Bella smiled wistfully at her children from the back porch she and her husband had just finished building. Out on the lawn, little Mary was trying to tackle EJ. Again. Mary pouted at her mother, looking for help, because as usual, she was losing the fight. EJ just grinned gleefully at his triumph, no matter how unfair the difference in size and age was.
Bella sat and watched them all day. It was one of those rare sunny days here in Forks and she was intent on being part of the magic of the sun. Mary and EJ's soft blonde hair glittered radiantly as they raced across the too green grass, laughed, and fought. But it was their eyes that managed to dazzle Bella. The chocolate bliss that danced there left her breathless. It had been a long time since she had seen such chocolate happiness. A very long time. Back then it was her own joy. Now it was her children's and it was beautifully heartbreaking.
She got two things for the price of one – well two if she counted herself. She got Mary and EJ for the price of losing him, and at least half of herself.