Chapter 37: Super Nova

Meg hesitated to gain the courage to speak.

"The day that he – that Jacob saved me from that other life, he and I, we… I felt the change almost instantly. At first I thought it was just because I was with Jacob, but I think, deep down, I knew." Meg's voice dropped to a whisper. "Jake knew too. He told me, some of his last words, were that he knew it when it happened."

Meg paused. She cleared her throat before speaking again.

"I took a test a couple days ago, and it confirmed it. Bella, I'm going to have a baby."

Her words were like shock waves.

My sun hadn't gone out, it had exploded in a super nova, releasing all the life it had and filling the sky with new stars. There was no longer a void – no black hole. The air seemed to resonate with vibration and color. Love carries on.

I looked at Meg again. She was smiling, though shyly, and there was an aura of promise around her. I could almost see life radiating from her. Inside her, there was some semblance of Jacob that survived and was growing.

I wrapped my arms around Meg in a delicate embrace, feeling nothing but the purest love for her and her unborn baby.

"Bella," Meg said softly. "I was hoping, that if the baby is a girl, that I could name her after you. Jacob would have liked that."

I couldn't speak, so I merely nodded.

"We'll visit you, I promise. I know you can't stay, but I couldn't bear it if this were good-bye forever."

"It won't be," I said with conviction. "Just promise me you'll take care of her… Or him."

Meg's stomach rumbled, and we both laughed.

"I always know how to ruin the moment," she said with slight embarrassment.

"Let's get you some food then," I grinned.

I led Meg to the dining room and she took a seat next to Leah. They shared a knowing smile that I did not miss.

Alice practically floated into the room bearing a bowl of salad.

"Esme's working on the main course, so you can start with this," she explained in her lilting voice before moving back into the kitchen.

Seth made a face at the green vegetables and Leah elbowed him in the side.

"Shut up and eat your food," she said sharply.

"But I didn't say anything!" he protested.

I shook my head and moved into the nearly empty living room where Edward was standing, waiting for me.

"I love you," he said unprompted.

I wrapped my arms around his neck. His skin felt smooth and cool, but it warmed when our bodies touched.

"I love you too." I stood on my toes and pressed my lips to his. The connection of our mouths seemed to send strength and comfort throughout my entire body.

Edward pulled away to study my face. Furrows of frustration marred his perfect forehead. I raised my hand to try to smooth away his worries.

"Are you alright?" he asked.

I nodded. "Meg told me."

"I know," he said simply. My husband the mind reader.

"Did Jacob really know?" I expected to feel an aching wave of remorse at the mention of his name, but it was nothing like that. Instead, I felt a surge of relief.

"Yes, he knew. He knew before Meg even suspected. Part of his animal instincts." Edward paused to chuckle lightly before his eyes turned serious again. "Does it bother you, Bella?"

"No. I'm happy about it," I said truthfully. "I think I'm going to be okay, Edward. Jacob loved Meg, and I was glad he found someone that was able to love him as much as he deserved. Someone that hadn't already found their soul mate." I looked at Edward through my eyelashes. There was too much to say, and I just didn't have the words. With slight trepidation, I peeled back the protective barrier around my mind and allowed my thoughts to flow to Edward.

Edward and I were made for each other, and no one else could ever match that. I would always love Jacob, no matter how much time went by, but he was never truly mine. Even before he met her, Jacob was meant for Meg. No matter how much I would have wished otherwise, Jacob would have chosen to live a mortal lifespan. He would have chosen to live no longer than Meg. Whether it happened when it did or whether it happened in a hundred years, Jacob Black would die. No amount of love could bind him to this earth, and at some point in my immortal existence I would have to learn how to survive without him.

And I could survive without him, because standing before me was my reason for existing. My love, my soul mate, my husband: Edward Cullen.

I pushed out to him my thoughts of love before cautiously resealing my mental shield. Edward gasped and caught me in his arms, delivering a deep and sincere kiss.

When he pulled away he still looked worried, and I wondered what could possibly still be distressing him.

"Are you… sad at all, about the baby?"

"No. I'm glad a part of Jacob will be able to continue on existing in the world."

"That's not exactly what I meant. I mean, are you sad that…" his voice drifted off as it became colored with regret.

I shook my head. "Having a baby was never part of my plans. I don't know if I'll ever wish I were able to have one, but being with you, forever, is a choice I've made and a choice I could never regret. I've already had to make so many difficult decisions, but I choose you, every time. You are my life, Edward. Being with you is the only life I want to have."

"Bella, I don't want you to ever be unhappy," Edward said sincerely.

"That's impossible, Edward. Sometimes it just can't be helped. But as long as I'm with you, I'll have enough to get me through anything."

I heard Seth, Leah and Meg laughing in the dining room. I would miss all of them terribly. I would miss Charlie and Renée. I would miss Forks. I knew this was just the beginning of a long existence with many things to miss. But love never dies, and the fond memories would be mine to keep forever.

Edward noticed me observing the house in nostalgia.

"Whatever you need," he whispered as he took my hand, "I'm here."

And I knew he would be, no matter what happened or how many years passed. And that's how Edward and I began our eternity together.

A/N: It's not over yet! I've written an epilogue. Happy Reading!

-SurrepTRIXus-