Hello everyone. Here we are, the finale. I want to take a moment and thank everyone who has read this story, alerted it, favorite it, and reviewed it.

This was truly a labor of love and all the support I've been given has truly allowed me to embrace my creative nature. It's up early because, well, I just wanted you all to read it. Plus, being able to finally hit the complete button is really exciting to me! lol

To each person who help me better my writing: Brie, Terria, Teddy, and Ella, I thank you for your support and encouragement when words sometimes failed me.

Anywho, I hope you all like how the story ends since the last chapter didn't to be a hit even though it was a happy ending. This wrote and then re-wrote itself faster than I ever thought possible after my breakdown over lost notes.

Enjoy!

Future-Take Two – After All

Time passes in the blink of an eye sometimes. Memories are held in your mind, in pictures, and in videos, but nothing is more precious than the love for those who you hold dearest in your heart.

When I'd hoped and wished about the future, this wasn't what I expected. This was so much better. Edward and I had been married for just over fifteen years now and we had four beautiful children. Our girls had grown into amazing young women who had dreams and aspirations of their own.

Anna wanted to follow in her daddy's footsteps. She spent as much free time as she could at CW, learning from anyone who would give her the time of day. She drew pictures every other free moment she had.

Surprisingly, Eva took after Alice and was a little fashionista. She loved creating her own look and standing out in school. Even in fifth grade, she strived to be the center of attention. She had just gotten her first sewing machine and Alice was teaching her the basics. Even though our drama, Alice loved my daughter as if she was her own.

My children were the greatest gifts that Edward had ever given me. They bonded us even closer together the moment we became parents. I truly loved him more each day than the one before, just like I knew I would. I knew they weren't just my children, they were ours, but I never could stop myself from calling them mine. Even now, I knew I would give my life for theirs should it ever come to that. They each were a gift I treasured.

My surprise miracles, Anthony Carlisle and Dominic Charlie, were born on out daughters' six month birthday. After the shock of finding out we were pregnant with twins just after having two babies, we felt ecstatic. I was lucky that nothing worse had occurred while I was pregnant with the boys than the initial bout of high blood pressure.

I listened closely to all of Dr. Benjamin's instructions and worked closely with a nutritionist to make sure I did everything to carry the twins successfully. Their arrival completed our family perfectly. All of the rooms in our home were now spoken for, just as we had hoped they would be.

As babies, they strived to catch up to their big sisters. They never wanted to be left out of the excitement. The four of them held a bond deeper than most children and I was fascinated by it.

Though they all spoke out loud at an early age, they also seemed to have a silent language that they spoke to each other. Separating them for school was a hard decision for Edward and me. We wanted them to strive as individuals. While it was hard in the beginning, they embraced it now.

Anthony followed me everywhere; he was my shadow. His stormy blue eyes matched his father's and I lost myself in them often. Anthony loved playing with his camera just as much as I did, but when he wasn't lost behind the lens, I could find him at the piano playing by ear. He was a perfect blend of his father's talents and my own.

Dominic was my little sport, with identical looks as his brother. He played soccer and little league. His hair was just as wild as his father's, and his crooked smile had all the little girls blushing, especially Em and Rose's little angel, Lily. She may have been a year and a half older than him, but Lily wasn't exempt from the Cullen Chemistry. Rose and I had high hopes for them in the future.

It wasn't the easiest of lives, having four little ones, but we wouldn't have changed anything. They were a rambunctious bunch. The little guys were always trying to copy their big sisters. I loved watching them grow from babies, to toddlers, and into perfect little people. Now that they were closing in on the teenage years, I wasn't ready for the changes.

In the end, selling my business was a blessing in disguise. There was no way I could raise four children and run the studio at the same time. Although my love of photography had waned while we were trying to have children, it came back full force once we had our children. I no longer looked for the just the beauty in nature, but the natural beauty of our children. They became the focal point of my art for some time. I documented everything: smiles and tears, crawling and walking, sleeping and explorations; they truly were the most wonderful subject matter I'd ever had. It wasn't until they were all in preschool that I started venturing back out into nature.

I had done two shows a year since the children turned five. My work had taken on a deeper meaning and I used it to define moments and thoughts that flowed from me while my children grew. The shows themselves were a chance for Edward and me to have mini-vacations without the kids. It also helped keep our love life fresh and exciting.

The last show I'd done was in New York. My collection had been called "The Unknown Path" and was a huge success. It was inspired by my children, of course. As they grew, I wondered what direction their lives would take and I knew their paths were still undiscovered.

Many of the paths were covered by fog, expressing the unknown, while others were mystical staircases, their uphill climb a mystery. All were beautiful, but they left you wondering which way the path would lead.

I was currently preparing for my latest one, entitled "Seasons of Change," and was getting closer to having the collection complete. Every day brought new changes and my love for the seasons allowed me another avenue to express myself.

I had embraced the frozen winters and their protection of spring's revival. The rebirth of spring gave way to hot and blooming summers. The summer sunsets flowed into the falling leaves of autumn. The autumn harvests parted back into the cold and dormant winter.

It was the cycle of life, of mother and earth. Through each season, I watch my children grow and change. Never once was I disappointed by this, because Edward was by my side as we embraced our own changes as well.

Through my career revitalization, Edward and Jasper's success surged forward as well. CW's business had picked up after the hotel opened and Edward and Jasper had brought on an even bigger staff and had expanded further than they'd thought was possible.

While some areas still struggled to come back after the economy crash three years ago, they had continued to persevere. Both had stepped back some when the kids were little, but with school and afternoon activities keeping them busy, they were back in the office more.

Edward had not missed any recitals, games, or tournaments, though, and for that, I was grateful. They needed to see that their father supported all each of them while they learned to both win and lose.

We had a huge vacation planned for this upcoming spring break. We were going to finally take the kids to Florida and do the Disney thing. They would be excited, but we would need a second vacation once we were back.

At forty-four and thirty-eight respectively, Edward and I were not spring chickens anymore. We ate healthy and took care of ourselves, but chasing after two ten year olds and two 9 year olds was exhausting. There were nights that as soon as my head hit the pillow, I was out.

Our sex life had changed as well. The spontaneous anywhere and everywhere sex had shifted into shower quickies and weekend getaways, but our passion for each other never diminished. He was still the only man capable of making my knees weak and my heart skip a beat.

Our love grew stronger.

I rolled over and curled up onto Edward's chest. The early morning sunlight was just peaking though the edges of the curtains of our hotel room.

"Happy Anniversary, honey bee," he said with his husky morning voice.

I shivered like always. "Mmm," I moaned as I rubbed my cheek into his chest hair. The warmth of his body and the beating of his heart set my body ablaze.

"Happy Anniversary to you too, my love," I said before I hitched my leg over his hip so I could sit astride him.

It was the first time in ten years that we were spending the New Year away from our family. We weren't far from home, still in the heart of Seattle at the Volturi Hotel where we had been married. Even after these past fifteen years, it was still a special place for the both of us.

His hands quickly settled on my waist and he rocked me back and forth over his already hard member. He never failed at igniting the passion my body held for him and him alone.

Our clothes were shed quickly and the intensity of the electrical current that flowed between us surged as we became one again. It was never any different than the time before, in that aspect. Our bodies were compelled to each other. The crest of our power continued to roll, neither of us sure when the peak would hit.

I rolled Edward onto his back, never once allowing us to lose our connection. Sweat dripped down my neck and over my breast as Edward's ragged breaths cooled my moist skin. My already sensitive peaks hardened more and I moaned louder when his fingers roughly squeezed and kneaded the buds.

I was lost to the sensation of his manhood moving in and out of my body as he played me like a fiddle. He plucked and pulled each secret spot he had discovered years ago. My skin his symphony and he conducted me like Los Angeles Philharmonic Orchestra.

The assault on my body finally reached its blackout point and I came over and over again. Encore after encore, I cried out; there was no sweeter reward than Edward's own peak. Through each of my convulsions I felt him throb within me as I gripped him harder and deeper within the depths of my body.

We fit like no other, the two halves of a heart-shaped puzzle.

Unable to support myself anymore, I collapsed onto his chest. We both were breathing hard from the workout.

He was heaven on earth for me. Happiness didn't get better than this.

My body was still tingling when he finally slipped out of me. I instantly felt the loss and groaned because of it. Edward chuckled at my reaction.

"I may not be a spring chicken anymore, but I promise, there is more where that came from," he said before he kissed the top of my head.

I sat up and tickled his sides, which made him squirm to move away from my onslaught. "Promises, promises," I said through my giggles before I jumped off him and raced for the shower.

I heard his footfalls and barely managed to shut the door before he could reach me. I didn't lock the door. I wasn't trying to keep him out.

With the shower warmed up, I climbed in and sadly washed his smell off me. It was my least favorite thing to do, even after all this time. I was humming a little tune when I felt Edward's hand replace my own in my hair. With my eyes still closed, I smiled, and then puckered up for a kiss. He happily obliged before he guided my head back under the cascading water to rinse the shampoo out.

Like almost every shower we shared, it was a sensual experience and led to us reconnecting again. I would never tire of this man.

While I would've loved nothing more than spending our anniversary in bed, we needed sustenance and room service just wasn't going to do. I was looking forward to walking through Pike's Place and checking out the latest wares for sale.

Edward had planned something spectacular for that evening, and I couldn't wait to see what it was.

We grabbed pastries from Le Painer and walked though the market while we ate. I picked up a couple new serving bowls from Cedar River Pottery and From the Heart Pottery. I also bought each of the kids a box from Mystery Boxes. I got a new scarf for myself and Edward picked out a new watercolor for his office.

With our purchases weighing us down, we made our way back to the hotel. We had lunch in the restaurant downstairs after we stored our things in our room. We split a sandwich and each had a bowl of soup to warm us back up from the cold weather outside.

I was intrigued as to what Edward had planned, but he wasn't giving anything away. He told me to dress comfortably. It didn't tell me anything other than we wouldn't be going to a five-star restaurant.

Still wanting to look beautiful for him, I chose to wear a navy blue off the shoulder sweater and a pair of dark-washed skinny jeans that hugged my ass perfectly. He wouldn't be able to resist me for long in them. My make-up was light, as my hair, a mass of curls. My locket adorned my neck, his bracelet on my wrist, and my wedding rings were everyday staples. It didn't matter what I wore, they were always with me now. I threw on a pair of low-heeled, calf-length boots and met Edward in the living room of our suite.

He stood gazing out the window in a pair of dark washed jeans of his own and a black sweater. His hair, now splatter with specks of gray, was coiffed in its usual disarray perfection. When he turned and looked at me, I noticed the wrinkles that had developed beside his eyes when he smiled. They didn't detract from his beauty; if anything, they added more charm to his rugged looks. He hadn't shaved and my blush grew knowing that later tonight that stubble would pinken areas that only his eyes would ever see.

"You look beautiful, sweetheart. Are you ready to go?" he asked before kissing my lips sweetly. I nodded and he helped me put on my leather coat. He put his jacket on and guided my to the elevator. He held me close as we descended to the lobby, whispering naughty words to me the entire way.

My panties were still useless whenever he was around.

We made our way out to the limo he reserved. I loved that he thought about the fact that we'd be drinking and safety being important to him. I couldn't see much through the dark tinted windows as I tried to figure out where we were going, but it was fun to try.

Edward held my hand the whole twenty-minute drive until we stopped. He climbed out and said something to the driver, but I didn't hear what it was before he helped me out.

The salty sea air hit me first, narrowing down the possibilities for me. I glanced around and noticed we were at the marina. The surprise must have been evident on my face.

"I hope you don't mind, but I took the liberty of securing a private yacht for the evening. We will be to see the fireworks perfectly from the boat without the crowds around us," he stated.

"I love it. Thank you for planning something so special for us. You never cease to amaze me with your thoughtfulness or creativity. You always seem to know exactly the right thing to do," I said before hugging him tightly.

"Nothing but the best for my wife. Especially after fifteen magical years and four wonderful children. Now, come on. Let's get this show on the road!" he exclaimed before leading me to our boat.

After introductions from the captain and stewardess, we were given glasses of champagne and lead to the table where our dinner would be served. We munched on bruschetta while the boat glided gently through the Lake Union water toward our perfect viewing location.

We had a lovely three-course dinner of arugula and roasted pear salad, shrimp scampi, and roasted chicken and fingerling potatoes. I didn't think I'd have room for dessert when the time came.

Luckily, we had a break before dessert would be served, so Edward led me up on deck where music was already playing. We swayed gently together as the music wrapped around us. The song switched and the Greatest Story Ever Told began. It was our wedding song. Tears gathered in my eyes as Edward once again sang to me and I was taken back to that moment fifteen years ago.

There may have not been enough room to waltz the way we did, but I still felt everything again, just like I did that day.

Even with the song finished and other starting, I couldn't resist repeating the words I spoke that day.

"Edward, my love, you walked into my life right when I decided to stop looking for my swan. You turned my life upside down and I've never been happier because of it. Your constant love, support, and understanding give me hope for the future. You make me smile every day, and I love you more today than yesterday, and I'll love you even more tomorrow. Thank you for being the man I never knew I wanted but always hoped to find. I promise to stand by you through all of life's highs and lows. I promise to support all of your endeavors and be your best friend as you have become mine. I'll love you forever and a night. This is my solemn vow and it still as strong today as it was then," I said through the happy tears that flowed.

Not one to be showed up, Edward spoke his vow back to me, "Isabella, honey bee, you appeared before me like an angel in the night. I needed to know you, but you disappeared, and I thought you'd been a figment of my imagination. This happened again and I thought someone was playing a trick on me. Then, there you were, standing in front of me with a plate of pasta, and I was in love. You are my life and I thank God every day for putting you on this earth for me. I will stand by you and encourage all of your hopes and dreams as you have done for me. I will fight for you and with you as we navigate this wonderful road we call life. I will be proud to call you my wife every day of forever. I'll love you forever and a day. This is my solemn vow and it's even truer today than it was then."

The sparks flew and we kissed like man and wife for the first time again. All the excitement and love had been ever-present since that day.

Sure, we had had those moments of sorrow early on and petty disagreements occasionally, but that was the passion we shared. All of the highs and lows made us the stronger couple we were today.

A throat clearing broke us from the trance we were under as we kissed, just like at the wedding and I laughed as I realized it.

"Dessert is ready to be served in the parlor, Mr. and Mrs. Cullen," the stewardess said before she led the way for us and departed to join the captain on deck.

I was surprised to see the small replica of our wedding cake on the table. Edward had really gone above and beyond tonight. I kissed him gently and said thank you before I fed him just like before.

We rotated sharing bites of the vanilla cake before we exchanged gifts. I was nervous about mine. I didn't know how he would take it, but deep down, I knew he would be happy.

"Here you go, Isabella," he said as he handed me a small jewelry box.

I was shocked when I opened it. Inside was a beautiful pair of infinity diamond earrings. I quickly took them out of the box and placed them in my ears.

"Well, how do they look?" I asked.

"Not nearly as good as you do," he said. My skin tingled at the implication of his words and my breath hitched.

He was so getting lucky tonight.

I reached into my purse and pulled out the card I'd gotten him. I nervously watched as he read the words and waited for him to look up at what I was holding in my hands.

"Isabella?" he asked while taking the item from me.

"Is this―are you―really?" he finally settled on as his voice shook with emotion.

I nodded. "How long do you think it'll take you to add on another bedroom? We only have six and half more months to make it happen."

"We're really having another baby?" he said as he smiled and rubbed my still flat tummy.

"Believe me, no one was more shocked than I when Tia confirmed it for me," I said with a little laugh.

"I thought we were done. Don't get me wrong, I'm ecstatic, but isn't it dangerous because of your age?" he asked.

"Sure, it's higher risk, but Tia said that because I've taken such good care of myself, it shouldn't be a problem. I'll still have more appointments than the younger less risk women, but she isn't too concerned right now. Besides, I'm not that old. I did just turn 38 in September, Grandpa!" I teased.

He scoffed at me, and then turned serious.

"But what about the champagne you drank earlier?" he asked, already returning to the worrisome man he was when I was pregnant with the boys.

"I didn't drink it. I pretended to and then just drank the water on the table," I said.

He relaxed and just held me in his arms. The peacefulness of the day settled around us.

"I cannot believe how much joy you've brought to my life. It's been an adventure and I cannot wait to see what the next fifteen have in store for us. And the fifteen after that," Edward stated.

The captain announced that the fireworks would be beginning soon over the intercom and we made our way back up on deck. Edward had grabbed one of the blankets off the bench and wrapped it around us. He wasn't letting me go and I cherished being in his arms as the fireworks burst in the sky.

"Happy New Year, honey bee," Edward said into my ear.

"Happy New Year, my love," I answered back.

When the show ended, we made our way back to port. We thanked them for their wonderful service when we exited the boat and wished them a Happy New Year.

Once we were alone in the hotel room, Edward worshiped my body and made me feel so spectacular. I barely heard his whispered words of reverence as he spoke to our baby as I fell asleep.

That night, the blue-eyed swan and the brown-eyed swan glided across the lake with their little hazel-eyed cygnet between them watching their four older cygnets play. Their lot in life was full of luck.

The End

Thank you to each of you for reading. Let me know what you think! I never stated this before, but pictures for this story can be found on my profile. There's a bunch for visuals! lol

As for my next project, I will be taking my Fic this GIF contest entry and turning it into a full 20 chapter story. The outline is done, but that is it. If you'd like to read the entry, it is up on my profile (Storm Clouds and Silver Linings) and will be up until I start posting the redo. Put it on alert if you want to read the enhanced story since I don't have an ETA of when it will post as of now.

Thank you again for reading, recommending, and reviewing The Lucky Ones. I love you all. xoxo Dee :o)