/Note: Thanks for all the feedback. It's so amazing to have more alerts after every chapter. My updating habits are irregular to say the least, which is a drag, even for myself when I don't get to write new ones. Just a warning, I never meant for Jake/Leah to be such a big part of this story, but they are and I'm pretty happy about it, but they will be probably absent from the next few chapters. They'll be back I promise.

k thanks!

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Seth POV

Something smelled good. I didn't bother to open my eyes, I was way to comfortable. I rolled over and drifted back to sleep until something clicked in my head. My eyes shot open and I took in the dimly lit living room and smoldering fire. A blanket lay draped across my back, but I was still in my tuxedo from last night. The events that led to my laying on this couch coursed through my brain and I felt dizzy, and oddly alone. I sat up and saw the rest of the cabin. Giant floor to ceiling windows surrounded it on the wall I was facing with the fireplace, and I could see the mounds of snow and trees dipping under the weight; clouds filled the sky a dim grey as flurries swirled around. The cabin felt homey because it was so much smaller than any other Cullen household I'd ever seen. As far as I could tell from looking around, there was only one bedroom directly off of the living room, and the kitchen was at the other door. I felt my body growl as the wonderful smells continued to drift into the den. I finally got up to find Ness and headed toward the kitchen. I saw her standing at the stove, her back to me. She had changed out of her gown and wore a pair of jeans and a blue sweater, her hair tied up in a bun with stray curls falling against her neck. I didn't breath for a moment until I managed to walk up behind her and wrap my arms around her. She jumped against me as I startled her. I nuzzled her neck and kissed her ear as she started to laugh. I saw her start to flip the pancake in the pan, but I refused to let go. She turned her face and I took full advantage to crash my lips against hers. She brought her hand up around my neck and dug her fingers into my hair. It wasn't until the smell of a burning pancake reached our noses that we broke the kiss, panting happily. I leaned down and rested my chin against her shoulder as she diligently worked at breakfast.

"I think that was a very good greeting for the morning," she laughed as her hands whisked around.

"You better get used to it, because I plan on doing that and more every morning I can wake up near you," I whispered into her ears. I felt her tense against me as I let part of what I had just say sink in. I kissed her neck.

"You should go get cleaned up so we can eat breakfast. Oh and could you get more wood for the fire?" she asked with a smiled as she kissed my nose. I squeezed my eyes shut and made a face as I headed outside to get more wood. I gently stoked the fire and showered quickly as the pile of pancakes grew on the table. It felt amazing to get cleaned up, and I felt like a new person by the time I sat down next to Ness at the table. She placed a giant plate of pancakes and fruit in front of me and I smiled at her as she sat down next to me with just glass of orange juice. I took a huge bite.

"This tastes amazing! Where did you get all of this stuff? Aren't you going to eat?"

She just smiled at all of my eager questions and good mood. "I went to the store this morning. I had to cook something delicious for my husbands breakfast," she leaned over and kissed my cheek. I beamed from ear to ear. "And, I already had some fruit for breakfast," she smiled. I finished eating and we chattered for a little while before I cleaned up my dishes. I walked over and lifted Ness up from the chair.

"What are you doing!" she squirmed against my chest. I threw her up on my shoulder and carried her like a sack. She laughed and wiggled so I pretended to drop her slightly before grabbing her legs. She wrapped her arms around my waist, but not before we managed to spill syrup and flour on the floor and over half of our bodies.

"I was trying to seduce my beautiful wife, but she's making it increasingly difficult," we laughed as I pulled her up and sat her on the kitchen counter. She was covered in flour, just like my back was. I couldn't help but chuckle at her as I tried to wipe the flour from her face.

"I think you need some practice," she giggled. I gave her a hurt look and dropped my shoulders in fake sadness. She ran her hands up my chest before grabbing my face and wrapping her legs around my waist, bringing me closer to her. "I could give you a few pointers," she whispered into my ear as she tickled my neck. Shivers erupted me all over my body. She untangled her legs from my body and slid down from the counter, holding her body against mine. I felt a magnetic pull as she leaned up and trailed her lips on mine gently. I didn't realize she wasn't near me until I opened my eyes and saw her leaning against the bedroom door with a smile on her face. My eyes grew wide as she grabbed my hand and pulled me into the room. She pushed my chest and I sat down on the edge of the bed as she stood up above me.

"I can't believe you managed to make such a mess," Ness giggled as she pulled my shirt up over my head and threw it on the floor. I grinned sheepishly as she tangled her hands in my hair and kissed me gently. I gripped her hips as she gently swayed in front of me. She broke off gently and held us close for a moment. "There is something I want to do," she whispered as she stood up straight and walked over to the dresser to click something. Music filled the room and Ness smiled at me with a twinkle in her eye. A giant smile filled my face as she began to dance in front of me to the music. I immediately recognized one of her favorite songs as "Untouched" by the Veronicas spilled forth. I had to keep myself calm, but it was getting difficult. She pulled her hair down and it fell beautifully over her face. She moved so fluidly I couldn't take my eyes off of her. She toyed with me as she slowly pulled her shirt over her head. I couldn't take it. She straddled me on the edge of the bed and undid her bra. It slid down her arms and she threw it on the growing pile of clothes. She held our chests together as she kissed my neck and nibbled at my clavicle.

"Are you trying to kill me?" I pleaded with her as she continued to torture me. She laughed and the vibration that passed between us continued to torture me even more. She stood up, but I tried to hold her to me.

"Sorry, I'm all gross and covered in flour thanks to someone," she threw me an accusing glance, "and after that show, I'm sweaty. I think I need a shower." She walked into the bathroom as she slipped her pants down to her ankles. The last glimpse I caught was her stepping out of her jeans and I flung me head back and laid down on the bed.

"Aren't you going to join me?" I heard Ness call from the bathroom. I ran in as fast as I could.

Edward POV

I finally managed to get Bella to sit up and move around, but I had no idea how long that would last. She looked broken; and it was all my fault. I didn't know what to do, or even where to look. Bella didn't want to hear any excuses from me, she just wanted her daughter back. I needed to fix this, or at least help Bella get better. I had no idea what to do or where Ness would be. I walked into the living room where Bella sat staring at the wall.

"Bella my love, would you like to go hunt with me?" I tried to sound as gently as I could. She just looked at me with empty eyes.

"I want you to fix this, Edward," She finally decided. She stood up and walked into the kitchen. I followed her, suddenly confused. She seemed almost normal again as she started to clean around the kitchen.

"Bella, my Bella," I cooed as I encircled her, "I don't know how to do that." I sighed, defeated. She pushed away from me and looked at me dead in the eye.

"I love you. You are the love of my life, but I can't live without my daughter." She continued to walk around in a daze as I was stuck rooted in this spot. There was only one person who could fix this. I kissed my wife on the forehead and smiled.

"I have an idea. I love you." She smiled at me and I saw hope in her eyes. I bolted to my silver Volvo and sped over to Rosalie's house. I didn't even think as I ran into the house to find Rose on the phone. Shut hurried to hang up when I walked in and smiled a wary smile. She began to think about nothing in particular except what she was going to get Emmett for his birthday.

"You know where she is!" I yelled as she sat down on the couch and began to count in increments of four. "Rose! Tell me where my daughter is!" I was fuming mad. She just started to shake her head and I could see the anger bubbling up in her also.

"Edward you're the one who drove her away! How dare you come here and yell at me to fix your mess!" She screamed at me. We stared at each other with angry glares. I gave in and softened as I slumped onto the couch.

"Rose, I need her back. Bella can't stand this. She can't have her daughter just abandon her. And I can't fix this at all. I don't know if I will ever be alright with it. I don't know what to do," I held my head in my hands and finally vented it all out to someone. Bella had so much faith in me to fix this situation, but I honestly couldn't. I had to give up my daughter and my family for this to be resolved. I wasn't ready. Rosalie came and sat down beside me.

"I will go talk to Bella," she whispered and smiled at me.

"Will you take me to where Ness is?" I begged.

"I can't do that, I don't even know for sure. She trusts me, and I won't ever take that from her. Let her be happy before our family overwhelms her again. She's been part of this huge, irregular family for her whole life. She doesn't know who she is without us. Let her have that for a little. God knows she deserves it. I will talk to Bella," She resolved, "But I will not take you to her." I sighed, but suddenly I understood that even though I wanted to keep my family together, my little girl was doing the same thing in her own way. I kissed Rosalie's cheek and walked out to go hunt. I tried to convince myself that this was natural. This was just how our life had to be. We weren't and never would be normal, but Ness had a chance at something somewhat normal. It would never be easy again, now that she was grown up, and maybe we all couldn't live together. Maybe we all needed time apart. We needed to downsize our family into smaller units, just like Rose and Em had done by starting out on their own. I struggled with all of these thoughts as I made my way back to my wife. The wait was going to be horrible. I didn't know how long Rosalie meant by letting Ness runaway for, but I could only hope it wouldn't be long.

Ness POV

I watched the room start to dim around us. I felt Seth pull the blanket up over my shoulder and I leaned me head up to look at him. He smiled and even in the fading light I could feel his stupid lopsided grin. I shivered as I wrapped my leg over his and tried to be as close to him as I could. I gently traced his chest and he started to laugh as he grabbed my hand and kissed it. I ran my hands over his scruffy cheeks and started to replay the shower and the bed. I could feel his body melt under mine.

"I love you," he whispered and kissed my hair.

"I love you too," I giggled as he wrapped his arms lower around me and lifted me up higher towards his lips. I rubbed my cheek against his. "You feel scratchy, I don't like it." His eyes got big and he started to pout. "I think you should shave."

"I tried to, but someone insisted on showering with me and I was preoccupied," he let the thought drift off as he crashed his lips into mine. He lifted himself so he was over me and threw the blanket over top of himself. "I like my scratchy face." He chuckled as he trailed his cheek along my chest and to my stomach. I just saw a giant ball in the sheets moving around. I couldn't stop laughing as his beard started to tickle all along my body. He trailed higher up and popped out of the quilt.

"I like being naked with you," he laughed as I wrapped my legs around his waist. "Can we make a deal that we never wear clothes ever again?" He ran his hands along my sides and I started to feel a burning need to be with him again. I gently wiggled against his waist.

"I like this deal," I smiled as I took a look at his dark torso. I ran my hands up and down his chest and he shuddered against me. It felt amazing to have that kind of control over him. He leaned down and kissed me again, this time swirling his tongue along my lips until I let him in. He nibbled on my lip and I almost lost it right there.

"I have to go do something," he whispered as he detached my legs from his hips. I groaned and sat up on my knees on the bed as the covers fell around me.

"You are ready to leave this in bed all alone?" I could feel his eyes tracing my body. "I don't think thats very nice." I giggled as I made out his shape putting on some clothes. "Hey! You're already breaking the deal!" I flung myself on the bed. He walked over and kissed my forehead.

"I'm going to go get firewood so you don't freeze and make us some dinner. I don't want to ever get out of this bed. I want to live in it forever with you. But we need some energy food," I stopped him with a kiss as I wrapped my arm around his neck and pushed us closer. He easily fell back into bed with me. "You're going to be the death of me," he chuckled as he nipped at my collarbone. "I crave you every second," he sighed against my skin. My stomach started to growl and he stood up and laughed again. "I told you," he threw over his shoulder as I threw a pillow at him. I couldn't believe how tired and hungry I was. They day had flown by. No wonder this is all my family did I laughed to myself. I stood up and decided I needed a proper shower and slid into the bathroom quietly. As I got out and toweled myself off I stood in the bedroom debating how much I wanted to keep our deal. Instead I elected to put on a pair of Seth's boxers and a tank top. I heard a crash in the kitchen followed by a row of explicatives. I laughed and decided it was time to check on my husband in the kitchen. Even as I said this to myself I felt a smile play at my lips and an overwhelming feeling of happiness make my body lighter. He grinned at me sheepishly as I walked in and took a seat on the counter.

"What's all the commotion?" I smiled and pretended to look innocent. He just shook his head but I could see a red blush creep over his face. "Come on. Please tell me?"

"I was trying to surprise you and light candles in the living room, but I burned my hand and threw a candle on the floor," He pulled his thumb out from behind his back that had an ice cube attached to it.

"Come here and sit down," I slid down and let him sit up on the counter as I picked up the candle on the other side of the kitchen. He let out a whistle as I got back up. I grinned and blushed. I finished lighting the candles in the living room and put another log in the fire place. I walked back into the kitchen and washed my hands before I walked over to Seth, who looked like a little boy who was about to get scolded.

"I would appreciate it if you didn't throw candles all over the house," I laughed as I took the ice cube off of his thumb to take a look at the damage. It was only about half healed, and a pretty bad burn. "It would also be nice if you tried to keep yourself in one piece," I chided him as I grabbed some antiseptic from under the sink. "Hold your breath," I ordered him.

"Ouch! What are you doing to me!" he bellowed as I held on tightly and cleaned the burn.

"Don't be a big baby," I glared at him while I wrapped it in a small bandage. He grabbed me from behind as I put all the supplies away.

"I feel much better now," he kissed my neck, "Did I mention how gorgeous you look right now in my boxers?" He laughed as he ran his hands down to the elastic band.

"I guess you don't look so bad yourself," I laughed as I turned to take in his naked chest as he stood clad in just sweat pants. He kissed me eagerly and I pushed myself higher on my tiptoes to reach his lips more. I heard his stomach rumble and pulled back down. "I guess I should feed you," I mumbled as I turned to start making something. He pulled my hips back and swung me up into his arms.

"I don't think so," he laughed, "I told you I was making dinner." He plopped me down on the couch and I laughed.

"Could you try to make it out alive, or at least with all of your limbs?" I pleaded as he disappeared back into the kitchen. I flipped on the TV over the fireplace and cuddled myself into the blanket. My cell phone slid out from under the blanket onto the floor and I picked it up warily. I had a few texts from every member of the family waiting for me and my heart broke all over again. The last text caught my eyes the most. My mom just texted "I love you. I trust you. I'm not worried, but I miss you." I couldn't contain it. I felt tears start running down my cheeks. My battery beeped and I debated weather or not to respond. "I love you and I'm sorry. I'll be home eventually." I sent back to her as my phone died. I wrapped the blanket around me tighter and let the sobs take over. I knew she would understand, but I hated to make her hurt so much. I tried to wipe off my cheeks before Seth came in, but he caught the glimmers in my eyes as he sat down the plates of grilled cheese sandwiches.

"What's wrong?" He whispered into my hair as he enveloped me against his chest.

"My family. They all miss me and are worried. I feel this crushing weight whenever I think of them all hurting because of me," I sobbed against his chest. He rubbed my arms and I just wept until I fell asleep.

Bella POV

My phone went off in the kitchen and I sprinted towards it. Ness texted me "I love you and I'm sorry. I'll be home eventually." I read it repeatedly and felt relieved. I understood what must be happening to her. I was happy she was with Seth. But I missed her so much, I hated to think that she was hurting because of what we were putting her through. I needed her in my life. I didn't know when she'd be back, but eventually was good enough for now, and at least I knew that she was alright. I couldn't hide my smile as Edward walked in cheerily. I ran to him and threw my arms around him.

"She said she'll be home eventually," I screamed. He just looked at me confused. "She texted me that she is fine and she will be home eventually!" I couldn't understand why he wasn't as happy as I was.

"Bella, I'm happy, but I just wish eventually was sooner rather than later," he sighed. I kissed his cheek.

"I know," I sighed with him, "But she's coming home. I just needed that hope that she would be. I understand what she did, I can't say I wouldn't have done the same thing," I laughed at this a little to cheer Edward up a little. He just smiled and twirled me around.

"If you're happy, then I am. I want to fix this for you though. I promise I will," he gently kissed me and I couldn't help but feel somewhat better. I knew I wouldn't feel whole again until I had my daughter back. She was my own blood and every hope I ever had for the future. I knew she'd be back. Eventually. I had to cling to that hope, or I wouldn't be able to move.

"I know you will," I smiled and kissed his cheek.