Thank you to taramisu100, Smiley Alice, Marshmellow, Mrs Whitlock Hale xxx, Lindsabelle, Sarah, Ninjababe09, ja4ever, aurike, note4, and luce for your reviews.
Sorry this chapter is so short and that it has taken me so long to update. I figured something was better than nothing at all. I will try to get the next update up quicker.
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The family spent the rest of the night gathered together in the living room, fawning over Angelica and just spending time together. Their visitors discretely gave them a wide berth and despite the looming battle the entire family spent a happy, peaceful night together. As the sun began to rise Emmett and Rosalie disappeared upstairs with Angelica to get her settled in the nursery Esme had created for her and the rest of the family began to move away to their own pursuits too.
Alice had spent most of the night with Brandon sleeping in her arms once he had got his fill of his new cousin and she slipped upstairs and settled him in his crib, hoping he would sleep for a few more hours. When she walked back downstairs only Edward, Bella and Jasper remained there and she walked back to join them. As she reached the side of Jasper's chair he held his hand out to her and she slid her small hand into his larger one and let him pull her into his lap.
"Nessie still sleeping?" Alice asked softly, knowing Bella had slipped upstairs too to check on Renesmee.
"Yes," Bella smiled and looked like she was going to say something else but her cell phone toned in her pocket and she quickly pulled it out and answered it. Edward turned his attention to Bella but Alice zoned out of the conversation as she turned her face to Jasper.
"You're happy," Jasper smiled as he looked down at her.
"Of course I am," Alice grinned. "I am so glad Rose and Emmett got what they wanted. Angelica is so gorgeous."
"She is," Jasper agreed.
"Even with the threat of the Volturi hanging over our heads I feel like I could explode with happiness," Alice murmured.
"I can tell," Jasper smirked and Alice giggled as she leaned up and pressed her lips against his.
"Umm, guys, can you break it up?" Bella asked behind them and Alice reluctantly pulled her lips from Jasper's and they turned back to the other couple.
"What?" Alice asked, her voice a touch grumpy at getting interrupted.
"Settle Alice," Edward laughed and she poked her tongue playfully at him before turning her gaze back to Bella. "Who was that? I didn't see…"
"Jacob," Bella answered.
"That would explain that," Alice smirked.
"He wants to come speak with us," Bella added. "About the weekend. I guess he wants to offer the pack's help again. He called to see if it was all right to visit."
"He has never needed permission," Alice smiled.
"He didn't think it was wise to just come unannounced with all the extra vampires here," Bella pointed out.
"Ah, of course," Alice nodded.
"Bella promised some of us would meet them at the lines," Edward added. "I'll go meet them. Jazz, can you come too?"
"Of course," Jasper nodded.
"Maybe I should come as well," Bella murmured.
"No, you wait here," Edward smiled at her. "Nessie will wake soon, one of us should be here. Jazz and I won't be long."
"I'll let Carlisle and the others know we will be having visitors," Alice whispered and jumped from Jasper's lap and walked from the room and Jasper stood up and walked over to stand by the door as Edward said his goodbyes to Bella.
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Half an hour later Carlisle, Esme, Oliver, Jackson and Alice had returned to wait with Bella. Emmett and Rosalie had just come downstairs to join them, Angelica sound asleep in her new room, when the front door opened and Edward walked inside quickly. Jacob stepped through the door behind him, followed by Seth and Leah, each of them huddled protectively either side of Sue Clearwater. Jasper followed behind them and he glanced out the door before shutting it firmly.
"Was there a problem?" Carlisle asked as he got to his feet.
"Nothing major," Edward assured him. "Some of our guests felt a little threatened by the Quileute's arrival. Jasper sorted it out."
"Sue," Esme smiled. "Welcome to our home. We didn't expect you to come."
"I wanted to issue my invitation personally," Sue smiled and Jasper could feel her nervousness settle with Esme's welcome.
"What invitation is this?" Alice asked, a small pout on her face and Jasper smiled as he moved over to her side, feeling her frustration at not being able to see anything now the wolves were there.
"The boys, um a mean the pack," Sue corrected as she glanced at Leah. "They have filled me on the situation you have here. I wanted to come and offer safety and a place to stay for your little ones during your fight. If you trust me enough, I would be happy to look after them for you at my home."
"That is a generous offer," Esme smiled.
"It is," Jasper nodded. "But they won't necessarily be any safer in La Push. The vampires that are coming will not honour the treaty our family has with you."
"We have our own protection," Sue assured him.
"Sam and I have discussed this," Jacob interrupted. "I will lead half the pack to come and help you fight. The other half will remain with Sam on the reservation to protect our people and your little ones. Sam said to assure you that they will stay close to Sue's place."
"I trust you with Nessie," Bella said instantly and glanced at Edward.
"Of course," Edward nodded in agreement.
"Sweetheart?" Jasper murmured and looked down at Alice.
"I don't like sending Brandon somewhere when I can't see the outcome," Alice admitted softly.
"I will keep him safe for you," Sue said softly.
"I know you will do your best," Alice murmured and looked up at Jasper.
"It would be safer for him than being here at the house or at the clearing during the fight," Jasper pointed out.
"You want him to go?" Alice asked.
"No, I don't," Jasper admitted. "But I can see it will be the safest place for him."
"You can see?" Alice teased.
"You know what I mean," Jasper laughed but then went serious again. "I think we should accept Sue's offer."
"Okay," Alice nodded and turned back to look at Sue. "Thank you."
"You're welcome," Sue smiled softly and turned to Emmett and Rosalie. "And Rosalie and your new baby are invited too."
"Thanks," Emmett grinned.
"Angelica should go," Rosalie murmured. "But I don't need to."
"Why not?" Emmet frowned and turned to look at her. "You need to be safe jus as much as Angelica does."
"Now she's born I don't need to hide away," Rosalie sighed. "I won't be hiding in La Push, I'll be fighting against the Volturi."
"No you will not!" Emmett growled.
"Excuse me?" Rosalie said haughtily. "Why wouldn't I fight now?"
"You only had Angelica last night," Emmett reminded her.
"I am fine now," Rosalie shrugged. "I don't need to time to heal Em. I have. And I have just as much right to fight and protect Angelica, and the other children, as you do."
"I'm not saying you don't," Emmett argued. "But I don't want you in danger. We don't know that you have all your strength back yet, or if you will in time for the battle."
"I have," Rosalie snapped.
"I can check Rose over," Carlisle interrupted. "But I agree with her. Alice healed almost immediately. There is no reason Rose wouldn't too."
"But we don't know that for sure," Emmett pointed out.
"I'll check her over so we do," Carlisle offered.
"I am fine and I am ready to fight," Rosalie growled.
"I agree with her," Jackson said as he stepped up beside his sister. "If Rose says she is ready, then she is ready. We can't stop her defending her own baby."
"Stay out of it!" Emmett snapped.
"Emmett!" Rosalie hissed.
"Come on man," Jackson sighed. "You know Rosie can do this."
"Yeah I know," Emmett mumbled and Jasper could feel the conflicting emotions raging in his brother.
"Emmett," Jasper murmured as he stepped forward. "I know how you feel and I understand it. The thought of Alice being there scares me to death. The very idea that she could be harmed and not be there as Brandon grows up terrifies me. Like you, I don't want my child losing his mother. But it doesn't give me the right to forbid her to defend our son when I will be doing the same. Rose is in complete health, Carlisle has assured you of it. I understand your fear, your desire to protect your family, really I do, but you can't stop Rose from fighting for her daughter."
"I suppose," Emmett whispered as he glanced between Jasper and Rosalie.
"I'll be right by your side Em," Rosalie said softly. "But I have to fight for Angelica."
"Okay," Emmett sighed and although Jasper could still feel his fear and reticence Emmett slowly nodded his head. "I guess we just send Angelica with Sue then."
"Thank you," Rosalie whispered and turned back to look at Sue. "Are you sure it will be okay having such a young baby there. She might be more work than the others."
"If I raised these two," Sue grinned and indicated to Leah and Seth. "I can certainly handle one newborn baby."
"Ma," Seth groaned in protest.
"That's true I suppose," Rosalie grinned.
"Have you seen yet when they will arrive?" Jacob asked, and all eyes turned to Alice.
"I saw they will get here on Sunday morning," Alice explained. "So far they are sticking to that decision but it could change at any time."
"Maybe we should take the children to La Push tonight just to be safe," Carlisle suggested.
"Good idea," Jasper agreed.
"Can you meet us at the line at midnight tonight?" Edward asked as he turned to Jacob.
"We can," Jacob nodded.
"If that is all we should get you back across the line," Edward added. "Some of the visitors outside are getting a little agitated by your presence."
"Of course," Seth nodded quickly as he glanced at his mother.
"We will take you back to the line," Jasper offered and moved to the front door and Jackson, Oliver, Emmett and Edward all joined him.
"We'll see you all tonight," Sue smiled at the family and turned to where Alice, Bella and Rosalie were standing. "I will protect your little ones like it was these two of mine. I promise."
"Thank you," Alice whispered again as she looked at Sue and Sue just smiled at the three mothers gathered together before she turned and followed Jacob, Seth and Leah as Jasper, Emmett and Edward escorted them from the house.