Chapter 29

Five days had passed since the Cullens made their plans with the werewolves. It was now the night before Valentine's Day and everyone's edgy mood was fitting for the fact that 24 hours later they could potentially be involved in the same type of battle that Alice had envisioned the last time they all met.

"It's definitely tomorrow that they're coming?" Jacob asked. He sat on one of the couches next to a quiet Renesme in the living room, not really watching the television.

Alice nodded, "Yes. They're all together now. Nearby, but not overly close. They've chosen to stay together in the same cabin, or house, I saw earlier."

"I have the pack ready to go in case they decide to come this way early."

Carlisle looked at Jacob, "Thanks for all your help. Not just with this, but the number of times you've helped our family."

"You're welcome," Jacob said sincerely, "Thank you for breaking all my bones, and fixing them again... that one time when you all killed the redhead."

Carlisle laughed, "You're welcome. I think."

Jacob returned the laughter. He pointed to Masen who was stacking oversized legos, "He's really getting big. Already."

"Yeah," Carlisle leaned forward and watched his son.

"He looks more like you every day," Alice told him, "But I can definitely see Esme in him, too."

"His features," Carlisle told her, "When he smiles," he grinned at the images popping in his head, "It's all Esme."

"Some days I still can't believe this actually happened," she couldn't hold back a smile.

"I think everyone thought it was impossible," Jacob said, "But I'm glad you all keep proving the theories wrong," he admitted, "I wouldn't have Renesme without it, and I'd probably still be miserable over Bella." He laughed.

Carlisle and Alice both smiled, remembering the days of the past that were now long gone. Things felt complete at all angles.

"Ever think about changing Charlie?" Jacob asked.

Carlisle and Alice both looked at each other, unsure of how to answer.

"I couldn't do that to Charlie," Alice told him.

"But you guys changed Bella."

"We had no choice," Carlisle told him, "And this is what Bella truly wanted."

"I don't know if Charlie would want this," Alice finished.

"Maybe we could somehow ask." Jacob suggested, "I mean as complete as it is, Bella will lose him one day."

"What about her mother?" Alice asked.

"Her too," Jacob said.

"This will have to be a discussion for another day," Carlisle told him.

"Yeah. I suppose there are other problems more urgent at hand," he agreed.

Alice had waited eagerly as Jasper and Emmett returned from hunting. She and Rosalie had gone a little earlier together. Esme, Bella and Edward returned home not long after the rest of them.

Everyone joined back up with their mate and made their way to their own private areas to mentally prepare for the day to follow.

"Come listen to a song, Renesme," Edward encouraged, "You too, Jake." The two of them got up and followed them to a separate area of the house.

Carlisle lit a fire in the fireplace and embraced Esme as she cuddled up into his chest. Masen still played with toys on the rug in front of them, and a random comedy lingered on the television.

"Well.." Esme's thoughts trailed off and she wasn't quite sure what to say.

Carlisle looked into her eyes, "Well," he said.

She just smiled, "I can't imagine that things can get much better than the way we've chosen to live our lives."

He shook his head, "Don't start saying things like that. We're going to have all of eternity to continue living it."

"I hope so," she looked down at Masen, who so innocently kept himself occupied with his toys. Tears filled her eyes again and she wiped them away, unable to talk.

Carlisle cuddled her face in his chest as she cried. He was suddenly thankful that this was a new thing that they had been able to do, because this time it hurt worse than the last to see Esme so upset, and he couldn't handle seeing her like this at any given time.

Emmett, Rosalie, Alice and Jasper all entered the room at the same time. Carlisle motioned for them to go back to what they were doing, and Edward entered a few seconds later, rounding everyone up to explain what was going on to the best of his ability.

"Carlisle," Esme managed to choke out, " I don't know what is going on. I'm so sorry."

"Don't be sorry, love. I just regret not being able to make you feel better," he stroked her hair.

Masen made his way to the couch where his parents sat. He outstretched his arms and Carlisle lifted him to be with them. He put a hand on both of their faces and Esme's tears stopped as quickly as they started. Masen smiled, like he knew something they didn't.

Carlisle felt his face twist into a smile to match his son's.

"He looks so much like you," Esme said, staring at the two of them. She pulled Masen to her and hugged him. He giggled and kissed his hand, blowing the kiss to Esme. She did the same thing back.

Carlisle brushed some of Esme's hair back so he could see her face clearly. He looked her in the eyes and said with a sense of certainty, "Tomorrow at this time, we're all going to be fine."