Hello fanfiction world. I must admit absence has made my heart grow fonder. To be very honest, as I owe the faithful readers that, I contemplated taking the story down. All of the medical drama left me in a very negative space and it took me a while to get over all of that. Instead of deleting the story, I thought stepping away from it until I was ready was best. Renesmee, the characters, myself in a way and all of you deserve an ending- for me to finish what I started. I know much time has elapsed and even if no one reads further, your reviews and enthusiasm helped me more than you know and played a vital role in my decision. Your dedication was amazing and it is to each one of you that I dedicate this new chapter. Thank-you, so very much!

Shall we continue?!

Renesmee's POV

Every bone in my body was screaming at me, telling me that walking away from this man was wrong. I knew that but I also knew that I couldn't be with him right now and if this adoption doesn't go in my favor, there's a possibility that I will never be able to be with him again. I wiped the last of the tears on my cheek away and pushed through the door.
"Renesmee?" I sighed walking towards the voice of my father. Seated at the piano was the father I knew was mine and the man who was being ripped away from me by another man who would pale in comparison.
"Yes sir?" He stood and met me in front of the piano. "Please don't be mad at me, I wasn't planning on running, I promise."
"I know Renesmee, we are long past those days and I trust you." I stared into his eyes for a long moment, seeing nothing but sincere truth and love.
"You trust me," it wasn't a question and the thought made my chest swell with immense pride.
"I do," Edward rose from the piano, approaching me, he put one hand on either side of my face.
"Now I need to ask you something of great importance. Do you trust me?"
"How could I not?" Unsure where he was heading with this, I waited for him to continue.
"Then I need you to believe me when I say that I will fight this with every ounce of strength within me. I will not lose you. Stay strong until we get you back where you belong!"

I ascended the stairs in search of my mother, knowing that Mrs. Wells would be here soon and in the event that this all ends badly, I couldn't bear to leave things unsaid.
"Mom," I called out to her expecting the answer to come from her bedroom, but the answer came from that of mine.
"I'm here," The scene before me broke my resolve to stay strong and almost immediately, tears ran down my cheeks. Bella stood before me folding my clothes into a large suitcase, her face red, as though she was straining greatly to keep everything bottled inside. I approached her carefully and gently, removed an article of clothing from her hands. She turned to face me slowly, the look in her eyes distant and unfocused.
"I wanted to make sure you had everything you may need, but I didn't want to pack everything. You're coming back to us I just know it, you have to." I guided her into seated position on the bed, keeping my hand clasped tightly around hers.
"Mom, I need to tell you something in case this-" I choked on the words unable to produce them.
"Don't say it," I cut her off with my hand.

"Mom you have given me everything I have ever wanted. A life, one with amazing people who fought for me. Love. I didn't know what love was before you and I certainly didn't love myself, much less individuals around me. You've given me faith! Even after all we've been through and years that divided us, we still found a path to each other. I know this will not break us. You've given me a home, you know that don't you? No matter where in the world I am, this, you all, it forever will be my home."

I collapsed in her lap and allowed myself to be overcome by the emotions I could no longer hold at bay. We remained there motionless until a soft rap at the door sent us back spirally into the present. Carlisle entered and said nothing, the look in his eyes confirming that the time had come. Before I realized I had moved, I was met by the unmovable force of his chest. His arms wrapped securely behind my shoulders, as safe and warm as they were, couldn't protect me from the inevitable.
"Papa, I love you!" He tenderly kissed the top of my head.
"As I do you, my sweet, sweet girl."

I took one final look at him and released him, following him and my mother down the stairway to not Heaven nor Hell, but a purgatory of uncertainty. As I suspected my family was all waiting at the bottom, a different emotion painting each of their faces: worry, agony, love, fear. I hugged each of them as I passed, unable to speak out of fear that I would lose control. I wanted to assure them that I was going to be okay, so I feigned a small smile and told them I would keep in touch.
"Ms. Wells," It came out much curter than I intended, but what was I supposed to say? It certainly was not a good morning. In saying that, I knew this was not her fault or her doing. Like the other members in the room she wished the best for me and had often stood in as the family member when I needed one in years past!

"Hello Renesmee. Before you come with me I would just like to reintegrate a few things: You can remain in contact with your family," the word slipped out and while she blushed, she made no attempt to correct herself, "however visitation will not be granted until permission is given by Mark. Also, as I already told you I would like for you to remain with me until he comes for you. I do not wish to see you back in a home where you have already lost too many of your years. Have you eaten?"

I shook my head, not trusting that anything I produced vocally would not be dripping with a callous, unforgiving tone.
"We can stop and pick something up. Are you… Are you ready?"

NO!

"I will text you guys as soon as I can, okay? Don't worry I'll be fine." I took one final look at the faces staring back at me and before I could think better of it, picked up my bags and exited the house without looking back!

Pulling out of the driveway, with the house fading as the distance grew I heard the most mournful song of wolves. Their howls, cries bit through my soul like a lance to which there was no anesthetic.