Chapter 29! The final chapter of this trilogy! Guys, I just couldn't wait any longer to give this one to you. I totally had it written three days ago. I'm kind of sad that this is the end of this, but hey, I'll be back! Oh and if this is in a weird format, I apologize. More technical difficulties. Can't seem to escape them.

*Disclaimer*

Please Enjoy!

Monday...Day before Christmas Eve

RPOV

What a difference only a few days could make. My leg had lost all the pins and needles feelings and I could walk for long periods of time before it gave out. And then, I only needed a couple minutes of recup time to stretch it out. Adam and Derek had been a blessing by going out to hunt for me. Calahan had finally let up to allow Rhett to see them. Jacob had gone with them to talk to him. It would be a long road for them, but at least they were able to talk to each other.

I was currently making breakfast before going to down to get my stitches out. The skin was no longer red and angry. Instead, it was now puckered and pink like Jake's scars had been. It looked like Jane's bite mark was there to stay, a permanent scar. But I was proud of it. I'd survived. She hadn't.

Jacob was out with Xavier, having promised to spend the day with him. They'd gone to see if Xavier could pass his permit test. Uncle Jasper had gotten papers and such done for him to make him legal. Jacob had been working and studying with him for a while now. So it was just me today, which was fine. Cricket and Trey had moved out over the weekend to their new apartment.

Humming to myself, I sat down at the table with my French toast, scrambled eggs, and bacon. Thankfully my stomach had gone back to normal after the shock had worn off.

Or at least I thought it had. Until I got into the fridge for the butter.

Something had caught my eye. Leftover soup from the other day. Just looking at it, my stomach flopped and I swallowed convulsively. My gag reflex was working double time.

Shutting the door, I booked it for the bathroom in the hallway. And tossed nothing up. I hadn't eaten yet. All that came up was the orange juice, but my stomach heaved multiple times.

What the hell was wrong with me? I'd been feeling better, slowly eating heavier things than crackers. Even the blood I'd kept down. And I'd been so damn tired. Jacob and I hadn't made love since the morning of the fight because I was always asleep as soon as my head hit the pillow.

Maybe it was my period. I'd been cramping lately.

Wait.

My eyes widened.

"No-" I whispered as if I couldn't believe what my brain had just cooked up, a hand to my stomach and one to my mouth.

Getting up, I washed out my mouth and brushed my teeth. Luckily, I kept a toothbrush up here. Running around, I turned off everything, grabbed my jacket, and booked it for Shelby and Seth's place. I had a key and the alarm code. They were gone for the day and I knew Shelby had what I needed.

Going straight for their bathroom, I went through the cabinet, grabbed the box, and ran for my house. Didn't want a random patrol wolf to see me. When I got home, I texted Shelby to let her know that I'd needed to get something from her house and that's why I'd been in there.

Back home, I read the instructions quickly, grabbed a stick and went to the bathroom.

Longest three minutes of my life.

Hopping up and down, I forced myself to slow my breathing. My heart was about to jump out of my chest. My stomach flopped again, and I thought I might start heaving again, but then my phone's timer beeped.

Taking in a deep, shaky breath, I let it out slowly and looked over at the test.

Holy. Shit.

JPOV

I looked at the clock one more time. Two whole minutes had passed. But I knew Xavier. He would take five minutes for each question if he could. If I remembered correctly, the permit test was timed, though. So, I sat in a chair with my elbows on my knees and my head hanging. I'd had to move to the back row where the chairs were against the wall because of all the giggling girls. I kept feeling their eyes on me, so I'd moved to keep my eyes on them. Didn't want their dads to think I was that kind of guy.

Nessie had told me to come out today with Xavier. He didn't really have anybody else that he was close to. She'd promised me that she'd be ok, that she'd call someone if she couldn't make it down to the big house on her own. I'd taken her word and come out with the kid.

"Jacob!"

Looking up, I saw Xavier standing at the counter, waiting to see if he passed or not. All the girls were staring between us. At least half of them seemed interested in Xavier.

After a minute, the woman stamped something on the paper and Xavier lit up like Christmas. He'd passed.

"Congrats," the woman said. "Your first time, too. Must have had a good teacher."

Xavier avoided her gaze but he smiled. "He's pretty awesome."

Now we had to wait to get his picture taken. He came to sit next to me after taking a number for the next line. The girls turned with him. Dammit. Couldn't escape it. I made sure to flash my wedding band as much as possible.

"So, how'd you do?"

We both bent over the paper. He'd only missed one question. Not bad at all.

I clapped his back, grinning, proud. "Not bad, man. Good job."

"Thanks," he said bashfully. "I'm pretty sure I passed because of you. You're a really good teacher."

"And you're a good student."

Looking up, I caught a girl glancing at him out of the corner of her eye over her book. I hadn't noticed her before. She must have just sat down. She wasn't like the others. She was shy, not openly ogling him and whispering about it to her friends. Kind of refreshing. I nudged his shoulder. When he looked at me, I used my eyes to point. He caught my meaning and glanced at her. She dropped her gaze and shifted in her seat, blushing, going back to her book. He flushed, too.

Clearing his throat, he punched my shoulder. "Not cool, man."

I chuckled. "I thought it was pretty amusing. So why don't you have a girlfriend? Half the girls in here can't keep their eyes off you. She's staring at you again."

He gave me a look that included wide eyes. "Dude," he said between his teeth. "Shut up."

I laughed.

He shrugged and lowered his voice. "I don't know. Our pack just wasn't involved with humans. And all the young females were already mated off by the time I joined this pack. Besides, I was more interested in taking care of those kids. Malik had a thing about kids. I did what I could."

I clapped him on the back of the neck. "Well, Malik is gone now. And Walker wants you guys involved with humans. So take advantage of that. You're a strong guy. But most of all you're young. You shouldn't have to take all that responsibility. It's time for you to act your age. And apparently, you're quite attractive. I'm a straight, married dude so I can't really say anything, but by the way they're acting, I'd say you have a chance with half the rez."

Looking up, he took a deep breath and let it out on a sigh. "You really think so? I've never really talked to a girl. Not like that."

"Of course. You're pretty cool once you open up. Just be you, ya know? Be sure to show them that you know how to treat a girl, that you respect them. Chicks dig that. Don't act like something you're not."

A number was called and the shy girl stood up to go get her picture taken. She had to pass right by us, and her eyes slipped to Xavier. A smile curved her lips when she saw him watching her.

"She's pretty," I said.

"Yeah, she is."

With wavy red hair to her waist, freckles, and a lot of curves, she was still tiny in height. Maybe five foot two, at best. She looked vaguely familiar, like I'd seen her around the rez before. I watched Xavier as he watched her. The back of his neck flushed when her eyes met his just as the camera flashed.

His number was called next and he fumbled up out of the chair. And right into her. It was classic. His shoulder bumped hers and she dropped her bag. Spilling apologies through his teeth, he helped her pick up her stuff.

"Thank you," she muttered.

"You're welcome. Sorry I bumped into you."

"I'm not," she whispered before taking off.

I laughed as Xavier just stood there, staring after her.

The camera operator snapped at him. "Kid, I don't have all day. You want a picture or not?"

Xavier shook himself, sat down, and got his picture taken.

Oh, he wasn't going to live this down. Not if I had anything to do with it.

RPOV

Holy shit!

What do I do now?

Wait a minute...it was too early to tell from Wednesday.

Which meant…

Pulling out my phone, feeling sick again, I called Carlisle. I didn't want to call Jacob. If this was as good and big as I was thinking then it would make the most perfect Christmas present ever.

"Hi, sweetie. I was wondering if you were coming down."

"I am. About to be on my way, but I need to ask you something."

"Okay?"

"Is Dad there?"

"Um, no. Everybody except me and Esme went hunting. Why? What's wrong?"

It was hard to think. I felt like I was going to faint. "I, uh, I...um-"

Now he sounded worried. "Nessie, what's wrong?"

I pulled myself together long enough to form a complete sentence. "I'm not sure anything's wrong, but I need to see you immediately. I'm on my way down now."

Hanging up, I grabbed the stick with the cap, and locked the door behind me. Forgetting about my leg, I practically ran down to the house and up the stairs to the ER. Walker, Christa, and Haleigh had gone home yesterday.

Carlisle turned when I came through the door. He was frowning. "What's going on?"

"Is anybody else here besides you and Esme?"

He shook his head. "No, sweetie. Why?"

Taking a deep breath, I held up the stick.

For a moment, all he did was look at it. And then he managed to blink. "I...I d-don't...uh, when did you take that?"

"Just now."

"Maybe we should call Jacob," he said, going for his phone.

"No," I sternly. When he frowned at me, I tried to calm my tone. "I don't want to get his hopes up if something is wrong."

"What do you mean?"

Closing the door behind me, I went to sit on the bed. "Think about it. The last time Jake and I were...intimate was Wednesday morning, before the battle. Not since. That would mean that I was...before the fighting. I need to know if everything is okay before I tell him."

Finally, he picked up on what I was saying. His professionalism slid back into place as he snapped on some gloves. "Alright. Let me take some blood. Then, we can do an ultrasound."

I swallowed hard. "Is...is there a way to tell if-if everything is…" I couldn't seem to get my thoughts in order.

Carlisle came over to put a hand on my shoulder. "Yes. The heartbeat will tell me what I need to know. But that won't account for any mental damage, if there is any." My breathing became unsteady then because I hadn't thought of that, and I started to panic. He hurried to say, "Nessie, sweetie, your body is more durable than a human's. I'd say there's very slight risk for that kind of damage. Were you hit in that area at any time?"

Forcing myself to breathe and think, I remembered back to the fight. Had I been hit in the stomach?

I shook my head. "No, not that I can remember."

"Then the risk is very slight in my opinion. But let me get some blood and then we can move on."

Swallowing hard, I nodded, absently rolling up my sleeve. He did his thing, but didn't make me wait for him to study the blood. He rolled out an ultrasound machine and ordered me to lay back and lift my shirt. I did as instructed while he prepped everything and put that really cold gel on the skin of my lower belly. Moving the wand around my stomach, he spread the gel and studied the screen. If I looked at it, I was going to throw up.

At first, he just frowned at the screen.

And then he smiled. "Aha. Found you."

Ohmygod, ohmygod, ohmygod.

"Ness, do you want to-"

I squeezed my eyes closed and shook my head.

"Alright. We'll wait for that part." He put down the wand and wiped off my belly. I was left alone for just a second before he came back. "I'm going to wrap this band around your waist, okay? Now, if there is anything, it will be fast, like a bird, so don't freak out. It'll sound a lot like yours because your heartbeat is faster than a human's, which would probably explain why none of us have heard it."

I nodded. There was no way to talk without hurling.

Moments later, the band was hooked up and around my waist. And we waited. It was killing me. I wanted earplugs. When another heartbeat passed and nothing happened, my heart crumbled. Tears pooled under my closed lids.

A cool hand stroked my forehead. "Nessie, shh, it's ok, sweetie."

I shook my head again, tears hanging in the corner of my eyes.

"Hold on. Forgot to turn it up."

Another second passed.

And then a fluttering sounded throughout the room. Like a bird.

My eyes popped open wide to see Carlisle grinning.

"Sounds perfect."

JPOV

When I walked into the house, Nessie was dancing around and singing at the top of her lungs along with her iPod that was blasting at top volume. Strips of wrapping paper, tape, and ribbon were strewn everywhere. Under the tree were two gifts: the one she'd gotten for me, and mine for her.

Looking down her body, I saw that the stitches had been removed.

The volume on the radio went down and Ness came to me, breathing hard. "Hey, baby. Did you have fun today?"

Leaning down, I kissed her. "Yeah. Xavier passed the test, and met a future girlfriend if he ever runs into her again and talks to her."

"That's great!"

I quirked an eyebrow. "You're awfully happy right now."

She shrugged and danced away from me. "It's Christmas. And we defeated the Volturi, finally making our home and family safe. Why shouldn't I be happy? You're alive, I'm alive. What more could I ask for?"

When the oven dinged, she danced for it. Something was up. Or maybe she was just really in the Christmas mood. Tomorrow was Christmas Eve after all, and it was her favorite time of year. Maybe it had sunk in for her that the bad guys were gone for good. Or at least, those bad guys.

"What's for dinner?" I asked, throwing my jacket on the back of the couch and brushed the snow from my hair. I'd spent the afternoon teaching Xavier how to drive in the snow on the backroads that weren't traveled often.

She took a pan out of the oven. "I decided to try to make my own subs, like that sub shop we like? Not sure how they turned out but-"

"But they smell freaking amazing," I said as my stomach growled so hard that I actually felt it. I kissed her cheek as I sat down at the table. "I bet they're delicious."

"I hope so. I just sort of threw some stuff together. More meat for you, more veggies for me."

"Ah," I said as she put a plate in front of me with chips and the sandwich on it. "The Italian."

"Yup," she said happily, plopping down next to me. She swung her thigh over my knee and picked up her sandwich.

I picked up mine, biting into it, watching her. And then groaned in ecstasy. Best freaking sandwich of my life.

"Pretty sure I just had a foodgasm," I said when she looked at me expectantly.

She laughed around her own bite. Nodding, she wiped her hands on a napkin. "I have to say that I think I did a pretty good job."

"Are you kidding? I'd pay some good money for a sub like that. Holy crap, Ness. Seriously. You have a talent for food, baby."

She practically glowed. "Thank you. I just wanted to try something different."

"Well you should do stuff like this more often. It's great."

She beamed at me.

God, I loved that woman. And that smile.

Tuesday...Christmas Eve

JPOV

I woke up to the toilet flushing and then the sound of Nessie brushing her teeth. Geez, she was up early. But her side of the bed was still warm. She hadn't been up long.

She came out of the bathroom licking her lips and brushing her hair. When she saw that I was awake, she grinned. "Good morning."

"Morning." When she sat back down on the bed, I curled up around her. "What are you doing up so early?"

"Christmas Eve! Duh! Now come on, get up. I promised Billy we'd be down there early."

"What time is it?"

"Eleven-thirty. Becca and Rachel are going to be there, too. We're doing food and presents there today with them so that tomorrow we can visit with Charlie, Sue and my family. I figured tonight could be me and you. Or we could do our presents before we go down there."

I frowned. "You sure? I mean, we could wait for tonight or tomorrow morning."

Even though I would love for everyone to see her in the necklace I got her.

She perked up as if she knew what I was thinking. "You wanna do ours now?"

Sitting up, I shrugged. "Whatever you want, baby. I don't mind."

She clapped and bit her lower lip. "Good, because I really can't wait anymore."

I couldn't help but laugh. She was adorable when she was excited. And it was great to see her like this again.

"Alright, alright. My turn in the bathroom and then we can go upstairs."

I did my thing and Ness was outside the door waiting for me. Taking my hand, she dragged me upstairs. Looking out one of the windows on my way to the couch, I saw several inches of snow. Probably a couple feet. With a huge jolt, I was shoved onto the couch.

"You are really excited about Christmas this year, aren't you?" I asked with a chuckle.

She smiled again. I wasn't sure she'd stopped. "You have no idea." Going over to the tree, she grabbed my present and handed it to me. "You first," she said, cuddling up next to me.

"Alright."

She had her camera out and I was glad that I'd thought to put a tank on. Ripping into the paper, I found a very nice, heavy-duty clothing box. Giving her a look, I took the lid off.

It was a black leather jacket, and it was very, very nice. Tracing my fingers over it, I knew that it was expensive because it was already malleable, supple under my fingers. It was the most beautiful piece of clothing I'd ever seen, besides Nessie's wedding dress. And knowing Ness and her relatives, it would fit perfectly. But I stood up anyway, pulled it out of the box, and slid it on. Fit like a glove, a little loose so that I knew it would go over my clothes.

"Ness, it's perfect. I love it."

She snapped another picture. "Really? I didn't want you to think I was trying to replace the old one. I know it's sentimental."

"Baby, really, I love this. You have no idea. Thank you so much."

Her grin was radiant. "You're welcome. It looks amazing on you. Makes you look like a badass."

Laughing, I leaned down to kiss her. "You're the only woman to tame me."

"I better be."

"Okay," I said clapping my hands, finally in the spirit. "Your turn." I reached under the tree, grabbed her gift, and handed it to her.

I took the camera from her so she could open it. I got several pictures of her making faces trying to peel the paper off. After a couple minutes, she finally got to the jewelry box. Just as I had with her, she looked at me as she opened the box.

And gasped when she looked down.

RPOV

Tears filled my eyes as I stared down at the most beautiful necklace I'd ever seen. Black and topaz diamonds lining the pendant and the wolf.

"Jacob," I breathed. "It's...it's gorgeous."

He snapped another picture. Launching forward, I kissed him just like in every jewelry commercial in existence. Taking it out of the box, I handed it to him and turned around, holding my hair up.

"Put it on me. I am so wearing it today. And every single day after."

Chuckling, he managed to put the tiny clasp together around my neck. It hung in the middle of my chest, well above my breasts. Which was good. Now people could look at it without staring at my breasts.

"It's perfect, Jacob. I love it so much. And it matches our rings."

"That was the point," he said, tracing the pendant with a finger. "Guess we better get dressed and down to Billy's."

I held up a finger. "Not yet." This was what I had been waiting for, and I couldn't wait anymore. That was why I had suggested we do this now. Billy and them could wait. This was much bigger. "I have something else."

He frowned. "Two presents? I'm vastly unprepared."

Laughing, I got off the couch and went to the linen closet. "Don't feel bad. This one was totally last minute. And don't think of it as just for you. This present is kind of for the both of us."

I took out the square box holding something else that I had taken from Shelby's house. She'd understand. I'd wrapped it up present-style. Going back to the couch, I sat down facing Jacob, my feet under his thigh, and handed him the box.

He gave me a questioning look as I grabbed my camera and watched him unwrap it. I was clicking away madly as he lifted the lid. Confusion washed over his features as he looked at the pacifier in the box.

"What? A pacifier? Ness-"

"Remember that I said this present was for both of us?"

He thought about it, frowning.

And then understanding smoothed the frown into wide eyes and shock. Dropping the box, he turned his head to stare at me. I was grinning so hard I thought my face was going to break.

"Are you-? We're...I'm…"

"Yes. Yes. And yes," I answered.

His eyes went down to my stomach and then back to my face. "But we haven't...we...the day of the fight…"

I nodded, swallowing. "I know. I had the same thought. But Carlisle tested me. Jacob, I heard the heartbeat."

"Why haven't I?"

"Because my heartbeat masked it. They're about the same speed." He was still in shock. "I still have the test if you wanna see it."

He just nodded, mouth slightly open.

Getting up, I grabbed the test from the bathroom with the Positive written across it. Seeing as how he wasn't functional, I held it in front of his face so he could read it. His eyes read over it, and his mouth moved. Eventually, he took the test and just stared at it.

"We're pregnant," he breathed, a gentle smile stretching his lips.

"Yes," I whispered. "We're having a baby."

His dark eyes found mine before he threw the test onto the coffee table. The box with the pacifier fell to the floor as he reached for my face. His thumbs traced my cheekbones.

"When did you find out?"

"Yesterday. I threw up again. And then realized my period was late. Once I deduced that it had to have happened before the fight, I went to Carlisle to make sure that everything was ok. He says the heartbeat is strong. And there could be a slight to no chance of mental damage because I didn't get hit in the stomach at all that day, and my body is more durable than a human's."

"You waited an entire day to tell me?"

Not meeting his eyes, I nodded. "I know I should have told you, but I wanted the ultimate present for you."

Laughing, he scooted closer, his forehead to mine. "Baby, I'm not mad. I'm impressed. I could never be mad. We're having a baby. Did you have an ultrasound?"

Grinning through tears, I nodded. "Yeah, but I didn't look. I didn't want to see it without you there. But when Carlisle found it, the wand was about here." I pointed to the lower left side of my stomach.

Wrapping his arms gently around my waist, he picked me up and moved me so that my knees were straddling his thighs. He huddled down so that he could press his ear to my stomach.

"I hear it," he whispered, eyes closed. "I can hear it. How far along?"

"Uh, three weeks. He said we conceived either Thanksgiving week or the week after. So barely a month."

"That morning."

"What?"

"Do you remember that morning when I made love to you slowly?"

I thought back. It was during the week after Thanksgiving. "Yeah, I remember."

"That was it. That was when we made this baby."

Smiling, I stroked his face. "How do you know?"

"I don't. But it feels right. I felt something that morning between us."

We just stared at each other for a while. And then his phone rang.

"Don't tell anyone," I said. "Not yet. We should wait until tomorrow when everyone is together."

He nodded as he reached around me for his phone on the table. I was pretty sure he wasn't going to let me go for a while. Which was fine with me.

He had to clear his throat before he answered. "Yeah?...Hey, Dad...Yeah, we're coming down. We just did our Christmas this morning so that we can spend more time with you guys tonight and tomorrow...Yeah, sure. You need us to bring down anything?...I'm fine, Dad...Yes, I'm sure...Okay, we'll be down soon…See you later. Bye."

I just stroked his hair with one hand and my stomach with the other. It felt strange to know that our child was growing inside me and at the same time, I couldn't feel or hear it. Jacob's big hand rested over mine, stilling it.

He swallowed hard. "I'm gonna be a dad," he said as if he couldn't believe it.

I kissed his forehead. "And you're gonna be a great one."

"How am I supposed to go through today and not tell anybody? Ness, this is huge. We're having a baby. You're pregnant."

He was in as much shock as I had been yesterday. Wrapping my arms around him, I pressed his head to my chest and held him. His hand rubbed circles on my belly.

I kissed the top of his head. "I know. I wanna tell, too. But for today, think of it as our present. Let's enjoy it."

Nodding as if that was a good idea, he said, "Yeah, yeah. Our present."

"And you can't act like this. Be yourself. Not shocky."

Leaning back, he gave me a look. "Be myself? I never met myself after I've been told I'm going to be a father. This is a first. I'm still adjusting."

I laughed. "Okay. Well, try. Now, let's go get dressed before Billy sends the wolves after us."

JPOV

Ness hopped off my lap and skipped to the bedroom. Every part of me wanted to tell her to stop, to walk, to be careful. But I didn't. Skipping was not going to hurt...the baby.

Holy shit. I was going to be a father. Me, Jacob Black, a dad. Holy. Shit.

"Jacob! Get down here and get dressed!"

There were so many things I had to do in eight months. Eight months. Geez, that didn't seem like a long time. Not anymore.

"Jake!"

Looking over, I saw Ness at the top of the stairs in a pair of jeans and a deep red sweater. Her hair was braided loosely and resting on her shoulder. I imagined what she'd look like in only a few months' time, belly rounded, breasts heavier, bigger clothes.

Smiling at me like I was doing something cute, she came over to sit on my lap again. "Jacob, sweetie, it's okay. Everything is going to be fine. You're going to be great. And we'll get everything done before the baby gets here. I promise."

"How did you know that's what I was thinking?" I asked, wrapping my arms protectively around her waist.

"Because I'm your soul mate. I know that's what you'd worry about." She tugged on my neck. "Now please. Let's go."

Ten minutes later, I was locking the door behind me, Nessie tucked into my side. She'd huffed. But, dammit, she was pregnant with my child. No way was I letting her near icy conditions without me. I'd gotten the other truck from the Cullen place before picking up Xavier, so it was sitting in front of the house. After helping Ness into her seat, I got into mine and cranked up the heat.

She glared at me. "I'm pregnant, not getting frostbite. Turn that down. And turn off the butt-warmers. Really?"

I gave her a look. "You're not freezing."

"No, I'm not. In fact, I'm starting to sweat." She reached for the controls and turned down the heat a notch or two.

Growling, I turned the truck around and made my way slowly down the icy drive. I'd put chains on the tires, but still, just in case, I went slow.

Suddenly, Nessie laughed.

"What?"

"You. You find out I'm pregnant and suddenly I'm glass."

Sighing, I reached out for her hand. "Ness, you're carrying my child. It's not just you now and you can't tell me that you can take it. We have no idea how fragile that life is right now. So, for me, as the male, the protector, the father, it makes me feel better to be uberly cautious. Besides, if something happens to the baby, it could hurt you. I don't want that. You're my life. Remember that. So you better get used to this."

She squeezed my fingers. "Well, when you put it like that...if it makes you feel better, I suppose I can deal with it."

I spared a glance at her with a smile. And then kissed her fingers. "Thank you. I love you."

"I love you, too."

Eventually, we made it to Billy's and I had to put my game face on. Nessie had beat me to her door, jumping out into the snow. Instead of taking my arm, she told me to get the presents as she made her way inside.

Gnashing my teeth, I grabbed the large bag out of the back of the truck and thought that that woman was going to be the death of me. She acted completely normal as she interacted with everybody. If she could do it, so could I. Although, I did notice she avoided some of the food, swallowing hard and taking deep breaths.

"Hey, little brother!" Becca said as she hugged me. "Nice jacket."

"Thanks," I said, hugging her back. "Ness gave it to me for Christmas."

"I know. I saw her necklace. You did good."

I grinned. "Thanks."

Billy rolled up to us. He gave me a funny look. "You sure you're okay? You seem...brighter."

Chuckling, I shook my head. "Brighter?"

"Yeah," he said slowly, watching me like I was growing a second head.

"Whatever, old man. I'm fine. It's Christmas and we're evil vampire-free. Why can't I be happy about that?"

Ness looked around the doorway to the kitchen with a grin, recognizing her own words to me. I winked at her.

"Uh-huh," Billy said suspiciously.

"Oh, go roll in the snow," I said, taking off my jacket and hanging it up.

After all the food and all the chit-chat, we were finally sitting around the living room, passing out presents. Nessie was in my lap, and I couldn't help but rub her lower stomach every now and then. It was just too tempting and too surreal to believe that we were pregnant. That she had my baby inside her this very moment.

She'd put her hands over mine subtly covering them up, lacing our fingers together. She was so much better at this than I was. I could only imagine how well she'd do with the baby once it got here.

"Okay, okay, guys! Last present!" Rebecca shouted over the noise. She was holding a large square item. "And it goes to…" she read the tag. "Nessie and Jacob!" Reaching over everybody, she handed the gift to Ness. "It's from Claire. And since she couldn't be here, she made me promise to take lots of pictures, so I apologize ahead of time."

Nessie turned so we could both open it. Once the paper was on the floor, we were both too shocked to moved, both speechless.

It was the most gorgeous, life-like drawing I had ever seen. If I hadn't known that she'd drawn it, I would have sworn it was a photo.

In it, Nessie was standing out on the cliffs so that her right profile was facing the viewer, the ocean in the distance. She was in a gorgeous red dress, a white rose in her hands held up to her nose. Clearly, the wind was blowing in the drawing because her copper-colored hair was whipping out around her.

And then there was me, in wolf form. My body was in left profile. I was standing in front of Nessie, head lowered down toward her stomach, and looking out at the viewer, as if I were daring them to look at her and think something else was more beautiful.

The drawing was already framed so that nothing could smudge it.

"Well, let us see," Rachel demanded after Ness had teared up.

She turned it around for the room to see. Everyone just sort of took a collective gasp.

"Holy crap," Paul said. "That girl has some mad skills."

"That is truly beautiful," Tom said.

Henry walked up to the picture and pointed at the wolf. "Uncle Daycob."

He was still learning his words, but the meaning was clear. He recognized me, even though he'd never seen me in wolf form before.

"That's right," Becca said. "That's your Uncle Jacob."

After that, everybody started breaking up to play with their new toys. Paul had given Rachel her laptop and was explaining what all Trey had done to it to help her get a business started up. I mentioned Cricket's candles and she became super excited.

But the moment Nessie started yawning, I knew it was time to go home. She'd be dead asleep by the time her head hit the pillow. So, getting up, I gathered all our stuff and put it in the truck, also starting the vehicle so it would warm up a little. The temperature had dropped and more snow was coming down in huge flakes.

"Alright, guys," I said, pulling her up off the couch. She leaned into me tiredly. "I think it's time for us to go." I shook hands with all the guys, and Billy followed us to the door. "You're coming up to the Cullen place tomorrow, right?"

He nodded. "Of course."

I nodded. "Good. We'll see you tomorrow, then."

He gave me narrowed eyes. "You're still acting weird."

"And you're still a suspicious old man. Bye, Dad."

"Bye, son. Be careful out there."

With the precious cargo in my arms? He didn't have to tell me twice. "Absolutely. Good night."

"Night."

"Bye, Billy," Ness said.

"Bye, sweetheart."

After I got her into the truck, I took us on the path to home.

Wednesday...Christmas Day.

RPOV

"Ness? We're gonna be late, babe."

I heaved one more time before flushing the toilet.

"Tell that to the morning sickness," I said.

Jacob walked into the bathroom, giving me a sympathetic look. Closing the lid to the toilet, I sat down.

Putting my head in my hands, I said, "Why do I get to be one of the women with morning sickness? This sucks."

Kneeling down in front of me, he wiped my face and then mouth with a wet washcloth. "Because you can handle it. Feel better?"

"Now that my stomach is empty? Much." I took the washcloth from him. "Thanks, baby. I do need blood, though. That, I can keep down."

He shook his head as he stood up and got my toothbrush out. "Our kid is just like you."

Frowning, I stood up to throw the rag in the hamper. "What do you mean?"

"While Bella was pregnant with you, the only thing she could eat-drink-was blood. Her body wouldn't let her keep food in her system."

"Oh. My bad."

Laughing, he handed me a cap of mouthwash. I took it gratefully and gargled. Then I brushed my teeth.

Spitting out the toothpaste, I said, "I just wish I could keep something other than crackers down," and then washed my mouth out.

"You kept that sub down. Try some veggies. But the baby is part werewolf. Have you tried meat?"

It was an automatic reaction, the face I made. "I can't stand the smell of it now. I made bacon the other day and it smelled foul. I thought it was something else though. But last night at Billy's, I nearly threw up all over the ham."

Jacob quirked an eyebrow. "You sure that's my kid, then?"

Turning around, I punched him in the chest. "Pretty damn sure. Jerk."

Faking being wounded, he rubbed his chest and pouted at me before taking me into his arms. "I'm joking. I know it's mine." His eyes went to my lips just before he dipped down to take them. "Mmm, minty freshness."

I rolled my eyes. "Alright, smooth-talker. Let's get out of here before this kid strikes again. I can't handle anymore heaving. And the cold air feels good."

Jacob's shock over the pregnancy had subsided, which was good. We weren't immediately going to spill as soon as we got there so he had to think about something else around my dad. He'd told me he was going to go through every mechanical thing he could think of. I hoped Carlisle was doing something similar. Probably was since Dad hadn't been up here with raised eyebrows demanding an explanation.

Jacob followed me out of the bathroom and up the stairs. "We're not walking."

"Oh yes we are."

"Ness, it's freezing out there."

I turned on him. He almost ran into me he was following me so closely. "Do you want me to throw up on you? No? Ok, then we're walking. Jacob, I will be fine. I'll just bundle up more. And trust me, this kid is warm inside me, okay? Besides, I have you, my personal space heater." I wrapped my arms around his waist. "I know you want more than anything to wrap me up in bubble wrap until the baby's born, but Jacob, I'm fine. My whole life doesn't have to change. I'm more durable than a human and a lot of human females play in the snow when they're pregnant. Please. I know you don't want to, but can you at least try to curb the overprotectiveness? Just a little? For me?"

Sighing, he rested his head on my shoulder. "Sorry. You're right. You are so right. Emily played in the snow when she was pregnant with Leila. I guess I can talk to Sam...after we tell everybody."

"Thank you," I said, stroking his chest. "I know it's hard for you. I really do. I just need a little room to breathe. Or throw up."

He chuckled. "I think I can handle that."

We shared a soft kiss. "Good. Now, let's go before someone calls us."

I bundled up in a winter coat, boots, a scarf, gloves, and a hat. It was hot, but I'd cool down outside. Jacob slipped into his new jacket, and off we went.

As soon as Dad saw Jacob, I knew he knew something was off because he frowned and narrowed his eyes at him.

When Aunt Rose hugged me, she said, "Seriously, is that a new perfume?"

Shit. I must smell different to them. The hormones. "Uh, yeah," I lied. "I was shopping and found it. I just really liked it."

She nodded. "I like it. It suits you."

Good, I thought. Because I can't really stop wearing it.

Jacob and I exchanged a look. Dinner better come fast, because that's when we planned on telling everyone.

Slowly, everybody started showing up. Haleigh and Claire were inseparable. Henry stayed close to Leila. Rhett had been allowed to come with Derek and Adam. When they introduced me to him, he'd looked at me funny. I shook my head slightly. Thankfully, he caught it and didn't say anything. Shelby's dad and his girlfriend, Audrey, had even shown up.

Eventually, we finally made it to dinner. My stomach was in knots, though I didn't know what I was nervous about. Everybody would be happy that Jacob and I were pregnant. And I would be happy that everybody freaking knew.

Once everybody had finished eating and were just sitting there talking, Jake and I shared another look. I shrugged. Better now than never.

Standing up, he tapped his knife against his glass. Everyone stopped on a dime to look over at him. And those not in the dining room made their way in or around.

Clearing his throat, Jacob raised his glass. "First off, Merry Christmas! I hope everybody has had a good holiday so far."

"Merry Christmas!" everybody echoed, raising their glasses.

"Second," Jacob said, calming the crowd down. "I have a very important announcement to make." Turning, he offered his hand to me. I took it and stood with him. "It would seem that Ness and I...well..."

He looked back at me.

Smiling, I raised my glass. All eyes were expectantly on us.

"Jacob and I are expecting a baby."

At first, eyes widened. Looks were shared. Smiles broke out. And then the applause and whistles, howls and happy yips.

"I knew you looked weird!" Billy yelled.

We both chuckled.

Jacob wrapped his arm around my waist as the room exploded into cheers. They pushed in wanting hugs and to congratulate us. Shelby and my mother pushed through everybody to wrap me up in a hug.

"Oh my god!" Shelby yelled. "I'm so excited! I told you it would happen!" And then she went for Jacob.

Mom held my face in her hands. If she could have cried, she would have. "My little nudger," she sniffled, "is having a nudger of her own." And then she wrapped me in her arms. "Oh, I love you so much!"

I could cry and I did. "I love you, too, Mom," I sniffled into her shoulder.

And then Dad was there, grinning. Mom pulled away from me to go hug Jacob who was getting backslaps from all the guys.

I hugged my father. "Please don't make me cry. I might throw up."

He choked out a laugh. "Oh, sweetie. My baby girl is all grown up." He pulled back so he could meet my eyes. "You need anything you let us know, okay?"

"I will," I whispered.

We all passed around hugs and kisses until everyone was back in their seats, chattering excitedly.

Another clink sounded.

It was Billy.

He cleared his throat. "As most of you know, I am Jacob's father. And a lot of you know that Jacob's mother is no longer with us. However, I know that I can speak for her when I say that she would be fiercely proud of the man you've become, as have I. Before Nessie, my gorgeous daughter-in-law, came around, you had been put through the wringer, been told that you were wrong, been told that you couldn't change what needed to happen. And yet, you fought for your right to stand up, to be something other than your birthright. Against the odds, you won and saved innocent lives. Out of that courage, you gained a beautiful, strong, courageous soul mate who fought, who was willing to sacrifice her life, to keep both your and her families safe. Destiny gave you a woman that nobody else is worthy of but you. I am proud to call you both my children, my family. And may the spirits bless your union and the child such a union has conceived. I think I speak on behalf of both the Black- and the Cullen?" my dad nodded to him, "- families when I say, congratulations!"

Everybody raised their glasses. I looked up to see that Jacob was struggling with his emotions.

"Congratulations!"

Jacob raised his glass to his dad, a couple tears falling, before he turned to me, wrapped his arms around my waist, popped me off my feet, and spun me around. The room cheered.

And then he put me down, picked up his glass, and said, "Now, I know I can't top what my dad just said, so I won't try. However, I do have something to say. We all know that Nessie is my imprint, that I was the one to give her the nickname we all use. I have given her a lot of things over the past years of her life. But within these past few months, she has given me so much more than I could have ever given her. She gave me her love, her forgiveness. In front of everyone, she vowed to stay by my side through sickness, health, better, and worse. She took my last name as hers. She moved in with me. She has endured my idiotic, maniacal alter ego of alpha male. And now, she's going to bear my child." The whole time he'd been speaking, he'd looked at me. Now, he looked at the crowd. "Guys, I honestly don't know what would have happened to me if I had never found her, if I hadn't stuck around to imprint on her. I do know that I wouldn't be the man I am today. Everything I am, every bad part of me that disappeared, is because of her. Renesmee Carlie Cullen was my second chance at life, at having a good life with no broken heart. But now, after all this time, and all that she's done for me, Renesmee Carlie Black is my life."

He pulled me back to my feet and into his body.

His last line was soft yet carried.

"And I cannot wait to start this new journey with her."

As our family cheered, I looked into the eyes of my mate, my husband.

And knew that my happily every after was just beginning.

The End

Guys! I cried through the entire second half of this chapter! I cannot wait to see Jacob as a dad. So many thoughts in my head. Please don't forget to review this FINAL series chapter! I love all of my fans that have stuck with me through these three stories. And even those that only read the first one, they can't see this, but I still appreciate them. I'm not sure how long it will take me to start the pregnancy chronicles or the kids' stories, but I really hope to be posting soon! Love you, you, and yes, you, too! xoxoxoxo