Edward's point of view:
I watched my daughter sleep as her head rested against my shoulder. She was exhausted but happy. Her lips parted and she snored softly. Just like when she was a baby, I couldn't stop watching her. She was my precious little girl; my miracle I didn't dream was possible. I loved her and Bella more than anything, and I'd die if anything happened to either of them.
She's okay, I reminded myself.
Ness was, so far, having a normal pregnancy; from exhaustion to cravings to an achy back. She wasn't so frail or sick that she depended on others to help her for everything, even to go to the bathroom. My baby girl is healthy, I thought, pressing my cheek against her hair. That's all I can ask for.
"Daddy," she whispered and turned her body to snuggle into my side.
"I'm here, baby girl," I whispered, kissing her hair.
A smile crossed her face as she fell into a deep sleep. She was exhausted. Even though I'd hurt Alice's feelings, I was glad we'd left early. My daughter needed sleep. I wrapped my arm tighter around her, earning a kick from the baby, my little granddaughter.
"Do you want some attention, little one?" I said as I put my hand on her belly, feeling another kick.
A small laugh escaped my mouth as she kicked several times against my hand before going still.
"Bonding with the baby, I see," Jacob said, standing in the doorway that led to the garage.
"Yeah." I gave him a sheepish smile. "About time, too."
"No kidding." Jacob laughed. "How was shopping?"
"She got a little upset today," I admitted, making my soon to be son-in-law frown.
"Why?" He stood up a little straighter and clenched his fists.
"Alice wouldn't listen to her about the shoes she wanted, or rather, the shoes she didn't want," I explained.
"I should've come." Jacob folded his arms, and I could hear a deep growl in his chest.
"It wasn't anything I couldn't handle." I rolled my eyes. "And I think we needed it. We haven't been this close since she told us she was pregnant."
"She has missed you," Jacob admitted. "She needs you."
I didn't reply. He was right, and I kicked myself mentally again. I let my pride interferer with our relationship. I hated that I pushed myself away from her, and I wondered how she forgave me.
"I should start on dinner," Jacob said as he sat down and took off his shoes.
"Do you need any help?" I offered.
"No. I don't want to wake her. I nearly had to drag her out of bed this morning." Jacob smiled sadly.
"All right." I put my cheek on Renesmee's head, enjoying the feel of her smooth hair against my cheek.
She sighed, making me smile. Mindlessly, I watched TV, not really paying attention or bothering to change the channel. I heard the sounds of Jacob pulling out pots and ingredients in the kitchen. When I felt vibrating in my pocket, I pulled out my phone.
How is she-Bella
Fine, she's sleeping now
Should I come over?-Bella
Yes
Be there in a few-Bella
"Bella's on her way," I called out.
"Oh, good," Jacob replied.
Ness' face scrunched up and her eyes fluttered open.
"I'm sorry, did we wake you?" I asked.
"No. I need to pee." Ness stood slowly, and put my hands on her back to steady her. "Again. Oh, Jake, you're home."
She moved toward him since he stood in the door frame of the kitchen, swaying a little as she walked, to Jacob's open arms.
I've missed him, she thought before guarding her thoughts from me. I looked away when they kissed.
"Are you making dinner?" she asked.
"Yes, spaghetti and garlic bread."
"Oh. That sounds good. I'm hungry for human food, I guess."
"She's hungry for it, I bet." Jacob smiled at her as he touched her belly, and through his thoughts, I knew the baby was moving again.
"Most likely." She kissed his cheek, and moved passed him to go to the bathroom while he returned to the kitchen.
I heard the sound of Bella approaching, so I stood and opened the door for her. I saw her running through the trees and smiled at my beloved. She made me complete. We kissed when I pulled her into my arms.
"How is she?" Bella whispered.
"She's good. Just using the restroom, and she napped on the drive over and once we got here."
Bella put her hand on my cheek and narrowed her eyes. Her thoughts reached mine slowly.
Did you two make up? she asked me through her dim thoughts.
"Yes, Darling." I kissed her lips.
"Good." Bella kissed me firmly, but looked around me when we heard our daughter return from the bathroom.
"Mom!" Ness said and made her way toward us. "Oh, I'm so glad you're here."
Stepping aside, I watched my wife hug our daughter.
"Was Aunt Alice mad?" Ness whispered when they pulled apart.
"She was, but your grandma and I were able to talk some sense into her about those silly shoes she likes so much." Bella laughed.
"If my feet weren't hurting," Ness started to say.
"I know, honey." Bella cupped Ness' cheek. "You don't need to explain. When I was pregnant with you, my feet killed me. Alice understands that."
"Thank you, Mom." She hugged Bella again.
"Anything for you, sweetie." Bella kissed Ness's head.
"Hey, Ness, dinner's ready," Jacob called from the kitchen.
"Oh, I'm so hungry." Ness turned on her heels to walk to the kitchen.
Bella beamed and took my hand, dragging me to eat with our daughter. Jacob had the table set, and the two quickly dished their food and started to eat in silence.
"So, I'll have to show you the pictures of the shoes we found for you, Ness," Bella said. "That was part of the bargain that we made with Alice is that you'd see the new choices."
Ness laughed. "I can't wait to see them."
"Let me show you the pictures we took of the girls," Bella said, pulling out her phone, hit a few buttons, and handed the phone to Ness. "We tried on a few flower girl dresses, and they were so cute. Arian was shy, but Abby was modeling them for us, and had me take about twenty pictures of her to show you."
Ness smiled as she flipped through Bella's phone. "Oh, I'm going to send the dresses I like the best to Aunt Alice. Oh, Mom, I love this picture."
An image of Arian smiling shyly in a flower girl dress as she clasped her hands, while Rosalie held her daughter from behind came on the screen. Rosalie looked at her daughter with love and adoration, a side of her I hadn't seen until she became a mother.
"You have to make copies of this for us," Ness said as she showed Bella the picture.
"I was planning on making copies of it for Rose, already." Bella smiled at the picture. "I loved that I got to capture this."
"She's definitely different now that she's a mom." Ness took a bite of garlic bread.
"Very true," I added. "I've never seen her so happy."
"And I love Arian." Ness leaned forward. "She's so adorable."
"She was asking me to take that picture too," Bella added. "She looked so cute."
"Oh, and wait till you see Daddy in his tux. He looked so good, Mom."
"He always does." Bella grinned at me.
Jacob snorted and thought, I can't believe I used to be jealous of them.
I rolled my eyes. "It does look good. It's going to be a beautiful wedding."
"Oh, Daddy," Ness said. "That means so much to me."
I reached out and took her hand. "I know, sweetie."
My thumb caressed her skin, earning me a huge, beautiful smile from my cherished little girl.
Bella's point of view, three weeks later:
I sat with my legs crossed on a large red chair, leaning against Edward's side. Edward, Esme, Ashley, Rosalie, and Alice sat in couches and chairs as we waited to see Ness in her dress.
"Oh, it's perfect," we heard Ness whisper through the curtain.
"Are you ready to show your family?" the seamstress asked.
"Yes," Ness replied.
The seamstress pushed the curtain back. I heard squeals from my family members, but my eyes stayed locked on Ness as she looked between Edward and me. After giving Edward's hand a squeeze, I stood and walked to my little girl. Her dress was perfect for her. It was strapless, with dark gray beading under her bust. The chiffon that flowed down allowed her the freedom to move around easily, as well as giving her the room to grow without the problem of it fitting improperly.
Her face was glowing with joy, and I smiled as I pulled my daughter into a hug. There were a lot of things I wanted to say to her, but I knew I couldn't say them as freely as I wished with humans around.
"You look so beautiful." I kissed her hair.
"Thank you." She put her hand on my cheek. Mom, this is really happening.
"I know, and I'm so excited for you, my dear."
I pulled away to see tears filling her eyes as she whispered. "Daddy?"
"You look so gorgeous." Edward stepped up to our side.
He watched our daughter with pride, and I was so happy that he was able to wrap his stubborn mind around this wedding and pregnancy. Ness needed her daddy. I swallowed hard as I watched my husband hug his little girl. My little nudger was getting married and making me a grandma. Sometimes it did seem to go too fast, especially since I hadn't planned on being a mom or grandma.
I swallowed hard and put a smile on my face. Edward glanced at me, and I knew there was no hiding things from him, so I knew he'd ask about it later. Ness hugged our family, and everyone was grinning ear to ear.
An hour and a half later, Edward and I drove home. I felt grateful that we drove separate from the rest of the family today.
"So, what were you thinking?" Edward took my hand and looked at me.
"Just hit me that she's growing up."
Edward laughed. "So you finally feel what I've been feeling since she told me she and Jacob were dating."
"I'm happy for her." I sighed. "It just reminds me how young she is. I mean, I'm not even thirty, and I'm going to be a grandparent."
"Oh, Bella." Edward laughed again. "You're definitely the most gorgeous grandma."
I punched him. "You're not helping."
"I know. It's just nice that you get it now." Edward caressed my hand with my thumb. "It's hard, but at the same time it's the nature of things in our life. We knew she was going to grow fast."
"Doesn't make it easier, but I guess you're right."
"And seeing her happy helps."
"Oh, I've never seen her happier. She's going to be a wonderful mother, and I'm grateful that I get to see that for her." I rested my head on his shoulder. "I hate these conflicting feelings."
"Me too, darling." He rested his cheek on my hair.
We were silent as we drove home. I cuddled into his side, enjoying the time with my husband.
"Would you like help with wrapping gifts for the bridal shower tomorrow?" Edward asked.
"Sure," I said. "Although, some of the gifts I don't think you want to see."
"Oh." He blinked and, for once, was silent. "I think you're right."
"I did get some new stuff for us, if you want to mess around when we get home." I laughed when he sped up.
Hours later, I wrapped gifts with Esme. We wrapped kitchen appliances to linens to lingerie.
"I hope we got enough," Esme said.
"I think we got more than enough." I laughed. "They won't have to buy anything for themselves for some time."
"This is very true." Esme smiled as she wrapped ribbon around another box, tying it carefully.
I handed her the scissors so she could curl the ribbon.
"Grandma?" a little voice asked from the door.
Arian stood in the doorway, her hands clasped.
"Yes, my love?" Esme discretely put the lingerie into boxes.
"What are you and Aunt Bella doing?" She walked into the room slowly taking in the large pile of gifts.
"We are wrapping gifts for Ness. It's her bridal shower tomorrow," Esme explained and held out her arms for Arian.
"Oh, may I help you, Grandma?"
"Yes. I'll have you hold my tape and scissors, okay?" Esme kissed Arian's cheek.
"Okay, Grandma. Do you need me to hold the tape and scissors too, Aunt Bella?" Arian looked at me with her beautiful blue eyes.
"Of course, sweetie." I held up the scissors and tape. "Are you ready?"
Arian nodded, and Esme made room for Arian to sit on the bed, which was over flowing with the abundance of gifts. Arian held the scissors and tape in her little hands as we both took a small box that were filled with Ness's new underclothes.
"Why are we giving Ness gifts, Grandma?" Arian asked.
Esme smiled. "When a girl gets married you have a special party for them. You also buy them presents."
"Do I need to make something for Ness?" Arian asked.
"I'm sure she'd really like that, sweetie," Esme replied.
I laughed at my niece as she helped us get ready for the bridal shower tomorrow, and by the time we were finished, her eyes were drooping.
"Aunt Bella, I'm sleepy," Arian whispered as I carried her down stairs.
"You worked hard when you helped us." I cuddled her close to me.
"I liked helping you, Aunt Bella." She yawned. "Why is Ness marrying Mr. Jacob?"
"Because she loves Jacob a lot, and they want to live together forever," I explained.
"When I get older I'm going to marry Daddy so I can live with him forever."
I laughed. "I'm not sure it works that way."
I walked into the kitchen, were Edward, Rosalie, Emmett, Alice, and Jasper sat talking quietly.
"I helped Aunt Bella and Grandma, Mommy," Arian said, lifting her head a little and holding her arms out for her mother.
"You're such a big girl, Arian." Rosalie stood and took her daughter.
I smiled at my older sister. Rosalie cradled her daughter close as joy danced through her eyes while she softly talked to her daughter. She really was a different person now, happy and full of life. I kissed my sister's cheek as she and Emmett said their goodbyes before leaving for their small home not more than five minutes away.
The following morning, I helped Alice decorate for Ness's bridal shower. We put out a small stack of plates, forks, and finger foods for the humans who'd be eating as well as an assortment of drinks. Esme cleaned while Rosalie arranged the large amount of gifts we'd gotten Ness with Arian by her side.
As per Ness's wish, we kept it simple, with the exception of the large pile of gifts that were arranged on a table in the corner. Pink plates and plastic forks placed on the table, with a simple decorated cake (which matched Ness's wedding colors of dark gray and cream) was out on a small table. The only decoration was a sign that said 'It's a girl'.
A half an hour later, I heard a car approach the driveway. Moving to the door, I opened it and smiled as I saw my daughter's car approach. She pulled in, and I greeted her with a hug and kiss. Wrapping my arm around her, we walked to the house.
"Did you sleep well?" I asked.
"Like a rock. It's like I can't get enough sleep," she laughed, but it stopped when Alice greeted us at the door. Ness stood up straighter as she eyed her aunt.
"I just wanted to say I'm sorry for the shoes," Alice said quietly, something that I knew was hard for her.
Renesmee relaxed slightly. "It's okay, Aunt Alice. I just don't want to wear them."
"And I won't make you. It's your day, sweetie." Alice held out her arms.
Ness nearly ran to her aunt's arms.
"I love you, Aunt Alice." Ness's voice became choked up.
"Hey now, why are you crying, sweetie?" Alice pulled away from Ness and brushed away her leaking tears.
"I just got mad, and we fought, and, and I missed you." Despite her tears, she laughed.
"Oh, honey." Alice hugged her again. "Please don't cry. Your dad and giant wolf will be all over me if they knew I made you cry again."
"I'll try." She sniffed and brushed her final tears away.
"Come on. I can't wait for you to see everything," Alice said, taking Ness's hand.
"Simple, right?"
"Of course, of course." Alice huffed.
I stood back as I allowed my sister to lead Ness through the house, telling her every detail of her combined bridal and baby shower. We finished setting up with plenty of time before the guests started to show up. The Cullen women, Sue, Ashley, Abby, Jordan (Seth and Ashley's five-month-old son), and all of the imprints were there. For the first forty-five minutes we talked as the humans ate. Esme and I made sure everyone ate, Ness in particular, before picking up all of the paper plates, cups, and plastic utensils.
"How about a few games, ladies," Alice said, standing in the middle of the living room.
"Oh goodness," Ness said under her breath.
"So the first one I have is baby shower game." She held up a roll of toilet paper. "The object is to take as many sheets as will fit around Ness' belly perfectly."
Laugher filled the room.
"Who's first?" Alice asked.
"I'll do it," Leah said.
She accepted the roll from Alice and eyed Ness's stomach. She pulled off several sheets before passing it to Emily. The roll went around the room while people talked and laughed. When it came to me, I glanced at my daughter, trying to gage how many sheets I'd need.
"Come on, Ness." Alice pulled Ness to her feet. "Leah, you can go first."
Leah smirked and walked over to Ness. She wrapped her string of toilet paper around Ness' waist.
She cursed and rolled her eyes. "It's too small."
Ness laughed. "Oh come on, Leah."
"I turn!" Abby yelled as she stood with an arm full of toilet paper.
"Oh, Abby," Ashley said, putting her hand on Abby's shoulder, stopping her from walking. She took the toilet paper from Abby. "Here, she only needs this much."
"Otay, Mommy." Ashley tore some of the toilet paper off and handed it back to her daughter.
Abby walked toward Ness, and Ness knelt down, smiling. "Are you going to play the game with me?"
"Yes! I win."
Ness laughed. "We'll see, sweetie."
Ness helped Abby wrap the toilet paper around herself, which was off by a little bit.
"You were super close, Abby." Ness kissed Abby's cheeks before she turned and ran to her mother.
"I won, Mommy. I won!" Abby yelled.
Ness laughed again as she stood. The other women went, many getting close, but were off by one or two sheets. I finally stood, smiling at my daughter. Out of the corner of my eye I saw Esme snap a picture. Reaching behind Ness, I wrapped the toilet paper around her stomach, which met perfectly around her stomach.
"Of course you won, Mom." Ness hugged me.
I wrapped my arms around her.
"Come choose a prize, Bella," Alice said.
I chose a wrapped 'prize', which smelled like a candle and sat down again. After a handful of other games, I sat next to Ness to help throw away wrapping paper and to organize her gifts. Rosalie used a notepad to write down what was from who.
"I wanted you to open this first," I said, handing her a gift from her father and me.
"Okay." Ness had a big grin over her face as she accepted the gift from me.
She opened the small box, revealing the comb my mother had given me to wear on my wedding day.
"Oh, Mom." Her hand flew up to her mouth. "I was hoping you'd give me this. Thank you so much."
"You're welcome, Renesmee." I wrapped my arm around my daughter.
I hugged her close before letting her go. Ness opened many gifts from our family. She smiled at each one and seemed the most excited over the baby items. Her face glowed throughout the day. An hour after the party ended, we sat on the couch, cuddling together.
"Thank you for the party, Mom." Ness yawned.
"You're welcome, sweetheart." I held her hand and gave it a gentle squeeze.
"Mom?" she whispered.
"Yes?"
"I'm going to miss you."
"Sweetie, you aren't going anywhere." My eyes met hers. "What's going on in that head of yours?"
"I … just feel like things are changing between you and Daddy and me." She shrugged. "Can't put my finger on it, but it feels different, for some reason."
"You're growing up, and I'm sure it'll change even more when you're a parent." I squeezed her hand again. "Especially when you come to me for advice."
"Didn't think about it that way." Ness smiled. "I'd really like that, Mom."
"Me too." I kissed her head as she snuggled into my side.
Billy's point of view:
I held the picture in my hand, staring at my son, bundled in a blanket. My thumb ran over my wife's face; it held the joy of holding a child in your arms for the first time. I wished she was here. She'd be so proud of our son. He was such a mama's boy, but he didn't have those memories of their relationship. She should be here when her son got married. I swallowed hard and put the picture on the nightstand. I had to be strong for my son, soon to be daughter-in-law, and unborn granddaughter.
I pulled my body to the edge of the bed. My shoulders protested, and I cupped my right shoulder, trying to rub away the ache that had progressively gotten worse over the last couple of years. Pulling my body up, I moved to my wheel chair next to the bed, but I underestimated the distance between myself and the chair. I landed on the floor with a hard thump.
My breath rushed out of me as I landed on my side. I tried to breathe in, but my lungs were constricted. It took me a few moments of calming myself before the air reached my lungs. This wasn't the first time something like this happened.
"Dad?" Jacob stood in the doorway.
He heard me fall. Of course he had, with his hearing. He hesitated in the doorway; he knew I hated needing help. He was young and able-bodied, and he'd stay that way for years. I was sure he'd end up being older than Carlisle was now. I let my pride go and nodded toward my son. He rushed forward, lifted me under my arms, and put me in my chair.
"Are you okay?" he asked. He leaned around the chair to look at me, his dark chocolate eyes that he inherited from his mother filled with concern.
"Yeah. Just not like I used to be." I avoided his eyes. I missed her, and I didn't want Jake to know the extent of it.
"Well, breakfast is ready," Jacob said as he moved to push me.
"You two are up early," I commented.
"Yeah, Ness and I have some stuff to do to set up for tomorrow," Jacob explained.
"Anything I can do to help?" I asked.
"Not really. I'll be there in person to set up the reception," Jacob said quietly. "Not sure why they need me, to be honest with you."
"The Cullens are sure efficient." I peered over my shoulder at my son.
"I'd have to agree with you. That's why I'm marrying one."
"If I told you ten years ago you'd be saying that to me …"
"I'd bitten your head off, Dad." Jacob chuckled.
We went into the small kitchen table where Ness put several plates on the table.
"I thought you'd wait for me to set the table," Jacob said.
"I couldn't wait." She put her hand on her belly. "Well, we couldn't wait."
Jacob pushed me up to an empty spot and grumbled, "Fine, fine."
"Are you doing okay, Dad?" Ness asked as she put her hand on my arm.
"I'm okay, dear. It takes more than that to shake me," I explained.
"Of course." She smiled as she put some eggs and bacon on my plate.
"Thank you for making breakfast," I said. "I know you are busy."
"I don't mind." She shrugged her shoulders. "I had trouble sleeping. Someone was keeping me up."
Her hand caressed her stomach as she sat down.
"Jacob used to do the same with Sarah." I picked up my fork. "The twins did more so than he did though."
"Oh, I can't imagine having twins." Ness shook her head, her curls bouncing.
"One baby's enough for now," Jacob said.
"Definitely." Ness grinned. "Maybe we'll have twins next time."
Jacob choked on his orange juice.
"Joking, joking." Ness giggled. "I'd hate to see how protective you and Daddy would be if I were."
"No kidding." Jacob frowned.
We ate our food in silence. The sound of forks scraping plates filled the air. I looked up from my breakfast to see Ness give Jake a pointed look and nod toward me.
Jacob cleared his throat. "Dad, we wanted to ask you something."
"Anything, son." I put my fork down.
"We want you to move in with us."
Anything but that. "Why?"
"We don't want you to live alone anymore," Jacob explained. "We want you here with us, and I want my daughter to know her grandfather."
"I'm not that sick," I protested.
"I … think that's more of my wish," Ness said. "I loved living with Charlie and Sue, and I want the same for my daughter. No offense, but since you're human, you won't be around as long as my parents will be."
Jacob looked a little embarrassed, but I burst out laughing. "I guess that's true."
"Please think about it," Ness pleaded. "I want her to know all of her family, please, Billy."
"I'll think about it," I promised, earning a smile from her.
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