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3. Sherrill

~ Edward ~

Bella and I were taking Renesmee to see Charlie. Jacob followed us into the garage as we headed to the Volvo. Rosalie was working on her BMW while she and Emmett discussed their upcoming trip.

"We should go to New York," Emmett suggested. "There's a place in New Paltz that I think you'd really like." He had already decided that was where he wanted to go and he was planning to do whatever it took to convince Rosalie.

"Where's New Paltz?" Rosalie asked from underneath the car.

"It's upstate. There's a resort located on Lake Mohonk that's surrounded by thousands of acres of forest," Emmett described.

"That sounds beautiful," Bella mused as she buckled Renesmee into the backseat.

"It's near Bear Mountain! That's got my name written all over it," Emmett chuckled. "What's a trip without some great hunting?"

Emmett thought about the last bear he attacked and was disappointed with how easily he had won. He liked playing with his food much more than he should.

"Em, this is supposed to be another honeymoon," Rosalie scolded.

"Babe, I didn't tell you the best part," he replied. "The resort is a 19th century, seven-story Victorian castle."

That was all it took to convince Rosalie. Only a castle would do for the family princess.

"A castle?" Rosalie asked excitedly as she slid out from under the car. "Really? Emmett, that sounds lovely," she said as she jumped into his arms to kiss him.

We were all in the Volvo and that was our cue to leave. I did not want to see anymore than what I was already seeing and I certainly did not want to hear where Emmett's thoughts were quickly heading. I raced down the long driveway and turned onto the main road.

"It will be nice to see Charlie again," Bella said quietly. "I was so worried at Christmas. I feel badly that I didn't really do anything to help him."

"Love, you did help him." I told her. I took her hand and began playing with her wedding band. "Charlie was just happy that we were there to spend the day with him."

"Bella, he's a lot stronger than you think," Jacob assured her. Like father, like daughter.

The awe in Jacob's thoughts did not escape my notice. I glanced at him in the rearview mirror but he was staring out the window watching the forest slip silently past us.

We arrived at Charlie's house in a matter of minutes. Jacob jumped out of the car and scooped up Renesmee to take her inside. Charlie came out to greet us and took Renesmee from Jacob.

"Nessie," Charlie cooed. She's getting so big.

She giggled when he swung her around in his arms.

"Hi Bells. Happy New Year!" Charlie called out, heading towards Bella.

"Hi Dad, it's nice to see you," Bella said as she gave Charlie a careful hug. "Happy New Year," she replied. It sounded like a question.

"Hello Edward. Jacob," Charlie nodded at us over Bella's shoulder.

"Hey Charlie," Jacob replied.

"Hello sir," I greeted him.

We were so excited about the resolution of the gathering in the clearing and relieved that Renesmee would have a healthy future, we had not considered the date. It was New Year's Day. Charlie was not one to get emotional, so I thought it strange that his thoughts had an air of excitement to them.

"Let's go inside," Charlie suggested. He had Renesmee in his right arm and kept his left arm around Bella's waist as he led them into the house. My girls.

I could not agree more. They were my life. Jacob and I followed them in. I shut the door while they settled into the small kitchen. Now that I had spent time with Bella's mother, the yellow painted cabinets made perfect sense. The football game was on in the living room. Charlie sat down and fidgeted nervously in his chair.

"Did you do anything fun last night? Did Alice go overboard again?" Charlie laughed.

The relationship between Alice and Charlie made me smile. She had won him over so easily. Her charm could not be denied.

"Last night was pretty quiet, actually. We all hung out at the house, grateful to be able to celebrate together," Bella cautiously explained.

I missed the wave of red that used to color her beautiful face when she evaded the truth. Bella was not a good liar, but without her blush to give her away, she was easier to believe. What else could she tell him? That while the rest of the world rang in the new year, we had spent the night together wrapped in each other's arms, rejoicing our victory, celebrating that we had everything we'd always wanted – each other forever.

"How about you, Charlie, how was your night?" Jacob asked trying to hide a grin.

Charlie shot him a look. "It was very nice, thank you."

"Did you hang out with Billy?" Bella asked him.

"Something like that," Charlie muttered.

Charlie did not know that we could all hear him. Bella raised her eyebrows.

What is he talking about?

I shrugged my shoulders slightly in response to her thoughts. I was still amazed that I could hear her thoughts. I had been hearing people think for nearly a century, and it was only now, when I could hear the most important thoughts, her thoughts, that I truly appreciated my gift.

"Bella, I have something to tell you," Charlie started.

"Ch – Dad, is everything all right?" Bella's question was laced with worry.

"Of course," he replied. "Everything is fine."

"What's going on, Charlie?" I prompted him.

"Right," he steadied himself. "So, I have some news. Last night, well I guess it was early this morning, technically it was at midnight..." he swallowed. "I thought it was a good time, the right moment, you know?"

No one said anything. We were all looking at him and each other trying to figure out what he was talking about.

"Anyway," he continued nervously, "Sue and I have been spending a lot of time together, and we're getting on really well, so I asked her to marry me," he finished apprehensively, looking up at Bella.

"Are you trying to tell us that you're engaged?" Bella teased.

I wished she had been as comfortable with the concept, or the word, when I had proposed to her.

"Well, I guess I am," Charlie said.

"That's fantastic, dad! I'm so happy for you… and Sue." Bella gushed.

"Renesmee," Bella turned to her excitedly, "Grandpa Charlie is getting married!"

Renesmee slowly slid off her chair. Now, Daddy?

I smiled encouragingly at my daughter and glanced up, then down, to confirm her thoughts.

Renesmee reached up to give Charlie a hug. "Congratulations Grandpa," she said smiling at him after he had pulled her up into his arms.

Charlie's eyes were wide with surprise. Bella watched him cautiously as we listened to his heart race, and then slowly return to normal. We anticipated this reaction. Bella and I spent some time talking last night, and we had decided that it was time for Renesmee to begin speaking in front of Charlie. We could not hide it any longer. She already looked like a three year old and the public story would be harder to explain if she was not talking.

"I told you she was special," Jacob tried to calm him.

"Need to know… need to know," Charlie muttered to himself.

"Congratulations on the wedding, Charlie," Jacob smirked, heading towards him.

Finally! Jacob relaxed. I found out about the wedding this morning but didn't want to ruin the surprise. I was sure the psychic would've told you already. Jacob's thoughts rushed out all at once now that the barrier was down.

Since Jacob had phased in front of him, Charlie was more uncomfortable around Jacob than he was with me. He flinched when Jacob tried to touch him and held on tight to Renesmee when Jacob tried taking her from him. If Charlie had any doubts before, I would bet that now he was thrilled that Bella had picked me. I imagined Charlie's reaction to Jacob presenting him with a puppy, congratulating him on being a grandfather. I stifled a laugh.

"I wish you and Sue my best. Have you picked a date?" I asked.

"Thank you, Edward. We don't have an exact date yet, but Sue wants a May wedding, so I guess it'll be sometime in May," Charlie shrugged.

Charlie's nerves had calmed once he realized that Bella was happy about the upcoming wedding. They had not decided on any other details. I was not surprised that Sue would be handling the wedding plans. The conversation continued around me as I thought about the news. How would this affect our treaty with the Quileutes? Why had Jacob kept it from me? I could understand that he did not want to ruin the surprise for Bella, but I did not see how that applied to me.

I was half-listening to the conversation and half-absorbed in what this new development would mean for my family. Even though I was responding every so often, Bella quickly realized that I was distracted. At times, she looked at me intently, as if she were trying to read my thoughts. As perceptive as she was when she was human, she really did not miss anything now. It was strange and yet comforting to know that she knew me so well. I remembered at the beginning, fearing that she would run if she really knew me. And after her incident in Port Angeles, deciding that I wanted to be honest with her about what I was because I wanted her to really know me. It seemed she always had. It was I that was often left wondering about her. She still fascinated me.

Charlie did not ask any questions about Renesmee. It seemed that he really did not want to know any details. I was surprised at how well he was taking all of this. Most humans would not have been able to ignore their curiosity. Charlie was doing everything he could do to keep Bella and Renesmee in his life. Jacob helped Bella by keeping the conversation centered on last night's party.

We had been catching up for almost two hours when my phone buzzed in my pocket. The caller ID announced Alice.

"Hello?" I answered.

"Hi Edward. Carlisle called and said he would like all of us home tonight for a family meeting," Alice explained.

"What is it?" I asked her.

"I don't know," she was annoyed. "I haven't been able to see anything. He said to tell Jacob that he should be there too."

Jacob at a family meeting? This did not sound good. "Okay, we'll be home soon," I told her.

"Tell Charlie congratulations for me!" she shrieked.

"Goodbye Alice," I groaned and hung up the phone.

So that was what Alice had been so excited about all morning. I should have known that shopping for Rosalie and Emmett would not get her so worked up. I had thought it was because she was making up for lost time after being gone for so many weeks. But there was only one thing that Alice liked more than shopping, and that was planning a party. I felt bad for Charlie and Sue thinking of the torture I imagined Alice could inflict on them.

"Alice?" Bella asked.

"Yes, she called to make sure we'd be coming home for dinner. And she said to tell you hello, Charlie." I could not pass along her congratulations. How was I supposed to explain that she knew about the wedding when he had just told us himself?

"Dinner?" Jacob scoffed.

Bella glared at him. I pretended not to notice.

"Yes, Jacob. Actually, Esme asked that we specifically invite you as well," I said evenly.

"Maybe it's a blind date," Bella teased.

"We should start heading back," I suggested. I was not sure what was wrong, but I was anxious to get Bella and Renesmee back to the house, where they would be safer.

"Don't be late for dinner on my account," Charlie said as he rose with Renesmee. "Please pass along my best wishes for the New Year to your parents, Edward."

"I will, Charlie, thank you," I replied.

"See you later Charlie," Jacob called as he headed out the door.

I took Renesmee from Charlie and waited for Bella as she gave him a hug goodbye. He walked us out and kissed the top of Renesmee's head.

"Bye Nessie," he whispered tentatively.

"Bye Grandpa. See you soon," she giggled.

She enjoyed being able to talk with him. She wrapped her hands around my neck as I carried her to the car. She discreetly showed me Charlie's surprised face when he had heard her talk; she found it humorous but was concerned.

"He will be ok," I whispered softly to her as I placed her in the backseat.

"Bye Dad," Bella waved from the car.

As we headed back to the house, I relayed Alice's message to Bella and Jacob.

"Why do I need to be there?" Jacob wondered.

"I don't know. Alice has not been able to see anything. But if Carlisle requested that you join us, there has to be a good reason."

"Just when things have calmed down," Bella complained. We were both still surprised at the turn of events yesterday. We both knew that there was a chance that Aro would try something again, but I did not want her to worry.

"Love, we don't know that it's anything to get nervous about." I brushed her hair back from her face.

She leaned her face into my hand and took a deep breath. I missed these quiet moments between us. I wrapped my arm around her and leaned her into me. I kissed the top of her head. She looked up at me with her now amber eyes.

"I love you," I breathed, moving my lips against hers.

"As I love you," she replied with a kiss.

Don't you think you should keep your eyes on the road? You're scarring Nessie for life. No one wants to see their parents doing that.

I rolled my eyes and ignored Jacob.

Alice was waiting for us on the front steps when we arrived at the house. Bella had barely gotten out of the car before Alice ambushed her.

"Please, please, please, tell me I can do their wedding," she pleaded anxiously.

"Alice, it's not my wedding," Bella reminded her. "I don't get to decide who does the wedding. I don't have to decide anything."

"You can help me convince Charlie and Sue," Alice shamelessly continued.

"Alice, you and I both know that your power of persuasion over Charlie is undeniable," Bella rolled her eyes. "You don't need me."

"Can't you see what they'll say when you ask them?" Jacob asked.

"No," Alice groaned. "Leah and Seth are in the way."

"I'm not sure Sue will be comfortable with you planning her wedding," I cautioned Alice.

"But I would make it such a beautiful wedding…" she trailed off as we headed inside. Stupid werewolves... damn treaty.

She had understood exactly what I was saying to her. Sometimes it was too easy to talk to Alice.

Emmett and Jasper were watching football in the living room. I could hear Rosalie upstairs packing and Esme sketching in her room.

Alice slumped into the desk chair to do some online shopping. There has to be a way. She was not giving up.

Jacob joined Emmett and Jasper while Bella took Renesmee into the kitchen for some food. Last night, Bella and I had also discussed that Renesmee needed to become more comfortable with eating human food. Renesmee did not particularly like it, but we felt it was important to help her become more accustomed to it.

"Where is Carlisle?" I wondered.

"He's not back from the hospital yet," Esme told me as she descended the stairs to join us. "He should be home soon." She nestled herself into one of the armchairs and continued drawing.

"Emmett, have you and Rosalie decided when you're leaving for your trip?" Bella asked.

"We're leaving in a week. I booked the Mountain View Tower Suite," Emmett told us. "They have some secluded cottages, but they're not renting them out now."

"Our room has its own balcony and working fireplace," Rosalie gushed from the top of the stairs. "It's so beautiful."

"You do realize that you can't break the room," Jasper jokingly shoved Emmett as he sensed Emmett's changing mood.

Emmett had a one-track mind… well, two. And it was never difficult to figure out where he was going.

I settled into the piano seat and softly began to play Esme's favorite song. She smiled up at me from her design pad. I was glad that I could do something for Esme that would make her smile. I watched Renesmee sitting on the couch with Jacob and hoped that one day she would admire me the way I admired Esme and Carlisle.

I finished Esme's song and began playing the notes that came to me as I watched Renesmee. The music started quickly, in low dark notes that escalated into a joyous melody. It was an upbeat piece, and the composition became more complicated as the song grew. I could not bring myself to end it. I could imagine no end that would be worthy of the inspiration before me. I continued to play softly. Moments later, Bella joined me at the piano.

For Renesmee?

I nodded.

It's beautiful.

"You're beautiful," I whispered to her when I leaned into her to kiss her neck. I ran my lips along her jaw breathing her in. My fingers found the familiar pattern of her lullaby and the soft notes filled the room. The music had brought me to life; inspired by the woman who became my life. Bella turned to find my lips with hers and I kissed her softly at first, and then more passionately as her lips parted to receive mine.

"Get a room," Emmett groaned.

"Bite me," I muttered.

Emmett did not understand what it was like to find the love of your life, your soul mate, especially when you did not even realize that you had given up finding her. It was an amazing feeling to discover that you could not live without someone you did not even know you were missing. And indescribable to know she felt the same way about you.

Emmett and Rosalie had a more physically based relationship. Although they loved each other, it just was not the same. They were not as emotionally connected. Rosalie was usually too focused on herself to really invest in anyone else. Given the opportunity, she would give up her existence without hesitation – and that included Emmett. Emmett did everything he could to make Rosalie happy, even though he knew he could not give her what she wanted most. Emmett was so carefree it was hard to know if he was truly happy. It seemed like a conversation that would be too philosophical for him to want to have.

"Is everyone here?" Carlisle asked, interrupting my reverie.

"Yes," Esme replied. "Should we get started?"

"That's probably best." Carlisle headed into the dining room with Esme.

"I'd like to set Renesmee down for a nap first, if that's okay?" Bella asked as she rose from the piano bench.

"Of course," Esme assured her. "You can use Edward's room."

After we had tucked Renesmee in, we joined the family in the dining room. Carlisle and Esme had taken their seats at the far end of the table, holding hands. Jasper, Alice, Rosalie, and Emmett sat along the left side of the table, near Esme. I took the first empty seat on the right side of the table, near Carlisle, and Bella sat next to me. Jacob was sitting a seat down from Bella, across from Emmett.

I'd really like to know what I'm doing here. Isn't this a family meeting? Hello!? I'm not a bloodsucker… Jacob, of course.

"I wanted us all to meet so I could share some information that I received earlier this morning and to discuss our options," Carlisle began. "I have asked that Jacob join us, as this conversation will impact him as well."

Jacob grimaced. This can't be good.

No one said anything so Carlisle continued. "When Esme and I drove Huilen and Nahuel to the airport this morning, I was able to question them further about Nahuel's development during his first seven years. I wanted to obtain a point of reference for Renesmee. They shared with me that he grew rapidly during his first year. By the end of his first year, he appeared to be five years old."

Five? She already looks like she's three. She's going to age another two years in the next eight months? Jacob was starting to worry.

Carlisle continued calmly. "In his second year, he didn't age as quickly, but there was still a relatively large jump in his development. When he was two years old, he resembled an eight year old child."

I thought they said she was going to be fine. Seven years and she'd be fully grown. At this rate… no, it can't be. Did they just make that up to get rid of the Volturi leeches? Is that what this is about? Jacob's mind was racing.

"His growth slowed dramatically after that," Carlisle added. "During the following four years, he only aged a year or two each year. At age six, Nahuel said he looked fifteen. His last growth spurt happened during his seventh year, and that brought him to how he looks today, about eighteen."

So if the story is true and Nessie is going to be okay, what's with the meeting? Jacob was confused again.

"But we already knew that she wouldn't continue to grow past her seventh year," Rosalie stated, encouraging Carlisle to go on.

"That is correct, but now that I have a better idea of what her development might look like each year, we can be better prepared. We know what we can expect. Based on the information that I was able to gather today, I suggest that we discuss when to leave Forks."

Bella looked at me anxiously. She was not expecting this so quickly. I did not exactly see this coming either. Carlisle was being very careful with his thoughts right now. All I could get from him was that he really wanted this to be a family decision.

I ran my fingers up and down her back, along her spine. "It'll be all right, love," I tried to assure her.

Jasper helped to calm her. I thanked him silently and took Bella's hand in mine. I began rubbing the back of her hand with my thumb.

I looked up at everyone sitting at the table and they were all looking at Carlisle. This was going to be most difficult for Bella. The rest of us had all been through this before. We knew this day would come eventually. We just had not expected it to come today. Now that I understood the reason for the meeting, I was not surprised that Carlisle had requested that Jacob join us. He knew Jacob would be as affected by this decision as much as any of us… as much as Renesmee. Jacob was part of the family now, too.

This is why I'm here? There was no relief in Jacob's thoughts.

"I would like to present an option," Carlisle requested. Should I continue?

I nodded. Carlisle often relied on my ability to gauge a situation based on everyone's thoughts. While no one was looking forward to starting over again, I was not hearing any hesitation, apart from for Jacob and he needed to hear more.

"We have been in Forks for four years. Rosalie, Emmett, and Jasper are supposed to be in their second year of college. Alice, Edward, and Bella were to have gone off to college this past September. Esme and I are not getting any older. Now that we know how quickly Renesmee will be growing this year, we need to leave to protect ourselves.

"But you can't leave," Jacob protested.

"Isn't there enough to figure out without having to worry about the dog?" Rosalie grumbled.

"Jacob is as much a part of this decision as we are, as Renesmee is, and we will all respect his input as such," Carlisle warned.

I felt a sense of pride as I realized how similar my thoughts were to Carlisle's. I remembered Jacob's thoughts about Bella from earlier 'like father, like daughter' and I wondered if anyone would ever consider Carlisle and I similar enough to make such a comparison. It would be one of my proudest moments.

"Jacob, I understand this may be difficult for you, but I assure you that this will be a family decision, one that you will be included in," he stressed glancing at Rosalie. "My suggestion does not exclude you," Carlisle explained. "Will you allow me to continue?"

"Sure, sure," Jacob muttered.

"I suggest that we plan our move this summer so that we can be newly settled by September," Carlisle told us. "Renesmee will appear to be about five years old at that time. We could say that she's seven, and very small for her age."

Emmett chuckled to himself at the irony of Carlisle's suggestion.

Carlisle ignored him. "After a year, we'd be saying that she's eight years old, and she would actually appear to be that age. She would age at a normal rate the following year, so she would be nine and appear nine. If all goes well, we could probably make it another two or three years, until she is eleven or twelve, without having to move. She would look a year or two older, but it is an easy age group to adjust. We would probably need to move again after that. At least this would give her a stable home for the next four to five years. That's the most we've been able to expect to live somewhere, anyway."

He paused, looking at all of us, stopping at Bella and me.

"What do you think of the public story?" he asked us.

"I think we'd be lucky to not have to move Renesmee around much," Bella answered. "I'm willing to do what's best for Renesmee. It's good that we'll be able to make this as easy for her as possible."

"A more stable environment will definitely make things easier for her. She's going to have a lot to adjust to in a short period of time," I agreed.

"We'll need to home school Renesmee. After her seventh year, when she's ready, she could attend and graduate from high school," Carlisle added.

"We could all help with that," Alice volunteered excitedly.

"Shopping and party planning aren't exactly on the curriculum," Bella teased.

Everyone laughed and Alice stuck her tongue out at Bella.

"Those are very important skills for a young lady to have," Alice shot back, pretending to be insulted.

The mood in the room had lightened considerably from the time we all had sat down to talk.

Glad everyone is having so much fun. I still don't see where I fit into any of this. Well, apart from Jacob's mood. He was not laughing.

"I'm happy to see that this is going so well," Esme was relieved. I want nothing more than for my family to remain together.

"As am I," Carlisle concurred. "I have done some research and have a location in mind for you to consider. You will each also need to decide on what your public story will be."

"You mean we aren't going back to high school?" Jasper could not hide his excitement at the prospect of not having to return to school.

"Not if you don't want to," Carlisle responded.

"We are a family, and we would very much like if we all remained together," Carlisle continued, glancing at Esme. "We recognize that we're in a very different situation now than we have ever been in before, so it made sense for us to remain open to other options that we might not have considered in the past."

"So, where are you going?" Jacob asked somberly.

"As I said, Jacob, I did keep you in mind," Carlisle reassured him. "Sherrill is a small city in upstate New York whose number of sunny days is well below the US average. Actually, it is the smallest city in New York and it borders the Oneida Creek, which flows past the city and empties into Oneida Lake. The creek and lake are named for the Oneida tribe of the Iroquois who live in the area, on the Onondaga reservation."

He paused, to let this new information register.

"I would like for all of you to consider this idea," Carlisle proposed. "Would you like to move to Sherrill? Please take some time to think about this decision. Jacob, I assume you'll have much to discuss with your pack."

Jacob was too stunned to respond. This was a first. He always had something to say.

"I welcome questions and suggestions from all of you," Carlisle encouraged.

"We won't need to move until the summer, right?" Bella confirmed.

"Not unless you'd like to," Carlisle agreed.

"Charlie announced today that he asked Sue to marry him last night at midnight, and they're planning a May wedding," I elaborated.

"What wonderful news," Esme exclaimed. "How exciting for them!"

"Please pass along our congratulations to them," Carlisle requested.

"Of course," Bella replied. "At least he won't be alone when we leave him," she murmured.

All those times that Bella had said she was ready to leave her human life behind, ready to leave Charlie behind, flooded my mind. No matter how ready she thought she was, it was going to hurt her tremendously to have to say goodbye to him. I raised her hand, still entwined with mine, to my lips and kissed it reassuringly.

"When will you be looking to make a decision?" Jacob asked Carlisle.

"We have some time before we need to make any preparations. I ask all of you to let Esme and I know when you're ready to further discuss this, and then we can come to a decision together at that time."

Jacob nodded slowly. He was beginning to understand.

WOW! I can't believe that he is including me in this. I never expected to be considered. I just figured they'd take off one day. I couldn't survive away from Nessie. I'll go wherever they want. He even found a place with a reservation nearby. That could be interesting. I need to talk to my dad to find out what he knows. What am I going to do about the pack? I should probably go talk to them.

"I'm going to go talk to my dad and I need to discuss this with the pack," Jacob said as he stood up.

"Thank you for coming Jacob, and for listening," Carlisle affirmed.

"Thank you for inviting me," Jacob was still astonished. "I'll see you all later."

Jacob left out the back door and I heard him phase as he ran into the forest.

I wonder what we'll do now that we won't have to be in school all the time.

I can't wait to go shopping in the city!

We should check it out while we're on our trip.

Will we all still be living together?

What public story should I pick? How old do I want to be?

I think that went very well.

So many possibilities! This is so exciting.

I'm glad we won't have to move around a lot and that it works out for Nessie too.

I could not think clearly and everyone's thoughts were too loud to ignore. I needed some quiet time with Bella. We had a lot to figure out.

"Bella, love, would you like to go home?" I asked.

She nodded. "Let's get Renesmee," she said standing up. We have so much to talk about.

"She's already tucked in and sleeping. Why don't you let her stay here?" Esme suggested.

Bella hesitated.

"It's really no problem," Esme insisted. "You two could use some time together, I'm sure, and I would love to spend some more time with her."

"Thank you Esme."

Bella gave her a hug and we walked out the back door, across the river, to our cottage in the forest.

A/N: PLEASE REVIEW!