Umpire

While we were waiting for Edward to arrive with Bella, I took the opportunity to talk with Rosalie and Emmett. They had returned from Denali before Bella left, but Rosalie refused to come in the house until she left. She had been avoiding me since her return, but Emmett had his arm around her, murmuring softly in her ear, so I knew she couldn't escape quickly. I caught Emmett's eye as I approached, and he tightened his grip slightly.

Rosalie refused to look at me. "Rosalie, dear one, I had hoped you would be more understanding. After all, it may have been brief, but Emmett was still human when you chose him."

Emmett agreed, "And I'm grateful every day for that choice, Rose. You will always be my special angel."

Rosalie looked slightly mollified, but she still argued, "Bella isn't dying, Esme. She's human and she has choices. This is not the right choice for her. She has all the opportunities that I lost, and she's going to throw them away. It's not like Edward's her mate. It's a stupid, teenage crush and it's going to ruin us. I like it here. I don't want to have to move again so soon."

I reached out and stroked her arm. "Rosalie, if you disagree with Edward's choice, I understand, but I will not tolerate rudeness to a guest. You were raised better than that. If you can't be civil, then please just avoid her."

Rosalie nodded mutely, and Emmett kissed her hair. "It will work out , Rosie, just you wait. And besides, think of the fun we can have teasing Edward. He's going to have to change her quick or those teen hormones are going to overwhelm them." He looked abashed at my stern look, "Sorry Esme."

"I expect everyone to be sensitive to the special nature of Edward's relationship, and not make fun of him." My lecture was interrupted by the loud laughter coming from the woods. A moment later, Edward and Bella emerged into the clearing. We all rose from the rock we were sitting on at the same time. Rosalie never turned her head, but Emmett remained with me after a long look at her back.

Bella looked ill at ease, so I addressed Edward first, "Was that you we heard, Edward?"

"It sounded like a bear choking." Emmett said with a huge smile.

Bella smiled hesitantly at me, "That was him."

Edward explained that Bella had been unintentionally funny and then Alice hurtled to a stop in front of us.

"It's time." she announced as the thunder pealed.

Emmett winked at Bella, "Eerie, isn't it?"

I smiled fondly at Emmett, as he and Alice ran off. He was so easy going. Edward made his goodbyes to Bella before running gracefully after them.

"Shall we go down?" I asked her. I maintained a distance of a few yards between us to keep her from being frightened. I slowed my pace down to match hers.

"You don't play with them?' she asked shyly.

How to explain my family playing baseball? I decided to be truthful. "No, I prefer to referee -- I like keeping them honest."

"Do they like to cheat, then?"

"Oh yes -- you should hear the arguments they get into! Actually, I hope you don't, you would think they were raised by a pack of wolves."

"You sound like my mom," she laughed. She didn't realize what a compliment she had paid me.

"Well, I do think of them as my children in most ways. I never could get over my mothering instincts -- did Edward tell you I had lost a child?"

"No" She looked stunned.

"Yes, my first and only baby. He died just a few days after he was born, the poor tiny thing." I sighed.

"It broke my heart -- that's why I jumped off the cliff, you know."

She stammered, "Edward just said you f-fell."

I smiled at her, "Always the gentleman. Edward was the first of my new sons. I've always thought of him that way, even though he's older than I, in one way at least. That's why I'm so happy that he's found you, dear. He's been the odd man out for far too long; it's hurt me to see him alone."

"You don't mind, then?" she asked still hesitant, "That I'm …. all wrong for him?"

"No" I said thoughtfully. "You're what he wants. It will all work out somehow." I felt my forehead crease with worry. We had reached the edge of the field.

"All right. Batter up."

Watching the game with Bella was more enjoyable than I had imagined. She was obviously incredulous, but just as obviously enjoying watching Edward. Edward's happiness was apparent when he ran over to speak with her after catching the third out. I smiled contentedly, occasionally having to call them to order when they got too out of line. I began to feel more comfortable with the idea of a human in our midst when Alice gasped. Edward's head snapped up and then, he was beside me.

"Alice?" I asked tensely.

As Alice explained and the others questioned her, I waited tensely for Carlisle's decision. Bella was Edward's choice, so she was now part of our family. I knew that she could sense our anxiety. I asked Edward quickly if they were thirsty and was relieved when he shook his head. He asked me to take his place as catcher calmly, but I knew that was for Bella's benefit.

Everyone knows that a mother's love is soft and warm, a place of refuge, but they forget the other type of mother love. A mother will fight to defend her children. My children were threatened and I was prepared to do whatever was necessary to keep them safe. Let them come.