Disclaimer: These characters/story do not belong to me. They belong to S. Meyer and C. M. Hake.

Note: Please be gentle with me. I'm new. All the information is accurate. On April 4, 1892, the Anchoria arrived at Ellis Island carrying multitudes of people ready for a new life. I am trying to be historically accurate, but if you catch something wrong, let me know.

Prologue

April 1892

"You'll stay together?" Edward Cullen wrapped his hand around his father's. "Aye, Da. You have my word."

"Dinna be grieving. 'Twas my wish to see you to the New World. As for me, my destination's heaven. Your ma will welcome me with open arms."

The ship rolled gently, and sorrow as deep as the ocean washed over Edward. It didn't come as a shock but a swell, leaving him adrift. Not yet, please. "We'll see land in another day or so."

"That you will." His father had a way of putting words together to emphasize a greater meaning. He'd done it now, and Edward felt his life shift in moments like those.

"Edward?" Jasper looked down from the upper bunk. His blond curls floated around his head, making him look much younger than his years.

"Go fetch Emmett." Edward knew his eldest brother would be pacing the deck. A restless man, Emmett avoided situations where he'd bare his emotions. Should it have been just the four of them, he'd have stayed, but the shipped was filled with hundreds of people with nothing better to do than mind other people's business. Emmett left the crowded compartment around midnight, features struck with grief.

Must he die? As a doctor, Edward knew the answer. He'd witnessed births, sicknesses, death aplenty. He smoothed back Da's hair, powerless to do anything. "The others will be here soon, and they deserve to hear your love. Save your breath."

Moments later, Emmett shouldered past the neighbors and knelt by the bed. Jasper stopped behind him and rested a warm hand on his shoulder. Edward saw tension in their jaws, but amongst themselves, they always laughed and wept unashamedly, except for now. He knew his brother's hearts were breaking, but they must be strong.

"I've been blessed to have ye lads." Da drew in another breath. "You must stay close to one another, and we'll all meet again." Each made the promise without reservation.

He squeezed Edward's hand. "My da's watch-to Emmett." He stared at the eldest and whispered, "Time is a gift. Dinna waste it." Emmett nodded solemnly.

"The Bible, I'm wanting Jasper to have it. He's a man of deep thoughts and quiet truths." A smile filled Da's face as Jasper relied, "I'll treasure it. I'll have a son and read to him as you have read to us. I'll name him after you." The smile blossomed further proving Da's words of Jasper correct.

He then turned his head. "Edward…"

Edward leaned down and looked into his father's eyes. "You already gave me my gift. I know what you sacrificed for me." The money Da received for the arm he lost while working in the mine had paid for his medical school.

Da smiled. "Mama's ring. I kept it for you. Caring for bodies makes one close off his heart to not feel the pain. Dinna do that. Take a chance."

In the next hour, it was over. Edward wrapped him; Emmett pushed everyone out of the way and cradled his body to the deck; Jasper trailed behind. During the long voyage, they had assisted in other burials, but this one was different. They stood in a sorrowful semi-circle as Emmett prayed.

The captain made a motion as he said, "We commend the body of Carlise Cullen to You and commit his mortal body to the ocean." It was over. Those who had come up to pay their respects wandered off murmuring amongst themselves, giving the brothers privacy.

Jasper opened the Bible. He cleared his throat and read in a thick voice, filled with tears, "What doth the Lord require of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God?"

Emmett nodded, "Da did all those things."

Edward wrapped an arm around his older brother's shoulders, "And we will too, in his honor."