A/N: Thank you so much for your patience. I've finally overcome my writer's block. This is the final chapter. There will be an epilogue that explains a lot of things that will follow in the next few weeks. Please tell me if you have any unanswered questions, concerns, or thoughts about what you would like to see in the epilogue. A giant thank you to all who have reviewed!

Family Tree

Chapter 32

BPOV

There have been sixteen moons, and no Edward. I can't stand to wait for him any longer.

"Jacob…?"

He is half a mile away, but hears me, and comes running.

"Yes?"

I look him over, it's as though a permanent scowl has attached itself to his face. The last few weeks haven't been easy for either of us. We've tried to cohabitate, but I can't be close to him for any length of time. My instincts to kill are still very strong.

"I need Edward," I admit timidly.

A spasm of pain crosses his features. He pulls out a small cell phone, and after a quick glance at me, dials the number.

Fifteen minutes later, and Edward is emerging through the trees. He's running, and it's a beautiful sight to behold. I drink in every single detail of his perfect, graceful, lope. His eyes are like butterscotch, golden and pure, almost translucent. His smile is radiant.

He leaps the last twenty feet, landing in a crouch before me. He kneels, looking up at me with a grin. "I am so glad you called."

"I needed to see you."

He stands up slowly and then holds out his arms. I fall into them and he kisses me. I'm surprised by the way his lips yield under pressure, almost soft. We melt together, naturally, and I sigh in contentment. I've missed him so much.

"Do you mind getting a room?" Jacob snorts behind me.

I release Edward reluctantly, and face my best friend.

"I know this is hard for you. I'm sorry Jacob," I tell him sincerely.

"Not as sorry as I am… believe me," he retorts.

I walk forward and stop ten feet in front of Jake. "You don't have to stay. I'm in control now."

"It hasn't been a long time," Edward reminds me, with a hint of amusement.

I shake my head. "It seemed like an eternity. I'm in control, Jacob, aren't I?"

He nods begrudgingly. "A human passed through not a mile from here. We both smelled it. I knew she was tempted but she forced herself to stay still."

"The family will be ready to move as soon as you're ready Bella. We're going to stay with the Denali clan. There are no humans nearby."

"So just like that, you'll be gone, Bella. I should have known. Do you have any idea what you've done to me?" Jacob looks at me with pain filled eyes.

"It was never my intention…"

"It doesn't matter. It's clear to me… just look at you! You've been miserable without him. You can't stand to be near me. Bella… I'll always love you. I do want you to be happy. Regardless of what happens now, at least you're still here, in some way," his voice cracks.

Something lurches inside and I pull away from Edward, drifting toward Jacob. His scent burns my nose but I force myself to reach out to him.

His nose wrinkles in distaste but he doesn't reject me, he accepts me into the embrace and holds me close. I can feel the hairs on his head standing on end.

"I still love you Jacob," I murmur in his ear.

"I know you do."

"But this can't work… not right now."

"Bella… if you ever gain control… to the point where you can stand me…"

I pull back and stare into his pleading eyes. "I'll come back," I promise, impulsively.

I release Jacob and walk toward Edward. He holds out his hand and I take it.

"Thank you Jacob," Edward whispers as he gives my hand a squeeze.

"It was never for you," Jake shrugs. He looks at me. "Remember your promise."

I watch him until his shape disappears in the horizon, and feel a crushing, and unexpected sadness. I reach my hand out in the direction he went, unconsciously.

"Bella, if you ever need him, I'll understand. No questions asked," Edward tells me quietly.

I know that he means it.

After a moment, I look up at my personal miracle. "What I need right now, is you."

He grins, that beautiful crooked smile, and I relax against him.

There is much that is undecided, and I'm not Alice; I can't see the future.

But of three things I am absolutely positive…

First, I am now a vampire.

Second, there is a part of me, and I'm not sure how dominant that part might be, that somehow yearns for Jacob.

And third, that I am still absolutely and irrevocably in love with Edward Cullen.