98

When she found out that Bella wouldn't be making it back in time for the custody hearing, Rosalie took it upon herself to plan a small get together to celebrate our victory. She, too, believed that everything would work out in our favor. Now that I think about it, to this day, I don't recall ever meeting a pessimistic vampire. I guess, with time, all problems end up resolving themselves in some way or another for an immortal.

Another thing about vamps is their stubbornness. Bella is back, and I want nothing more than to take my girls home and spend some quality family time with them, but Rosalie refuses to let us flake out.

Instead of reacquainting myself with the comfort of finally having my vampire back, I find myself in a tiny cottage on the west end of town playing a fucking card game with my daughters and their friends. Rosalie has spared no expense, ordering way too much food for three humans and supplying a macabre cocktail bar for the vamps, but I'd be happier at home with my girls and microwave dinners.

The name of the game is Cards Against Humanity, and if I didn't personally read Emmett McCarty's identification papers when I hired him, I'd never guess the man is ninety-three years old. When I voice my thoughts, Rose just laughs.

"Technically, Emmett was only eighteen when I changed him," she explains with a roll of her eyes. "But his brain was obviously frozen at the age of thirteen. I personally believe the blood loss from the bear attack affected his mental state despite the healing qualities of the venom."

"You have no proof, babe." The big beef head chuckles and lays down his card. "Maybe she's born with it. Maybe it's my balls on your face. HA!"

Bella discreetly checks the back of the box for the suggested age limit.

"That makes no sense," Angela grumbles while everyone else, including her boyfriend, laughs. "Ben, please don't stoop to their level of immaturity."

"Sorry, hun."

"Come on, Ang. It's the name of the game." Alice bumps shoulders with her sister. "Try to get the stick out of your butt and act like a teenager for once in your life."

"Alice," I warn.

"She's right, kid," Emmett says. "You're too serious all the time. Let loose a little."

Angela harrumphs.

"Okay, everyone. Stop harassing Rabbit and give Emmett the win." Bella stands up and gathers empty soda cans and coffee mugs. "We're going to get more popcorn. Come on, Edward."

I jump up and follow her to the kitchen.