AN: Last chapter brought my 5000th review. Completely overwhelmed and humbled doesn't even begin to describe how I feel. Thank you!

Chapter title comes from Bonnie Raitt.

I do not own Twilight or Harry Potter.

Chapter 26

Home Sings Me of Sweet Things

BPOV

"What if they don't like me?"

Riley's whisper was soft as his emerald eyes gazed into mine. We were lying face-to-face in his bed, wrapped in his blanket and snuggling close. We'd started a new book tonight, and he'd insisted on two chapters before he'd finally started to yawn. Now, snuggled under the covers, his tiny hand was pressed to my face as I tried to set his fears at ease.

"They will love you," I whispered gently. "You're my favorite boy in the whole world. Of course they'll love you. My mom already has your room ready, and my dad wants to take you fishing."

He grew thoughtful. "Can I put the worm on the hook?"

I grinned. That had always been my favorite part, too. I'd never cared about the mechanics of actually catching fish. Honestly, I always thought that sitting by the river and watching a fishing pole for hours was mind-numbingly boring, but baiting the hook….that was the fun part.

"I'm sure that can be arranged," I grinned. "My dad will show you how."

This seemed to appease him.

"They live in Spoons?"

"Close," I laughed softly. "Forks. The town is called Forks."

"Oh….and your dad's name is Charlie."

"Right, and mom is Renee."

"What do I call them?" He asked softly. His green eyes were still wide with anxiety, and I wished I could find a way to relax him. We had a long drive tomorrow morning, and if he didn't get a good night's sleep, we'd have one grumpy four-year-old in the backseat for the four hour road trip.

"Just call them Charlie and Renee," I replied gently. "I promise they will love you."

Riley yawned again, and I took that as a good sign.

"Want me to sing to you until you fall asleep?"

He nodded and snuggled against my chest. I protectively wrapped my arm around him and nuzzled his hair as he fidgeted until he was comfortable. I sang to him – a soft, nonsense song that I made up off the top of my head – and I felt him relax against me. He'd been so agitated all day, and Edward and I had begun to fear that our good luck was finally running out.

The past week had been heaven. After the incredible weekend with Edward, Riley and Carmen had returned home on Sunday afternoon. Luckily, Edward had convinced the realtor to see us on Sunday, and we'd all piled into the car and made the short trip to the new house. Riley had loved it instantly, and I couldn't help but giggle each time I recalled how Carmen's eyes had lit up when she saw the kitchen. After a quick family meeting on the front porch, Edward had immediately made the realtor an offer – an offer far above market value. Her eyes had danced with joy as she'd pulled out her cell phone and contacted the home owners. Edward had remained in touch with the realtor all week and had asked Marcus to handle the paperwork while we were away visiting our parents.

The house hunting had been so successful that we decided to push our luck and have a heart-to-heart with Riley regarding his mother and our relationship. Dr. Jane had suggested having both conversations at once. Knowing I was going to remain a constant in Riley's life, she reasoned, may help soften the blow of losing his mother.

I glanced down at the sleeping child in my eyes and ghosted my finger along his tiny cheek as I remembered our conversation.

"She's gone?" Riley had whispered as he sat in Edward's lap. His wide eyes glanced from me and back to his father.

"Yes," Edward replied softly.

"Will she come back?"

Edward glanced at me. I shrugged helplessly. What do you say? How do you tell a four-year-old that his mother just signed away her rights to her only son?

Edward sighed, and I could see the internal battle in his eyes. And then I watched as he decided to just tell his son the truth.

"She says that she's not coming back," Edward whispered softly. "She asked Bella to help me take care of you."

The little boy leaned his head against his father's chest as his bright eyes locked with mine.

"You'll be my mommy." Riley whispered softly. It wasn't a question. It was a statement of fact – as if it was just the most natural conclusion in the world. I felt my heart constrict in my chest. I glanced up at Edward who had a soft smile on his face.

"If you want me to be," I replied gently.

And with a smile that could melt any heart, Riley scampered out of his father's lap and leapt into my arms.

I couldn't help but smile as I recalled the rest of the conversation. Riley telling me he loved me. Edward enveloping both of us in his arms as he told us he loved us. And my happy tears…

It was – without a doubt – the best week ever.

Today had been different. As we'd packed for our trip, Riley had grown increasingly agitated throughout the day. Edward and I would take turns packing, making sure that one of us was always giving him the attention he needed. It was only when I'd taken his hand and led him to his closet to find his own suitcase that the little boy began to relax.

And that's when I realized that he had been afraid that we were leaving him behind.

So as we packed his bag, I'd told him how excited Charlie and Renee were to meet him. His face had brightened as I told him about the deer and elk that were mainstays in Forks. And he'd giggled uncontrollably when I'd let it "slip" that Charlie had already bought Riley his very own fishing pole.

I kissed his forehead and was just about to climb out of bed when I heard the door softly open. Within seconds, Edward was on the other side of the bed. He gently climbed under the covers and wrapped his arms around me and his son. He noticed the book lying between us, and his eyebrows arched in surprise.

"Harry Potter?" Edward whispered.

"And the Sorcerer's Stone – Book One," I grinned.

"How many books are there?"

"Seven."

He sighed dramatically. "And so it begins…"

I giggled, and he winked at me. I felt my face flush.

Will he always have this affect on me?

We laid there for a while…just listening to Riley's peaceful snores and gazing into each other's eyes. After a few minutes, his fingers laced through mine, and he didn't take his eyes off me as he lowered his head and kissed Riley's hair.

"How is he?" Edward whispered.

"He's good," I replied quietly. "Nervous about meeting my parents."

"Me too," Edward grinned sheepishly.

"Don't be," I whispered. "They'll love you. Both of you."

We kissed him one last time before turning on his nightlight and closing the door behind us. Without a word, Edward took my hand and led me to his bedroom – a room I'd yet to see. Our nights had been spent in mine, and secretly, I was grateful. I was afraid that his room would hold too many memories – that I'd see remnants of Jessica everywhere – but I was surprised to find his room was sparsely decorated with not a hint of woman anywhere. He closed the door behind us and locked it before pulling me against his chest….my back to his front.

"Stay with me tonight," he whispered against my earlobe. I closed my eyes as his hands gripped my waist and his lips ghosted a trial along my neck. "I need you, Bella…please…."

Both of my boys need reassurance tonight.

"You're here!" Renee's exuberant voice met us at the door. She pulled me into her arms, and I couldn't help but giggle as she hugged me close.

"We're here," I confirmed with a grin. "It's good to be home."

"Oh, let me look at you." Her eyes scrutinized my face, and I felt the blood rush to my cheeks. "You look…different."

"I am different," I smiled happily.

"Where are they?" She asked impatiently as she looked over my shoulder. "I can't wait to meet them."

"They're getting the bags," I grinned. "Take it easy on them. They're both nervous."

We turned, and Mom gasped as she caught a glimpse of Edward and Riley carrying the bags up the sidewalk.

"Wow," Mom breathed. "That's him? I mean, I saw his picture in the paper, but…"

"I know," I laughed as I gazed proudly at the man who'd stolen my heart. "Seeing him in the flesh is so much better, isn't it?"

"And the little boy is darling," Mom cooed. "Oh, Bella….you're going to make such beautiful babies with that man."

Edward – who had obviously overhead our exchange – was grinning smugly as he made his way through the door. He dropped the bags at our feet. I glanced at my mother, and right before my eyes, she turned into a giddy schoolgirl.

"Wow," she repeated again. And I had to suppress my giggle.

"You must be Renee," Edward smiled as he offered her hand. I shook my head, knowing that a hand shake wasn't going to happen. Instead, my mother pulled him into a bear hug.

"Welcome to the family," Mom breathed happily, and just like that, Edward's tension dissipated. His eyes danced with joy as he hugged my mother.

"Mom, this is Riley," I said as I lifted him into my arms. He nuzzled my shoulder as he stared at this strange, loud woman.

"Hi, Riley," Mom smiled gently as she tousled his hair. "Bella said you were adorable, and she's right."

"Hi," his little voice whispered, and I hugged him close to my chest. My mother's eyes watched our tender exchange, and her face softened.

"Your dad's in the living room," she whispered softly. "He's very eager to see all of you."

Edward slid his hand to the small of my back, and I kept Riley in my arms as we made our way to the living room. Charlie was perched in his recliner – his eyes glued to the game on the television.

"Hey, Dad," I said softly.

His eyes flashed from the screen to the little family standing at the living room entrance. His eyes ghosted over to the man at my side…and then to the little boy in my arms….and his face flickered with an emotion that I couldn't quite place. He grabbed the remote and, to my immense surprise, turned off the television.

"Hey, Bells…."

Charlie's voice sounded all wrong…maybe a little awestruck….or nervous.

"Dad, this is Edward and Riley."

His eyes swept over Edward, and I held my breath until he finally offered his hand.

"It's good to meet you," Charlie offered a smile to Edward. I felt him relax against my side. Dad's eyes fell onto the little boy in my arms. "And I understand this is going to be my fishing buddy."

"He wants to learn how to bait the hook," Edward grinned, and my dad chuckled.

"We can do that," Charlie replied with a grin. "Want to go see your fishing pole?"

Riley's eyes found mine, and I gave him an encouraging smile. He grinned, and I lowered him to the floor. To everyone's astonishment, he took Charlie's hand and let him lead him out onto the back porch.

"Oh, he's adorable," Renee whispered longingly.

"He is," I agreed whole-heartedly.

Renee pulled us to the couch and bombarded us with questions. She wanted to hear all about Edward's firm, the new house, Carmen, Edward's family….Mom was throwing questions at us so quickly that I didn't even realize when she moved right into wedding territory.

"Were you thinking Seattle? In the spring? Maybe the Crowne Plaza?"

I felt Edward chuckle against me.

"Mom," I rolled my eyes. "Slow down. We aren't even engaged yet."

Her eyes narrowed in confusion.

"And why not?"

Edward laughed as he grasped my hand tightly. "Because she won't say yes."

My mother's eyes flashed from my bare ring finger, back to my face….before settling on Edward.

"Do you mean to tell me that you proposed to my daughter and she said no?"

I sighed deeply. "I didn't say no….exactly…"

Renee's eyes flickered as she searched my face for an explanation. I felt like I was five years old, and my eyes dropped to my lap.

"Edward," Mom cooed sweetly. "Why don't you join the boys out on the porch? I'd like to have a talk with my stubborn daughter."

Great.

Edward was immediately apologetic. "Renee, it's okay. I didn't ask in the most romantic of ways, and she's assured me that…."

"Edward," Mom repeated slowly. "Please."

He looked at me, and I shrugged helplessly. With a sigh, he kissed my forehead and made his way toward the porch. I could feel Mom gaping at me, and I looked around the living room, trying desperately to focus on anything but her disapproving glare.

"Isabella Marie Swan, what was your GPA in college?"

My forehead creased. What the hell did that have to do with anything?

"4.0."

"Right. So intelligence isn't the issue here."

I grimaced, and she took a deep breath before continuing.

"Bella, that boy is in love with you."

"I know," I offered feebly. "I love him, too."

"And you're looking at houses."

I nodded.

"And you're…." Her eyebrows arched suggestively, and I felt my face flood with embarrassment as I nodded.

"And you love that little boy."

"More than anything," I confirmed.

Her eyes glistened with tears. "I can tell. And this man – this handsome man who loves you and is buying you a house – has proposed to you?"

"Yes."

"And you said no?"

She sounded completely flabbergasted.

"I said not right now," I admitted. "I've told you how complicated everything has been. There was Jessica…."

Mom nodded. "But this Jessica is out of the picture entirely now, right? The divorce is final?"

"Yes," I breathed. "Everything has just moved so fast."

"Oh, Bella," Renee smiled softly. "Where do you see yourself next year? In five years? Ten years?"

"With Edward and Riley in our house with the wrap-around porch," I whispered softly.

Her smile was triumphant. "And are you ever going to want anyone else?"

"No," I murmured. "But don't you think it's all just a little too fast?"

Renee smiled patiently as her eyes focused on something behind my head. I turned and noticed a new painting on the wall. It was a painting of a beautiful green meadow, full of wildflowers and trees. It looked so peaceful….so serene.

"Did you paint that?"

Renee nodded. "Yes. And it only took me a day."

Her attention to detail and color was mind-blowing. "That's amazing. Your paintings usually take weeks to finish."

"Usually," Mom agreed. "I usually take my time, worrying about every splash of color or each stroke of my paintbrush. But this painting came very easily to me."

"It's beautiful," I murmured in wonder.

"Thank you. But do you think it's any less beautiful, just because it came to life so quickly?"

"Of course not," I said with conviction as I shook my head, and then my eyes flashed from the lovely painting to her smug face.

She had me, and she knew it.

"Sometimes, Bella," my mom whispered softly as she took my hand. "Sometimes, things are so perfect….so right….that you don't have to take your time and make sure that every little piece fits perfectly with the rest. Sometimes, the colors and shapes perfectly blend together and flow with ease. Sometimes, you don't have to struggle to make things perfect and beautiful."

I sniffled, and she reached across the couch to grab a tissue. I accepted it gratefully.

"Sometimes," she murmured tenderly, "the most perfect and most beautiful things in life are effortless. And you're so lucky when you find it."

I wiped the tears from my cheeks as her words settled into my soul.

"Don't question it, baby girl. Embrace it."

Suddenly, the door burst open, and I watched as Riley raced into the living room with my father and Edward walking right behind him. Dad was carrying three fishing poles, and Edward's gaze settled onto mine. I offered him a teary smile.

Riley jumped into my lap and wrapped his arms around my neck. He noticed my wet cheek, and he patted it affectionately.

"Why are you crying?"

I smiled into his glowing eyes. "Because I'm happy, baby."

He searched my eyes, and I offered him my best smile.

"I'm happy, too," Riley announced excitedly. "Grandpa Charlie and Daddy are taking me fishing!"

I glanced at my father, who was positively beaming.

After a few minutes, he finally cleared his throat. "I'll…uh…get the tackle box. Come help me, Riley."

Riley kissed my cheek before leaping from my lap and joining my father and mother as they searched for fishing gear in the hallway closet.

"Everything okay?" Edward whispered as he sat down next to me. He wrapped his arm around me, and I snuggled into his embrace. "I'm sorry, Bella. I didn't mean…."

"It's okay. I needed to hear the things she said," I assured him with a smile. "I'm fine. Go have a good time with the boys."

"You could come with us," he grinned, but I shook my head.

"You guys need to bond. I'll help Mom cook, and I'll get us unpacked."

His eyes flickered across my face before leaning down to kiss me softly. "I love you, baby."

"I love you, too."

He kissed me one last time before he joined my father and Riley in the kitchen. They were laughing as they headed out the door. Mom and I followed them onto the porch, and we waved as they drove off in my father's jeep.

"See what I mean," Renee whispered as she wrapped her arms around me. "Effortless."