From the mouths of little children and infants,
you have built a fortress against your opponents
to silence the enemy and the avenger.
Psalm 8:2
Nessie's body squirmed between Bella and me as we lay in bed, softly speaking to each other. She had woken during the night and crawled into bed with us. Luckily, Bella and I could dress in a blink of an eye, or my daughter probably would have embarrassed us both. Bella had just smiled at me as I nearly stumbled in my haste to put on the sweats thrown across the foot of the bed.
One year ago today, Bella had died giving birth to the miracle that now lay cuddled against my chest. Nessie's body heat reminded me of Bella's preference for the same sleeping conditions before she was turned. That sense of déjà vu was only enhanced by the fact that Nessie also talked in her sleep. Bella giggled as we heard Nessie's side of the argument she had had with Alice about the birthday party. Nessie had lost, of course. I expected that pandemonium would rule once we entered the main house. Nessie had asked for Alice to keep everything small. Having read my sister's thoughts, I knew there was no chance that Nessie's request would be honored.
"Alice is in heaven, planning another party so soon after Renee's celebration," Bella whispered over to me.
"Yes, she is. But you know that Esme and Rose have participated in this event as much as she has. We have never been able to celebrate a first birthday."
Bella smiled, brushing her hand through Nessie's long curls. "It's hard to believe a year has already passed. She's grown so much. Alice finally gave up on a theme because she said it was it was too difficult to decide for a one year old that looks to be at least five years old."
I added, " …and thinks like a college professor."
"Yes. That definitely makes it more difficult," she said grinning.
"Bella have I ever told you how incredibly grateful I am that you blessed me with her?" I murmured to my wife, as I brushed the bronze curls away from Nessie's face.
When Bella remained silent, I looked up at her. She was staring at Nessie and me with an enraptured expression. Finally, she responded, "She's as much your gift to me as mine to you, so I should thank you, too. Considering we didn't have a clue what we were doing, I think we did pretty well," she said, scrunching her nose at me, smiling.
She looked to the wall above our fireplace, where the picture of my mother, father, and I now hung. "I think your parents would have been proud of you, and her."
"They would have worshipped the ground she walked on," I replied, knowing that I couldn't have spoken the truth more clearly.
"They would have been proud of you, too, daddy," Nessie giggled, opening her eyes, and clearly enjoying the thought that she might have caught us unawares.
I rolled my eyes at Bella. We had both been immediately aware when she woke up; the changes in Nessie's breathing and heartbeat had given her away, but we went along with the charade. She sat straight up in bed with her hair hanging in mad chaos around her as she squealed in delight. She reminded me of Alice; the way she was bouncing in the bed and clapping her hands.
"I'm so excited! Lets get dressed and go to the house now," she giggled, trying to climb out of the bed.
I caught her by the waist and pulled her back up to the pillows. Reaching down, I pulled her pajama shirt up and started blowing raspberries on her stomach. She squealed in laughter and began shouting for Bella to rescue her. "Mama, help me!" she forced out as she gasped for breath. For emphasis, I growled into her stomach saying how good she tasted.
"Bella, I'm not sure that we have ever made sure that Nessie has all her ribs, perhaps that is an anomaly for hybrids as well," I said as I began to mark off each rib, calling them by their medical names. Nessie's squeals filled the bedroom.
"Mama, please," she gasped.
I barely heard the sound of the sheets rustling before Bella pounced on my back.
"Nessie, grab his hands," she shouted, as she placed her fingers against my ribs and began her own torture. I was surprised the bed withstood the resulting chaos. It was a pretty even fight between us, since I couldn't read her mind. Bella finally claimed victory by placing her legs against my stomach and shoving me off the bed. She and Nessie looked over the edge of the bed into my startled face. All I could see was the victorious grins on their faces.
As Nessie ran into her room to change, I crawled back into the bed, flipping Bella over onto her back. Caging her body between mine and the bed, I leaned down and whispered into her ear, "Tonight, I'll count your ribs, but I won't be using my fingers."
Her eyes darkened immediately.
"Promises, promises, pretty boy. Of course, you may just have to ask my permission to do it, since you're the one who ended up off the bed," she arched her eyebrows in challenge.
I laughed in good humor. "I usually don't have to ask, Bella. You're begging me by the end."
She snorted, grabbed my head and kissed me with fierce determination. Had it not been for the sound of Nessie's footsteps and clearing throat, I was quite certain that we would have stayed in bed all day.
Nessie looked at us, "You two have exactly one minute to get dressed, or I am going by myself." She huffed, and turned to walk down the hallway to the living room.
Bella looked to me and we burst out laughing at being put on the spot by our own daughter.
Nessie skipped ahead of us as we walked toward the main house, holding hands.
"You know that after Nessie's birthday comes yours," I reminded her.
"We have already made an agreement about that one, and I expect for you to keep your word. No presents." She leaned closer to me and softly said, "But you can give what I gave you… if you like."
I sucked in my breath as the visual image of Bella in black leather and stilettos raced through my head.
"I'm not sure your outfit would fit me, Bella, and the heels are a definite 'No'," I retorted in glee.
She burst out laughing, causing Nessie to look back at us in mock impatience.
The main house came in to sight, and I was immediately struck by a symphony of inner voices. It seemed that most of the guests had already arrived. Nessie squealed and broke into a run, jumping over the river and racing toward the house.
"She could care less about the presents, she's just excited to see everyone," I murmured to Bella.
"Girl after my own heart," she replied.
Zafrina met Nessie at the door, throwing her up into the air. Nessie threw her arms around the Amazon's neck. Senna and Kachiri stood just slightly behind their sister, beaming at Nessie.
"Nessie, my child, you were taking so long, I was about to come and get you. Your parents need to realize that others of us want to share you as well," she teased, narrowing her eyes in mock annoyance at Bella and me.
The Denali Coven had stayed with us over the past week since Renee's celebration, having been warned by Alice that their presence at the next party was required. Benjamin and Tia sat talking to Maggie, Siobhan, and Liam on the couches. Unfortunately, Anna had returned to Chicago; she had received word that her mother had been taken to the hospital and was not expected to live much longer. No doubt some of our family would be joining her over the next few days.
Zafrina looked down at Nessie in her arms, "Nahuel and Huilen sent their regrets, little one. Nahuel has been attempting to track down his sisters since we last saw you, and Huilen has accompanied him on his search. They were just leaving to track down another lead, when Alice's invitation found us."
She pouted for a moment, but then her happiness returned, undiminished. "I'm just so glad that you came."
"Where is your handsome werewolf, Nessie?" Zafrina teased.
"He'll be here later with the others. He said he had some last minute errands to run," she smiled as Zafrina passed her to Senna behind her.
I saw that Zafrina wanted to speak with me, so I motioned to Bella to go on in the house with Nessie and the sisters.
We walked across the back porch, watching the numerous bodies intermingle in the living room.
"Should we be concerned about Nahuel's missing sisters?" I asked in a murmur, trying to keep our conversation private from those inside.
"Nahuel said not to worry," she responded quietly. "Apparently, this isn't the first time they've vanished. Over the years, Joham has occasionally relocated his little coven without any notice, and Nahuel would have to go track them down. I think Nahuel's anxiety is heightened by the Volturi's decision to speak with his father, but he isn't overly concerned yet.
"Several nomads came through our area recently. From the gossip we heard, Aro is furious about losing Jane. Bella seems to have achieved near-hero status with most vampires outside of the Volturi. Normally I would've passed it off as rumors, but everyone we spoke to says the same thing."
"She won't like it. Attention like that just embarrasses her."
"I understand, but I thought I would let you know what is being said. How is she?" Zafrina asked, looking at Bella through the window as she intermingled with everyone.
I smiled; looking through the window at my mate, and Zafrina picked up quickly on my unspoken answer.
"I know that marriage agrees with the two of you, Edward. That's obvious. But is she okay with everything that happened?"
"As best as can be expected, I think," I said, as I watched through the living room window, monitoring Bella's movement.
She made her way over to Jasper and Henry. The two of them were sitting in the corner at a table pondering over a game of chess. I grinned as I saw the question Henry was about to ask Jasper, and Jasper's corresponding enthusiasm as he discussed the strategy. Bella walked behind Jasper placing her hands on his shoulders looking at the pieces on the board before him. She picked up one of the pieces, and made a comment to Jasper about it. I laughed when I realized that she was making some comment about the chess set that she had purchased him at Valentine's Day.
"I have to say Edward, when Carlisle opened the door and I was greeted by another hybrid, I was more than a little surprised. Rosalie filled me in on the history. Your family continues to become more unique as time goes by. He is quite an imposing young man, quite serious."
I couldn't help snorting. "Oh, just wait until you meet the other side of Henry."
She looked at me quizzically, seeing the humor on my face.
"He can be quite a handful, "I explained. "Just stick around for a day or so; he won't last long without doing something totally unexpected."
We both turned as we heard another car coming up the driveway. I gasped as I realized who was coming; who had invited the Romanians? Then I heard my daughter's thoughts as she realized who on her list of guests had yet to arrive. She was as devious as Henry at times. She had invited them personally.
"Zafrina, it seems my lovely child has invited Stefan and Vladimir.
She grinned at me. "They aren't my favorites, but they didn't bother me the last time they were here. I did notice they were more attentive to Nessie than anyone else, so I can see why she would feel the need to include them."
Zafrina and I walked into the back door as Carlisle opened the front one to admit the Romanians. His stance was slightly stiff, but formal and courteous. Stefan and Vladimir scanned the room silently, looking for Nessie and then Bella. Their eyes were quickly drawn to the small figure playing chess.
The two turned to each other with smiles of delight. Vladimir turned to Carlisle and spoke in his feathery voice, "All these years we have believed you to be quite the pacifist Carlisle."
Stefan picked up the conversation seamlessly, "But now we are beginning to see you in a totally different light. Who would have guessed you would be such a strategist, instead?"
Carlisle turned to them, puzzled. I was at an advantage as I saw their thoughts. They both were seeing a vision of the Volturi Chamber with Aro, Marcus, and Caius sitting at their thrones. The chamber was crowded; visiting vampires floating about the chamber, mixed with the various Guard members. Felix was clearly visible standing just behind Aro.
Vladimir and Stefan breathed simultaneously, "The resemblance, quite striking."
Vladimir looked to Stefan before turning to Carlisle, "We really must visit you more often, Carlisle. These visits are proving to be quite stimulating."
Nessie had rushed over to the two figures as they were speaking. She stood before them patiently and smiled brilliantly when their eyes focused upon her.
"Little one, look how you have grown," Vladimir murmured, and then shocked us all by going down to his knee to look at her at eye level. "You will surpass even your aunt's glorious beauty."
"I doubt that," Nessie giggled, "but thank you for coming. My birthday wouldn't have been complete without you."
Stefan had left Vladimir's side and approached Bella, Jasper, and Henry. I walked quickly over to join them. I didn't want them saying anything that would upset her.
He stopped just before Bella. "Witch bane," he said in greeting, simply, but with great reverence.
The room went deadly silent. I was about to lunge for his throat when a quiet chuckle halted me.
I was astounded when Bella looked back at Stefan with poorly suppressed humor.
"You're the first one who's been brave enough to call me on it," she said, still not fully containing the humor in her voice. "She deserved it," she stated, without a hint of guilt.
"Many times over," Stefan smiled in response, bowing his head as he turned to go.
He was stopped, however, by a small voice and hand stuck out in greeting, "My name is Henry Cullen. Are you Dracula One or Dracula Two?"
Across the room, Emmett erupted in laugher while Rose looked mortified. I was really grateful that Nessie still tended to keep her childish observations to herself. I exchanged glances with Zafrina as she responded silently. Okay I see what you mean now, and it's only been fifteen minutes.
Stefan smiled indulgently. He shocked us all by placing his hand into Henry's outstretched one. "I am Stefan, and that is Vladimir with your young cousin."
"Its very nice to meet you," Henry stated in a solemn voice, and then he turned back to Jasper and the game before him.
Our guests began to mingle, waiting on Jacob and the crew to arrive. Bella and I joined the group around the couches as Carlisle carried on a stilted conversation with the Romanians. Dracula #1 and Dracula #2. I snickered as the thought went through my head, drawing Bella's attention. I leaned over and whispered my thoughts to Bella, causing her to chuckle as well. I looked over to Henry in amusement.
Across the room, Henry and Jasper sat facing each other over the chessboard. Henry had quickly mastered the game, and was actually becoming dissatisfied with it as his mind grasped its limitations. Henry's intelligence continued to grow by leaps and bounds, and his interest in strategy and tactics had found a willing mentor in Jasper. He had already replaced Emmett as Jasper's favorite chess opponent.
"But, Uncle Jasper," I heard him protest, "On a chess board, everything is visible and has known parameters. The only real limiting factor is the player's ability to predict their opponent's possible moves. In real life, there are always unknown values, hidden assets, and surprises that can't be predicted; only reacted to and compensated for."
Jasper grinned hugely, and his thoughts expressed the pride of a teacher when a pupil grasps a difficult concept. He pulled out a tiny carton and opened it, revealing a deck of cards. "That's what these are for, Henry."
I smiled indulgently. Jasper's Chaos Chess deck certainly lived up to its name; never failing to turn an orderly chess match into a wild melee of surprises, sudden reverses, swearing, and the occasional impromptu wrestling match. Each card drastically changed game play in some fashion, adding exciting unknown elements to the calculated intellectual pursuit. The last time the deck had made an appearance, the game ended when Emmett broke an Italian marble chessboard over Jasper's head in frustration.
Jasper set the deck beside the game board and they began. I heard Jasper's thoughts leap in anticipation as Henry quickly became engrossed in the twists and turns that came with the cards. His eyes lit up in excitement as he lost a bishop to an ambush; one of Henry's pawns had been turned into a knight, courtesy of the cards.
Then all thought of chess came to a sudden halt in Henry's mind. His thoughts were awhirl with calculation, his experience with the chess board combining with fragments of vampiric history, and a dark epiphany now filled his mind: treachery, betrayal and deception. "Uncle Jasper, one moment please."
He jumped down from his seat and marched across the living room over to Carlisle, Stefan, and Vladimir. I was stunned by what he was about to say. I was even more stunned that no one else had ever deduced it before. Truly, out of the mouths of babes.
He stood before my father and the two ancient vampires, patiently waiting for them to recognize him.
Carlisle looked to him, "Yes, Henry?"
Henry stared straight at Stefan and Vladimir. "You were set up, weren't you? You didn't kill that lady vampire, the one they blame you for."
All activity in the room ceased.
Again, I cannot say enough good things about my two betas:
CullenFest - for her patience with me and my anxiety about writing. Visit her stories for good lemony experiences. She specifically wrote one of her chapters on Loving Edward for me - she is a doll.
Crmcneill - for his mighty red pen, and help in mapping out strategy. If you haven't read his story Downward Spiral you are missing an experience. It isn't a happily ever after story, but is an excellent read!
