A/N: Edward's infatuation with Bella follows similar rules as imprinting. I decided to go with canon characters as this is my first attempt writing for Twilight fans. I do not follow canon timelines/introductions but do attempt to emulate canon character behaviour. The story is set in 1889. Constructive criticism/encouragement welcome.

This chapter was updated 20th Aug 2014. The formatting fails to save as I leave it, sorry about that.

A special thank you to my fantastic beta reader icul8ter and to Jlbrew25 for some much appreciated guidance.

Disclaimer: The Twilight world belongs to Stephenie Meyer.

Warning: Contains Pagan overtones, angst, NON-sexual spanking of a minor/teen, swearing and parental themes. Rated T as some of my views, and the views of this era, may offend.

Chapter Three: Decisions.

APOV: I paused by the front door of our modest home, it was dead silent inside and had I not been a vampire and "seen" today's events earlier, I would assume nobody was home. As it was however, I nudged the heavy wooden door open with a foot and placed my arm full of fabric bolts aside. "Oh, Jasper honey, really? Aren't you getting a little old for this sort of thing!" I teased, giggling playfully at his growled response. I danced over to where Jasper lay sprawled out on the floor and plonked myself on his bum. "Writing lines at seventy four years of age, silly silly!" I purred. Jasper was my mate, my love in every way possible and I cared for him dearly. I lay my torso on his back content to soak up his presence until Carlisle's voice interrupted. Right on cue, I thought to myself with a sigh, sometimes the gift of foresight isn't all it's cracked up to be.

"Alice, you know the rules," he admonished from behind his paper. It's true I did know, but thankfully I'd seen the outcome of my choice to tease Jasper earlier, right after a rather intense vision detailing the terror Jasper had put Edward through. I shot my little brother a knowing wink; he had read my thoughts and knew the playful taunts were my way of exacting a little revenge on his behalf.

"I'm Sorry, Daddy," I replied contritely and gracefully hopped over my two floor dwelling siblings to stand by Carlisle's side.

[Flashback]

I was merely hours into this life when Carlisle had first found me, terrified and weak from thirst. Someone had changed me, but I remembered nothing. All I had was a single piece of recycled parchment with the words: "Mary Alice, 17yrs old." scratched across the middle with what appeared to be a dirty fingernail dipped in a few drops of my own human blood. I remember being whisked from the ground and carried a few miles before finding myself gently settled to face a freshly killed bison. "Mary Alice, you must feed," he encouraged softly. I remember being lost in his beautiful golden eyes, so full of compassion and warmth, the exact same eyes I now looked into years later.

[End of Flashback]

He smiled at me as if somehow sharing my memory, and wrapped a protective arm around my waist. "Just a warning this time, Ali-bear, but don't let me hear it again. It is not right to make fun of another's misfortune." From the barely concealed smirk on his face I could tell he was also aware of my reasoning, and despite having to say something, was content to leave it at that.

"You won't" I assured him merrily, and returned his hug.

A smirk broke through his stoic facade as he glanced down at the two boys who were still sprawled out on the floor. Edward was dutifully working away at the second page while Jasper pretended to shake cramps from his right hand. "Son," Carlisle said in a bemused tone. "Vampires do not get writer's cramp, besides, you are left handed."

Jaspers eyes darted to me for a moment, then casually back to Carlisle. "Some human habits are hard to break?" he replied coolly, an edge of humour creeping into his tone.

CPOV: "Alright men, that will have to do for now, I believe we have a few things to discuss," I said, motioning that they join Alice and I at the table. We spoke for several hours discussing the possibilities concerning Isabella Swan and eventually came to a consensus; if Edward had indeed imprinted our options would be rather limited, she would join our family or we would have to join hers.

Over the next week I had each of my family members visit her in hospital, firstly one at a time, then in pairs. Their reactions would decide whether or not it was feasible to adopt.

Confirming the relationship between Edward and Isabella took no time at all and much to my surprise it was not just Edward who felt the attraction, they appeared to have imprinted on each other. I smiled watching Jasper and Alice sit with the child. Isabella was snuggled into a pillow at Alice's side while Jasper's soothing drawl told stories from a tattered book that I suspect had once been his own. I didn't want to break up the happy trio, but unfortunately my responsibility as her doctor came first. "Time for you to get some sleep, young lady," I said in a kindly tone. Jasper and Alice shot me disgruntled expressions, but knew better than to argue and gracefully slid themselves from her bed.

"But, Doctor Cullen, I don't want to sleep yet! I'm not even a lil bit tired. Can they stay just a little longer, pleeeease?" she pleaded.

Resisting the urge to correct the grammar, I shook my head in response and brushed a stray lock from her forehead.

"We will come back and see you tomorrow, OK?" Jasper reassured her, before disappearing through the door, Alice in tow.

"Aww, but 'm-not-even, don't need-to-sleep!" she grumbled, arms folded tightly about her chest in protest.

I raised a brow at the theatrical display: had there been any doubts that this child was Edward's mate, their mutual flair for dramatics laid them to rest once and for all.

The orphanage was swift in response to our query and in just a few short hours Sister Mary Erin had contacted us to schedule a meeting. "Oh it just makes my heart burst with joy to see a child find such a lovely family," Erin said, glancing at each family member in turn. The nuns were all overjoyed to hear that at least one of their many children would find not only a home, but prospects to. "If you'll just sign here, Dr Cullen," the Nun instructed, motioning to the bottom left section on a thick document.

I glanced at the page for a long moment, before carefully sliding it back.

"Dad, what is it?" Alice asked, her concerns reflected in the eyes of both boys.

"I realise this is not a decision that should be left up to a seven-year-old child," they nodded in agreement, still confused as to why I had not signed. "That said, I believe Isabella has a right to voice her opinion on the matter."

"But, Father, she's already said," Edward began, only to be silenced by my expression.

"Consider how you would feel," I glanced at each of them knowingly. "She has lost both her parents, been shunted from home to home and is about to lose all that has become safe in order to travel overseas with people she barely knows. All of this without once being asked for her feelings on the matter, all this because it is what others deem in her best interest. I think it is about time Isabella regained some faith in family, and learns to follow out of trust, respect and love, not obligation."

Alice was the first to concede. "Dad's right, we should afford her the same consideration we'd give to each other; we are a family not an army."

Jasper frowned at her analogy but gave a single nod. "Agreed."

"Edward?" I queried, the boy was still contemplating our words and jumped at hearing his name.

"Yes, Sir?" he said by rote, as if answering a rollcall.

Now it was my turn to frown.

"Do you agree with us, Son?"

He dropped his gaze for a long moment, struggling to find the words. "Yes, Alice is right, she should have a say," although his expression said otherwise.

Edward, it takes courage to be selfless. Well done. He smiled slightly having read my thoughts and stood a little taller knowing that we all knew how difficult this was for him.

"Dr Cullen, please be reasonable," Erin implored. "You of all people must realise we have a duty of care to do what is best for Isabella. There is only so much we can give and her prospects are grim should she remain in the care of state orphanages. If she survives, and you'll note I said 'if', she has a life of hard work and possibly even slavery to look forward to." The woman was not giving in without a fight, she loved her children, every one of them and she would be damned if Isabella would miss out on such an opportunity simply because she was too young to handle the decision.

I met her gaze with my own expression, thick with compassion and admiration. Here was a woman daring to engage four vampires to assure a life for one of her children. Impressive. "Edward, Alice, would you go and speak with Isabella for a moment, please," I asked kindly, "we will join you shortly." The pair nodded and moved for the door leaving Jasper and I to effect some calm on the poor women. His skills were a blessing when they could be used for such a noble cause and by the time we stood to leave, the Nun was practically beaming with optimism.

"I'll keep these here for you, don't go too far now." She chortled, her ruddy face now renewed and confident as she lined the thick document flush with the edge of her desk.

"Mother of fu..." he coughed to mask the words. "I mean "Gosh!" that was certainly intense," Jasper whispered, as we took off to meet the others.

I smiled. The young man struggled with my aversion to all things crass, but to give credit where credit is due he had improved significantly in the past thirty years. Perhaps in another thirty he'll be over it? I mused, smirking at my thoughts before glancing his way. "Thank you, Son. You were able to use your abilities to truly help someone and I am very proud of you." Jasper gave his trade mark single nod, but the prideful grin lurking beneath his cool exterior was evident to anyone who knew him.

"Jasper!" Isabella squealed in delight as we entered the ward. "You DID come back!"

"Ah, see, I told you so! Besides," he replied casually, leaning over to pluck the youngster from her bed. "How could I possibly go another day without a hug, hmm?"

She laughed at his reasoning then turned a hopeful expression on me. "Is what Edward says true, do you really, I mean, can I?" she blushed but managed to force the words out, "do you really want me to come with you?" I glanced around at my family, all of whom looked delighted at her enthusiasm.

"Of course we want you, sweetheart. I believe fate has chosen us for a reason." I cupped her chin softly, the playful gesture encouraging her to lift her gaze to meet mine. "But before any decisions are made I need you to listen to me carefully, are you ready to listen?" I asked softly, sitting myself down beside her.

She sat up on her knees attempting to level our height as best she could and despite looking a little confused at the question, answered confidently.

"Good girl," I encouraged before continuing. "There is no question we'd all love to have you as part of our family, however, we would very much like to know how you feel about it. I want you to consider your feelings carefully before making this decision. If you decided to become part of our family I will expect you to have an opinion on all decisions that affect us." I explained, pausing for a moment to allow my words to sink in. "Choosing to come with us will mean many changes for you, some good and some you might consider not so good. You will be leaving your friends at the orphanage behind, and shortly after, relocating to America, are you willing to do this, to start over again with us?" I questioned.

Her face fell at the notion of leaving her friends, but one glance into Edwards eyes had her smiling again. "A'huh," she replied bravely.

"Not "A'huh", Isabella, you answer a question with yes or no, Sir," I explained. There was no hint of reprimand in my gentle tone, yet her face flushed at the correction. "Which brings me to my next point. We are a very different sort of family with certain gifts unique to each of us."

"Gifts like socks or gifts like FLYING! How much fun would that be?" she stated excitedly; earning herself a hush from Alice. "Remember what Dr Cullen asked you? It's time to listen now," she reminded and tittered softly as the child bit her lip, eyes still sparkling with mirth.

"Because we are different," I continued without missing a beat, "our way of life is also somewhat unique. One day, when you are a little older, you will be asked to help keep secrets that are in many ways essential to our very being, and trust that what Jasper and I decide will always be in everyone's best interest, even if you do not understand at the time.

You will start a new school and make new friends all of which can be a little scary, but the best part of all this change is knowing that you do not stand alone, our family sticks together and will always be there for you. How do you feel about this?" I asked curiously.

She paused for an abnormal amount of time for any human, then looked up at each of us once again. "I feel excited about school. I-I used to go, once." she looked at her hands for a moment as if recalling a sad memory before collecting her thoughts once again. "I'm kinda curious about America, I mean, it sounds scary 'n all but I feel brave when Edward is around," she grinned up at him, then back at me with a hopeful expression. "I feel kinda scared 'n hurt at the same time when I imagine everyone gone, and," she looked questioningly at Edward who nodded in response. "I've already kept a big and special secret, Edward showed me how sparkly he looks in the sunshine." she confessed.

I frowned slightly at this news.

"Please, don't be mad at Edward, ain't his fault he told!" she stated defensively.

"Is not," I corrected automatically.

"I asked why everyone's hands felt so cold and hard is all. He said that you all had a little magic in your blood and that someday I might sparkle like that too."

This time it was Jasper who frowned. "Edward! She is seven-years-old!" he stated harshly.

Edward dropped his gaze at the reprove, his expression sombre. "I am sorry. It felt like the right thing to do at the time," he reasoned. An awkward silence fell upon our small gathering, and suddenly every eye was focused on me.

"These are indeed unusual circumstances; however, I believe Edward's connection with Isabella should be taken into consideration." I glanced knowingly at my eldest son, who was well within his rights to be irritated. "It is surprising the lengths that one mate will go to for the other," I said poignantly, aware that he would relate my words to the seemingly ridiculous situations he and Alice had found themselves over the years. I ran a thumb and forefinger over non-existent chin stubble, a whimsical expression gracing my features. "Well, Isabella, pending a final examination you are due for release tomorrow morning, which should give you some time to think it over, we will drop by for another talk then, alright?"

She cocked a brow and met me with a mischievous grin. "Yes, Sir, but I have a condition of my own," she added indignantly. "Please, will you all call me Bella? Isabella makes me feel like I'm in trouble all the time." The slightly pained expression on her face was textbook-Edward and drew laughter from us all.

"It's a deal, Bella," I agreed with a smile as Jasper playfully ruffled her hair.

JPOV: "Edward! For the love of all things holy," I cracked, dropping my pen and map in defeat.

"How's a man supposed ta map out a course with your emotional stampede going on in the background?" My question had been rhetorical and garnered little more than a hopeless sigh from the young man perched high on an exposed roofing beam.

"Come down from there," I instructed, gesturing that he sit in front of me.

"Awww, come on, Jaz; not meditation, not now!" he begged, dropping to the floor with an unnecessary thud.

"Now, is when you need it most," I countered. "But I'm willing to help on this occasion, just close your eyes and for heaven's sake focus on anything but Bella," I encouraged. The second he complied I projected a torrent of patience and calm. "I'm not sure who's more relieved, you or me!" I whispered, grateful for a momentary break in tension. Alice slid from her perch on the bench to join us on the floor, happy to soak up the calm that was beginning to engulf our living room. Even Carlisle, who would typically scold me for manipulating his emotions without an invitation, appeared visibly grateful for the relief: sunrise was taking forever and we were all feeling it!

BPOV: I don't WANNA think about it! Why is he making me when I already know how I feel! Is this one of those times that I'm supposed to just trust him? I was all frustrated and was just about to try getting up when someone knocked on my door.

"May I come in, Bells?" It was Sister Mary Erin.

"Yes! Did you hear that Dr Cullen and his family might adopt me?" I blurted, whilst being swaddled in her ample hug.

"I did! That is indeed good news, sweetheart. How are you feeling?" she enquired, lifting my shirt to look at the itchy gash on my side.

"Who cares about that, I'm too excited to think about anything but Edward! Uh! I mean the Cullen's."

Erin chuckled at my excitement while quickly looking over the chart, they were always looking at that thing. "Mary Erin? I asked, hoping to draw her attention from my boring bed chart. "Why are they making me wait, do you think they've changed their minds?" I noticed her frown and wondered if she was thinking the same thing.

"No!" she replied confidently, and put a hand on mine. "From what I've heard, the Cullen's are quite taken with you and would love to have you as part of their family. I'd say they are simply offering you a say in the choices that effect your life," she explained, settling herself on the bed next to me.

We talked about America, new schools, friends and how much I would miss them all, until the orange glow of sunrise finally lit the horizon and Erin began threatening me with sedatives if I did not at least attempt to sleep. But who could sleep with all this excitement!

Despite my stubbornness, I awoke hours later to the sensation of filtered sunlight flickering on my face. Immediately I sprang to a seated position, knocking a small bowl of oatmeal from the tray table. "Damit! Double-friken-damit!" I ranted, trying to flick off the splattered lumps before they could stick to my sheets.

"Isabella Swan, language!" Dr Cullen scolded. I had been so preoccupied with the oatmeal mess that I didn't see him talking to another patient just two beds down. I jumped at his voice, shocked to have been caught out. It was not the volume that frightened me but his sharp tone. I began stammering out something that resembled an apology but stopped when I noticed each member of my potential family all perched at different spots around the ward. Doctor Cullen was at my side in a flash, graceful movements quickly taking care of the massive oatmeal explosion on my bed.

"Uh, sorry," I said in a quiet voice, blinking a few times as the others suddenly appeared around my bed.

"I know you are," he replied calmly. "But that does not excuse it. Cursing is not necessary and I do not want to hear it again, is that clear?" he said, his tone firm but not unkind. I nodded a muted understanding, only to be met with silence and a raised brow. "I said, is that understood?" he repeated. This time his voice was much lower and his words slower and more deliberate.

My stubbornness peaked and I allowed a pout to form before uttering a quiet: "Yes Sir."

"Good girl," he replied evenly, ignoring my sulky expression and untangling me from the oatmeal splattered bedding. "Now, more importantly, how did you sleep?"

I thought about his question for a bit. Crap! If I answered truthfully he might make me wait another night! I shuttered at the thought, "Umm-good," I lied. He frowned in response, his honey eyes taking in my dishevelled appearance; he was clearly not buying it.

"Bella, do not ever lie to me, there is no need."

I flinched at his words, although curiously his tone remained benign. I wanted to cry; to look away from this caring man who was offering me a chance at happiness only to be repaid with sulking and dishonesty. Why do I always say the wrong things! "I didn't sleep much at all," I confessed. "Sister Mary Erin came in to talk last night and after she left, well, thoughts were everywhere all at once!"

He smiled at my response, running a cool hand over my forehead. "That is understandable, you have a lot to think about and I am pleased that you took time to consider it," he paused for a moment, and turned to the door. I had not noticed until then that Sister Mary Erin had appeared and was now tapping her foot impatiently.

"Please, join us," Carlisle invited, gesturing to the chubby Nun.

I froze for a moment, not at all comfortable with so much attention focused on me at once. "I, err..." I was about to ask them to look away when Edwards eyes caught mine and suddenly I felt brave again. "I know that lots will change, but something in my tummy. No, in my heart!" I corrected, "is pulling at me, taking the scaredness away and leaving all the excited bits. The idea of being away from you all hurts my heart." I met my new Fathers eyes with sincerity. "I'll try real hard not to mess up and I won't be bad, I promise! And I think I'll have fun playing Jasper's combat games, even if Edward doesn't think so," I shot my oldest brother a cheeky glance. "Alice, your dresses are the beautifulist ever! And I can't wait to visit these markets you told me about." Finally my eyes locked on Edward's and somehow I no longer needed a voice, because it was the purest feeling of love that fuelled my expression now. A feeling that was bigger than best-friends, bigger than Charlie, whom I'd loved dearly, bigger and stronger than anything I'd ever felt before.

Edward reached over and put his cold, sparkly hand on mine. "Dr Cullen, I believe you have an answer," he said with a grin. Everyone nodded their agreement, and smirked as Erin produced the papers from thin air.

CPOV: Five minutes after signing the paper work young Isabella was released into our care. My shift did not end for another ten hours, so I suggested she take her siblings and spend some time with Mary Erin and her friends from the orphanage.

The next two weeks were hectic to say the least, as despite having moved many times before this would be our first overseas trip. The fastest ship would take just over a month to reach America which presented obvious issues for a group of blood-reliant vampires.

Our options were limited, but with a little careful planning it was not impossible. Prior to leaving we fed until almost bursting, and paid a large sum to ensure a private vessel, minimal crew and a no questions asked policy. We were lucky on all accounts and swiftly enchanted our crew into ignoring the sporadic deaths of our small livestock cargo.

"I've seen this kinda thing before," our captain had remarked upon hearing of the latest death.

"Cows just ain't cut out for the sea, makes em go all pale and sick like, look just like that poor fella they do. Oh well, better toss him over don't want him stinkin' up me ship!" he'd explained. Thankfully we did not require much to maintain ourselves when dormant, and this trip was very dormant.

Fortunately our youngest member was adjusting to her new family like she'd been born to it. That said, the long, arduous trip proved extremely boring for the seven-year-old and by the third week she found herself in enough mischief to earn Jasper as a shadow. He worked wonders controlling her boredom and did his best to help the poor child through, but needless to say by the time we arrived in America, patience was wearing thin all round...

Thanks for all the great feedback everyone, I really appreciate it!