Disclaimer: All characters belong to Stephenie Meyer. The plot, along with a couple of characters that might be added in future, are mine.
Epilogue
If someone had told me how many things would have happened in my life the past seventeen years, I wouldn't have believed a thing. Life had been good to us and even though we had our up-side downs we always managed.
I was still on the force but after a severe injury I had several years back, I was placed behind the desk. I missed active duty but I didn't give a fuck. It's a shame how violent the world we live in, could be. Our duty is to protect people but what happens when they don't want it? I'll tell you what. You get shot twice on the chest and to seal the deal with your death, they fuck you up with a crow bar, breaking your skull and several bones on your body. I was in a coma for forty-two days. When it happened Will was seventeen, the twins four and Bella was pregnant. My girl almost lost our baby that night. Ma had a severe panic attack and Charlie was admitted with high blood pressure. The doctors were afraid that he was heading for a heart attack if not for a stroke. Emmett was away in Europe for a medical conference and had Rose and the kids with him. It wasn't until two days later when they managed to break them the news about me. Bottom-line is that everything went fine at the end. Of course I missed the birth of my youngest but Will was with his Ma and gave me the details and if you wonder, no swearing or death threats were involved.
I think though it's better to start to what happened to the rest of the family, no?
Charlie, three years after he moved to Chicago, got married. Yeah, you heard me. Apparently, the reason Ma and him acted like conjoined twins, was because he had the hots for Mrs. Lawrence, a widow at the age of forty two at the time. Ma, saw how he acted around her and decided to teach Charlie how to sweep a woman off of her feet plus offered to be his guinea pig and practice his romancing skills. Mrs. Lawrence was hesitant at the beginning but she finally gave in and became Mrs. Swan. Bella loved her to pieces. When my Will asked him how he managed to 'woo' her, Charlie's lips twitched and said that the Swan charm was irresistible. And how very true that statement was.
Landon and Edward were the exact opposites. Where Landon was more of a Mama's boy, Edward was all me. Landon was more open with friendships and activities where Edward was reserved and had very little friends. They were both great students, great big brothers for our youngest and worshiped the floor Will walked. Landon was a very energetic child. He always ran around the house, tripping over thin air- a treat he got from his darling mother- break things and blame Edward. My poor boy would take the blame always. We, of course knew who did it and always chastised Landon. He always ended up doing it again and again. That was when Will stepped up. It always took him to call Landon's name once and that was it; he wouldn't do it again.
Will was like a role model for them. He taught them Tae Kwon Do and Italian since he had a diploma, helped them with school work and advised them whenever they sought his guidance. He was God in their eyes and nothing he did was wrong, not even when he got drank for the first time after a stupid fight we had. He was fresh out of college and dropped the bomb of what he wanted to do for a profession. Only when I heard his decision, did I understand Ma's objection about mine.
Will became a police officer like Charlie and me. He wanted it to become a tradition of sort. He promised that he would always be careful and that we should have more faith in him. When he became twenty five and got more involved with the companies, he decided to go to business school while he worked because he didn't like to bother my cousins and Uncle J with questions. He graduated top in his class and even though he had the opportunity to work with the best, he didn't. He already had a job and he wasn't looking forward in changing that.
He was thirty one now and he still had his work. At some point he did tell me that only when he felt ready would he leave his current profession to another one. Apparently he still wasn't and that scared the shit out of me. He never got a scratch at work but still. Marcus offered to pull some strings and bring him with us but my boy refused which was good because neither of us would be able to do our job. I'd be worried for him all the time and the other way around. He was placed on the 8th PD which was one of the best.
"How are you feeling Edward?" the nurse asked taking me out of my thoughts.
Um, yeah. I forgot to say that I was in the hospital… again. Earlier in the morning I felt dizzy and nearly fainted. Landon panicked and brought me here.
"I'm good actually," I smiled.
"Your vitals indicate so," she smiled. "The doctor will come by in a few minutes. He will suggest that you stay the night so don't give him any grief."
I smirked at her. "Sure Shira."
Shira was a very good friend of Rose's. She emigrated to the States a few years back. She met her husband in India while he was vacationing there and that was it. They fell in love and soon after they married. Her car broke down one day and Rose happened to pass by. She fell sorry for the struggling woman under the hood and helped her.
"I trust you on this," she winked and left.
I sighed as the door closed. Bella and I have been married for sixteen years now and it felt as if nothing had changed. I was still irrevocably in love with her and she with me. This brings me back as to why I was here alone. You see she told me right before she left for work not to fix the shed because of the heat. I didn't listen of course and here I was, being treated for a heat stroke. In the past years whenever I did something she didn't approve for several of reasons, her punishment was the silent treatment. And it sucked. You have no idea how difficult it was to sleep next her and not being able to touch her. Once the twenty four silent treatment ended, she would ask if I learned my lesson, I would nod with my head lowered and then we would fuck. And it was never gentle, if you get my meaning.
Will on the other side was nothing compared to her. I was his weak spot. I would never forget his eyes when I opened mine after being out for forty plus days all those years back. He was so tired and so very sad, terrified. He didn't even utter a word. After the docs had checked me, he just grabbed my hand in his and laid his head on my bed and slept. The morning two days after I woke up will never be forgotten…
"Leave us," Will demanded calmly.
"Baby, your father needs…" Ma started only to be interrupted almost immediately.
"He needs to have a talk with me Nana," he said and turned to look at her. "Now leave us. Get some ice-cream for the pennies," he smiled.
She left with the boys and he closed the door. He dragged the chair and sat on it.
"Will," I started.
"Shut up dad," he snapped. "For fucks sake! You almost got killed! Why? Why didn't you wait for your partner? All you had to do was wait!"
I sighed sadly. "I heard a gunshot Will. I had to go."
"No! You had to wait for your partner," he nearly screamed. "You can't go on your fucking hero mode every time. You have a family now and another baby on the way. That's why you asked for a partner four years ago and now this?"
"It's my job Will."
That was when I finally understood that my son was becoming a man who would stand up even to me. "You have two choices: a) you ask Marcus to put you behind the desk or b) you stay on active duty and I grab Ma and kids and move to Forks."
I snorted. "A) Don't even dare to threaten me ever again and b) you hate that place."
"I hate not having my father around," he exploded. "I grew up without you and I'll be damned if I let the same thing happen to my siblings," he cried. "So make your choice dad; your job or us?"
I stayed silent for a long time. I knew the answer but I didn't want to speak just yet because I knew that I would fuck things up. I was still recovering and I didn't want to fight with him because he was right. I should have waited for back up but at the moment I didn't think. Someone was being killed and I had to act.
"Okay Will," I said and looked at him.
"I need you to promise me one thing," he said determined. "Promise me that no matter what, you'll never put us go through this shit ever again. Promise me that when you see a threat you'll leave and not look back. Promise me, please promise me," he pleaded.
"I promise son," I said and felt my tears pooling into my eyes.
It was still heartbreaking but I could understand why he felt the way he did. I felt the same every time he left to go at work. I knew the dangers and risks but I couldn't do anything about it. It was his choice and I respected that. It was important for him to know that I respected his decisions.
"Daddy," the sweetest voice on earth called as the door of my room burst open.
"Do you want to hold her?" Will asked as he sat on my bed with a lilac bundle in his hands.
"Sure," I said and moved slowly on my bed, trying to find a less painless position.
When I was comfortable enough, I stretched my hands and he placed her in my arms. She was the most beautiful thing I've ever seen. I knew that I had said that for my three boys but the world started and ended with her. She was my little princess, my baby girl.
"Gorgeous little thing, eh?" Will asked and smiled tenderly as he ran his knuckles over her tiny face.
"Yes," I whispered.
My Amelia was all Bella, head to toe. There was no Cullen in her appearance; pure Swan: lots of brown hair, her Ma's cute nose and lovely lips. I whimpered as I imagined the day a fucker would try to take her away from me.
"We're fucked," Will sighed sadly and I chuckled.
"I'm afraid so."
"Hello beautiful," I said and opened my arms for her.
"Don't beautiful me," she pouted and crossed her hands over her chest before she sank on the chair.
Fuck!
"What's the matter baby girl?" I asked.
"The matter is that I just got out of practice and instead of going home in order to get ready so we," she said pointing between us, "..could go shooting…"
What? She's my girl and she has to know how to shoot! Charlie even comes with us. It's a father's right to teach his baby how to protect herself.
"The boys brought me here," she finished and sniffled.
"Ooh don't let Ma hear that!" Landon teased.
Edward slapped the back of his head. "Shut it Lan." Landon glared at him and suddenly he smiled. That was the revenge smile.
"Boys," I said sternly.
"You scared me daddy," she said and burst into tears. "Ma and Uncle Bear told you to take it easy with the heavy chores. You're not young anymore."
I rolled my eyes. Forty-eight wasn't old! "Baby look at me," I asked gently. "I know it was stupid of me but I really wanted to get the shed ready. You know how much your Mama loves to sit there in the afternoon."
"I know," she said and lowered her head. "I don't like it when you're sick."
I chuckled. "Neither do I sweetheart but I promise to wait next time."
She squinted at me. "Pinky promise?"
"Always," I smiled.
"Well good," she said and sat on the bed next to me. I hugged her and kissed the top of her head. "Will finished the shed and went to work. He said he'd come by after he was done."
The boys sat on a small couch and we started talking. Their Principal, Mr. Jordan retired and a new one was taking over. So far they new that it was a woman and rumors said that she was ugly. Whenever Landon said shit like that it always pissed me off.
"What have I told you about criticizing people about their looks?" I asked irritated.
"That looks change but the personality is what counts," he said and rolled his eyes. "I only said what Bran said and not what I think about her. Jesus Dad."
I huffed and looked at Edward. He looked somewhat troubled but I knew that if I asked him now he wouldn't say anything. I was perfectly sure that he would come to me if he couldn't figure it out. My son was a boy that he looked for alternatives and if nothing worked then he sought us.
"Nana and Grandpa Jim are having fun in Atlanta. She called earlier and said that they are coming back in a couple of days," Lan said.
Ah Jim, my step-father. Ma met him at her store one day. He wanted to compliment the person who made those mouthwatering cupcakes she made and the rest were history. That doesn't mean of course that he didn't go through hell to prove himself. Both Will and I did a background check on him and he seemed to be decent: he was a sixty-three year old man at the time with a successful career in the Army, about to be retired- divorced, no children, and no living family. The thing that didn't help him at all first was the fact that his whole body screamed authority so we had to make sure that he wasn't a psycho that beat women and when Ma invited him over for a family dinner, we took action.
Imagine a man, in his sixties being 'attacked' by my boys, Emmett, his boys, Emmett Jr., Chase and Dana, Charlie, yours truly and my princess in front of us with a scowl on her face.
"Do you love my Nana?" Amelia asked.
"I do darling," Jim smiled at her.
"I'm not your darling," Amelia said as serious as an eleven year old could sound. "Our Nana is the Queen here and we treat her with respect and full of love," she finished. She turned to look at me, smiled and winked.
"Yeah," Landon said. "So talk!"
"What are your intentions about my Es?" Charlie asked.
"I wish to marry her one day," he said and looked our faces. "I've been alone for a very long time and Esme made me not to want to. She is kind and loving; she would do anything for her family and that is the main reason I asked her to meet all of you. I know that you don't know me but I know every thing about you and I only hope that you'll want to know me," he finished and sighed.
"Baby, why don't you go and see if dinner is ready?" I asked my little one.
"Okay," she said and left with Dana following her.
I cleared my throat. "I don't know how much she told you about my f…"
"I know everything about Carlisle, Edward," he said. "I give you my word that I'm nothing like him. I would never hurt her."
"As if you'd try," Will piped in. "You'd be buried six feet under before you even lift your hand. I'm gonna say this only once and you better imprint it to your brain. We take care of our own. Fuck with us and even God won't be able to find you."
"I like him," Jim smirked. "Just like Esme described him: fierce and loyal. I'm a man of honor William and I swear to you no harm will come ever to her."
"Are you done shitting with the old dude?" Chase complained and his stomach growled. "I'm hungry."
Everyone started laughing and welcomed Jim to the family.
"That's good. See another reason why I had to fix the shed today," I said.
"Don't start dad," Edward said. "Besides we need to get going. Aunt Ro is waiting for us."
"Okay," I said. I kissed my girl and they left.
≈Ж≈
When I opened my eyes it was dark. I switched on the light above my bed and I nearly jumped out of my skin when I saw Will sitting on the couch, wearing his uniform.
"Jesus kid," I said and placed my palm over my chest. "You scared the hell out of me."
"Payback for the scare you gave me at the park, remember?" he said and sighed.
"Come here," I said and patted the bed. He dragged the chair next to me and sat down. "What's the matter?"
He ran his fingers through his hair and threw his back. "Trouble at work."
"Such as?"
"We arrested a fourteen year old girl prostituting. While we drove back to the station all I could think was what if it was my sister? She was in Amelia's age and had no one dad," he said and the torture was visible in his eyes. "Who abandons a child?"
"It's a harsh thing kiddo but you can't do anything about it. If this girl isn't placed in a proper home it's most likely that she will continue with this professional root when she becomes an adult," I said sadly.
"I know," he said. "Anyway, I finished painting my house."
When Amelia turned two we sold the house and bought a new bigger one in the same area that had a lot of land. After Will turned twenty six, he expressed his wish to build something on the property. You see he wanted to live alone but not far from the house so we started looking for construction companies and all. So after a year or so he moved on his own. It was a nice two story house with huge spaces to do with them whatever he wanted. Now call me a pussy, but the day he slept there for the first time I wept like a girl. Instead of me being the one to console Bella, she was the one who did. Something was missing but I knew that it was time for him to be on his own.
"Anything I can help with when I get home tomorrow?" I asked and his response was a glare.
Okay…
"I didn't give you any shit for today so don't provoke me old man," he said. "Uncle Jake called when I was on my way here. He said that they'd stop by from the house tomorrow afternoon, when Jack finishes his shift. They'll bring Trisha as well."
I smiled. Trisha was a gift, an unexpected one but still a gift. Melissa, Jack's sister found herself pregnant a year after Jake moved to Chicago. The pregnancy was perfect but unfortunately, Melissa died from an aneurism while giving birth. Jack was devastated losing his beloved sister. What came as a surprise though was the fact that Melissa, before she died, named Jack and Jake Trisha's Godfathers since she was a product of a one night stand. That precious girl couldn't have found more loving people to raise her that these two.
Will chuckled, bringing out of my thoughts. "I think that Jack called Ma before calling me because she was laughing hysterically. From what I managed to understand Landon lost his shit when he heard that Trish was coming tomorrow because according to Ma, he bolted to his room and started cleaning."
I smirked. "She had him by his balls by the time she was five. Just like you when you first fell in love."
Will smiled nostalgically as he remembered his Juls. Up to date he still called her by her pet name. I would never forget the day I saw him heartbroken on his fifteenth birthday.
It was Will's birthday today but due to the fact that it was Wednesday, we decided to have his party on Saturday. Bella was working and since I had the day off I spent it at home with the twins and Ma. They were growing up so fast and it was scary.
We were at the living room when Will arrived. It was obvious that he was upset. He always greeted us and spent time with the boys before heading to his room. I called him but he didn't say a word. He just ran to his room and shut the door. I placed the boys in their playpen and rushed upstairs. His cries could be heard half way up. My heart started running a thousand miles an hour. Within seconds I reached his door and opened it. I found him sitting on the floor crying his heart out.
I kneeled in front of him and hugged him. I didn't give a shit what had happened. I needed to calm him down first. It didn't help though. It made him cry even more.
"I'm here kid," I said and kissed the top of his head.
Several minutes passed until he was able to say anything. "She's leaving dad," he said brokenly.
I furrowed my eye brows. Who was leaving?
"Mr. B gathered the whole school and informed us that a new principal would be taking over and the end of the month. He got an offer for an American College in England and he accepted," he said and started crying all over again. "Julie is going too. She's leaving dad."
"Ah Will."
"I love her dad and she's leaving. What am I supposed to do? I know I'm too young but I love her," he cried.
"I know Will," I said with a shaky voice. "But it's not forever. She'll come back and then there is always the summer and holidays. I'm sure she'll come and maybe we can go as well," I continued in a feeble attempt to give him hope. "Then there is always the internet. You can e-mail each other and Skype."
"Dad, Mr. B's contract is for six years," he whispered. "And from what Julie said if her parents like it there they might even stay."
And they did. The day she left my son's heart shattered- she was his first love after all. They managed to see each other only once, a year after they left, when Julie came for a month during the summer and that was it. No matter how much they e-mailed each other or talked it wasn't the same. They fought to keep contact until the little they had towards the end, stopped. Their relationship remained a sweet memory and nothing more.
"Do you think of her?" I asked out of the blue.
"Sometimes," he smiled sadly. "But there is nothing I can do about it now. I have no idea where she is. It would be easy though. I just have to go to Eleazar and ask him but I don't want to."
"Why? You have nothing to lose."
"Dad, do you think that she doesn't have a family already? She's thirty one."
"A lot of women are single in their thirties."
"Not her. I'm pretty sure that some fucker snatched her already."
"Just think about it," I said and smiled at him.
"There's nothing to think about," he said and shook his head.
"You've had a tiring day. Go home." He nodded and got up.
"I love you dad," he said and hugged me.
"Ditto," I said and patted his back.
As he opened the door he turned and looked at me smirking. "Do you have any plans for tomorrow?"
"Apart from being ripped to new one by your Ma, I don't think so," I chuckled. "Why?"
"Because I remember you promising me when I was seventeen, to get matching tattoos," he smiled.
I scratched the back of my neck. Another thing that will piss her off. "I don't know Will."
He snorted. "I have Ma covered. I threw in some bonding shit and she bought it. Besides, you also need to fix that swan shit on your shoulder. Jason said he found a way to fix the black wings."
Will and Jason remained best friends. Much to his father's disappointment he finished Economics but ink was his true passion. When Will turned twenty five he suggested to Jason to be partners in a tattoo shop. With Jason's savings and Will's newly acquired money from Carlisle's will, they opened 'Rising Sun', which with a lot of effort from both of them, became of the best ink shops in Chicago.
"Okay son," I smiled and he left.
I couldn't sleep the rest of the night so I watched TV until it was time for my release. Surprisingly, Bella was one who came to pick me up but as expected she didn't talk to me. Every time I would try to say a word she would either glare or look at her fingernails.
"I-I just wanted it to be done so you could relax when you came home," I mumbled. She huffed and kept driving.
I looked at my watch and saw that we had at least an hour before my 'punishment' came to an end. To others this shit would seem stupid and childish but we didn't like to fight. So we came to a compromise. I would leave the house until we calmed down or she would give me the cold shoulder. But I had missed her so much. That was when it hit me. Bella worked the night shift the day before, so basically we didn't speak. That meant that plus these hours her silent treatment was over almost eight hours ago.
I smirked to myself. She wouldn't even know what hit her. I let her park the car, and by the time she was out, I grabbed her and threw her over my shoulder.
"Put me down," she yelled and started hitting my back.
"I'll do no such thing love," I said and slapped her ass.
"Put me down!"
"Sure, give me a minute," I chuckled.
As I was about to open the door, the door opened, revealing a surprised Charlie. "No time to talk Charlie. I'll be with you in a couple of hours."
"You pig," Bella hissed and started hitting me again with her fists.
"Okay son," Charlie laughed and went somewhere in the house.
I started climbing the stairs two at a time. I reached our bedroom, opened the door, closed it with my foot and threw her on the bed with me falling on top of her.
"Uh, uh Bells," I said and placed her hands over her head. "Where do you think you're going? There no escape and you know that." Her chest heaved, and her eyes her blazing with fury. I smiled down at her and licked her lips. "Mmm," I moaned. "Sweet as always."
"Idiot," she said angrily and tried to move.
"I love you too sugar," I smirked and nibbled at her throat. "I missed you; all alone at the hospital, without my soul there."
Bella moaned loudly as I cupped and rubbed her pussy outside of her jeans. She may be forty eight but she never stopped being responsive within seconds. Her body throughout the years had changed, especially after four kids but she was perfect, every man's dreams and only I had her. She lifted her head and tried to kiss me but I pulled my head back.
"Tsk, tsk," I smirked. "Who's the boss in the house Bells?" I whispered.
"I am," she said in a hoarse voice.
"And who's the boss in here?" I asked firmly.
"You are," she cried as I pinched her nipple. "Christ Edward, kiss me!"
"Do you think you deserve it when you knew that my punishment ended eight hours ago and yet you kept punishing me?" I asked.
"W-what?" she stammered as I bit her ear lobe.
"You heard me," I said and pushed my hips on her. "You have been so naughty."
"Edward?" she asked sweetly and I swear I nearly lost it. She knew my buttons as I knew hers.
"Yes, my wife?" I sighed as I kissed the corner of her mouth.
"Don't you love me?" she asked and sniffled.
I shot my head to look at her. How could she even ask that?
"As I live and breathe," I said fiercely. "I can't function without you."
"Then why do you tease me?" she pouted.
I growled. "Do you want me to go all Domward on your ass and fuck the shit out of you?"
"Oh my God! I did not just hear that!" I heard someone yell that running.
"Ah shit," I groaned and my forehead fell on Bella's shoulder.
My girl started laughing hysterically. When the boys were toddlers, both of us decided that sex wasn't a taboo, especially in this house. While kids grew up they knew that when Mommy's and Daddy's bedroom was closed, they wouldn't open it unless they knocked first. By the time they were eleven they knew that having sex wasn't bad especially when you're an adult and love your other half.
"I better go and see if Landon still breathes," I said and kissed her lips.
"Okay," she smiled.
As I reached the door I turned and looked at her. "Oh and Bella?"
"Yes angel?"
"I'm still gonna fuck the shit out of you," I smirked.
"I bet you will," she said and blew me a kiss.
As I was climbing down the stairs I heard my daughter giggle. Jake's booming laughter filled the air and I smiled. Could there ever be a happiest man in the world? More content than I was? Maybe yes, maybe no but it felt I was the only one.
"Amelia, do you want me to inform a certain brother of yours about it? I have no issue in doing so," John said firmly. As I rounded the corner I saw him sweating bullets. "You want to go to the movies? Go ahead but no boys!"
I stopped dead on my tracks. What fucking boys? My baby was going no where near boys. Maybe I should take upon Jasper's advice and send her to a boarding school. Yeah. That's what I'm gonna do.
"Daddy!" Trisha called and fell into Jake's hands. "Please tell him to let us go. It'll be only Jeff."
Jake turned and looked Jack. "Jake," Jack sighed. "Don't give me that look."
"Come on Jack. Let her go. They're going to watch penguins dancing for God's sake. What could possibly happen when the room will be practically full with kids and their parents?"
Parents? Dancing penguins? The fuck with it!
"Sure Jack," I said and smirked at my daughter's beaming face. "I haven't seen a movie like that since forever." My girl scowled at me. "It's gonna be fun and the kids are gonna enjoy it."
Jack caught my innuendo at once and smiled evilly. "Okay you can go to the movies and bring the little shit with you as well."
Something I forgot to mention. Throughout the years Ma and Bells gave up on 'chastising' us for using foul word. The kids knew that when they were in school they couldn't swear but once they got in the house, all hell would break loose. The only one that held back was my girl. When she was eight she heard the twins fighting…
"You're such a dick Eddie," Landon screamed at the top of his lungs.
"It's not my fault it broke. You tripped, fell on me and I fell on your stupid Lego house," Edward argued.
"Boys," Will called. "What have we told you about yelling?"
"He started it," Landon lied.
Will glared at him. "Zip it Lan. I know who started it. Apologize to your brother."
"He broke my Lego house," he complained. "He should apologize."
"He is not the one with two left feet shrimp," Will said firmly. "Apologize."
Landon said nothing. He just kept staring Will.
"Now!" Landon jumped lightly as Will yelled.
"…ry."
"I didn't hear you," Will snapped.
"I'm sorry," Landon screamed and ran out of the room.
Edward lowered his head and sniffled. "I'm sorry Will. Were you doing your homework?"
Will sighed and hugged him. "Nothing to be sorry for penny. You know that at some point you need to tell him off, right? He shouldn't treat you like that."
"He's older so…"
Will snorted. "Yeah, like three minutes. Edward, you respect someone that deserves it. When he's calling you names it's not good. Defend yourself bro."
"Okay," he said.
Later that day when we all sat down to eat, no one would talk. Landon's face had a permanent scowl and Edward was pushing his food around his plate. Bella glanced at me and Ma along with Will ate in silence. The boys fought every now and then but it would always come to an end since Edward was the one to let it go.
"Daddy?" Amelia said.
"Yes baby girl?" I asked as I shoved down my throat a huge bite of chicken roast."
"What's a dick?" she asked and I started choking.
"Amelia!" Ma and Bella gasped at once.
Edward turned bright red and Landon vanished without noticing. Will got up and started patting my pack.
"Where did you hear that word?" Ma asked.
"Lanie called Eddie a dick," she said and I groaned.
"Sweetheart," Ma said. "It's a bad word and we can't call people like that. It's rude."
"Oh," she said and blushed. "What does it mean mama?"
Bella rubbed her forehead and pushed her plate. "It's a bad word honey."
"Yes I understand but what does it mean?" she asked stubbornly.
I folded my hands over my chest and smirked at Bella. She saw it and squinted at me. "Baby, why don't you let daddy explain it you? I'm sure he can find more appropriate words to explain it," she said sweetly and raised her eye brow.
Well fuck!
"Daddy," Amelia said. "You suck!" She grabbed Trisha's hand and went upstairs. Jack started laughing and so did I.
Jake shook his head and smiled. "You know that we could always have Emmett Jr. and Chase follow them right?"
"Nah," I said and sat down on the couch. "I want to see the little fucker sweat a little."
"Which fucker is gonna sweat?" Landon asked as he came from the kitchen with a sandwich in his hands. Jake chuckled. My boy was about to have his first heart attack.
"You," I said coolly.
He snorted. "Sure thing… Domward," he emphasized with a glint in his eyes. "And why is that?"
"Because," I started, "Tomorrow, I'll be chaperoning Amelia and a boy to the cinema."
"And why should I care? She's a girl. Of course she's gonna go out with boys at some point dad," he answered and took a bit.
Fucking little shit! Why did he have to remind me that?
"Eh, you're right. I should just let Amelia and a boy go by themselves since your Godfathers don't object in Trisha joining them," I said smugly.
Take that kiddo!
Landon froze with his mouth hanging open. I could feel Jack shaking lightly beside me and Jake biting his fist. My son's eyes widened a bit and soon he furrowed his eyes brows. He placed the plate on the coffee table and ran upstairs. By the time he was gone all three of us cracked up and started laughing. Was it bad that we laughed on my son's expense? Fuck yes but it was hilarious.
"What do you think he's gonna do?" Jake asked.
"He's going to come with me," I said and smirked.
"Nah," Jack said. "He's not."
"Wanna bet?" I asked.
Landon came down about ten minutes later. "Fucking sisters," he grumbled. Edward happened to be on his way to the kitchen so he heard him and slapped him hard on the back on his head. Within seconds Lan jumped over the couch and started fighting with his brother. And let me tell you something. Having two teenagers with black belts in martial arts wasn't a pretty thing.
"What the fuck?" Will yelled as he grabbed Landon and brought him to his knees.
I grabbed Edward who was seething. "You call Amelia fucking sister again and I'll shut your mouth you fucking bully!"
"I'd like to see you try," Lan snapped.
"Don't threat me asshole or else I'm gonna start singing," Edward threatened and Landon's face paled. "Not so tough now huh?"
"Shut up! Both of you," I yelled. I loved them to pieces but they pissed me off when they started fighting. "You," I said pointing my finger at Landon. "A) Call Amelia that way again and I swear to God I'll put your black belt to same and b) don't you dare raise your hand again against your brother. How many times have I told you that?" I was on a fucking roll. "As for you," I continued and turned my glare to Edward. I regretted it instantly once I saw the shame on his face. "Just," I sighed. "Just try to talk before you attack, okay?"
"Always your favorite," Landon snarled and tried to storm off but Will kept him in place.
"There are no favoritisms in this house," he said firmly. "And of all you people should know that."
Landon snorted. "Sure."
"Do I need to mention what happened a week ago?" Will hissed and Landon paled again. What the fuck did he do? "If it wasn't for our brother I would have rated your ass out to the rents and trust me it wouldn't have been good so shut the fuck up."
Landon lowered his head and his face was bright red. He must have done something really bad to rile up Will so much. There was no way in hell both of my boys would keep their mouths shut.
"Apologize," Will said.
"I'm sorry," Lan mumbled and once Will released him he grabbed his car keys and left.
As I opened my mouth to ask Will turned to leave. "Not telling you old man. Penny and I have it covered." I turned to Edward and he scratched his head.
"What he said," he mumbled.
"At least tell me that he didn't hurt someone," I said in an almost pleading tone.
"Apart from himself? No," he said and left.
I groaned and sank on the couch, running my hands over my face. Landon was so impulsive sometimes but he never had secrets. He was rational most of the times though. Last year he came to me and asked me to allow him to drink a beer. Will and I started laughing instantly. After we stopped he said that it would be better to drink now one in order to see how it feels to drink than go to a party at some point and get wasted because he didn't know. So what did I do? I caved in because I knew what it meant to pick up teenagers from the road and drive them to their houses just because they got wasted in a party.
"Either he was drinking or smoking pot," Jake said all of a sudden.
I shook my head. "After he got drunk with the beer we gave him, no."
"When did that happen?" Jack asked.
"Last year when you were away to Africa, Lan asked for a beer so I agreed. Will, fetched it for him with a small alteration," I smiled lightly. "The fucker put a shot of Patron in it. It was disgusting but he kept drinking it and it's not pot. My kids don't do drugs and trust me I would have known. Landon is a rugby player and Tae kwon Do athlete. He doesn't so drugs."
"Jesus Edward, we've already promised Trisha to him," Jake laughed.
"Fuck you asshole," I smiled.
≈Ж≈
Weeks went by easily. I knew the decision I made was the right one. It was time for me to retire. I wanted to enjoy life with my family and to be honest that little thing with the heat stroke made me realize that I needed to do it. I could understand now why Charlie retired at that age. The people I cared about knew my reasoning and that was all that mattered.
"I'm dying," Landon cried dramatically, rubbing his tummy.
I snickered. "It's just a stomach bug Lan. You're not dying."
He glared at me. "Says the expert with the most nearly death experiences."
"That's why I said it," I said and checked his temperature. "It's gone down. Are you hungry?"
"I wouldn't say no to some chicken soup," he mumbled.
"Okay kid."
Landon sat up on his bed and smoothed his comforter. As I got up to go and fetch him the soup, he grabbed my hand. "Dad?"
"Yeah?"
"I know I don't say it a lot, but you know I love you, right?"
I smiled lazily at him. "I love you too champ."
"Um," he paused. "I need to tell you something," he continued and lowered his head.
"Am I gonna like it?" I asked and sat down again.
"No," he said without looking at me.
I sighed. "What did you do?"
"Remember when I fought with E the other day and Will said something about rating?"
"Yes," I said. Shit it was bad.
"Well you see," he started. "I was with Chase and some guys from school sitting at the park and we were kind of daring each other to do shit," he continued and paused. "So when it was my time they dared me to smoke a cigarette."
I inhaled deeply. Hew knew that I didn't want them to start smoking. I was a bad example since I still smoked and that was the reason I didn't want them. I wasn't smoking as I used to but a would definitely need a packet every other day.
"It sucked but it was a dare you know? I couldn't bail," he said looking briefly at me. "Will and Edward happened to come that moment, walking the dogs, they saw and needless to say that they both ripped me to new one."
Good!
I ran my hands through my hair and looked at the floor. I needed to approach this matter with caution. "I'm not happy that you did it. Smoking is bad especially for you since you're into sports Lan," I started. "I know that I'm a bad example but keep in mind that I've been smoking for thirty years and it's not easy for me to quit, you know?"
"I know," he replied and felt him relax a bit.
"Did you like doing it?" I asked and he shook his head.
"It has a foul taste," he said. "And my throat was on fire the following day. Never doing that shit again."
"Good to know," I said and ruffled his hair.
"Dad," he whined. "I'm too old to ruffle my hair."
I chuckled. "You'll never be too old for me to do that. You're my boy."
He smirked and rolled his eyes. "Whatever old man." He may be playing the 'I'm-too-cool- to-do-this-shit-anymore' card but deep down I know he likes it.
I went down the stairs and popped the soup into the microwave to hit. I took out the tray and started placed the utensils in when the front door opened and slammed with force.
"Edward," Bella called frantically. I dropped everything and ran to her.
"What baby? What happened?" I asked.
She was crying. "A-ah, Edward called and asked me to drop everything and come home. He said it was code red." Code what? "He wasn't feeling good and I thought that he caught the bug from Landon but he didn't sound ill. I'm scared Edward. He never does things like that."
"What else did he say?"
"That his car broke down and that he called Rose to have it towed but she said that she was busy. I called her and she said that he hadn't called her. Why would he lie?" she cried. Bella's soft spot was Edward. After she gave birth to him, she paid extra attention to him since he was incubated. She never neglected the other ones though.
"I'm sure there is an explanation sweetheart," I said smoothly. "He'll be here soon and everything will be solved."
"He's gonna be here in an hour or so," she said and wiped her face. "Once his last period ends, one of his teachers will bring him."
I took care of Landon and made sure he didn't need anything and headed back downstairs. Will had just arrived and informed us that he would be going for a shower before heading for work.
"Honey, Nana washed your shirts. When you're done come over and get them," she said and kissed his cheek.
"Will wait," I called. "I'm coming with you." I was gonna have a talk with him and give him a piece of my mind for not telling me about Landon.
We walked quickly to his place and went inside. "Are you out of your goddamned mind?" I snarled once I closed the door.
"What the fuck did I do?" he asked bewildered.
"Landon told me," I hissed.
He sighed. "Tone it down a notch old man," he said and looked at me.
"Tone it down? You had no right not to tell me Will. He was smoking."
"And I said I took care of it! Fuck dad. What did you want me to do? Come like a little girl and tell you 'Hey daddy. I caught Landon smoke. Am I good for telling you?'. I dragged him back to the house gave him shit and then showed him pictures of smokers lungs. End of story."
"It just caught me off guard man," I said truthfully.
"Well thank fuck I saw him first and not you. Your reaction would have been far worse than mine," he said. "Anyway, I need to shower and grab something to eat. I'll see you before work, okay?"
"Okay," I irritated.
As I headed back home, I heard a car turn on our drive way. I started walking faster until I reached it. Edward got out of the car grinning like a Cheshire cat but also the driver who happened to be a striking woman. She was tall, average in weight and had beautiful long light brown hair. Her eyes were brown and had glasses. She wore a white shirt with a black pencil skirt that reached her knees and black high heels.
"Hi Dad," he smiled but instead of answering him I was looking to the woman in front of me who was looking back with wide eyes.
"Oh my God," she breathed and her eyes started to water.
I furrowed my eyes brows and looked at my son. "Dad, why don't we head inside?"
"Aaron?" the woman asked in no more than a whisper. "What's your name?"
Aaron? We never called him that unless we middle named him when he was in trouble which was rarely.
My son smiled and suddenly the ground became very interesting. He took a deep breath and looked at her. "My name is Edward Aaron Cullen, Miss J."
"Oh my God. Oh my God!" she said and leaned toward her car.
I went to her and grabbed her gently by her elbow. Only then I saw the small pendant that was hanging from her neck. I would have recognized it among thousands. It was the same pendant Will bought sixteen years ago: a thin white gold chain with a small swan dangling from it.
I turned her around and lifted her chin with my finger. "Juls?" She whimpered and nodded. "Sweet Jesus," I said and hugged her. "You were so missed around here," I whispered tenderly in her ear. "You still are."
"I missed you too," she cried.
"Come on sweet girl," I smiled brightly. "Lets go inside."
Juls grabbed her purse and followed us into the house. Bella was into the living room sitting with Landon on the couch, while she smoothed his hair. Once my girl saw our other boy she shot from the couch and rushed to him and started checking him, throwing question after question. When she made sure he was okay she looked at me and then her eyes flicked behind me.
"Ooh, Edward when did you land that?" Landon asked and smirked.
"Idiot," Edward said and looked at Juls. "Sorry Miss J. I swear to God that he was born without a mouth filter."
Juls gave him a watery smile. "Don't worry Edward," she said emphasizing his name, making Edward blush. "I knew once a boy who used to forget about filters sometimes." Edward snickered.
Bella stood there gaping at her, with her hand over her chest. There was no way in hell she didn't recognize her. She approached her- observing her from head to toe.
"Come here," she whispered and opened her arms to Julie. "I've missed you so much." Julie reciprocated her hug and kissed Bella's cheek. "Look at you," Bella praised. "You're gorgeous."
Julie blushed lightly and smiled. "You don't look bad yourself at all."
"Let's sit," Bella said and grabbed her hand. "Tell me everything. How have you been?"
Julie sighed. "Well, as you know we left and went to England. Dad started working in Birmingham right away. I went to school and to be honest I never liked it there; different people, different country. It never felt home. Once I got my degree I had the chance of coming back but my Mom was diagnosed with breast cancer so I decided to stay there. I studied English literature and I got a job at the college where my father worked."
"Oh sweetheart," Bella said. "Is your Mom okay now?"
"Yeah," she smiled. "The doctor decided that the best option for her at the moment was to remove the breast and start chemotherapy. She's been cancer free now for nine years now."
"Good," my girl smiled.
"It is indeed. Since there is history the doctor advised me to check up every year just to be sure, so" she paused. "Anyway, four months ago, my Mom expressed her desire to come back home so I started looking for employment options here. Uncle El, called my old school to see if there was a job and the secretary informed him that Mr. Jordan was retiring. Since I had my Bachelor and finished Grad School all I had to do was read for School Leaders Licensure Assessment test."
Bella kissed her cheek. "It's good to have you back."
"It's good to be back," Julie smiled and looked around. Her gaze stayed on the fireplace and the pictures. "May I?" she asked and pointed there.
"Don't be silly. Go," I said.
She got up and took the first picture she saw. It was from Bella's and my wedding day. She smiled and ran her fingers over it. "You were so beautiful that day," she smiled at us, placed the picture back and picked up one where Will was holding my baby girl hours after she was born. "You had a little girl?" she grinned.
"Yes," Bella said. "Her name is Amelia and she has all my boys wrapped around her little finger. Especially Will," she giggled. "When she turned five, she came from school one day crying her eyes out. Will asked her what happened and she cried that a boy tugged her pony tail and called her ugly. Ever since he's been teaching her Tae Kwon Do just to prevent any 'fucker'" she air quoted the word and rolled her eyes, "…from attacking his baby sister. Not to mention that two times a week my boy and a certain someone take her shooting in the woods," she finished smugly.
I didn't have to know who said it. I instantly glared at Landon making them all laugh.
"Don't look at him, Edward. He didn't do anything," Bella said and patted my thigh. "Do you think I wouldn't notice it? Every Wednesday and Saturday Will and you get up, have breakfast and then take Amelia and leave. Not mention that I am the daughter of an ex Chief so I know since it was something Charlie made sure I know," she finished and pecked my lips.
"Well excuse me from wanting my girl to know how to take care of her self," I grumbled.
"Sure dad," Landon said. "Now can someone explain me who is she?"
"All in time brother," Edward said.
Julie picked up a photo of Will's. It was from the day he finished his police training. She looked at it for several minutes and after that her shoulders started shaking. Bella got up and wrapped her arms around Julie's shoulders, whispering something in her ear. She nodded and wiped her eyes.
"I'm sorry I cry all the time," she cried. "I just I never thought I'd see you again."
"Its okay hon," Bella said and smiled.
Edward got up and went to the window once he heard the dogs bark. He smiled and turned around. "So how about I tell you what happened today?" he asked. I nodded and he grinned. "I went to school and we were informed that our English teacher was out because she broke her hip," he started and Landon laughed.
"That old hag had it coming."
"Landon Emmett Cullen," Bella exclaimed.
"What Ma? That old…trout flanked me last year all because I told her that I didn't like the way she taught. Ain't my fault," he complained, "I'm way smarter than her."
"I'll show you smart later," she threatened.
"Anyway," Edward rushed once he heard a cabinet closing in the kitchen. This was gonna be interesting. "The replacement informed the secretary that he was out of town and that he would be available to start on Monday. Once Math ended, Mr. Carter said the Principal would come into our class," he continued and pointed at Juls whom she smiled. "We were bumped because it was last period, you know."
A loud smashing sound made us all jump and look up. There stood my son, wearing only his uniforms trousers, looking straight at Julie. She gasped lowly and her eyes once again started to water. My boy stood there looking at her breathing quickly.
"Once she came into class, she introduced herself," Edward continued his narration. Will looked at him briefly and without second thought he took out his phone.
"Claire," he said hoarsely. "It's Cullen. I won't be able to come today," he paused for a second. "A serious family matter arose and I'm needed here. Tell Chief I'm sorry and that I'll call him later," he finished and shut his phone.
Edward started talking again. "Miss J, since she didn't want to mess with Mrs. Henderson's way of teaching, said we'd be doing a different thing. She asked us all to take out our phones and show the class a photo and explain the story behind it. The other kids groaned so she took out her wallet and showed us hers first.
"She told us she was thirty- one years old, single," he emphasised, "that grew up here in Chicago and that she also used to be a student in the very same school; how she used to be taunted from the other students. She explained that a very bad incident happened once and that a student was hurt badly. They used to share a class together so she decided to go to the hospital and see him. After that day they became very close and how blessed she felt to know him because his courage and kind heart made her see the world differently.
"So imagine my surprise when she showed us the picture. It was a picture of her and my brother's in a wedding reception. Miss J said that it was taken a couple of months before she left for England and how much she missed him ever since. How she hoped she continued to be in touch with him."
Will, not even once, did he take his eyes from her. Bella was crying silently next to me, holding my hand in a fierce grip. Julie made a step forward and Will, as if he woke up from his trance; he was in front of her within seconds, hugging her tightly. No one dared to even breathe. We just stared at them. He pulled back a bit and taking every inch of her face, smiling. He tucked a small loose strand of hair behind her and ran his thumb over her cheek, making her close her eyes.
"Of fuck it," he said and crushed his lips on Julie's.
"All right big bro," Landon cheered and clapped his hands.
I chuckled and watched Will. There was no way he was letting her go again. Julie was my son's Bella; his heart always belonged to her. Will was like his mother and me: he loved only once in his life and that love belonged to her. I won't lie. He used to date but they never reached the point of full commitment. He had a good time but that was it. My son wanted what his mother and I had and now finally he got it.
"God, I've missed you so much," he breathed and hugged her to him.
"I'm so sorry I stopped writing you," she cried. "I got caught up with school work and then I had the foreign language school and guit…" she rumbled but Will cut her off by placing his fingers over her mouth.
"Enough of that. Let's go to my place," he said grabbed her hand and left. "Don't wait on us for dinner," he hollered.
"Show her who's the man bro," Landon called and Bella slapped on the back of his head.
"Your brother is a gentleman," she hissed.
"Yeah, a gentleman who fucks," he teased and within seconds he was gone.
Six months later…
"By the power vested in me by the State of Washington I now pronounce you husband and wife. You may now kiss the bri…"
The minister's words were cut off when Will grabbed Julie by her neck and kissed her passionately. Catcalls and applauses echoed in our yard; at some point I thought I heard the dogs bark from inside the house.
"Ladies and Gentlemen, for the first time I present you Mr. and Mrs Cullen," the minister declared and another round of applauses started. Bella squealed next to me and went to the newly wedded couple.
"My baby," she cried and hugged him. "I love you both so much."
"I love you too Ma," he said and kissed the top of her head.
The reception was wonderful; simple and yet elegant. Both Will and Julie wanted something small and romantic. We had a lot of guest so the small wedding they hoped for was impossible. Julie had a big family and Will had his friends; ex-colleagues from the force and important people from the companies, our family and a couple of friends of the twins. Everything was just perfect and I couldn't be happier.
"What are you thinking?" Jake asked startling me.
"How everything happened so quickly," I said and sighed. "I need a cigarette. Are you coming?" I asked.
"Let's go before Jack starts looking for me. He'll have my head," he chuckled.
We walked to the front of the house and sat on the porch's steps. "God this thing is killing," I bitched and started undoing my bow tie. "Monkey suits."
Jake chuckled. "Don't let your Ma or Alice hear you. Here let me help you," he offered and within a second I had the damn thing off of me.
I lit a cigarette and passed the packet to Jake, lighting his own. "How are you holding up?"
"Surprisingly good," I smiled and closed my eyes. "Time flew by so fast man. Sometimes I think that I'll wake up one day and will go back to the day I met him. He changed so much Jake."
"I know what you mean. I may not have a biological kid but I feel the same with Trisha. I dread the day some shit head is gonna take her away from us," he complained.
"Well my baby ain't going anywhere so," I said and shrugged my shoulders. "And don't call my son shit head," I chuckled.
"Oh she will. In less that six month she starts high school and then head off to college and without realizing it, a little shit will come and snatch her right before your eyes," he said and patted my shoulder.
"Fuck you Jake," I glared. "She's too young and lets face it. Amelia wants to follow Will's steps. That won't be happening for the next ten years at least."
"How do you know that?" he chuckled.
"Let's just say that I have my way with my girl. We were at the kiosk yesterday and I asked her if she decided what she wanted to do professionally. She said 'Daddy, I want to help Will. So after I finish high school I'll either go to Economics school or Business school. Once I graduate, I will focus on my career. Besides someone has to bring food to our table,'" I grinned. "My baby is smart and knows what's best for her."
Jake snorted. "If that little fucker called 'love' knocks on her door then there's nothing you could do but suck it up."
We stayed silent for a while and smoked until a vision in lavender came in front of me and started tapping her foot on the ground. I smiled and looked up sheepishly. "Yeah baby?"
"You promised me my first dance and I can't dance with anyone else unless we dance, daddy," she pouted. "Will asked me to dance with him and I said no."
"My God you're so like your mother that it scares me sometimes," I said truthfully. "Don't ever change who you are for no one, sweetheart."
"Silly daddy," she giggled and hugged me. "Come on. I want to dance."
She grabbed my hand and dragged me to the reception. Once we reached the small dance floor, I twirled her around, making her giggle and started dancing. She looked up at me and smiled.
"I have the best partner ever."
I chuckled and kissed the top of her head. "I love you so much baby girl."
"As I love you daddy, even though you make angry sometimes. You'll always be my number one," she said lowly.
And just like that, with one simple sentence, I'm clay in her hands. She could mould me the way she wanted. "Can you do me a tiny favour?"
"Anything," she said and snapped her head to look at me.
"Don't grow up," I said picked up and spun her around. She squealed loudly causing a few heads to turn toward our direction.
"Will you still dance with me like that when I do get older?" she asked.
"Hell yeah," I said. "We could enroll to those shitty dances Nana forced me to go when I was a kid."
She beamed at me. "Really?"
"Sure sugar," I said and winked at her.
We danced a couple of songs and then Will came to take over. He smirked at me when I frowned. "Don't worry old man. You're still her favorite."
I smiled and patted him on his back. "I want her back."
I looked around and found my girl sitting alone, drinking a glass of champagne. When our eyes met she smiled and drank from her glass. I approached her and stretched my hand toward her.
"My lady may I have this dance?" I asked and bowed my head lightly.
"I'd be honored," she giggled and blushed lightly. She was gorgeous.
We started moving slowly in and she placed her head on my chest. I kissed out entwined hands and she looked up. "You've made so happy," I whispered and kissed the tip of her nose.
"Likewise," she smiled. "If someone told me six months ago that our son would get married this day, I would have laughed."
"I know. Everything happened so fast but you know what? He deserved it," I sighed. "She makes him happy so why stall when he knew she was the one?"
"It's weird. He will have his family grown in no time and to be honest I'm not ready to be a Nana," she frowned.
"You're not ready for your baby to have a baby," I chuckled.
She slapped my chest lightly and sniffled. "Sometimes I close my eyes and I think that he will barge into the room, screaming 'Mommy look what I drew for you at school'."
"How about another baby?" I asked her and she snorted.
"Four are enough Angel. Besides I had my tubes tied, remember?"
"Untie them," I teased.
"Dream on love," she giggled.
"Eh, I had to try," I said and winked.
When Marvin's Gaye 'Ain't no mountain' filled the air, Julie whooped and grabbed her father's hands and started dancing. I kissed my wife, twirled her two times and started dancing to the music, making her laugh loudly. I looked at Will who was still dancing with Amelia. Our eyes met and he grinned. 'I love you dad,' he mouthed and my eyes brimmed with tears.
I could have chosen a different path from the one that fate wrote for me but I didn't and I was glad. I had a family that I loved unconditionally, the love of my life in my arms and four wonderful children. I remember once Will telling me that he loved me so much that he would do anything for me. It made me think of Carlisle. I would never be okay with what he did to us but the conclusion is only one: Carlisle and his actions were the reason I became who I was.
I was a man who would kill anyone who would hurt my children; I did kill actually. I became a father that made my children holler how proud they were to have me as a father. I wasn't without faults- believe me I wasn't but I did everything in my power not to repeat my mistakes. Before Will came into my life, I breathed only because I had to. Now I lived for them: my family.
Besides, the prize I got for my fucked up life was so fucking worth every tear I shed, every pain I felt and every lonely night I spent.
The end…
A/N
There are so many things I need to say and so many people to thank that I have no idea where to start.
When the scene of Bella going to Edward's house after he was released from the hospital came to my mind, I had no idea what story I could make out of it. I never expected that the story would reach the mark of 1.5k reviews. And that was all because of you. So my first thank you will be to you my readers for supporting and loving this story so much.
Ale, you had been my sounding board for at least ¾ of this story. A simple Thank you will never be enough. I keep you in thoughts and prayers and I'll always be there for you no matter what.
Issy, Perry and Courtney thank you for your help.
Sherryola, you rock as a Beta. Thank you for always managing to edit the monstrosities I sent you and always getting them back to me within eight to ten hours.
I have a couple of plots in my head for a new story. If you really enjoyed PoaBH then make sure to add me on your alerts. I will work on them for the next couple of weeks and who knows? May be you'll be able to have a new story soon.
I'm thinking of donating an outtake of the story to the organizers of the Fandom of No kid Hungry. I would really love to hear which part of the story you'd like to read and from who's pov so those who're interested please leave your suggestions to your review…
The story will be marked as complete once I upload info about my new story.
Until next time…
Pen…