulgently.

"Obviously my favorite moment of this trip was when Bella fought tooth and nail for a pair of shoes. Granted, they weren't just ANY shoes. I mean, who wouldn't fight for a pair of Christian Louboutin's?" Alice started gesturing excitedly, caught up in the memory of that day. "But there was my little sister, bravely facing off against the evil Jesska, all in the name of fashion!"

Everyone laughed, including Bella, as they once again pictured the scene in their mind.

Rosalie was next. "Well, my favorite highlight was without a doubt our spa day." She smiled affectionately at Bella, who returned the smile as she remembered their conversation. "We finally became true sisters that day."

Carlisle and Esme were watching their family with indulgent smiles on their faces. Carlisle caught Esme's eye as she nodded for him to say what they were both thinking. "Bella, I would have to say for Esme and myself, our favorite moment was breakfast that first morning. It felt good to be able to prepare a meal for you and watch you enjoy it. All the things we do to appear human aren't forced when you are around. You make us feel human and that is something we can never thank you enough for, Bella."

Esme smiled fondly at Carlisle before turning to speak to Bella. "My favorite moment was when we were sitting on the couch in front of the fire and you were telling me your memories of your favorite scene in 'Mary Poppins'." Bella and Esme both smiled at the memory. "I've considered you my daughter from the first time Edward brought you home, but sharing those stories and time together made the feeling that much stronger. You truly are my daughter and I love you."

"Well, my favorite memory is without a doubt our little prank on Emmett at the War Museum…" Everyone started chuckling at this remark, including Emmett. "It's always fun to yank his chain and to be able to do that with you as my accomplice, well, it meant more to me than I can say."

Bella mouthed, "For me too, Jasper."

She then turned to Edward. "What about you? What's your favorite moment?"

Edward stared at her intently for a moment. "Bella, every moment I spend with you is a favorite moment. To know that you love me and want to be with me forever… as long as I get to spend each moment with you I'll never want for anything more."

Emmett started thumping his chest with one arm. "Hey, what about me? I want a turn!"

There was a collective sigh from the group as they waited to hear what Emmett had to say. Bella turned to Emmett. "Okay, what was your favorite moment?"

Emmett raised both arms in the air. "DISNEYLAND PARK PARIS!!! The happiest place on Earth, because I got to spend it with my little sister! We got on all my favorite park rides, you wore your mouse ears and I was Captain Jack for the day, and we sang songs!"

Once again all the Cullens started laughing, including Bella.

Edward then turned to Bella. "You still haven't answered my question, love. What was your favorite highlight on this trip?"

Bella looked down at her feet before raising her eyes to look at each family member and then fixing her eyes on Edward's face. "I don't have one particular favorite moment. It's a combination of moments from this trip that made me realize how much we all love each other and what we bring to this family that makes us, well, family." She smiled at Edward. "And I really, truly believe in both my mind and heart that nothing will ever break the bonds we have. Our choosing to be together as a family and not letting anything or anyone get in the way of that, it really is a choice of the heart. We are family, forever…"

"Well said, Bella." Carlisle replied as everyone nodded in agreement.

Edward pulled Bella into his arms and tenderly kissed her. "You're the choice of my heart…"

"And you're mine…" Bella whispered in return.

The capsule started slowly making its way back to the ground when Emmett pumped his fist in the air. "Oh yeah! I feel a song coming on…"

All of the Cullens rolled their eyes and shouted, "Emmett!!!"

"Come on everyone, sing with me!"

We are family
I got all my sisters (and brothers and parents) with me
We are family
Get up ev'rybody and sing

Ev'ryone can see we're together
As we walk on by
(FLY!) and we fly just like birds of a feather
I won't tell no lie
(ALL!) all of the people around us they say
Can they be that close
Just let me state for the record
We're giving love in a family dose

Alice and Jasper, Rosalie, Esme and Carlisle, and Edward and Bella all joined Emmett as he sang:

We are family
I got all my sisters (and brothers and parents) with me
We are family
Get up ev'rybody and sing

The End.

A/N: I'd like to say a big "Thank you!" to everyone who has followed this story and left such wonderful and encouraging reviews. I had planned to do a final chapter of the plane ride home, but I've decided to end it here for two reasons. First, as most of you know my brother is still in the hospital in critical condition. We're still hopeful for recovery but it's going to take time. Eventually I'll write the scene involving the plane ride home as an outtake to this story. Second, I'm trying to finish up the first three chapters of the Punk'd sequel. I'm really anxious to start posting that story so keep watching as I plan to have the first chapter out within the next two weeks. Thanks again!