Chapter Two
We are all at Sue's for the reception to Billy's funeral. Sue and Charlie's little boy is sitting with Seth's two boys. Leah is holding her baby girl and sitting next to her husband. I am looking at all the photos of Billy that Jacob, Matthew and I collected. Rachel and Rebecca are giving our thanks to a few people. Embry is bouncing his newborn baby girl while talking to Jacob and Matthew not too far from me. I wipe my eyes when I see a picture of Billy and all of us together just last year. We were all together for a small family reunion last summer and it was right before Billy started getting sick so much. Rachel walks over and she pulls me into a sideways hug.
"Dad was a great guy and he loved all five of us very much," Rachel says. I smile at her and kiss the top of her head.
"Dad was very happy when you moved back, married Embry, and had your sweet little girl. She is beautiful, by the way," I say.
"Thank you, I named her after mom," Rachel says. I nod and look over to Jasper feeding Annabelle and talking to Ethan about something. He looks up at me with a smile and he waves Annabelle's hand to me. "Your children are beautiful as well. I cannot believe you had six children and you look like you did when you were in high school. I am a bit jealous."
"Oh, Rachel, you are still as beautiful as ever," Embry says, as he walks over to us. "Hi, Marinna, I am sorry for your lose."
"Thanks, Paul. Take good care of my niece and my big sister, you hear me?" I laugh. Embry pulls Rachel into a hug and he gives me a small salute. I decide to go outside to get some fresh air. I see that I am not the only one that thought it was a good idea. Jacob is outside sitting on the porch rail with a beer in his hands. He waves me over and I walk over with a small smile. Jacob puts his arms around me and kisses the top of my head.
"I cannot believe dad is gone," Jacob says softly.
"It feels as if he and Charlie are out on their usual fishing trip and he will be back in a few days," I say with a sigh.
"Yeah, he was a great dad to all of us, even after mom died," Jacob says. I look at him and poke his nose like when we were kids.
"When are you going to have kids, Jake? You and Mattie are the only ones out of the five of us who have not had any children," I say with a big smile. Jacob laughs and holds me closer to him.
"I have to get married first," Jacob says. The front door opens and Jasper comes out with a grumpy Annabelle.
"She is sleepy and wants her mama," Jasper says. I walk over to him to take my unhappy baby girl from her papa. She whimpers as she reaches for me and then buries her face against my neck. Jasper walks over to Jacob to give him a manly hug. I watch the two of them share this small moment. "I am sorry for your lose, Jake. Billy was a great man and he was loved by everyone."
"Thanks, Jasper, that means a lot coming from my brother-in-law. Dad was so proud of you for taking such good care of my little sister and her children. Keep it up and you will remain on our good side," Jacob says. I giggle and adjust Annabelle on my hip to let her see her uncle and her papa. "Now, let me see this beautiful baby girl."
"Careful, she might refuse to go to you. She is a mama's girl," Jasper chuckles. Jacob walks over with his open for Annabelle, but she grabs onto me and shakes her head. I laugh while rubbing Annabelle's back.
"She is tired and will play with everyone after her nap," I giggle.
"Alright, I will go pick on my other niece and nephews," Jacob says. He kisses my cheek and then walks inside. Jasper walks over and caresses my face. We share a silent moment and then start laughing when the house is suddenly filled with our children's laughter.
Annabelle sits with Christine at the piano to watch her sister practice. I am finishing up getting lunch ready for the children. Jasper walks up behind me and he wraps his arms around my waist. I turn to look at him over my shoulder with a big smile on my face. He leans down to give me a sweet kiss and his hands run across my tummy.
"My, my, aren't you in a frisky mood?" I giggle. Jasper kisses my shoulder a few times.
"No, I am in a very happy mood because today is a very important day," Jasper says. He holds up a necklace with a small pendant of a rose and little trinkets dangling on the sides. "Happy anniversary, my darling wife."
"Oh my goodness, Jasper," I gasp. Jasper puts it on my neck and kisses behind my ear. "You are too sweet to have been mine after so many years."
"You have given me so much happiness over the past few years and you have given me five wonderful children. I love you and always will love you, my darlin'," Jasper whispers into my ear. I smile and lean my head against his happily. The boys run into the living room shouting for us.
"Mama! There is someone in the backyard and they want to see you and he seems a little upset!" Christian says, trying to push his brothers back from telling us. Jasper and I rush to the back door to see a hooded figure with the Volturi crest hanging from their neck. My heart drops and I reflexively grab Jasper's hand. What could they want now?
