***I hope that you all had a nice holiday! Thanks for your patience on this chapter. It was bittersweet for me… the last chapter in the trilogy. I'll post the epilogue shortly, but I just wanted to thank all of you for sticking with me. It's been more than I ever expected.

***Thanks to my two supreme beta girls…Jasper's Darlin Kathy (who has been with me from chapter 1 of Fate and reviewed all 100+ chapters) and TwiCarol (who joined me in August and has been a constant support system). This installment would not have happened without the two of you!

EPOV

Christmas time. It never really meant that much to me before. Esme had always decorated the house and we exchanged presents, but it wasn't magical. This year, Cullen changed all of that. He was so excited. He started his count down on December 1. Every morning he would jump out of bed, run to the calendar in the kitchen, cross off the number, and then run around the house, to make sure all of us knew how many days were left.

We were currently at three. He could hardly concentrate on his piano lessons.

"Will I get the new baby for Christmas?" he asked.

"Well, he's almost ready to join us, but Carlisle, I mean Grandpop, isn't sure Mason will get here before Christmas," I told him. "Can you play back the chords I just showed you?"

"Of course," he smiled. "They were easy."

"Really, Mozart," I smiled. "Please show me."

Can't you just show me something harder than Jingle Bells?

"Cullen," I said. "I can hear you, remember?"

"I know, and you think it's funny," he smiled. "I can feel it, remember?"

I couldn't help the laugh that escaped my lips. He looked just like Jasper, but he reminded me so much of Bella. He played back the song for me, and I had to admit, it was flawless.

"It was good, right?" he asked.

"Yes," I said. "It was very good."

"Better than good, Uncle Edward," he rolled his eyes, and I saw Jasper in his face. "Am I done?"

"Yes, you're done," I patted his head. "What do you want to do now?"

"Go to the mall," he jumped off the piano bench.

"The mall? Three days before Christmas? I think you need Aunt Alice for that."

"She took me yesterday," he said.

"Why do you need to go back?" I asked.

"That's what you do this time of the year," he said. "Don't you know anything?"

Jasper came into the music room and scooped Cullen up. "What doesn't Uncle Edward know?"

"That we have to go to the mall," he said.

"No, cowboy," Jasper said. "We're done with the mall." Three days before Christmas, and he wants to go to the mall.

I smiled at Jasper's thoughts.

"Oh," he groaned. "Now what are we going to do?"

"Why don't we go wrap Mommy's presents?" Jasper said. "Are you two done?"

"Yes," I said. "He did really well."

Cullen jumped out of his arms and ran up the steps. "I'll meet you up there, Professor," he yelled. "Thanks, Uncle Edward."

I laughed. "He's really special, Jasper."

"I know," Jasper smiled. "Thanks for spending this time with him. I know you'll be busy when Mason comes."

"I won't be too busy for Cullen," I said. "I've already missed so much time with him."

"Yes, but now you'll have your own son to share those years with."

"I'm very grateful for that," I said. "I never thought it would be possible."

"I know exactly what you mean," he said. "We're very lucky."

"Luckier than I deserve," I said.

"Don't do that," he said. "I can feel your regret. We are past that, and have been for a long time. I hold nothing against you. Enjoy this time with Claudia."

"Thanks, Jasper," I said. "You're more than I deserve."

"I know," he smiled. "But, you are stuck with me."

"I'm hoping you'll show me what to do with Mason."

"Please," he said. "I'm still learning what to do with Cullen. Thank God I have Carlisle. He always knows what to do."

"Daddy!" Cullen yelled.

"Yeah," Jasper smiled. "I'm being summoned. We'll go for a hunt later and discuss fatherhood."

"We've really come a long way, haven't we?" I asked.

"Yes," he smiled. "It's kind of nice, not wanting to kill you all the time."

I rolled my eyes, as he ran up the steps. I looked forward to spending moments like Jasper and Cullen did, with my own son. I sat back down at the piano, and began playing the new lullaby I had composed for Mason. I smiled when she wrapped her arms around me, and began kissing my neck.

"Hmm," I said. "You better stop that, or Claudia will get mad."

She smacked the back of my head.

"I was kidding," I said, as I turned around and pulled her toward me. Her stomach was level with my face. I had to kiss it. She smiled as she ran her hands through my hair.

"Did you have a good nap?" I asked.

"Yes," she said. "I did, and I dreamt about Mason. He looks just like you."

I got up, and pulled her over to the couch. "So, he's good looking then?"

"Extremely," she laughed. "Hopefully not as conceited as his father."

"You love me, flaws and all," I reminded her.

"How could I not?" she said.

"Mason seems rather active today. He's happy, but he can't wait to meet us," I said.

"I think he's more excited about meeting Cullen," she smiled. "Do you hear how excited he gets when Cullen talks to him?"

"Yes," I said. "I've noticed that. They'll be lifelong friends."

"Just like you and Jasper," she said. "You two have made so much progress, since I first met you."

"That's because Jasper is an extraordinary being. I don't think that I could have forgiven so easily."

"I think you would have," she said. "I have total faith in you."

"Thanks for always believing that," I said. "You don't know how much that means to me."

"Sure I do," she smiled.

"Hey," I said. "You are supposed to be staying out of my head, like I do for you, remember?"

"I can't help it," she said. "Your mind is so intriguing, and you think the nicest things about me." She shifted in her seat, and I could tell she was uncomfortable.

"Are you okay?" I asked, as I placed a pillow behind her back.

"I'm just not feeling that great today," she said. "But, I'll be fine."

"Are you sure? Bella got really sick before she had Cullen."

"I know," she said. "She told me how sick she was, but that doesn't seem to be happening to me. Carlisle is hoping that it has something to do with the fact that I was a crossbreed first, so my body is stronger. Although, it doesn't feel very strong now. Mason is starting to wear me down."

"Would you like me to carry you back to bed?"

"Yes, if you don't mind," she winced.

Just as I was about to pick her up, Alice came flying through the door. "Edward, Claudia is going to have…"

"Ouch," Claudia screamed. "It hurts!"

"Mason," Alice finished.

"Thanks for the warning, Alice," I said.

"Sorry, I just saw it," she said. "I came as fast as I could."

"Is he okay, Alice?" Claudia asked.

"Yes, he'll be fine, and so will you," Alice reassured her.

Claudia screamed out again, but this time Carlisle was right by her side. He took her hand. "It's okay," he smiled. "I think it's time."

"Yes," Claudia breathed out. "Yes, I'd say so. C-section, right?"

"I think that's the best way, given the uniqueness of this child," he smiled. "Edward, let's get her upstairs."

Carlisle and Alice ran ahead to prepare the room. I picked her up, and carried her into the foyer.

Esme and Rose were at the bottom of the staircase. "You'll be fine, Claudia," Rose told her.

"Thanks," Claudia said. "Please wait outside the room. I want you all close when he arrives."

"Of course," Esme said, as she stroked her cheek. "Carlisle will get him here with no problems."

I continued to carry her up the stairs, "You're scared," I said. "I'll be with you the whole time."

"I know," she squeezed her eyes shut, as she tried to ride out another contraction. "He's a bit impatient. Another thing he picked up from you."

"Try to breathe, beautiful," I kissed her lips. "Carlisle will give you something in a few minutes, to numb the pain."

"I could help with that," Jasper said. "I can feel how much pain you're in."

Claudia nodded, and I could hear in Jasper's thoughts that he was calming her down.

"Bella wanted me to tell you that she will be here as soon as he is born," Jasper said. "She's with Cullen. We didn't want to bring him here to observe this."

"No," I said. "It would probably traumatize him."

"Hell," Emmett said. "It's going to traumatize me."

Carlisle stepped out of the room, and motioned for me to take her in. She smiled at everyone, and they all wished her well. Esme kissed my cheek. I'm so happy for you both, she silently thought.

Carlisle closed the door behind him, and smiled. "Are you ready to do this?" he asked.

"Do I have a choice?" She laughed.

"No," Carlisle said. "Mason is ready to join our family."

I love you, Edward.

And I love you, Claudia. I always will. I'll do everything in my power to make you and Mason happy, for the rest of eternity.

As long as we're with you, we'll always be happy.

Carlisle hooked her up to the monitors, and began to numb her pain. I took Claudia's hand and gently squeezed it.

It won't be long now, I told her.

"Edward," Carlisle said. "Would you like to deliver him?"

"No, Carlisle," I said. "I want to hold her hand." I pushed the hair from her eyes and gently kissed her lips.

"Very well," he smiled.

How did you know that I needed you? She asked.

Because I need you just as much.

JPOV

Christmas Day

The house was beaming with excitement. It was such a welcome change, from what I'd been used to feeling. Every one of us was happy, and had a reason to celebrate. How refreshing. I didn't think that I'd ever see the day.

Cullen was so excited. I didn't know what he enjoyed more, the puppy or Mason. When he wasn't playing with Count Volt, as in Volturi, he was sitting in Edward's lap, trying to get as close to Mason as possible. He still had stacks of presents to open from the rest of the family, but he was preoccupied at the moment.

Emmett scooped up Count Volt, and shook his head. "Tell me again, why we got the miniature Doberman, when we could have gotten the real thing? A miniature dog for a family of vampires," he looked at me. "It's a sissy dog." Volt growled at him, but Emmett growled right back, and the dog shook.

Rose took the dog from him, and kissed his head. "You leave this baby alone," she said. "He's such a good boy."

"Great," Emmett said. "If Cullen and Mason weren't enough competition, now I have to fight for your affections from the dog, too?"

"The dog loves you, Uncle Emmett," Cullen said. "I can feel it."

I laughed, "He's right. The dog has taken to you."

"Wonderful," Emmett said. "Just what I need."

"You can take him for a walk," Rose said.

"In public?" he moaned.

"Who is going to see you on our property?" Felix asked.

"Well, if you're so sure, big man, you take him," Emmett said.

"You're both going to take him," Alice chimed in.

"Please don't tell me you've seen that, Ali Angel," Felix said.

"I have," she laughed. "The two of you are going to walk him together."

"How sweet," I said.

They both shot me a death glare.

Cullen climbed back into Edward's lap and just stared at Mason, who was cuddled in Claudia's arms.

"Cullen, sweetie," Bella said. "Give Uncle Edward and Aunt Claudia their space."

"It's fine, Bella," Claudia said. "Mason likes him being close. I can hear it in his thoughts."

"Tell me again," Bella said. "How you got to keep Mason's mind-reading power, and I lost Cullen's empath power?"

"You have enough of your own powers," Rose said.

Bella laughed, and she lit up the room. I could feel how happy and content she was.

"Carlisle's not sure," Claudia said.

"No, I'm not, but I think that's the power you took on. We're not positive that Mason can read minds yet, but since both of his parents can, I think there is a pretty good chance he can, too." Carlisle said.

He was bursting with pride and joy. I had never felt him so happy, and I knew it was because we were all under one roof, content and secure. He smiled at me, because he knew that I felt exactly what was coming off of him.

"Charlie!" Bella said, as she jumped out of the chair. She got to the door before Charlie could even ring the bell. "Dad!" Bella squealed, as she hugged him.

"Okay, Bells," he tried to breathe out. "Grip is a little too tight."

Bella released him, and giggled. "Sorry, Dad. Merry Christmas."

"Merry Christmas, Bella," he kissed her cheek, and I could feel how much he loved her.

"Hey, Charlie," I said, as I shook his hand. "Can I get the packages for you?"

"Yes, considering you could probably get them all, in one shot."

"With one hand, too," I said, as I went out to his cruiser.

"Show off," he yelled back at me.

"Grandpop!" Cullen ran and jumped into his arms. "Come and see my new baby."

"Your new baby?" Charlie said.

"Well," Cullen said. "I have to share him with Uncle Edward and Aunt Claudia, and now I have to share Count Volt with Uncle Emmett and Uncle Felix," he rolled his eyes.

"Count Volt?" Charlie said.

"Cullen's new puppy," Bella said.

"A house full of animal-drinking vampires got a dog?" Charlie said, and I felt his confusion.

"Eww," Alice said. "We don't drink from dogs, Charlie."

"Of course you don't," he said, but he was still confused. I wanted to tell him to ask his friends over at La Push why we didn't drink from dogs, but thought better of it, when Edward looked at me. I was just thinking how funny it would be.

He rolled his eyes at me.

Stay out of my head.

Claudia smiled.

You, too! I stared at her, and I could feel how amused Edward was. Could I really spend all of eternity with a family full of mind-readers?

"Congratulations," Charlie said to Edward and Claudia.

"Thank you," Edward said, and I felt their tension. If there was one person's respect or forgiveness Edward did not gain, it was Charlie's. And, Charlie didn't even know what Edward had done concerning Bella, and that night before the wedding. I'm guessing if he had, we would have seen firsthand what a bullet would do to a vampire's skin. No, their conflict started when Edward left Bella in the forest, and she pulled away from her family. I knew that was why he was grateful to me. I brought her back to him. Watching them together made me so happy, too. It still blew me away that she was able to keep her father, even after becoming one of us.

"So, Carlisle," Charlie said. "Your clan seems to be getting larger, each time I visit."

"Yes," Carlisle said. "But I think we're about done now."

"At least until Cullen and Mason find mates," Esme smiled.

"Oh no," Bella said. "No one gets my little boy."

"Me either," Claudia said.

"Wait," Esme said. "I let the two of you take my sons."

"We didn't take them anywhere," Bella reminded her.

"And," Claudia said. "We've given you back two more boys."

"For which I'm very thankful," Esme smiled as she took Mason from her.

Cullen finally got around to opening the rest of his gifts, and I could feel his little body bursting with excitement and anticipation, each time he selected the next package to open. He truly was the highlight of our holiday. Seeing it all through the eyes of a child was amazing.

"I know you can feel it, Jasper," Edward said. "But, to be inside his head is a gift all in itself. His thoughts are so pure, and he loves all of us so much. He never has a negative or mean thought. He's perfect."

"Thanks," I smiled. "He takes after his mother."

"I see a lot of his father in him, too," he said, as he hit my shoulder.

"Edward," I said. "Do you think much about our future?"

"All the time," he said. "If I had to stand with anyone, Jasper, I'd want it to be you."

"Thanks," I said. "I often think the same thing about you. Who would have thought about that, three years ago?"

"Certainly not me," he said.

"Our children will be very powerful," I said, as I stared at Cullen and Mason. "I hope they can handle it."

"That's why we'll be there with them," he said. "To make sure everything goes exactly the way it should."

"That's what I'm for," Alice said.

"Have you seen them in the future?" I asked.

"I have," she smiled. "It wasn't a very strong vision, just glimpses of them growing up together. I see them training with Felix and Demetri."

"So then you got around Bella's shield?" I asked, amazed at how strong her power would be.

"I'm just getting glimpses, and I haven't actually seen Bella yet, but according to Aro, I will."

"Amazing," Edward said. "I wonder if I'll ever hear her thoughts?"

I knew Bella's mind was a mystery to Edward. I think if he had the chance, he would get right into her head. I hoped he got the opportunity. It might answer so many questions for him. He could finally resolve his past. It would nice for him to hear what I felt. Bella was happy, and she loved him unconditionally. She had come to terms with their past, and moved forward. There was nothing left for him to feel guilty about. He needed to hear that firsthand.

"Mason will grow to be quite the tracker."

"That's why Aro put Demetri with Mason," I said. "You're clearly not a tracker."

"No," he agreed. "I'm not, but I guess I better figure out what I am. I have a family to provide for."

"I don't think they'll go hungry," I said, and Alice laughed.

"You have a job, Professor Whitlock," he said.

"I do," I said. "And, I really do love it."

"The music department is hiring at the university," Alice offered.

"How do you know that?" Edward inquired.

"Because I saw you teaching there," she said. "The female students are going to freak out."

"Oh," I said. "Maybe they'll leave me alone."

"No chance," Alice said. "They still want you."

"Well, I only have eyes for one woman." I glanced over at Bella, who was lost in thought. She was staring up at the Christmas tree. I walked over to her and wrapped my arms around her waist, and kissed her neck. "What are you thinking about, naughty girl?"

"Like you don't know," she smiled.

"The night I proposed to you, and what we did under our tree?"

"Exactly," she giggled.

I pulled her into the foyer, and kissed her with the urgency that I had been holding in all morning. "I've been trying to figure out a way to get the rest of the family out of here, so we could play under that tree."

She kissed me back, and I felt her lust spike. "Hmm…" she kissed me again. "I don't think that's going to happen."

"Me either, Mrs. Whitlock," I took her hand, and we peered into the doorway. "Are you ready to get a place of our own?"

She looked at our family, and I could feel the love she had for all of them. "Never," she smiled.

"I didn't think so," I squeezed her hand. "I can feel how happy you are with this life."

"It's all because of you," she said. "You've made all of this possible, and I'll never forget that."

"You've had a lot to do with it," I said. "I couldn't have succeeded in this existence without you."

"I wouldn't be here today, if it weren't for you. When you found me, Jasper, I was so lost. I wasn't going to hang on much longer, you know."

"I know, darlin'." I thought back to when we first met up in Alaska. She was so lost, and her emotions were so sad and dismal. We had come such a long way, in such a short amount of time. We hadn't even spent a fraction of our time together, yet. "I'm glad I found you, when I did."

"Me, too," she kissed my lips. "It really was fate."

Cullen ran over to us, and jumped into my arms. "I can feel how much you love each other, from all the way on the other side of the room."

"Wow," Bella said. "That's pretty impressive."

"Does that mean that I'm becoming a strong empath? Just like you, Daddy?" he asked, and I could feel how proud he was.

"Just like me, cowboy." I smiled. "I bet you'll be even stronger than me, one day."

"Really?" he asked. "I better go talk to Dr. Cullen about this. He knows everything."

We laughed. "Yes," I said, as I put him down. "He sure does."

Emmett walked past us, and rolled his eyes.

"Where are you going?" Bella asked.

"The Count here," he showed us the dog that was nestled inside his jacket. "Needs a potty break, and Esme won't appreciate him doing it on that expensive rug." Volt licked Emmett's cheek.

"Yuck, dog!" he groaned.

"He does love you, Emmett," I said.

"Yeah," he said. "He'll grow on me."

Bella giggled, and I had to agree that it was rather strange that the dog picked Emmett to bond with. I had a feeling they were going to get along just fine. I could already feel Emmett's affection for him.

"We have a dog," she laughed.

"How about that?" I smiled. "Just like any other average family." I stared at the group of vampires and crossbreeds before me. We were anything but average, but I'd take it at the moment. We deserved this, and I intended on keeping it this way, for as long as I possibly could.

I thought back to my conversation on the morning we left Italy…

"You'll have until Mason's eighteenth birthday to lead your normal life, but the sooner you all accept that you are far from normal, the better off you'll be," Aro said. "There has never been another coven like yours. All of you existing together in harmony, and so many of you with a gift. It's unheard of, but here you all are."

"So that's it," I said. "When Mason turns eighteen, we just have to surrender?"

"Oh, Jasper," he said. "I promise, you will come willingly. I will not force you into this life, but you will come. I have total faith in that."

"And Edward and I will just step into your brothers' places? Just like that?" I asked.

"It will take a while to transition, but your destiny is not to take Caius' place," he smiled, and I felt he knew so much more than he would ever tell.

"So," I said. "Will I just be here to make sure Cullen fulfills his destiny?"

He shook his head. "It will all be answered in the correct time. For now, just live your life, and appreciate everything you have been given. What you have, does not happen to all of us. Everything in the proper order, Jasper."

"You're right," I agreed. "Maybe I'm better off not knowing."

I wouldn't spend the next two decades wondering where my life would take me. I had a life now, and it was a very good one. A man, no, a vampire such as myself, didn't deserve the things I had been given. If I was being judged on my past, then Bella or Cullen shouldn't exist, but thankfully, I had found a way to redeem myself. I would continue to show the two of them, just how grateful I was to have them both. I no longer lived for me… I existed for them.

***I will post an epilogue that will explain everyone's role in the future. All of Aro's comments will be addressed. Stay tuned…

I know I promised an announcement in this chapter, but I hit a stumbling block. I will tell you that I'm working on a fun new Fan Based Fiction website that I'm hoping you will all become a part of. I'm almost ready to launch, but I hit a glitch in the uploading of stories process. As soon as this gets fixed I'll reveal the web address. I have lots planned for this new community where writers and readers can come together. I envision a personal experience where we can learn about our favorite writers and enhance the whole Fan Fiction obsession. I hope you'll follow me.

***Check out my blog for updates and my new story summary. Cullen 818 dot blogspot dot com.

***Outtakes…several of you have asked if you could write the outtakes for this story and I think that's a great idea. Some of you have approached me with some interesting ideas. Just let me know what you're planning and when you're posting. I'll help you promote your o/s.