A/N: When I first thought about writing this fanfic, I wasn't sure I'd be able to write the third part – the lyrics don't mesh well with Edward and Bella's future.
Then I had this idea . . .
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True Companion lyrics by Marc Cohn
Twilight characters by Stephenie Meyer
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When the years have done irreparable harm
I can see us walking slowly arm in arm
Just like the couple on the corner do
'cause girl I will always be in love with you
And when I look in your eyes
I'll still see that spark
Until the shadows fall
Until the room grows dark
Then when I leave this earth
I'll be with the angels standing
I'll be out there waiting for my true companion
Just for my true companion
True companion
True companion
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The rain had finally stopped. In its place a fine mist shrouded the graveyard. Everything was gray and cold - a fitting setting for the day.
A large crowd gathered around the open grave, but Bella and I stood separate. Not because of any perceived danger, but because some of the funeral attendees would recognize us. They expected us to look the same, but it would still be a shock and we didn't want any scenes today. It had been difficult enough renegotiating the treaty agreement, even with Seth on our side.
"I see Seth," Bella said softly.
Sixty-five years after our last meeting I still recognized Seth Clearwater. As if he heard, he glanced our way and nodded. I lifted a hand in greeting. Seth was the only one we didn't mind seeing. He had been the one to call and tell us about Jacob's death.
A small processional entered the cemetery from the nearby church. A thin, grieving woman led the way with two middle-aged men on either side. The crowd parted as she approached, then surrounded her once more after she sat in the front row.
Bella stiffened beside me. "He married."
I scanned the woman's thoughts. Yes, she was Jacob's widow and the two men with her were their sons. I nodded slightly.
"I'm glad," Bella said and wrapped her arm around my waist. "I always wanted him to find someone."
She always treated others far better than they deserved and Jacob was no exception. I wisely kept my opinion to myself and instead put an arm around her shoulders. After all, who was I too complain about Bella's kindness? She treated me better than I deserved as well.
"I hope they were as happy as we've been," she said.
I'd seen the memories in Widow Black's thoughts: the day she met Jacob, the night he proposed, their wedding, the births of their two sons and multiple grandchildren. In this I could reassure Bella. "They were, love. They were very happy."
Nowhere in Mrs. Black's thoughts had I glimpsed anything of Bella. Whether Jacob had told his wife of her, I wasn't sure. Today, it didn't matter anymore.
After sixty-five years, Bella's thoughts were still a mystery to me, but I humored myself that it wasn't of any consequence. I knew her just as well as if I'd been able to read her mind. And today I knew that if vampires could cry, Bella's face would be wet.
I didn't begrudge her memories of Jacob, or the sadness she felt in his passing. Bella and I had spent numerous decades together and before us was the promise of thousands more. I knew what she felt for me and even more, I knew she'd never faltered in her choice.
I'd also come to realize in the passing years how silly I'd been to try and insist she remain human. My Bella. How could I have lasted through a day such as this? But I knew if she'd remained human, the day would have come. She'd been right, back then, to insist I change her.
I'd never once regretted making her mine in every sense of the word. That she still wanted me humbled me deeply.
I pulled her into a hug and she buried her face in my chest.
"Go with God, Jacob Black," I whispered against my wife's hair. "And go in peace."