A/N
***IMPORTANT - PLEASE READ***
Hey guys! I'm so, so, so sorry it's taken me this long to finally post the Epilogue to this story. I can't even explain how i ashamed i am that it's taken me over three years! I never wanted to be one of those authors, who just suddenly stop updating, or leave a story unfinished with no explanation.
The only excuse i have is that i was really busy with studying, then real life and family troubles got in the way. Then both my amazing Beta's become really busy with their real life and didn't have the time to Beta the chapters for me. I hope you don't hate me now and haven't flounced! Although, i don't blame you if you have.
Before i shut up so you can read the final chapter, i need to do a huge, HUGE, shout out to kitchmill! She Beta'd this chapter and the outtake for me so, so quickly after only talking to me once! Thank you so, so much lovely!
Chapter Forty Five - (Epilogue)
BPOV
"Dex? Livie?" I call out as I wander into the open clearing. "Where did you guys go?" I raise my hand in front of my face, shielding my eyes from the hot California sun.
I see a very familiar spot of short, auburn coloured hair and long, brunette curls poking out behind the side of a tree. I smile softly, making my way over to them.
"Where, oh where, could Liv and Dexter be?" I question, glancing around the clearing. I can hear them giggling as I make my way over to them.
"There you are!" I exclaim playfully, jumping out from around the tree. "Where's your daddy?" I ask, vertically leaning against the tree.
Olivia shrugs, looking me square in her eyes. "We don't know," she says innocently.
"Oh?" I question, quirking my brow.
"Nope, we don't know where he went," concludes Dex, feigning a straight face.
"Is that right?" I ask, kicking myself of the tree and placing my hands on my hips. The corner of my mouth turns up into a smirk as they begin to take a few steps back, putting some distance between us. "Well, it looks like you two are mine for the taking!" I declare, grinning at them.
Their eyes go wide before they turn around and begin running away from me. They giggle between themselves as I chase after them. Laughter wisps from my lips as I scoop them up in my arms and pull them down onto the ground with me.
"Dad!"
"Daddy, help!" Dex and Liv exclaim simultaneously, giggling hysterically with grins on their faces.
Edward jumps out from behind a tree a few feet away from us. "Nobody fear, daddy is here!" he exclaims, making his way over to us.
Edward wraps his arms around my waist, lifting me off the ground and slinging me over his shoulder. He trips over his feet and we tumble towards the ground. He rolls us over so he's lying on top of me, placing his hands on either side of my face as his body pins me down.
"Get her!" Dexter and Olivia exclaim in unison, running over to Edward and me and jumping on top of both of us.
"What do you think, kids?" Edward inquires, looking at them seriously. "The tickle monster?"
"Yeah, the tickle monsta!" they cheer in chorus.
"Oh, please, no! Not the tickle monster!" I plead, resting the back of my hand on my forehead.
"The tickle monster it is!" Edward says, tickling me on the ribs and all over my body. I squirm and thrash my body around, trying to escape. The kids join in; their laughter carrying it's way to my ears. I laugh hysterically, pleading with them to stop.
It's moments like these that I'm thankful for Edward. We made these two beautiful children together and I wouldn't trade them in for anything in the world.
After Edward and I graduated high school, we moved to California to go to college at Stanford University. I worked back at the Diner with Garrett, Kate, Alec and Felix, while studying for my Bachelor degree in Sociology for four years. I'm now a Children's Social Worker. Edward studied business and created his own Big Brother and Sister program here in California.
After we left Forks, I stayed in contact with Renee and Charlie. Edward and I always take the kids back to Forks to visit them and every time we make our way there, I always think back to the day I finally had a bit of a break through with them.
"Bella, please," Renee begs softly. "Can we talk privately for a minute?" I look up at her, her eyes piercing into mine pleadingly.
"Anything you have to say can be said in front of Edward." I reply, folding my arms across my chest.
"It's okay, Bella. Go," Edward encourages, kissing me softly on the cheek.
"Fine," I murmur, sighing heavily. "I need to pack a few things from the kitchen, anyway." I add, picking up an empty, cardboard packing box and striding inside.
I don't bother trying to prevent the screen door from closing shut behind me, slamming right in Renee's face. I hear her open the door, following hot on my heels as I head straight into the kitchen, placing the box on the kitchen bench.
"You wanted to talk, so talk," I say, turning my back on her.
"I don't know what else to say to show you how sorry I am for leaving the way I did," Renee says quietly. "I thought leaving was the best thing for you at the time. You've always been a timid, little girl and we were always so close. I was scared what it would do to you once you found out there was a possibility I might not survive the cancer."
"Did you really think lying was doing the best thing for me?" I ask angrily, leaning against the bench.
"Sometimes it is …" her eyes fill with remorse. "Like, when you were younger; I told you your pet rabbit escaped. Did you really want to hear that he was mauled by a fox?"
"Mr. Snowflake?" I ask, shocked.
"In life, you have to make judgement calls. Are they always right? No, it's not rocket science."
"And abandoning your child because you have cancer isn't lying about a Rabbit dying," I snap back, turning my back on her again. I move across the kitchen, browsing through the cupboards and grabbing my coffee mugs and blender, packing them away.
"Everything alright?"
I look over my shoulder to see Charlie walking into the kitchen, making his way to stand next to Renee. Edward is leaning up against the fridge. I smile tenderly at Edward before turning back around.
"Everything's fine," Renee murmurs, sighing heavily.
"Bella, are you okay?" Charlie asks, concerned.
"I'm fine," I reply tersely, glancing at him quickly as I pack my China teapot and porcelain tea set into the box.
I'm searching for other belongings, through yet another cupboard, when Charlie speaks up again.
"Bella, we just need –"
I slam the cupboard shut, swiftly turning around to face Charlie and Renee. "What?" I snap, cutting him off. "You need what, Charlie? Because that's what it's always been about. You needed me to buy the groceries, you needed me to cook your dinner, you needed me to do your laundry and you needed me to keep the house clean and tidy. So, what do you need now? Do you need me to forgive you?" I ask angrily.
"Yes," he chokes out, his voice thick with sadness.
"Fine. I forgive you," I scoff, pursing my lips.
"But you don't really mean it," says Renee, uncertainly.
"No, it's a lie! Because that's what we do for each other, lie. That's what I learned from the one person I'm supposed to trust!" I shout as I take a step closer to them. "So you want me to forgive you, for the big lie, which has defined my life?"
Edward walks over to me, wrapping his arm around my shoulder as I looked into his eyes pleadingly. He entwines his hand with mine, smiling tenderly and nodding his head. I break our gaze, exhaling a shaky breath before facing my parents again.
"Why did you lie to me?" I ask softly.
"I wanted to tell you the truth. I even planned to tell you, but you would look up at me with those big, brown eyes, so trusting," she smiles timidly, a sadness in her eyes I've never seen before. Except for the day before she left me.
"You didn't think I could handle it?"
"You were the most important thing in the world to me, honey. You still are," She says softly. "If I could go back and undo it all, I would. But it's too late for that, but not for us."
"You can't lie to me anymore."
She straightens her back, looking straight into my eyes. "I won't."
I look between her eyes, finding any hint of a lie, coming up short. "Even if it hurts... I'm a big girl, I'm tough. I can take it," I say seriously.
Her smile is small. Tender. But the rest of her expression is set firm with determination. "I'll always be honest with you,"
"So will I," Charlie chimes in.
"You never lied to me, Charlie."
"No, I know, but I've done some horrible things. I won't ever be that way again," he says earnestly.
"You need to get help for your drinking problem," I tell him, looking at him meaningfully.
"I will. I mean, I am." he sputters eagerly.
"A professional?"
"I swear, I am, Bella."
"Good," I murmur quietly, making my way around the kitchen island and closing the distance between us, Charlie and Renee's arms wrapping around me.
Edward proposed during our second year of college. We got married during our third year, and I became pregnant with Dexter and Olivia less than a year into our marriage. I juggled going to College and being pregnant all at once. If it wasn't for Edward, i probably would have dropped out of my classes from all the stress i was feeling and my emotions being heightened from the crazy hormones. Olivia and Dexter were born three months before we graduated. I remember seeing them out in the crowd, being bounced up and down in Renee and Esme's arms as i accepted my diploma from the Dean.
And I'll never forget the day they were born.
"Are you sure you still want to go out?" Edward asks, as I walk into the living room.
I glance over at him. "Of course. It's date night,"
"We could just have date night here," he offers.
"I want to go out," I insist, smiling sweetly at him.
"Are you sure, Bella? You're nine months pregnant and just about ready to pop," he says concerned.
I quirk my brow. "Is this you trying to tell me I look fat in a nice way?"
He rolls his eyes, the corner of his mouth twitching with amusement. "Of course not. You're beautiful," he chuckles lightly, making his way over to me. "I just don't want you to be uncomfortable," he places his hand on top of my extremely huge belly.
I smile fondly at him, placing my hand on top of his. "I'll be fine, Edward. I've been cooped up in this house for weeks."
He smiles affectionately at me, leaning forward. I wrap my arms around his waist, closing my eyes and letting out a content sigh.
His lips lightly connect with my temple. "Okay, if you're sure,"
"You're impossible," I mumble against his chest. I pull out of our embrace, rolling my eyes and shaking my head with amusement. I walk down the hall, heading into the bathroom.
As I apply my compact powder to my face, I begin to feel a heavy pressure in my lower abdomen. I take a deep breath, shaking it off because i'm pretty certain it's just Braxton Hicks contractions. After the pain subsides, I put on a little eye-liner, followed by some mascara and a light blush.
Twenty minutes later, when I'm in the middle of fixing my hair, I feel pressure in my lower abdomen again, a sharper pain this time, something similar to menstrual cramps. "Ah," I hiss, placing my palms on the basin. I clench my teeth, sucking in a sharp breath and clutch my stomach as another round of pain attacks me. "Fuck!" I cuss under my breath, the pain becoming sharper.
I sit down on the toilet and put my head between my knees, breathing in and out slowly. After doing that for a few minutes, I feel what seems to be a pop in my stomach, like an elastic band being snapped. As soon as I stand up, water rushes down my legs and onto the bathroom floor, my eyes widening in shock.
"Edward?" I call out, staring at myself in the mirror just as another pain–that was obviously a contraction–shoots through me. "Edward?" I choke out again, my voise raising with panic.
Where is he?
"Just a second, babe," he finally responds.
"Edward, my water just... broke. Get your... ass in here... now!" I shout between quick, short breaths.
In a matter of seconds, Edward is running through the bathroom door. "Holy shit, you weren't kidding."
"Why would I joke about this?!" I ask incredulously.
"What? I don't know." His eyes are wide, darting all over the place, looking at me all over. "Shit. Are you okay, baby?"
"Do I look okay?!" I exclaim, another set of contractions hitting. God, these contractions are coming on fast.
"Right. Stupid question, sorry," he murmurs, brushing the hair out of my face and tucking it behind my ear.
"Towels. I need towels." I brush past him, heading to the linen closet before he gently places his hands on my shoulders.
"Whoa, slow down," he chuckles, standing in front of me. "What for?" he asks, confused.
"To put on the car seat, my waters will still be leaking. I need towels, I—"
"You're worried about ruining the car seat?" he cuts me off, his eyes sparkling with mirth. "Babe, who cares about the car seat."
"Edward."
"Let's go." He spins me around, leading me down the hall.
"Edward!" I plant my feet firmly on the ground and yank on his hand, causing him to spin around and collide into the front of me. "Just get the goddamn towels!"
"Okay, okay." He throws his hands up in a signal of surrender, disappearing in the direction we just came from, returning with his arms full of towels. "Alright, now let's get you to the hospital." He leads me out of the bathroom, through the house and out to the car.
"Wait." Edward almost falls over after I abruptly spin around. "My bags?"
"Already in the trunk, baby." He helps me into the passenger seat, buckling me in, and kisses me on the cheek before closing the door and running around to the driver's side.
"Well, this is going to be an interesting date night," he jokes, turning the key in the ignition.
"Shut up," I grumble, causing him to chuckle.
I lean my head back against the seat, closing my eyes and focus on my breathing as we make our way to the hospital.
A few hours later I'm cooped up in a hospital bed, trying to concentrate on my breathing while I wait until I'm completely dilated. I don't know what convinced me to have a natural birth and not a C-section. Or get the epidural.
Oh, wait, that's right. I hate the feeling of being paralysed. Damn my fears to hell.
"Somebody get these kids out of me now!" I groan, leaning forward with my legs bent, panting as the contractions continue to rock throughout me.
"You're almost completely dilated, honey. It won't be long now," the midwife, who's name is Jill, assures me.
"You said that an hour ago!" I exclaim angrily. "Don't lie to me."
My head whips to the side at the sound of Edwards soft chuckle, the amusement leaving his face the moment he takes in my annoyed expression. "Laugh it up, buddy. Your anaconda is never entering the promise land ever again after this."
"You can't resist this, baby." He winks, still chuckling.
"You think I'm joking," I deadpan. "You realise there'll be no sex for six weeks after this anyway."
His face falls. "What?"
I quirk my brow, smirking. "Ain't so funny now, is it?"
As Edward shakes his head in amusement, I scrunch my face up in pain as another round of contractions decide to make themselves known.
Noticing my discomfort, Edward begins stroking my hair. "Just breathe, Bella."
"Don't tell me what to do. You did this to me," I say through gritted teeth. "You suck," I cry, slapping him on the chest. When he stays silent I feel horrible. I gather his shirt in my hand, pulling him closer to me. "I'm sorry, I didn't mean that," I sob into his chest.
"I know, baby," he coos wrapping his arm around my shoulders. He pulls my hand to his mouth, planting a kiss on the palm of my hand. I glance up at him and he smiles affectionately at me.
"I love you," I mumble, causing him to chuckle. He abruptly cuts himself off as I grip his hand tightly when another round of contractions come through.
"Fuck!" I hiss as Jill has another look at my downstairs wonder.
"Okay, looks like you're good to go, I'll go get Doctor Reed," she says before leaving the room.
"Thank god," I groan. "Where the hell are the girls?!" I complain just as the curtain is pulled back.
"We're right here, babe," says Tanya, rushing to my side.
"How are you doing, Bella?" Alice asks cheerfully.
"Just peachy," I grumble.
"How do you think she's doing, Alice?" Rose exclaims. "She's in labour!"
"I was just being polite!" Alice screeches defensively.
"Guys, stop it! Bella doesn't need this negative energy around her!" Jessica yells.
"Whoa." Dr. Reed stops in her tracks as she enters the room. "Are all of you staying for the show?"
"Yes," I reply straight away, glancing at all of them. "I need all of them here."
"Well, okay then," Dr. Reed chuckles lightly. "Let's get this show on the road."
An hour later, I'm screaming my head off as I push out what feels like a watermelon coming out of my vagina. Tanya consistently applies cold washers on my forehead, while Alice massages my temples. Jessica is standing next to Tanya, allowing me to cling to her hand for dear life and helping me with my breathing techniques. Rosalie is helping me change into different positions, helping me roll to my side, guiding me off my bed and onto the exercise ball, until I end up back in my original position on my back on the bed.
Sobs shake through me as tears stream down my face. "I can't do this anymore."
"You're so strong, Bella. You can do it," Rosalie encourages.
"Edward?" My voice is raspy and thick with exhaustion. "I'm so tired."
"I know, baby." Edward rests his forehead against mine. "You're doing so well, beautiful girl," he whispers, kissing me softly on the tip of my nose.
"I look like a sweaty ogre right now," I sniffle, my voice cracking.
"No, you don't," he says seriously, his eyes fierce. "You've never looked more beautiful in your life than you do now."
"You're such a sa-ahhhh!" I shriek, cutting myself off. "Why won't these babies just get out of me!"
"They'll be here soon, Bella," Alice soothes.
"Somebody just put me out of my misery and shoot me in the face!"
"Okay, that's it. I'm going to get Esme," Rosalie concludes.
"I'll come with you and get Renee," says Jessica, prying her hand out of my death grip.
Ten minutes later, Esme and Renee burst through the door. As soon as I see them I burst into uncontrollable sobs again, causing them to rush to my side. Tanya and Alice move out of the way so they can take their positions.
"Oh, honey, it's okay," Renee soothes, kissing me on the cheek and taking my hand in hers.
"I want to die," I complain, squeezing Renee's hand. "This fucking sucks."
Esme chuckles and shook her head with amusement. "It's not long to go now, sweetheart, you're doing perfect," she says, smoothing the hair off of my forehead.
I glance at Edward and he smiles affectionately at me. "We are not having any more children." I say seriously.
His fond smile turned into an amused grin. "Okay," he says, leaning forward and kissing me lightly on the lips. "Two is fine with me."
"Okay," said Dr. Reed, slapping her hands together. "Are you ready to push again, Bella?"
"No," I grumble, shaking my head. "I can't do it, just give me a C-section."
"It's too late to do that now, honey," Jill adds.
"Well, give me more drugs then!" I exclaim.
"Come on, sweetheart," Jill continues to encourage. "Just a few more pushes and you'll have your beautiful babies here with you."
"I think I may strangle them for doing this to me," I murmur, begrudgingly.
"We're gonna go and let you get to it," says Rose.
"What?" I ask panicked. "You can't leave!"
"You've got Edward and your moms, that's all you need, babe," Tanya says soothingly.
"No," I plead. "No, no, no. I need you here with me."
"Well, Tanya can stay but the rest of us can go," offered Jessica.
"But I need all of you," I cry, tears falling down my cheeks.
"You'll be fine, Bells, we'll be back before you know it," Rosalie assures.
"You're doing fantastic," says Alice, smiling brightly. "We'll see you soon, babe."
"Wait," I plead, my eyes widening. "Jess, stay."
"Are you sure?" she asks uncertainly, glancing at Alice.
I look over at Alice to see if she's hurt by my choice, but all I can find is encouragement and a nod of reassurance.
"Please, Jess?" I beg. "You're my best friend. Stay." I extend my hand out towards her.
"Okay," she responds softly, making her way back over to me and clasping my hand in hers.
Rosalie and Alice say goodbye to everyone and both kiss me on the cheek before heading out to the waiting room.
"Okay, Mrs. Cullen," Dr. Reed addresses me, pulling us all back to attention. "Time to push again."
I take a deep breath, lean forward and do as Dr. Reed says, pushing with all the might and strength I have in my body. About half an hour later, I hear the high pitch cry of a baby.
"It's a girl," Dr. Reed says, grinning at me.
I stare in wonder before glancing up at Edward. He grins down at me, his eyes glazed with un-shed tears. I look back at the end of the bed, just as the nurses rush her away.
"What's happening?" I ask panicked, my eyes not leaving her retreating form. "Where are they taking her?"
"They're just cleaning her up, baby," Edward assured me, kissing my knuckles. "It's okay. She's okay."
"Okay, one down, one more to go!" Dr. Reed says encouragingly.
"I don't want to," I moan dejectedly.
"Come on, Bells, you're doing fantastic, don't give up now," says Tanya.
"You need to get the next one out so you can hold your angels," Jess coos.
"I'm not one hundred percent sure they're angels if they can cause this much pain," I mumble.
"Your birth wasn't all sunshine and rainbows either, Bella," says Renee, chuckling lightly.
"Neither was Edwards," adds Esme. "Just a few more pushes, honey, you can do it."
I close my eyes, gripping Edwards hand–which I'm pretty sure leaves marks from my nails digging in deeply, breaking the skin of the palm of his hand-and push. When I think I really can't do it anymore, I gather up all the energy I have left and push as hard as I can, screaming out in pain.
I glance down to see Dr. Reed holding up a beautiful little baby. "It's a boy!" she declares cheerfully.
I slump against the hospital bed's headboard, the high pitch cry of my son filling my ears. I glance up at Edward, his eyes filled with so much love and adoration as he stares at his son. I smile triumphantly, lightly squeezing his hand that's been entwined with mine this whole time. His eyes meet mine as i pull him closer to me. I reach out with my other hand, wiping away the joyful tears falling down his cheeks. I close my eyes as he leans forward, connecting his lips with mine in a passionate kiss.
"You did so well, baby," he whispers, resting his forehead against mine. "I'm so proud of you."
I scoot over in the bed so Edward can sit beside me.
"Here are your little devils," Dr. Reed jokes, walking over to us with my daughter wrapped up in a pink blanket. Jill following closely behind her, with my son wrapped up in blue.
Edward wraps his arm around my waist as Dr. Reed places my little girl in my arms, and Jill hands our son to Edward. I move the blanket away from her face to get a better look at her and tears pool up in my eyes. I lean forward, kissing her lightly on the forehead.
"She's so beautiful," I whisper, glancing up at Edward.
"Just like her mother," he says, not taking his eyes off mine.
I break our gaze, glancing down at our little girl and boy, a grin forming on my face. "Hello, babies," I coo. "I'm your mommy." I lean forward, kissing them both on their foreheads.
the familiar, husky clearing of someone's voice makes me look up to see Charlie. "I'm so proud of you, Bells," his voice is thick with emotion.
I didn't even realise everybody had come into the room.
I glance up at him, smiling appreciatively.
"I knew you had it in you," he says attentively.
"I'm strong like my dad," I whisper.
He smiles proudly at me before leaning down and kissing me on the temple and gazing at his grandchildren.
"What are you going to name them?" Jess asks, snapping us out of the moment.
I glance at Edward before looking back down at my girl.
"I think she looks like..." i trail off, pursing my lips as i think.
"Olivia," says Edward.
I look up at him, before looking back down at our little girl. "Yeah," I agree, smiling softly.
"How does somebody look like a name?" Emmett quips, his mouth curving up into a smirk.
Rose rolls her eyes, smacking Emmett on the back of his head.
"Ow!" Emmett exclaims. "What was that for?"
"What's her middle name?" Rose asks, ignoring her husband.
"Tess," I say quietly. "Jess and Tanya's names combined."
I glance at Jess and Tanya to gauge their reactions. Jess is silently bawling her eyes out, while Tanya is beaming at me. They both walk over and stand on the left side of the bed.
"And what about the little man?" asks Jasper.
"Dexter," I reply almost instantly.
"You're giving your kid the name of a fictional serial killer?" Emmett asks through a chuckle.
"Emmett," Rose growls, smacking him on the arm this time.
"Hey!" Emmett exclaims, rubbing his arm.
"Well, shut it," she snaps.
"Yeah," Edward agrees, his eyes filled with mirth. "Don't dis my son's name, you buffoon."
"I was just kiddin'!" Emmett chuckles, shaking his head.
"And his middle name?" asks Carlisle, continuing the previous conversation.
"Well, Bella tried combining both Jaspers and Emmett's names together," says Edward, amusement clear on his face. "But that didn't work out as well as Tanya and Jessica's combined."
"Oh god, I can just imagine," Rose mumbles.
"Jemmet," snorts Tanya.
"So, we went with Masen."
Esme gasps, covering her mouth with her hand. "For Elizabeth?" she all but whispers.
"Yeah." says Edward, smiling tenderly at his Aunt.
Carlisle makes his way over to us and embraces us both, kissing me on the cheek before pulling away. "That's incredibly thoughtful of you," he says, his voice trembling a little.
I smile softly, nodding my head, before looking back to Jasper and Emmett."So, instead of combing your names," I continue.
"We'd like you guys to be the Godfathers." Edward finishes.
"Whoa, really?" asks Jasper.
"Sweet!" Emmett hollers.
"Which means …" Edward trails off. He looks at me and I give him an encouraging nod of the head. "Alice and Rose?" he addresses them.
"Yeah?" – "Mm?" they reply simultaneously.
"Bella and I would like you two to be the Godmothers."
"What?" Rose asks shocked, as Alice squeals, "Really?" excitedly.
"Of course," I respond, smiling fondly at them.
Alice rushes over to us and engulfs us both in a hug before kissing Olivia and Dexter on the foreheads. "I'd be honoured," she whispers, swiping tears off her cheeks.
"Me too," says Rose, her voice shaking with emotion.
When we moved away, Edward and I also kept in contact with Riley and Vicki. Riley is now fifteen and is a sophomore at Forks High School. Vicki is twenty and studying her first year of Nursing at Princeton medical school. When we first moved away, we went back to Forks during the summer to visit them. We flew them out to California for our wedding and still sometimes fly Riley out here when he's on school holidays. When Vicki has time off from college, she comes out here to visit, too.
Demetri gives me a call every now and then and updates me on his life. He finished his bachelor degree in business and now owns his own hotel. He got married two years after Edward and I did to a lovely girl named Reneta. He still has a close relationship with both of his parents and they both get along fine and are still close to each other. Demetri and Reneta visit Edward and I sometimes and to see the kids. He's really fond of them and is always looking after them. I don't doubt that he's going to be an amazing father one day.
Tanya and Jessica moved to New York. We don't see them as much as we'd like, but they still come visit us and the kids. Tanya went back to college at Columbia to study business and she now owns her own combined coffee shop bookstore. Jessica also went to Columbia to study music. She teaches music in an elementary school.
Jasper stayed in Forks until Alice graduated high school–just like he said he would. They stayed in Forks for a while and got married before eventually moving to New York as well. Alice went to Columbia and studied Business with Tanya while Jasper went to Massachusetts to study Law at Harvard and is now the CEO of his own Law Firm. Alice became pregnant with their daughter, Summer, during her last year of college. She now runs her own event planning business.
Rosalie and Emmett moved to Connecticut to go to Yale. It was a sad day when they told us they were leaving. I was so upset and didn't want them to leave, but I knew it was the best thing for them to do. Emmett studied Mechanics and Engineering and now owns his own garage. Rosalie studied Psychology and Counselling, and is now a Child Psychologist. They got married the same year as Edward and I did. They started trying for a baby instantly but got some sad news that Rosalie couldn't become pregnant. So it was a surprise to hear that into their second year of marriage, Rosalie was pregnant with their miracle son, Liam.
We all get together during the holidays–especially Thanksgiving–to catch up with each other. The kids are all really close and enjoy spending time with each other.
When Edward stops tickling me he pulls me up into a seated position.
"Mommy, can we get some ice-cream?" Olivia asks cheerfully, pushing Edward out of the way so she can sit down in my lap. She wraps her arms around my neck and grins at me.
"Yeah, can we?" Dexter asks hopefully, sitting in Edward's lap.
"Of course we can," I reply, kissing Liv on the cheek and smiling affectionately at Dex.
I look at Edward, and smile lovingly at him. He reaches out and tucks a strand of hair behind my ear, his hand lingering on my cheek. I lean into his touch and close my eyes, sighing contently.
Edward wraps his arms around Dexter's waist, lifting him up as he scoots over until he's sitting right next to me. He wraps his arm around me and Liv, while I wrap my arms around Liv's waist. He leans forward, resting his forehead against mine, before kissing me softly.
"I love you so much, beautiful," he whispers against my lips.
I open my eyes, smiling tenderly at him. "I love you too."
Thank you all for all your support throughout this story! It's been a wonderful journey and i appreciate every single one of you, and your thoughts in the reviews you give me.
To try and make it up to you for being so fail, i have an outtake Beta'd and ready to edit, to be posted within the next few days! I don't want to make you promises of posting it on a specific day, and then breaking that promise.
I've got a few plot bunnies in the works, but they're locked away because i don't know which one to work on first. I just haven't had the time to really sit down and outline them properly.
If you'd like to know how i'm going with my other plot bunnies, or would like to know when i may post the outtake, just drop me a line on twitter - natalayx
Please leave me a review with your thoughts! x
