*I don't own any of the characters from Twilight. They belong to Stephenie Meyer. I only own the original characters in this story.


Chapter 56

Embry kept his eyes on the retreating vampire leaders who were surrounded by several Guards carrying Jane, Chelsea and Aro. The head leech was holding what was left of his legs. It looked like he was crying but of course there were no tears. He silently wondered why Evie didn't kill him. He turned to Leah and placed his hand on her stomach. "We're having a baby," he said with a big smile.

Leah hugged Embry knowing the news was good for both of them. She didn't have time to wonder if he would freak out or not. But deep down she knew he would welcome the news. She was thankful the Pack kept close even if their congratulations sounded more like growling and whining.

Evie moved the shield out as the Volturi slowly left. She sensed Marcus and Caius's fear as they took in the damage she and the Pack inflicted on their Guards. It would give them plenty to think about if they decided to go back on their word. She moved her shield to touch Marcus and Caius and silently reminded them to stay away from her family.

"Hell hath no fury, like a woman scorned," Marcus thought.

Sam glanced at Leah. A piece of his heart ached seeing her so happy knowing she was carrying someone else's child but he couldn't deny the larger part of his heart which was filled with happiness for them. He knew his Pack Brother would take care of her and their child. The thought of one day Emily carrying his child filled him with love and hope for the future.

Jacob and the Pack wanted to congratulate Embry and Leah but the leeches were still close by. Their Pack was slowly growing with kids. The next generation would soon be on its way.

"Why are they hovering?" Leah asked as the last of the Guards left. They were moving at human speed which made her feel uneasy.

Sam's wolf moved closer to the small group. He watched Evie as she stared at one of the Guards. If he didn't know better it almost looked she was having a private conversation with the bloodsucker. He knew there was something going on and it didn't sit well with him.

Embry waited until the last of the Guards finally left the meadow. "Evie, how did they know to come here?" he asked looking at his sister. She was facing the other way. His right side still hurt from that damn blonde leech Jane. "And please don't insult me by saying they followed someone's scent."

"I told them," Evie replied with a sigh. She slowly turned to face him but instead Sam was in her face. She was a bit surprised to see him in his human form. She looked up at him but didn't let the vicious look in his eyes intimidate her. She knew the Pack would be angry at her once they knew the truth.

Sam was slightly shaking. "You put our imprints and Tribe in danger," he yelled. "Why?"

Evie throw her shield out when Paul's wolf moved forward. She grabbed Embry's arm and held him back before he could confront Sam. "Stop," she hissed. The shield pushed the guys back.

Paul growled at Sam but got frustrated when he couldn't phase. He tried to nudge Evie but the shield was preventing him from moving. He continued to growl.

"Enough," Jacob ordered. He stood next to Evie with his arms crossed and glared at his Pack Brothers. "Clear the area for any body parts and burn them. If I hear a word from any of you, twelve hour patrols will just be the beginning of your punishment." He motioned with his head for them to go. "Embry, supervise the clean while your ribs fully heal." The last thing he needed was the Pack to argue.

"They have every right to be angry," Evie stated as she watched the Pack walk away. "I would be if I was kept in the dark." She rubbed her arms.

Jacob gave her a side hug. "It was my decision and they can blame me," he said.

Leah wanted nothing more than to be mad at Evie but it wouldn't help. The girl only did what she thought was necessary to protect them all. She took a deep breath before giving Evie a hug. "Don't let those idiots make you feel bad for protecting their sorry asses," she said before pulling away. She smiled before placing her hand on her flat stomach.

"Thanks Leah," Evie said with a smile. "As for the pregnancy….isn't it better for you to tell us than the other way around. I didn't want to take that moment away from you or Embry."

Leah softly laughed knowing it was the truth. But did it really matter? She was having a baby. At one point she thought being a wolf meant she would never get to experience any of this but she was completely wrong. She looked at Embry and smiled. They were going to have a baby.

Jared and Brady were moving through the trees when they spotted an arm and leg moving towards each other. They dragged the parts to the fire. Elijah and Edgar were adding a torso when Sam joined them. He was grumbling as he threw some torn clothing in the fire. The immediate area looked cleared but they needed to check it again.

"Don't say a word man," Jared shook his head. "None of us want twelve hour patrols." He bumped Sam's wolf and motioned for Brady to follow him. Kim would kill him if he had to do twelve hour patrols.

"Besides, Evie wouldn't keep us in the dark for no reason," Elijah added as he dragged an arm. He tossed the arm in the fire and rubbed his nose in the ground. The stench off the arm was strong.

Sam shook his head in frustration. "Of course you think that way," he grumbled as he rounded a tree. The immediate area was clear of all debris.

"What's that supposed to mean?" Elijah asked. It looked like they got the last of the leeches. He continued to look around.

"Elijah, help Paul check that area over there," Embry said pointing to the right. He rubbed his ribs as the pain began to slowly fade.

"It means you are letting your feelings for Evie cloud your judgment," Sam harshly replied. Everyone knew he still had feelings for Evie.

Paul let out a growl that shook the trees around him. He couldn't see Sam but knew he was only a few feet away. "Watch it Sam," he snapped. "Don't say a fucking word." He moved from the trees and glared at his former Alpha.

Jacob glanced in the direction of all the noise. "What are they saying?" he asked irritated. He knew it was Sam causing the problem.

Evie sighed and frowned. "It doesn't really matter," she replied. "They are upset and just venting." She looked around and watched as the Pack finished clearing the meadow. "Bella has a shield around La Push. Emmett and Collin are running a quick perimeter around the area along with Gavin and Jasper until we return." She gave Jacob a small smile when he nodded.

"How much trouble are Sam and Paul in?" Leah asked smiling. She winked at Embry.

Jacob walked towards the trees to phase. He wanted to leave as soon as possible. Being away from Bella was making him anxious. Something felt off but he couldn't figure out what it was…he needed Bella.


Derek hugged his children with tears in his eyes. A blurred vision showed Sue hugging her own children while Jacob was surrounded by Bella, Charlie and Billy. This was the outcome they all wanted but thought they would never get. He didn't want to let them go but his mom was bouncing on her feet ready to embrace her grandchildren.

Embry hugged Derek one more time "Dad, its time," he whispered.

Derek laughed as he let Embry go. He patted his pocket and nodded. There was no mistaking the look in Embry's eyes. He was ready to start on his future.

Valisa and Marshall didn't waste a moment. They engulfed their grandchildren and thanked any God or spirit listening for the safe return of the Pack and especially their grandbabies. Valisa pulled back and wiped her tears away.

"We're okay Nana," Embry said before kissing her forehead. It was obvious how much this ordeal affected her.

Marshall held Evie a bit longer. His Baby Girl has been through too much in such a short time. She deserved to have a carefree life as a teenager. The look in her eyes told him she was too mature for her age with way too many life experiences for a sixteen year old. He kissed the top of her head before letting her go.

"I'm so thankful you are all okay," Valisa cried. She hugged Paul and kissed his cheek. The tears continued to fall. She brushed away every horrible outcome that flooded her mind.

"Did you honestly think Embry and I would let anything happen to Shorty?" Paul asked with a smile. Keeping her safe was all that mattered to him.

Embry had his arm around Evie. "There were a few moments I had to save munchkin but that's what big brothers are for," he laughed when she elbowed him.

"More like I saved my big brother's furry butt," Evie stated with a playful glare. She reached behind her and gave Paul's hand a squeeze. He constantly had a hand on her since they left the meadow. She sensed the fear he had but knew better than to reassure him. The man and wolf needed to know she was completely safe on their own terms. Physical contact was their way of knowing.

Derek laughed as he pulled his family into a group hug. Having them in his arms was the only thing that mattered. He finally took a deep breath and pushed the last few months away. His family was together even though Kathy wasn't here, she was watching over them. He believed it from the bottom of his heart. They were bound to each other and their bonds made them stronger. He smiled when his mom said a prayer of thanks for keeping everyone safe.

The Cullen's embraced one another feeling thankful for the first time. Their love for one another seemed to tighten their family bond. Jasper no longer felt the terrible guilt he carried around since Alice deceived them all. Rosalie laughed at the look on Emmett's face when he heard about the fight in the meadow. Esme smiled as her children laughed. Carlisle finally felt peace. His family was home.

Sue, Leah, Seth and Gina were pulled into the Black-Swan group. With everything that happened Sue and Charlie were no longer hiding their relationship. Life was too short to deny happiness. Leah laughed as she hugged Bella. Charlie patted Seth on the back as Sue hugged him. Gina held Seth's hand with a guilty look. She knew underneath it all Seth was upset with her. Jacob hugged Billy knowing the old man was thanking the Spirits for keeping him safe.

Sam held Emily close as he talked to Jared and Kim. Collin and Brady were trying to one up each other in the battle they had with the vampires. Elijah and Edgar congratulated Michael, Gavin and Drew on protecting La Push. Sam patted each one of the younger pups as they traded stories. For the first time in a while it seemed they were all able to breathe. They were surrounded by family and everyone was home.

Quil held Beth close as he talked to his Grandfather. Old Quil reminded his Grandson they needed to document the battle they endured for future Spirit Wolves. He didn't trust those Cold Ones from Italy. He feared they would return to destroy the Tribe. He glanced at the Cullen's. They were still mortal enemies to the Wolves. He was cautious, not fully trusting them. But something was changing and he wasn't sure if it was good or bad.

It didn't take long for the Pack to settle down around the family room. They each wanted to know what happen in the meadow and La Push. But the younger ones were a little more eager to tell their story. They were proud of themselves. The big question they all wanted answered was the Pack Link being cutoff between the two groups.

Kim and Emily looked at each other hoping the guys didn't find out about them being stranded with a flat tire instead of being at Nana's. Beth glanced at Emily, Kim and Gina but didn't say anything as she leaned into Quil. If Seth decided to tell the guys she didn't want to be a part of the lecture the girls were sure to receive.

Jasper explained how he ended up on the flight with Aro. He didn't know when the first set of guards were sent but assumed it was a few hours before they landed. He didn't leave out any of the details of his fight with Felix. It was his way of rubbing it in Emmett's face. His brother wanted to be the one to take out the oversized guard.

"It's cool," Emmett said with a shrug. "If it would have been me fighting, that story would be over in ten seconds." He leaned back in his chair and crossed his arms.

"How do you figure?" Jasper questioned. He couldn't help but smirk.

Everyone turned to look at Emmett. It was a known fact the big guy thought he was unbeatable. He never shied away from a challenge.

"With my skills and strength," Emmett replied as he flexed his muscles. "Felix would have been snapped in two." He held up two figures. "No can beat me."

Jasper shook his head at Rosalie when she opened her mouth. "Evie," he quietly said.

Evie moved her hand and encased Emmett in her shield. She smiled when he began to pound on the shield. No one could hear him but he could them which made him even angrier.

"You might want to rethink that strength thing," Jasper laughed. He bumped fist with Jacob.

"Not to mention," Bella said smiling. "You just got beat by a girl." She gave Evie a high five and laughed.

"Shorty," Derek said in a stern tone. He kept the smile off his face and motioned for her to stop.

"Sorry Dad," Evie laughed before removing the shield. "Continue with the story Jasper." She blew Emmett a kiss as he glared at her. Paul pulled her closer as he laughed.

Jasper quickly told his story. "Following those Guard's scents was the easy part. They were skilled fighters but these young wolves took them down easily," he commented nodding in their direction. It was not hard to see the pride they felt at being complimented.

"We kicked butt," Michael said with a big smile as he high fived Drew. Their Alpha had them train hard. It prepared them to fight against the Volturi.

"The only thing that really bothered me was not being able to hear you guys in the meadow," Collin stated as he scratched his head. "What caused it?" He was worried it would happen again.

"Renata," Bella, Evie and Jasper replied. It was the simplest answer but by the looks on everyone's face it would need a bit of explaining.

Jasper was the first to speak. "Her shield deflects much like Bella's but it causes a person to change direction," he chuckled when a few of the wolves looked confused. "If you plan on going straight, the shield will make you go left or right and you won't even know why." A few nodded.

"It makes sense why Shorty and Bella couldn't get around it," Paul replied. He remembered the look of frustration of Evie's face.

"But they were able to finally get through it," Embry pointed out.

"So how did the fight play out in the meadow?" Seth asked looking between Jacob and Sam. He had a feeling it was a hard fight.

Evie looked at her Grandparents. "It would be easier to show everyone as long as you two are okay with it," she didn't know how they would react to watching Embry being attacked.

Marshall understood the concern he saw in Evie's eyes. "Knowing everyone is here will make it easier for us to see what happen Baby Girl," he gave her an encouraging smile as he held Valisa's hand.

Evie glanced at Embry for a moment until he gave her a nod. She took a deep breath and began to play out what happen at the meadow from the moment Aro arrived. The soft gasps from Valisa and Sue were expected along with the anger Charlie, Derek and Marshall projected but the calmness coming from Billy and Old Quil surprised her.

Leah watched as everything replayed but this time she was able to concentrate on everyone else instead of herself and Evie. The way the Pack moved was completely different from this point of view than actually being in the fight. It was easy to appreciate the quick and graceful moves they displayed well moving as a one.

Evie skipped the part where she revealed Leah pregnancy. She winked at Leah when she mouthed 'Thank you'. The happy news should come from Embry and Leah. It was something she was looking forward to celebrating as their small family grew. Besides once Sue and Marshall find out they will insist on Leah being checked for any injuries to her and the baby.

Valisa held Marshall's hand tightly. Knowing her grandbabies were safe at home after fighting to protect everyone didn't make it easy to watch. The look on those vampires who wanted nothing more than to tear her family apart was terrifying. She wiped away the few tears that fell.

Bella scanned the surrounding area with her shield as they continued to watch what happen in the meadow. The look on Aro's face as he realized there was no way for him to walk away unscathed made her smile. She could only imagine the thoughts running through his mind at facing defeat for the first time in who knows how many centuries.

Gavin was the first to speak after Evie showed them the last scene. "How did you figure out to get around Renata's shield?" he asked with his chin in his hands.

Bella laughed and shook her head. She gestured at Evie with her thumb. "Dummy here was over thinking it," she replied. She laughed harder when Jacob swatted Paul's hand when he tried to hit her.

"No touching the prego," Jacob scolded. He kissed the top of Bella's head.

"I knew going through her shield was out," Evie began with a small shake of her head. "Bella was right though I was over thinking it. Once our shields touched it was absorbed into my shield." She rubbed Paul's arm. "It took me awhile to figure it out. With the battle going on and trying to protect everyone I wasn't thinking clearly." She held onto Paul's arm when she felt Sam glare at her.

"Maybe if you would have told us about being in contact with those head leeches we would have been better prepared," Sam stated angrily. He ignored the furious growl Paul made. "The imprints were left unprotected at the side of the road."

"Sam, I'm sorry," Emily cried as she turned to look at him.

"Shorty, what is going on?" Derek stared at his daughter knowing she was hiding something. There were a few grumblings as everyone tried to talk to once.

"Quiet," Embry shouted. "Let Jake speak." He turned to his Alpha.

"Evie was in contact with two of the head leeches," Jacob answered. There were quite a few gasps. He noticed the hurt look on the Cullen's faces. "Sorry," he quickly said. Carlisle nodded. "She was in contact with Marcus Caius. It was my call to keep everyone in the dark." He could see Sam was trying hard to hold his tongue.

"What was your reasoning son?" Billy asked. He shook his head when Charlie and Derek looked at him. He had no idea any of this was going on under his nose.

Paul moved Evie next to him but scooted forward with his hands on his knees. He glared back at Sam. If he wanted to take his anger out on anyone then it would be him not Evie.

"I'm sure Jasper can back me up here," Jacob began. "Aro only needs to touch someone in order to hear every thought they ever had. We had to keep the plan to a few people." He ignored the Pack's reaction and concentrated on the parents, mainly his dad.

Evie leaned forward. "I only told Jacob, Bella and Paul," she said and glanced at Embry. "I know you're mad but I did it to protect you." The hurt look on his face brought tears to her eyes.

"You made the right decision," Billy stated with a nod of approval to his son. "The imprint bond between Evie and Paul would keep him safe but," he turned to Embry. "They would use you against Evie and she would give her life to save you." It was the hard truth.

Embry lowered his head. Billy was right and he knew it. His sister would do anything to protect him. He let Leah's soothing touch help him. Whatever anger he may have felt disappeared at the thought of losing his sister.

"It still put our imprints in danger," Sam voiced his irritation as he looked around.

Jared shook his head at Sam. The guy didn't know when to let things go. "Sam, it wasn't her fault," he said. He pulled Kim close. He was thankful the girls were safe.

"They could have been hurt or worse killed, all so you could protect Embry," Sam scoffed. "How selfish can you be?" He eyes opened wide as Evie jumped up and used her shield to toss him over the couch and into the wall.

Emily gasped as she stood up. This was all her fault. They were arguing because of her decision. "Stop, please," she cried.

"I did it to protect everyone, not just Embry," Evie shouted. She stood with her arms to her side as she glared hard at Sam. "If you want to blame me for Emily, Kim and Gina being out there," she said loudly as she gestured to outside, "while the rest of us were fighting, then go ahead. But don't you ever accuse me of being selfish." She tried to calm down but it wasn't easy.

"Evie," Valisa cried out as she watched her struggle to pull back her power.

"Baby Girl," Marshall calmly said. Seeing Evie wrestle with everything going on broke his heart.

"It wasn't Evie's fault," Emily stated. "I suggested going back for the phone." She felt guilty putting herself and the girls in danger.

"It was our fault," Kim added. She held on to Jared and she cried.

Gina looked at Seth with tears in her eyes. "I am so sorry Seth. When I suggested going back to Emily's house, I honestly didn't think of the danger we would be putting ourselves in," she wiped away her tears.

"Instead of being angry at anyone just be thankful Rosalie, Bella and Seth found then," Carlisle suggested calmly. "They obviously didn't know there were vampires heading here. It was a moment of lapse judgement."

Evie looked around the room. Gina, Kim and Emily were crying as their imprints held them. She walked through the kitchen with only one thought, she needed air. Everything they went through was weighing heavily on her.

Derek and Charlie were angry at the way Sam treated Evie. They tried to get up and give him a piece of their mind but something was holding them back. They looked around and realized Bella was using her shield to defuse the situation. It was probably a good thing since it wouldn't have ended well for either of them. Sam was young and not to mention hiss wolf would demolish them.

Sam was slightly trembling but he felt a wave of calm wash over him. He turned to Jasper but he held up his hands. He wanted to rage and be anger but it was no use. The fight was all but gone. Emily was shaking as she continued to cry.

"It's me," Bella confessed. She kept everyone back. This was not the place to start a fight. Paul and Embry both stood up before she could keep them in their seat. "Leave her alone for a moment. She needs to calm down."

"When did I touch the shield?" Jasper asked rubbing his chin.

Bella smirked. "Just now when Evie pushed Sam back," she answered. She ignored the look Sam gave her. He could sulk all he wanted. She wasn't in the mood to deal with him. She lowered the shield. "You're lucky she didn't throw you through the wall." Jacob pulled her close and she relaxed in his arms.

Embry sat down when Leah tugged on his arm. He knew Evie would come back once she calmed down. He gave Sam a dirty look and held Leah's hands between his. She didn't need to be upset right now. It wasn't good for her or the baby.

Paul stayed standing for a moment. He watched as Sam sat down with Emily and pulled her close. The thought of sending Sam through the wall floated around. He looked down when he felt someone touch his hand.

"You know Evie will come back once she calms down," Beth said giving his hand a shake. "If you go caveman, it will only put you on the couch later tonight." She smiled knowing he didn't want that to happen, again.

"Thanks Beth," Paul said before sitting down. He avoided eye contact with Sam. It would be too easy to fly out of his seat and attack his former Alpha but Emily and Kim were too close and would feel the brunt of the attack.

"Damn," Emmett bellowed with a laugh. "Munchkin has some serious power." He ignored the dirty look Sam gave him. "I wonder how strong she is?" he asked flexing his muscles.

Jasper cuffed Emmett in the back of the head. "She might come after you next," he smirked.

"Do you think they will come back?" Elijah asked. He could see the worried look on his brother's faces. "We did a lot of damage to their Guards." He lost count of how many they destroyed.

"They may decide to come back but it won't be in the immediate future," Carlisle replied. He held up his hand when Jacob opened his mouth. "No one has ever willing challenged The Volturi and those who face them are small with limited talent. They've never faced anyone quite this large whether they are a Coven or Pack without having the upper hand. They weren't prepared and they may never be." He gestured for Jasper to continue.

"Carlisle is right," Jasper began. He scooted forward and glanced at the Pack before him. "They never go into battle without knowing the outcome. These shields Bella and Evie possess are unique. I've never heard of shields bonding to create an almost impenetrable force. Not to mention the way it absorbs any level of physical or mental ability." He gave a small shake of his head. "It's still hard to believe two beings could create something so powerful while still in their human form. I seriously doubt they want to lose more Guards."

"Given time these abilities will grow stronger," Carlisle continued. "The problems you faced in the meadow regarding the shield falling apart won't be an issue." He rubbed his chin. "I believe it will protect this area for quite some time. Long enough for the cycle to come full circle." He smiled at Leah knowing her little one possessed some ability being related to Evie and Bella.

Old Quil stroked his chin as he listened to The Cold Ones talk. They made valid points regarding the shields young Bella and Evie controlled but it still left some unanswered questions. The Tribe was still in danger from random Cold Ones as well as the ones who left to their dungeon in Italy. He patted his grandson's shoulder. Young Quil and his imprint would carryon is family traditions and they must be protected.

"Spit it out old man," Billy said as he watched Old Quil. He knew the elder was mulling over something.

"I think we have all thought this at one point or another," Old Quil began. He cleared his throat and smiled when Beth handed him a glass of water. She will make a fine wife for his grandson. Their babies will be big and strong. He took a quick drink. "Whether your coven stays or leaves, our young ones will still phase. It seems the supernatural gravitates towards this region." The slight nod from the doctor confirmed what he long suspected.

"The climate allows our kind to roam freely under the cloud coverage," Esme explained. She held Carlisle's hand a little tighter.

"Unfortunately, it also allows nomads to venture in and take human life," Rosalie added. She moved her long blonde hair over her shoulder. "I am sorry for the pain it brings to your Tribe." She understood what it was like to have your world turned upside down in a matter of minutes.

Emmett smiled at Rosalie. She usually kept this side of herself hidden from everyone. He pulled her close as she took an unnecessary breath. Deep down she cared for the people she came into contact with but closing herself off made it easier to move on. This would be difficult when the time came to leave. They would never grow old with their new family but will do their best to protect them.

Evie walked in and quietly took a seat next to Paul. She rested her head on his chest and smiled when he kissed the top of her head. Being angry wasn't common for her and these powers running through her veins were making it difficult.

"I'm thankful for the safe return of our children," Sue began with a smile. "Being able to hold my son and daughter is something I will never take for granted after everything we have been through but," she turned to Leah and Embry. "When were you planning on telling us about the baby?" She laughed at the surprised look on their faces.

The Pack whooped and hollered their approval. It was hard for them to keep the good news under wrap but it wasn't their news to share. They high-fived each other while a few patted Embry on the back.

"What?" Valisa exclaimed as she clapped her hands together. "We're going to have a great grandchild?" She wiped at the tears that began to fall.

"But how did you know?" Leah asked a bit surprised and confused. She absently covered her stomach.

Sue laughed as she wiped a tear away. "I'm your mother," she replied. She looked around as everyone was talking and laughing. It was a reason to celebrate. "You need an exam to guarantee you and the baby are fine." She clapped her hands together and was bouncing up and down on the couch.

"I'm gonna be an Aunt," Evie sang as she pointed to Leah and Embry.

"I'm gonna be an Uncle," Seth sang as he bumped hips with Evie.

Paul looked at Evie and Seth and laughed. He patted Embry on the back and shook his hand. "Congrats man," he said.

"Thanks, Bro," Embry smiled. He glanced at Evie and Seth as they danced around. "My poor kid doesn't stand a chance being related to those two." He laughed.

"Congratulations," Esme called out with a big smile. She took Rosalie's hand knowing her daughter wanted nothing more than to have a child of her own.

Rosalie blinked a few times as if to stop the non-existent tears from falling. "It's wonderful news," she said with a forced smile.

Bella reached for Rosalie's hand. She knew it was hard for the beautiful blond to watch life move forward as she remained forever still. Rosalie have Bella's hand a squeezed before Emmett pulled her into his arms and whispered words of love and devotion.

"This little one will definitely be spoiled," Marshall laughed as he shook Carlisle's hand.

Esme leaned forward to talk to Valisa about decorating the nursey. The two women gushed and awed at the many ideas they had for a nursey. They glanced at Bella knowing they needed to finish the twins nursey before undertaking a new project.

Charlie kissed Sue on the lips. He didn't care if everyone was around. "It seems our little family is getting bigger," he patted Embry on the shoulder.

"Thanks Chief," Embry smiled. He stood up when Leah hugged her mom. It seemed everyone was happy with the news. When Derek stood up, he immediately pulled his dad into a hug. "Congratulations Grandpa," he laughed patting Derek on the back.

Derek was at a loss for words. He was completely overwhelmed with emotions. He glanced up knowing Kathy was looking down on them smiling. They were getting the family they always imagined. They had Evie and if Kathy were still alive they would also have Embry. A grandchild on the way with the possibility of more to follow in the years to come made the tears he shed even more joyful. He pulled away with a smile on his face. He gently patted Embry's cheek before pulling out a small box. "Start your forever son," he said stepping back.

Evie smiled at Embry before wrapping her arms around Derek's waist. "I wish mom was here to see this," she quietly said as tears threaten to fall.

Derek put his arm around his daughter. "She is Shorty," he replied. "She is definitely here." He never thought his heart would ever fill this full of love again after he lost Kathy but he was wrong as he looked around the room.

Embry took a deep breath as he approached Leah. There was no doubt in his mind regarding her answer but it still made him nervous. The guys were settling down as if they knew what was about to happen.

"I am so happy for you Leah," Emily said as she hugged her cousin. "You are going to make a wonderful mom." She was genuinely happy for Leah. It felt like they came full circle.

Leah laughed as she hugged Emily. "Thank you," she said pulling back. "But you and Sam better hurry up. I still want our kids to go up together." She wiped the tears from Emily's eyes.

"You still want that," Emily asked surprised. It was one of the first promises they made as children, to raise their kids together.

"Of course," Leah replied with a smile. "The past is the past, this," she said placing her hand over her stomach, "is the future."

Emily nodded as she wiped her eyes. She noticed Embry standing behind Leah. When he dropped down to one knee, she smiled. "Your future starts now," she said turning Leah around.

Leah looked at Emily as if she was crazy. When she faced forward everyone was quiet and motioning towards the floor. She gasped when she finally noticed Embry on one knee.

Embry took Leah's hand and kissed it. "I loved you longer than I can remember. From our first kiss, I knew you were my forever," he smiled when she bit her lip. Her eyes were filling with tears but the love in her eyes gave him the courage to continue. "I know we're young but I also know we will have a beautiful life together. I love you Leah. Will you marry me?" He opened the small black box and chuckled when she gasped.

Leah wasn't big on fancy rings but she knew the significance of this particular one. It represented Embry's family. Tears rolled down her cheeks as she smiled at the man who loved her unconditionally. "Yes," she happily answered.


I hope you are still enjoying the story. Sorry for not posting sooner. Thanks for continuing to follow the story and marking it as one of your favorites.

Thanks,

india8