Chapter 2
While most pregnant women were hormonal and full of mood swings, Rosalie was the epitome of bliss. No one had ever seen her so blissful and she was glowing with happiness as her son grew inside of her. She finally felt complete. The only issue she truly had with being a vampire was that she could never give her husband the most sacred gift a woman could gave a man, a child, but she was finally able to share that with Emmett and he was just as excited. His dimpled grin never left his lips and he doted over his wife. The pregnancy had slowed her up however.
While she never felt exhausted, she did feel weaker and spent most of her time indoors only going out to hunt, but even that became a daunting task. Jasper had no issue with hunting down an animal so Rosalie could drink without going far from the house. Her happiness rolled off her in waves and he loved being able to absorb her positive energy. A permanent smile was on her face for the past week as her belly swelled and their son developed. She was lounging in her and Emmett's bed while he stroked her hair. The couple was trying to pick a baby name for their son which they were excited about.
"What about Emmett Jr.," suggested Emmett and she giggled.
"I like it, but it would be shortened to EJ and we are not naming our child what Bella was going to name Renesmee if she turned out to be a boy."
"Edward Jacob…..ew," he said scrunching up his face and she laughed.
"EJ could also be Edward Jr. and we do not want people confusing who the father is now do we," she teased and he smirked.
"Never going to happen, Emmett Jr. and EJ are out. What names can you think of?"
"No blending of names like Renesmee or naming our child after someone in the family."
"Why not?"
"Someone will be left out no matter what we try to name him. What is a name that sounds great for eternity and is timeless?"
"Was there a name that you always wanted to name your son or daughter? You have wanted this for so long. I know you have to have a name already."
"I want us to pick one out."
"I know but how about you tell me the name and we can decide together if we like it," he suggested and she nodded with a smile.
"Zachary, I have always liked that name. It is timeless and can be shortened to Zach. What do you think," she asked nervously and he smiled at her.
"Zachary McCarty Cullen, I like how that sounds," he agreed and she rubbed her stomach lovingly.
"Did you hear that Zachary? Is that your name," she asked and felt the baby kick. Edward chuckled from downstairs. He was playing the piano for his wife, daughter, and Esme much to their delight.
"That's his name," Edward called and Emmett kissed her stomach.
"Well then Zachary it is. We can't wait to see you Zach," he cooed lovingly and Rosalie kissed her husband. She had everything she ever wanted and was anxious to see her son soon.
Alice was in the spare room down the hall creating the masterpiece of a nursery she had in mind. She hurried around the room painting it dark blue, white, and gold as Seth walked in.
"Hey Seth, come to help," she asked and he smirked.
"You can see the future, what do you think," he asked and she rolled her eyes.
"Someone is moody today."
"That's easy to say when you are always a hyper pixie. Can't you ever chill out for a bit? Why does this baby need a nursery anyways? He won't sleep right?" Alice huffed, dropped her paintbrush in a bucket, and marched over to him crossing her arms. She narrowed her eyes at him in a way that made him gulp.
"I know what is going on with you so I will let your comments slide, but I suggest you change your temperamental werewolf attitude before this pixie changes it for you," she whispered harshly and he looked down. She sighed seeing how sad he was and placed her hand on his shoulder.
"Why don't you just talk to Rose? It would make everything better."
"I don't think so. She is basking in happiness as we speak and I am not going to ruin that for her by talking to her."
"But it will make things better," she said and he smirked.
"I don't think so." She gasped in horror looking at him like he had three heads.
"Did you just bet against me?" He rolled his eyes and shrugged.
"Maybe I did," he mumbled and she frowned.
"You, Seth Clearwater, better be happy that I am in a good mood. Go stand by Jasper or something. He will take away this downer attitude you have."
"You're right my attitude is bringing you down so I'll just go for a run." He left the room and she huffed before looking around the room to see which color to add next. Edward walked in with a frown of concern.
"Seth is…."
"I know," said Alice dismissively.
"Then why aren't you doing anything about it?" Alice rolled his eyes communicating to him through her mind.
It will eventually be fine….I think…no I am sure now.
"I hope you know what you are doing because if Seth gets any moodier and Rose finds out that you knew about it she will be furious with you," he whispered.
Rose is too euphoric to be furious right now. Stop worrying, it will be fine.
He nodded and winked at her before going to join his family at the piano again. Alice shook her head thinking about Seth, but knew he simply needed time to come to terms with everything he was feeling.
It only took Alice two weeks to decorate a nursery for Zachary and most of the waiting was due to the large shipments being delivered to the house. She was folding blankets in the blue, white, and gold room and Edward walked in with a smile.
"So Alice, are you ready to be an aunt again," he asked and she nodded.
"Yes, as soon as the boy decides to come out. I know he has to be ready. Rose is about to burst," she said exasperated and Edward shushed her.
"Not so loud, you know Rose is already on edge waiting so don't add to it," he whispered, but Rosalie's growl echoed through the house.
"Alice, tell your nephew to get out of me and soon! When is he coming, can't you see him," she called and Alice huffed.
"Well your son is not helping the situation. He hasn't decided to come out yet, but it has to be soon," informed Alice and Rosalie smirked.
"Just like his daddy trying to make up his own rules and do what he wants. Zachary, mommy wants to see you, please stop being stubborn," cooed Rosalie and Seth's chuckle could be heard in the kitchen.
"Sounds more like his stubborn mother than father," he teased.
"Seth," shouted Rosalie and he chuckled even more.
"Sorry Rose," he called back and Edward shook his head with a smile.
"Seth's seems to be feeling better," whispered Edward and Alice winked at him.
Jazz is sending him happy waves.
"I hope they work for a while because we will have other things to occupy our time. I already know Zachary will be a handful and….." Alice gasped making him stop midsentence and her eyes glazed over. Before Edward could read her thoughts, Rosalie groaned in pain.
"Carlisle," she shouted and within seconds everyone was in the living room where Emmett was picking up Rosalie. Alice rolled her eyes.
"Now Zachary, I mean seriously, you could have given some warning," she whined and Rosalie glared at her.
"Shut up Alice, thank God he is ready," she hissed and Emmett followed Carlisle and Esme to the study which Carlisle already prepared to be the delivery room. Alice shuddered.
"She is going to be horrible for the next hour. Who is going to help Emmett get through her tirade," asked Alice and everyone started looking at each other. Seth quickly shook his head.
"Uh…she's like a mother to me. I am not going near that room and don't want to see what happens in it," he informed and Kaya nodded.
"I'm staying with my mate," she said and Nahuel gulped.
"Staying with my sister," he replied and Renesmee nodded as well.
"I think it is best if we stay down here," she added. Alice's jaw dropped.
"You four are the biggest wimps ever," she accused and Seth smirked.
"Fine then go in there with them little pixie," he challenged and she held her head up high.
"Fine, I will and so will Jasper, Edward, and Bella," she announced grabbing Jasper and Edward's hands. Edward quickly pulled away.
"Oh no, no, no, she yells at me even without labor pains. There is no way I am going in there now," he declared and Esme appeared at the top of the stairs.
"Edward, we will need you to make sure Zachary is doing all right through the labor. Please come up here," she called and his shoulders slumped.
"Yes Esme," he said walking toward the stairs with Bella and Alice giggled.
"Mama's boy," she teased, but he simply smiled smugly.
"Alice, you too, we want to make sure the future is looking well," added Esme and Alice nodded.
"Coming Esme," she called and Edward chuckled as he headed up the stairs with his wife, Jasper, and Alice. Alice stuck her tongue out at him knowing he was laughing at her and he gave her a crooked grin. Esme looked down at Seth, Kaya, Renesmee, and Nahuel and Seth's eyes widened.
"I'm too young to see this," he called before running outside with Kaya right behind him and Renesmee covered her eyes with her hands.
"Me too grandma, come on Nahuel," she said and he sped out the door with his mate as Esme giggled.
"Esme," shouted Rosalie from the study and Esme shook her head with a smile knowing soon her grandson would arrive. She walked back into the study to see Rosalie writhing in pain. Emmett was holding her hand while Carlisle checked to see how dilated she was.
"Emmett, I want your child out of me," she screamed and Carlisle gave a sympathetic smile.
"He's coming Rose. It is time to start pushing," announced Carlisle and Esme grabbed a blanket before rolling her eyes at Jasper, Edward, Bella, and Alice who were huddled in a corner of the room.
"Honestly you four, Bella's labor was much worse," she scolded, but Alice shook her head.
"We were worried for Bella's life, not scared of her. Rose has a mean streak even without going through labor," explained Alice.
"Shut up Alice before I rip out your throat," roared Rosalie and Alice pointed at Rosalie.
"See," she whispered to Esme who shook her head in amusement.
"Alice, focus on Zachary to make sure he is fine. Edward, what are his thoughts," asked Esme and Edward was silent for a moment before smiling.
"He wants to see his mommy and daddy plus see who his mommy is screaming at," he chuckled and Alice smiled.
"He is about to come out. Jasper, go prepare the elk blood Carlisle preserved earlier, that will be his favorite," explained Alice and Carlisle looked at Rosalie.
"Alright Rose, one more big push," he encouraged but she shook her head.
"Not going to happen," she yelled.
"You have been through worse pain," he tried but Esme raced over to him before Rosalie could snap back.
"Not the best words of encouragement my love. Rose, sweetie, you can do this. Think about seeing Zachary. One more push and you will get to see your beautiful baby boy," encouraged Esme and Rosalie looked over at Emmett who nodded. She gripped his hand as tightly as possible and pushed with all her might. The sound of their son's cry echoed through the room and Carlisle smiled from ear to ear as he looked at his grandson in his arms. Esme wrapped him in a blanket and her eyes couldn't leave the beautiful sight as she handed him to Rosalie.
"Absolutely exquisite," whispered Esme and Rosalie sobbed happily as she hugged her son close to her while Emmett smiled proudly.
"He is beautiful, just like his mother," he boasted and Rosalie looked down at their son. His eyes were already golden brown and he had a full head of blond curly hair. He had Emmett's dimples and his mother's smile as he snuggled into her arms. Edward chuckled.
"He is excited to see you two and very thirsty," he informed and Emmett pumped his fist.
"That's my boy," he laughed and Rosalie stroked her son's hair in amazement. He was precious and stunning. It was already clear that he inherited his mother's beauty. Jasper walked in with a bottle full of elk blood and handed it to Carlisle who smiled at him.
"Thank you Jasper, it is nice to be more prepared this time around. Zachary will already be used to animal blood," he informed handing the bottle to Rosalie. She put the nipple to his lips and he immediately latched on sucking thirstily. Seth and Renesmee poked their heads into the room and Rosalie giggled when she saw them.
"Come say hello," she urged and Renesmee and Seth walked in with Nahuel and Kaya in tow. Everyone surrounded Rosalie getting a better look at the new member of the family. He quickly finished the bottle and looked at all of them just as curiously. Renesmee touched his hand and showed him pictures of how happy the family was when they found out about him. Rosalie's cries of happiness, Emmett's bright eyes, Esme's glowing smile, and Alice skipping around were the first images he saw before she continued to show him more. He giggled and Rosalie smiled at her niece.
"He already loves you," she said and Renesmee nodded.
"He knows that he is loved by everyone here, right daddy," asked Renesmee and Edward smiled proudly.
"Zachary understands everything that is happening and knows that he is surrounded by people who love him very much," said Edward and Rosalie smiled adoringly at her son.
"Emmett and I have decided that his full name will be Zachary Carlisle McCarty Cullen," she confessed and Carlisle's eyes widened in surprise as Emmett patted his shoulder.
"We hope he grows up to be as compassionate as his grandpa," explained Emmett and Carlisle was stunned as he looked at them. He hugged Emmett before pulling Rosalie and Zachary into a gentle hug as well. Esme beamed with happiness to see her husband so amazed by the love of his children.
"Thank you, that is the best gift you could give me," he managed to get out and Alice clapped happily causing them to look at her.
"Glad to see you so excited about him having Carlisle's first name," chuckled Emmett and she shook her head.
"No, I had a vision of him!" Emmett's eyes widened.
"What is it Alice? What ability will he have," asked Emmett anxiously and she giggled.
"I don't know, but I do know that he will love his room," she explained with a smile and they laughed as they looked down at Zachary ecstatic that he had safely arrived.
Zachary spent the rest of the night quenching his thirst and being held by his parents in his nursery. After four bottles, he was finally sated and Esme entered rubbing her hands together as she grinned at her grandson.
"My turn to hold him," she said and Rosalie nodded as she stood from the rocking chair giving Zachary to his grandmother.
"He is finished drinking for now. I swear he is already like his father," she teased as she winked at Emmett. His eyes never left his son as Esme sat down with him in her arms. It was staggering to Emmett how perfect Zachary was. Because of how he was created, Emmett wasn't sure if he would have their features but he was a perfect blend between his parents. His hair was already starting to curl up even more and his dimples were deep. Emmett couldn't help but sigh out loud as he thought about it.
"I am a father," he whispered still in disbelief and Rosalie hugged him as they watched Esme and Zachary. He snuggled into her arms and she gently touched his dimples as he smiled at her. One of his tiny hands wrapped around her finger and she kissed his nose.
"You are angelic my sweet grandson and no one will ever be able to resist you," she whispered to him as he stared back into her eyes as if he understood every word. She kissed his cheeks before hearing the familiar sound of her husband's laugh.
"You do not stand a chance my love. He already has you wrapped around his finger," teased Carlisle as he entered the nursery. He knelt down to look at Zachary who extended his arms to him as soon as he saw him. Esme giggled and placed him in Carlisle's arms.
"He already is attached to his grandpa," she informed and Carlisle scoffed.
"That is because he knows who supplies him with bottles. Jasper and I are getting bonus points with him already," he explained and Rosalie laughed.
"He knows who you are already and has every reason to love you both," said Rosalie and Esme and Carlisle gazed at their grandson with admiration and love. Alice ran into the room smiling from ear to ear and she grabbed Rosalie's hand.
"Zach is about to have his first visitors," announced Alice and Rosalie followed her sister out of the room. She gasped when she heard the familiar engine of Leah's car pulling into the driveway and stepped onto the porch to see Leah and Jacob parking in front of the house. Leah got out shaking her head.
"We were in Forks visiting my mom when Alice called with the news. I should have known you would have your figure back already after the labor. I officially hate you," teased Leah and Rosalie hugged her friend with a smile.
"Yes well it is the perk of being a vampire I suppose. Where is Joshua?"
"My mom is watching him. He is not a morning person just like his father. Plus we weren't quite sure how a baby from wolf parents and a vampire baby would coexist in the same room so we decided it was best not to take our chances yet," laughed Leah and Jacob nodded.
"Besides, since he is your child he must be the spawn of Satan," added Jacob and Rosalie smirked.
"Oh Jacob not even you can ruin my good mood. Come on Leah let's go introduce you to my son….Jacob chase your tail or something to keep you occupied." He rolled his eyes with a smile as they walked into the house and Renesmee and Bella ran over to him for a hug.
"How are two of my favorite girls doing," he asked as Nahuel mumbled under his breath and Edward laughed at his son in law's dissatisfaction to see Jacob. Jacob gave Nahuel a curt nod.
"Nahuel," he said and Nahuel gave one back.
"Jacob," he said with just as much displeasure. Leah sighed.
"Alright you two play nice while I go see Zachary," she teased and followed Rosalie to the nursery. She smiled when she looked around the lavish room.
"Alice's work," she said and Alice skipped over to her giving her a hug.
"Of course it is Leah," she giggled and Leah's eyes widened when she saw Zachary in Esme's arms.
"Rose, he is so beautiful….wow," she said in awe and Rosalie beamed with pride.
"Thank you, he looks so much like Emmett doesn't he," she asked and Leah nodded.
"Yes, but both of you really, can I hold him," asked Leah.
"Of course you can," giggled Rosalie and Esme handed her grandson to Leah. Zachary looked up at her curiously and Rosalie kissed his hair.
"Leah, this is Zachary Carlisle McCarty Cullen," announced Rosalie with pride.
"He is gorgeous Rose. No woman will ever stand a chance," she informed and Rosalie scoffed.
"No woman will ever be worthy," said Rosalie.
"Uh oh, the poor boy will never find his mate. His mother will scare off any woman who comes close," teased Leah and Emmett laughed as he walked back in.
"Don't worry Zach, I will keep your mommy in line," he said and Rosalie raised an eyebrow at him.
"Or you are on your own son," added Emmett and she nodded.
"That's right," cooed Rosalie and Leah smiled at her friend.
"You are glowing with pride," said Leah. Jacob poked his head in the room and Emmett smiled when he saw him.
"Oh Jacob look at you," he teased as he pinched his cheeks and Jacob pushed his hands away.
"Get away from me you big oaf. I just came to see your son," laughed Jacob and Emmett shook his head.
"I don't know if you should come too close. You have a thing for baby vampires," warned Emmett and Rosalie busted out laughing. Leah hid her smile as Jacob glared at Emmett.
"You are such an ass Emmett," he spat and Esme gave Jacob a look.
"Watch the language in front of my grandson," she warned and Emmett pumped his fist.
"That's right don't make his grandma kick your butt," taunted Emmett and Jacob grumbled under his breath as he walked over to his wife. He looked down at Zachary and smiled.
"Wow, he's a cute kid," he complimented and Zachary looked up at him.
"Don't look into his eyes Zach," warned Emmett and Renesmee walked in giving her uncle a look.
"Enough with the jokes Uncle Em, leave Jacob alone," defended Renesmee and Jacob winked at her.
"Thanks, I can always count on you to come to my defense," said Jacob pulling her in for a hug. Seth entered the room and jogged over to his sister.
"Hey big sis, I wasn't sure if you were going to make it," he said and Leah kissed his cheek.
"Well of course I had to see Zach and I wanted to speak with you as well. Rose, we'll be back. I am not done holding this cutie," informed Leah handing Zachary to his mother and Rosalie nodded. Seth and Leah left the room and went outside to talk. They walked into the forest watching the orange sun lighten the sky with streaks of orange, purples, and reds as dawn broke through the night. Seth sat down on a fallen log and sighed.
"I missed you sis," he confessed as she sat beside him. He leaned his head against her shoulder and she smiled.
"I missed you too. What is going on?"
"I think I have worn out my welcome with the Cullens."
"Seth, what are you talking about? They love you."
"I don't know I just…..well I am thirty six years old. Maybe it is time I move on. Kaya and I could venture out on our own or something." She slowly nodded.
"If that is what you really wanted, I know they would support it but I think you are full of it right now."
"Leah…"
"Don't even try it Seth. You love this life. You love being around them so what has changed? This is about Rosalie right?" He sighed and shrugged.
"I don't know," he mumbled. Leah rolled her eyes.
"Look Seth, you are right, you are a grown man now so stop acting like a baby. I already have one to take care of. Tell me what is going on."
"She doesn't need me anymore. I am just going to be in the way. Now she has Zach and Emmett has someone to play with so I might as well just leave before I completely annoy them."
"So that's what this is about? You think they will get tired of you because Zach is around now? Seth, yes, the first year is hectic. When Joshua was born, Jake and I barely had any time to ourselves and when we did we slept. It takes some getting used to but you also have to understand that Rosalie really cares about you. She just has someone else to care about now as well. Maybe instead of moping around, you should try helping with Zach. Mom admits it so I guess I can too. Rose is like a second mother to you so Zach is like your little brother. You always wanted one of those." A smile crept onto his face and he nodded.
"Yea, I guess I always did."
"Well here is your chance. She still cares about you. She is just preoccupied right now, they all are. That is what having a baby does. It changes everything but for the better. You just have to be willing to change as well. You are open to new things all the time so be open to this." He hugged his sister and smiled.
"Thanks Leah, I am glad you are here."
"We can't stay long, but I was serious about you coming to visit. Your nephew misses you and you and Kaya can stay in the spare room."
"I think we would both like that. I love you sis. Thanks for talking to me." She winked at him with a smile.
"Well someone has to. Now come on, let's go see Zach. He really is adorable." She stood up but he grabbed her hand causing her to look back at him.
"Don't tell Rose about this talk please. I don't want her to think I am not happy she finally got what she wanted." Leah slowly nodded.
"Alright, your secret is safe with me." He sighed in relief and followed his sister back to the house feeling better after their talk. He needed to get used to Zachary and he planned to do just that.
