Author's Note: Corrected chapter. Thank you AgoodWITCH...next chapter will post later today.
Chapter 7
I had no clue how much time had passed when I awoke to the delicious sensation of Edward kissing up the column of my neck and back down again. I whimpered and leaned back into his body as his hand smoothed up and down my stomach over the material of my sweater. I smiled and looked over my shoulder at him with a hum, noticing his fresh soapy scent and wet hair. Apparently, he had gotten up to shower before waking me.
"Good morning," I rasped.
He smiled and leaned in closer to kiss my lips before leaning back again. "Still good night, actually. I think there's another hour before you can officially say good morning."
My eyes popped wide as I sat up to look at my cell phone, surprised to find I hadn't missed any calls. Edward chuckled before grabbing me around the waist and tugging me back down on the bed with him, his lips instantly finding my neck as his hand drifted down to tease my thigh. I sighed and relaxed back into him, arching as I came into contact with the proof of his current mindset, at which point I unintentionally tensed.
I felt Edward freeze behind be before slowly putting a little space between us and turning me to face him. "Everything okay, Bella?"
I blushed and nodded. "Y…yeah. I, uh…well, it's just been a long time, and having not had a reason to be concerned…I uh. I'm not protected or anything."
Edward cocked his head for a moment before realization dawned in his eyes and then morphed into a sad frown. He let out a sad little chuckle. "Yeah, me either. I don't even have condoms around here. I threw out a box a year ago that I had bought in 2004, before Millie was born. I've been keeping myself company in that respect for far too long."
I took a deep breath and let it out slowly. "I should probably go back to the lodge. This is going to be too big of a temptation for the both of us, and I may love you, but I'm nowhere near ready for a baby with you."
Edward smirked down at me before leaning his head forward to rest his forehead against mine. "You love me." He was practically bragging, making me giggle.
"Yep and you love me."
He smiled brighter before tipping forward to take my lips again, the kiss slow and sensual. Slowly the intensity built. My body kept moving closer and closer to his, remembering how this all works and wanting the relief in spite of what my brain was telling it. Edward panted hard against my neck as he grazed his nose up and down it while reaching a hand down to grab behind my knee, hitching my thigh over his hip and aligning our universes perfectly. I arched and moaned, sparks racing through my body as we brushed together. We were quickly reaching the point of no return, and I knew I wasn't ready.
With a sad whimper, I pushed away and stood up from the bed, running my hands through my hair and tugging. I shook my head with a sigh; I had been so right the night before when I was talking with Esme…I was definitely damaged. What sane woman would walk away from that gorgeous man waiting in that bed? I wanted him so bad, but I knew in my heart that it wasn't the right time. To give in now would do more damage than good, especially if impulsivity led to an unexpected child and I'd only just found Edward. I certainly didn't want to risk losing him and/or complicating our relationship further over poor decision-making.
Wiping the tears from my eyes, I grabbed my shoes from the floor and hopped on one foot to try to put them on while standing.
"I'm sorry, Edward. I have to go."
The pain in Edward's eyes burned me. I hated hurting his feelings, but I just couldn't…not yet. "Bella, please don't go. I'm sorry. I'll go take a cold shower and keep things PG. Just please don't go."
He was standing beside me wearing nothing but a pair of sweatpants, his strong smooth chest on display and making it so much harder to maintain my resolve. He wasn't ripped, but he was definitely toned. I wanted so badly to kiss his right peck and lick my way down his torso to make my acquaintance with what was hiding beneath his pants. I shook my head, trying to push away the images, before reaching up to cup his cheek.
"Don't apologize. You haven't done anything wrong. This is just me. I'm not ready, but I'm also too weak to stay and not screw this up. I can't…not yet…I…I hope you can understand."
Edward drew in a slow breath and released it with a long sigh. "Of course I can understand, Bella. This is still very new for both of us. We should take things slow, but it's just really difficult since it's the last thing I want to do."
I smiled and nodded, understanding perfectly. I tipped up on my toes and pecked his lips softly as his hands fisted the material of my shirt on either side of my waist. One peck turned into two, which turned into a lingering brushing of our lips. I caught myself as our lips slid open and the first tug of breath was exchanged between us. I pulled away and covered my lips, panting as I backed toward the door.
"I'm sorry. I'm too weak. I…I'll see you in the morning."
Edward held his hand up as I reached the door, grabbing a shirt out of a nearby drawer. "Wait, at least let me walk you back."
I shook my head. "No, you need more rest. I'll be fine. It's not that far."
His eyes were pleading with me, "Bella, Please. Let me do this."
I nodded as I slid on my coat, zipping it up tight and hugging my waist as I waited. A couple of minutes later, he was bundled as well and reaching out for my hand. My fingers trembled as I reached out to take his offered hand. Neither of us had bothered to wear gloves and the comfort of his touch warmed me and helped me to relax. What started as a quick pace, slowed into a leisurely stroll. When the doors of the lodge came into sight, Edward sighed.
"I'm not ready to be there yet."
I smiled and leaned over to rest my head on his bicep as I curled myself around his arm. I loved being affectionate with him, as long as it was in a more public setting where my long neglected hormones couldn't run away with me.
As we reached the porch, Edward wrapped me in his arms and held me as we both stared up at the stars, far more numerous in this faraway place than back home. After a while, Edward kissed my forehead before resting his cheek atop my head.
"What are your plans tomorrow?"
"I'm going to contact the mechanics to see if my car is ready. If it is, then I guess I'm driving the kids over to see Jake."
Edward frowned down at me. "What are you going to do while they are with him?"
I sighed and looked out over the vista where the mountains angled up toward the heavens above making their presence known only as shadows against the speckled, starry backdrop, a slow smile spreading across my face as I pictured the female lead, Ingrid, eating breakfast at a coffee shop overlooking this very mountain range. Other pieces of the plot began to intermingle for the first time in almost a year, as the entirety of a chapter knit itself together within moments in my mind's eye.
"Well, it seems my muse may be making a reappearance. I thought I'd find a quiet café or bookstore to curl up with my laptop and see what comes together. I had hoped that this trip would allow the creative juices to flow, and I'm suddenly feeling completely unblocked."
Edward smiled down at me before kissing my nose. "That's wonderful, Love. Would you like me to take you to the auto shop? I'd love to see you before I have to return to work tomorrow night. After that, I'll have two days off."
I leaned up to kiss his lips softly, before tugging myself close to him to deepen the kiss. When we broke apart, we were both breathing heavily and wanting more. "That sounds wonderful. I'll see you in the morning?"
He smiled that crooked smile that stole my breath and nodded before opening the door for me to enter before turning to head back down the path to his cabin. I quietly knocked the snow off my boots and shed my coat before tiptoeing through the great room. I stopped to smile when I saw three little lumps in front of the fireplace, wrapped in warm sleeping bags with strands of dark hair peeking through the top of each. A form on the couch turned and looked my way. Esme smiled brightly at me before putting her finger to her lips and gesturing for me to go on to bed. I took one last glance at the trio of sleeping children before carefully making my way back to my room.
The next morning began with a three children jumping on my bed, giggling and tickling me. I laughed and tickled them all back before letting them drag me out of the room. Edward was standing in the hallway waiting for us, a wistful smile on his face as he stared at his daughter's hand in mine.
Breakfast was full of giggles as the three kids plied Edward and me with stories of the afternoon and evening before. I had to hand it to Esme…she was like queen of the creative Grandmas. My kids had barely even noticed my absence thanks to her fantastic imagination and well thought out projects.
Once our bellies were full, I dragged my kids back to our room where I stuck them in the bath, getting the major cleaning part over before allowing them to play while I placed a tentative call to Jake to see what he wanted to do and offer to bring the kids his way if my car was ready. He was surprisingly pleasant and seemed genuinely excited to see the kids.
Once everyone was clean and ready to go, the kids and I went back to the great room to find everyone waiting. Edward and I convinced the kids to wait at the lodge and play with Millie while we ran to the auto shop. It would only be a quick trip after all, and our only chance for a few stolen moments alone before we'd be separated until sometime the next day.
We stole a few more moments, kissing in the car like two horny teenagers, before I finally forced myself to go inside and discover the damages. Between the bodywork and the engine work, it was quite the total, but thankfully, my insurance covered the majority of the repairs, leaving me with the five hundred dollar copay. I forked over the money before taking the keys and heading back out to let Edward know. He followed me back to the B&B and watched sadly as I loaded up the kids for the hour long drive to Pine Ridge. He stood in the driveway and waved at us until we turned the corner in the drive and I could no longer see him in the rearview. I hated to leave him, but real life beckoned and I had a promise to keep.
There was no sign of Nessie or the baby when the kids and I arrived at Jake's house. The kids ran in and hugged Jake, which made me smile. He beamed at them and held them tight, promising a day full of fun. He offered for me to come along, but I politely declined, noting my bought of inspiration and reminding him that my cell would be on the whole time. I felt a lightness in my step and a smile on my face that hadn't been around much in the past year as I bounded down the front steps to my car. I hopped behind the wheel and whistled a tune as I pulled down the street.
I lost all track of time, finding myself completely shocked to discover six hours had passed before Jake called me to pick up the kids. From the second I sat down, I was completely immersed in the life of Ingrid as she licked her wounds in the picturesque mountain town, waiting for the call from Nicholai that would tell her it was safe to come home. In the meantime, she was finding a new kind of home in the small town charms and kind caring that she had found in her mountain hideaway. I had never written so much of my own experiences into my Lightforce series before, but it just all seemed to meld so perfectly. Before I knew it, I had hammered out nearly twenty thousand words just in that one sitting as the tidal wave of dormant creativity washed over me and carried me away with it.
I hurriedly packed up my belongings and rushed back to the house. I couldn't wipe the grin on my face if I tried. Jake answered the door and called for the kids to put the rest of the gloves and hats on before offering for me to come in. I watched the kids scramble, glancing every once in a while when I felt Jake's eyes trained on me. He asked the kids to go down and give us a chance to talk. I watched the kids walk down the sidewalk hand in hand until Braxton helped Bailey climb in the car door before turning back to Jake.
I opened my mouth only to close it again as Jake smiled sadly at me. "The last time you looked this happy and free was when we were kids. I never thought I'd see that smile again."
I took a deep breath and nodded. "Things finally feel like they're coming back together for me again. Today was the first day since you left that I've been able to write more than a few words at a time. I…I think I'm finding myself again."
Jake smiled and shook his head. "You never lost yourself; you just put yourself last behind the rest of us. I'm glad to see you putting yourself as a priority again. You deserve it."
I blushed a little as I smiled back. "Thanks, Jake. So, do are you good to do this again tomorrow?"
Jake frowned a little, staring out at my car before glancing back at me. "Nah…how about I come back over to you guys. It's not fair for you to do all the driving. Nessie's mad at me and took the baby to stay at her Mom's so it doesn't really matter either way, but I hear another storm is supposed to be coming in and I'd rather it be me out on the roads than you and the kids."
I felt a bright smile fill my face as I stared up at the softer look in Jake's eyes. I'm not sure where he disappeared to for all those years, but looking back at me in that moment was the guy who had been my best friend in high school and had looked out for my safety at one point in our history.
"Glad to have you back, Jake," I said, patting his shoulder softly. "Thank you. That would be great since I have very little winter weather driving experience. Call when you're heading out so we know to keep an eye out for you."
He looked at me again with those puppy dog eyes as he nodded and watched me bound down the steps to my kids. I talked happily with them as I secured Bailey into her car seat and double checked Braxton's seatbelt before sliding behind the wheel and pulling out to head back to the Lodge.
Esme and Millie were waiting for us as we pulled into the drive, supper waiting for us as well as delicious hot chocolate and warm fresh baked cookies. I couldn't help but wonder how many extra pounds I was going to take back to Arizona with me after Esme's never-ending parade of delicious baked goods. We visited for a while before parting ways so we could get settled in for bed.
We woke the next morning to a thick blanket of snow and more coming down. Edward arrived soon after we awoke, eating breakfast with us and stealing glances with me as he held my hand under the table so the kids couldn't see, his thumb brushing the back of my knuckles as we listened to the kids talk.
Esme told the kids to get bundled so they could go out and make snow forts in the deep fresh snow, giving Edward and me a few quiet moments before his exhaustion claimed him for the next few hours. The second the kids were outside, I was in his arms, his soft pliant lips insistent upon mine. When we broke apart we simply smiled at each other as we rested our foreheads together, arms still wrapped possessively around one another.
"I missed you these past 24 hours," Edward complained as he rubbed his thumbs along the flesh at the small of my back above the waistband of my pants.
I took in a deep breath and let it out in a long sigh. "You do realize this is just a tiny taste of what it's going to be like when we have to do home, right? Are you certain you're up for it?"
licked his lips as he gazed down at me, his sea-glass eyes burning right through my soul. "Every seconds of discomfort is more than worth the rewards. I'm positive."
I smiled before leaning in closer to taste his lips again, the sweetness of his lips making me hum. A few moments later, I was backed against the nearest wall as Edward pressed closer, his lips drifting down to my earlobe as the heat of his body made me feel weak in the knees.
"I just wanted to let you know, I picked up a box of condoms yesterday. I don't want to pressure you, but I wanted you to know that we're protected if we do decide we're ready."
I sucked in a deep breath and swallowed hard as my lower lips clenched in excitement. I wanted it so bad…wanted him so much…I could have easily dragged him back to my room and spent the rest of the morning letting him love me. Thankfully, there was a single thread of rational thought that reminded me that we had three kids running around who were very likely to find us before too much longer.
I moved to steal a kiss from his lips before smiling up at him. "Those will come in handy later, when we are both ready."
He hummed and moved to kiss across my collarbone before working his way up the other side of my neck, his hands sliding further up under my shirt as he pulled the lower half of me closer to him. His lips had just found my mouth again when the sound of the front door slamming open and two loud little voices came echoing through the foyer along with the deep voice I knew all too well. Jacob rounded the corner before we could react and froze as he stared at Edward and me, wrapped together in an intimate embrace, my shoulders still pinned to the wall.
We jumped apart seconds before the kids came barreling around the corner, having been delayed a few seconds by the process of stripping off their snow boots and outerwear. They ran in beaming and holding sacks as they exclaimed Daddy brought books, puzzles, games, and movies for them to look through while he was here, while Jake's eyes stayed locked on me as though he'd been frozen in place.
My face was as hot as the surface of the sun at being caught as I tore my eyes from Jake's sad ones to smile at the kids. "That's awesome guys. Why don't you go get settled in down in the living room area and Dad will be down to do some of that with you in a minute."
They disappeared immediately, completely unaware of what was happening between the adults. Jake shook his head slightly before turning narrowed eyes at Edward. I didn't know why this was all such a shock to his system. He was, after all, the one who had pointed out my feelings for Edward in the first place. I guess knowing and seeing it with his own eyes are two very different things though, sort of like the first time I saw he and Nessie kissing after we split up.
I turned to Edward with apologetic eyes. "Sorry, I didn't get a chance to tell you that Jake was coming this way today so that the kids and I weren't out in the bad weather. I hope that's okay."
Edward's eyes moved from Jake to me and softened considerably as he shot me a sad smile. "Not at all. I'm glad you guys aren't going out in this mess. I really need to go get some rest, Love, but I'll be back in a few hours."
I smiled and offered to walk him to the door before turning back to tell Jake I'd be back soon. Edward and I walked hand in hand to the back door that led to the path to his cabin. When we reached the door, he leaned down and kissed me gently.
"Have a good day, Love. I'm hoping that we might get some alone time this evening after the kids are tucked in. Even if it's just an hour or two in front of the fire in the great room, I want to spend some time just the two of us."
I smiled and leaned in to hug his waist tightly. "That sounds like heaven, Edward. I look forward to it."
He kissed me one last time before disappearing out the door and down the snow covered path to his cabin. I watched as he disappeared into the fallen snow before turning to go change. Once I was dressed, I quietly snuck back to the great room, smiling when I found my kids sitting in their Dad's lap, listening intently as he read with them. He was there again, the Jake I once knew and loved, actually engaging with them as he tried to do the voices for Little Red Riding Hood, the Wolf, and Grandma.
Being careful not to disrupt their time together, I ducked into the kitchen where Esme and Millie were working together on a soup for lunch. Esme smiled at me as I walked in, gesturing to the stool across the counter from where she was working.
"The children seem happy to see their father today."
I smiled and nodded as I reached for a cutting board and a freshly washed onion waiting to be chopped. My eyes began to tear up immediately as I began to slice the white flesh. "Yeah, apparently it took me standing up to him and using a little harsh language to make him wake up."
Esme chuckled, shoving the pile of carrots she had carefully sliced into the pot of beef stock before picking up the washed celery stalks. As she began chopping, she sent Millie to her apartment in search of something before turning back to me with a wide smile.
"So, I caught a bit of that little encounter in the dining room before Jake arrived. It seems you and my son are doing quite well." Her eyebrows shot up in an exaggerated waggle that made me laugh before realization hit.
"Esme Cullen, did YOU send Jake in on purpose to catch us?"
A pink tint rose in Esme's cheek before she shrugged slightly. "I thought he should see for himself what he so stupidly passed on. You are a beautiful woman, Bella. It was only a matter of time before you moved on. He should have expected it."
I snorted as I continued to cut the onion, lifting my wrists to wipe at my eyes before cutting again. "Esme, you are quite the piece of work. I was of course mortified, but I have to admit, it was sort of vindicating to see Jake suffering a little at watching me move on, just as I had to watch him flit about with Nessie on his arm."
Esme beamed. "As well it should!"
We laughed and continued to work as I would stop occasionally to check on the kids. They were having a great time with their Dad. I came out a few times to offer snacks or drinks before disappearing again trying not to intrude.
It was getting close to supper time and the table needed setting. I quietly snuck out of the kitchen with a load of plates to discover Jake and the kids laughing and wrestling in the living area floor. I couldn't help but smile as I watched them interact. I stood there, holding the plates and enjoying the brief flashback to a time before my life was in shambles, when my babies had both their parents. Bailey would never remember those times, being a little over one year old when our life went up in smoke, but I had a feeling Braxton remembered.
I smiled brighter as I heard Bailey's high pitched squeal as Jake swung her over his shoulder and tickled her. So far during their trip I had yet to see her actually enjoying their time so much.
I didn't even hear Edward enter the room until he cleared his throat. I almost dropped the plates in my surprise as I glanced over at him. His eyes looked sad and disappointed as he gazed from me to Jake and the kids and back again. I saw it written all over his face, and I wasn't about to leave him thinking the way he was. Without another thought, I sat the stack of plates down and walked over to grab Edward's arm and pull him down the hallway to my room.
I pulled him inside and closed the door behind us. He spoke before I had a chance to say a word.
"If you're still in love with him, I won't stand in your way. I saw how he looked at you this morning. He is obviously still enamored with you, and from what I saw, you still have those feelings for him."
I shook my head and rolled my eyes as I stepped forward to cover his mouth with my hand. "Oh would you shut up. You have no clue what you're talking about. What you saw in there was not my love for him. He was once my best friend and yes, I see that boy peek out at me from time to time, but that was not what you saw tonight. What you saw was me happy that he was acting like a Dad again, like he did before he got too wrapped up in his own wants and forgot to put his family first. I would never, ever go back to Jake. That is quite simply off the table, regardless of your presence in my life. So all that being said, please don't go all jealous or noble on me, okay? Jake will never be competition for you in that way. I promise you that."
Edward stared at me his eyes burning deep inside me as his breathing grew heavy. He closed his eyes slowly before opening them again, unshed tears shimmering along the bottom lid. "Thank God, because the last thing I want to do is let you go."
Without another word, I was wrapped in his arms, his mouth devouring mine greedily. I sighed and gripped him back, unwilling to let him suspect for a second that I would ever go back to Jake; much less choose Jake over him.
We kissed for a long time, hands roaming, lips caressing, before I eventually decided to give a little slack and moved him to sit on the bed before I moved to straddle him, holding his face in my hands as I kissed him passionately. Edward moaned, his hands moving to grab at my jean clad cheeks and squeeze, pulling me closer. My hips moved against his instinctively as I craned my head back with a gasp as his lips moved to nip at my neck. The sensations were mounting more quickly than I could process as we compressed ourselves together, tongues dancing, hands grasping, bodies grinding.
For a moment, we were alone in the world as all other thoughts left us. There were no exes in the great room, no kids able to run in at any moment, no parents wandering around trying to stay out of everyone's hair…no, there was just Edward, Bella, and a bed that we both wanted to crawl into and just disappear completely within each other in.
The moment lasted for several more brief minutes before the sound of little footsteps warned us of the coming visitors seconds before the door flew open, giving me just enough time to stand up and straighten my shirt. Braxton and Bailey flew in, laughing as they jumped on Edward on the bed.
"Time for supper, then after our Daddy is going to read us one more story before he has to go home, Mr. Edward. Isn't that great?"
Edward plastered on a fake smile and agreed before telling the kiddos we'd be right behind them. I felt kind of sorry for him, but the truth of the matter was, this would be our life if we continued on together. I would always have to hear about Leah from Millie, and Edward would have to hear about Jake from my two hooligans. There would be times when it would be painful, but it was part of the life we would be living if things worked out as both Edward and I hoped and what we had was strong enough to survive the trials ahead.
Edward helped me fix a tangle in my hair before kissing my cheek sweetly and leading me back to the great room where everyone else was already seated, two seats waiting for us, side by side at the table. Esme winked at me as we sat down and said grace. Edward and Jake actually managed to handle a little civil conversation throughout the meal, and when it was done, Jake read one last story as promised, before leaving to head back home.
Jake gave me a gentle kiss on the cheek before promising to come again the next day, his final visit with the kids before Nessie returned home and his court appointed visitation week was over. I told him we were staying a couple of extra days, but after casting me a sad smile, he said he didn't want to get in the way. He whispered in my ear that he would forever regret letting me go before kissing my cheek and disappearing into the snowy night. I stood in bewilderment for a few moments before his truck disappeared into the distance and I walked back inside, feeling a mixture of annoyance and sadness bubbling within me at Jake's words. I tried not to let that bitter edge I had when I arrived take over, but my thoughts were sharp and angry as I processed his actions before I finally sighed and let it go.
I walked back in to find all three kids once again in Edward's lap, already in footie pajamas and ready for bed. They all relaxed against him as he read them the story of Cinderella before telling them all it was time for bed. He went one way to tuck Millie in her room in his parents' quarters while I settled my monkeys in with prayers, songs, and goodnight kisses. I told them I was leaving them before they fell asleep, but I expected them to stay in bed and I would be listening.
They giggled as I walked out of the room, but more or less stayed quiet. As I walked back into the great room, the smile on my face widened as I found Edward sitting in front of the fireplace, the room dark save for the illumination coming from within the hearth. I giggled as I settled on the blanket with him and took the cup of cocoa he offered.
It was a beautiful night as we did a little kissing and a lot of talking. He was so pleased when I told him all that I had accomplished on the new novel and the ideas that had taken shape during my time with his family. The insights I had gained from my time with them had been so influential on me that it had taken hold and reshaped the entire ending I had envisioned for Ingrid and Nicholai.
After I finished droning on about my novel, he told me about work and how much he had missed me and how his thoughts were dominated by me and my family. The light had nearly died in the fire as we cuddled together for extra warmth and started talking plans for the future. We began plotting times and ways we could visit one another and things we would like to see happen in our burgeoning relationship. We lost all track of time as we got lost in our potential future, not even realizing the time until the sky began to lighten with dawn's first rays of illumination.
Edward and I curled up together, my head resting on his chest as we watched the sun rise while he played with my hair, and when the kids woke up an hour later, they found us in that same position, still talking quietly and smiling happily.
I hadn't been sure what to expect, but what I hadn't anticipated was the two of them curling up with us and relaxing into Edward's and my side. Finally after a few moments of silence, Braxton asked the question that I knew was on his mind.
"So does THIS mean you're getting married? Because I don't think I'd mind too much, especially if it meant we could move here and be closer to Dad and Mr. Edward…and Millie, and Grandma Esme and Grandpa Carlisle."
I smiled and ran a hand through his hair. "We're not really there yet, but we are going to be spending a lot of time together and hopefully visiting as often as we can. We'll see what happens from there."
A few more quiet minutes passed before we heard another set of tiny feet. They paused at the entryway to the living area and my heart froze, worried Millie would be unhappy. My fears were assuaged however, when a few seconds later she let out a joyful squeal and ran to plop on Edward's chest.
"Are we going to be a real family now, Daddy?" She asked sweetly as she lifted her head to look down at her father.
Edward smiled and hugged us all closer, kissing the top of each head in the pile before resting his cheek against his daughter's head. "If I have anything to say about it, we will."
This of course set off another squeal, leading to the kids hopping up and running around as if we'd fed the straight sugar instead of revealing a new relationship. The noise brought Esme from the kitchen to see what was going on, her smile widening as all three kids flew at her, hugging her waist and chanting 'Grandma Esme' before Millie spoke above the noise. "We're going to be a family, Grandma Esme! I'm going to have a brother and a sister now!"
Esme beamed as she knelt down and pulled all three kids into her arms. "That makes me so happy to hear, my Millie. So very happy."
