Sleep was broken between dreams, waking Leah often with a heartbroken longing she could not shake. Somewhere near dawn, she awoke in tears and scrambled out of bed. Quil remained asleep, his breathing deep and even as Leah dressed. She snagged one of the cigarettes Quil had bought her, quietly crept from the room, and walked out onto the front porch. She was halfway through her cigarette, wallowing in self-pity and silently wiping tears away as the sound of a throat clearing caught her attention. Leah watched in silence as Charlie walked over and sat down on the steps next to her. Charlie reached over to take her cigarette and took a drag. The thought of Hodie doing the same thing added to her despair. Leah wiped tears away anxiously and asked, "What are you doing here so early in the morning?"

Charlie exhaled as he leaned forward, resting his elbows on his knees. He handed her cigarette back and said, "Saw you sitting out here from the road. I was heading to work a bit early. Figured I would check on you kids. No one ever found that damn body last night."

Leah scoffed bitterly and said, "Yeah, they did. Ashes are in the fire pit behind the house. It was the tick pretending to be Chelsea. The guys and Jasper got rid of her last night. The real Chelsea is just fine, too. If any files connected to Hodie talk about anyone called Mike and Gem… they are dead. Everyone mentioned in those files is probably dead." Charlie stared at her curiously, patiently waiting for her to explain. Leah said, "Gem told me the truth, and I just want you to know. In case Hodie is found. In case he comes back here someday. Hodie didn't hurt anyone."

Charlie said, "I thought you just said this Gem person was dead. Is that who this vampire was?"

Leah scowled and said, "Gem is a vampire now, but he's not the one in the fire pit." She sniffled as a tear escaped and dripped from her chin as she added, "Amara is."

His eyes grew wide in surprise, and he released a deep breath. Charlie nodded sadly and asked, "You thought she was your friend, huh?"

Leah nodded once angrily as she stared at the treeline. Yes, I did indeed believe we were friends. Amara had hugged her happily that day at the club. Less than twenty-four hours later, Amara had beaten Leah down and then left her to die on the sidewalk.

Leah said, "I always suspected something was off with Amara, but never that she was a damn vampire. I was good to her. Protected her. I mean, it was my job, but I was willing to fight for her in her personal life, too. She was always slightly cold to the touch, but she was so tiny, I just figured she had shitty circulation or something."

Charlie barked out a laugh. He composed himself quickly and said, "I'm sorry about all of that, Lee. It's terrible to feel betrayed like that."

Leah chuckled bitterly and said, "That is not even the worst part. I have all of my memories back. I almost wish that I didn't. I had dreams about Hodie all night. Last night, when the tick died and my head cleared ...it felt like he left me like a year ago. So much has happened so quickly. This morning, it feels as if he just left all over again." She looked over at him tearfully and said, "I really miss him."

Charlie slung his arm around her shoulders, and she leaned into his side as she fought back a sob. Charlie said, "What you are going through isn't so unusual, hun. Grief does that to people. One day you will feel okay. You think you are getting better. Suddenly, a memory will hit ya like a truck and take you right back to that place. Two steps forward and one step back. I understand it all too well. That's why I worried so much about Bella when Edmund broke her heart. Renee devastated me when she left and took Bells with her. I know your mom has days where she misses Harry something awful. I bet it was similar when you and Sam broke up, huh?"

Leah nodded in agreement. Mom and I would get along a whole lot better if we both admitted we are too much alike. Sue had loved Harry in her own way, but Leah had zero doubt that she had loved Charlie, too. Harry and Charlie. Hodie and Quil. Hmph.

Leah sat up and said, "I grieved over Sam like that more than once."

Charlie said, "Quil, too, huh?"

Leah chuckled and said, "Oh, yeah. Unfortunately, getting my memories back made me remember everything with Quil, too. All the fighting we did." The leech scrambling her memories had not changed how she felt about Quil. It had instead only reaffirmed those feelings. They had both grown and changed over the last few weeks. Leah said, "I love him more than ever, though."

Charlie grumbled, "Being an adult ain't all it's cracked up to be. I wish I could tell you shit gets easier, but it doesn't. Not even for those of us that can't imprint." Charlie grinned and nudged her elbow with his. He said, "Sometimes we just gotta take our happiness where we can get it."

Leah scoffed and said, "That sounds like shit my Dad would say."

Charlie chuckled and said, "Harry wasn't wrong all the time. He always said you were meant to be something special, Leah. He said that anything you were meant to do, you embraced it with your whole heart. There is a purpose to all of this shit somewhere. I just hope you are happy. In the end, that is all that matters anyway. Being happy and making the people you love happy in whatever way you can. Life is too short for anything else." He winked at Leah, and she grinned.

Leah said, "Like you always did for my mom. You dropped everything to make her happy, even when I was little."

Charlie gave Leah a quick side glance before chuckling awkwardly and saying, "Uh-huh." She laughed but didn't push the point any further. His reaction was enough.

Changing the topic, Charlie said, "If I report that Amara made contact and has been located, Hodie might not need to come back. Cops would quit looking for him. How would you feel about that?"

Leah huffed and said, "Probably no worse than I already do. He thinks I'm dead. He has to, right? He hasn't contacted me at all." Her voice cracked as she added, "He hasn't even tried. I mean, did he actually love me at all, or was it just the imprint the whole damn time?" She turned to look Charlie in the eye sadly and said, "The truth is, I'm scared as hell."

Charlie's brow furrowed with worry as he asked, "Because you think he'll never come back?"

Leah shook her head sadly as she thought, It's so much more than that. How the hell am I going to tell him and mom I'm fucking pregnant? Would it make Charlie try harder to find him? Would the news of being a father only make him distance himself even further? Leah remained silent for a long time, unwilling to share any more of her secrets for the time being.

"Well," Charlie said and groaned as he stood, "Guess I'd better get to work. I'll see what I can do about Hodie's records. I might be able to resolve the Amara issue, at least. Can't promise anything about the others, though. What were the names again?"

"Mike and Gem," Leah said. "Short for Jamal and Michaela."

"Jamal and Michaela," Charlie repeated, "now those ring a bell."

Leah said, "Hodie's ex and ex-best friend. They ran off together to escape the tick. It killed Mike and turned Gem. He doesn't want Hodie to know because it will hurt him too much. He would rather let Hodie believe he's dead."

"Damn," Charlie grumbled sympathetically. "Hodie's really had a difficult life, hasn't he?" Leah nodded in agreement again.

"I have to go to P.A. today," Leah remembered and groaned.

Charlie asked, "Why is that?"

Leah said, "To officially quit the club. I don't want to do it over the phone. I think Tom deserves better than that. He has been a damn good boss, and I would like to say goodbye properly."

"Well," Charlie warned, "You kiddos be careful. I will talk to you soon." He waved goodbye as he walked away. Leah stood to go back inside and found Quil leaning sleepily in the doorway, watching her with a soft smile on his face.

I guess some things never change. Leah was unsure how much Quil had overheard but refused to let his eavesdropping upset her. The truth was the truth. Quil Ateara V had tended to listen in just like Leah. She had no more room to talk than he did. Quil opened the door and held his hand out. Leah grabbed it firmly and followed him inside as she quietly pulled the screen door shut behind her.

Leah took care of Sarah that morning while Bella made breakfast. Sarah did not behave as if she remembered any of the traumatic events of the night before. Bella, however, was even more quiet than usual that morning. When Jacob mentioned her bad dreams, Leah understood all too well.

Breakfast was eaten and cleaned up in half the time it took to make it. Bella decided to take a nap before Ethan arrived for the afternoon. She woke again just before noon, and Leah got ready to see Tom. Quil ran from the garage to the car to kiss her goodbye. Leah was surprised to see Paul following behind him.

Quil asked, "Are you sure about going alone?"

Leah said, "Better just get it over with. The Leech is dead. I should be safe." She turned to a smirking Paul and asked, "How are Rachel and the babies?"

Paul answered, "Good, I guess. Rach made me leave the hospital for a while because I got on her nerves. She plans to sleep, but I'm going to go to work for a bit. I can't believe I missed everything with the leeches yesterday, too."

Leah said, "I'm sure Quil can show you the memories, and it will be like you were there."

Paul laughed and asked, "Sure you should go alone? Just in case?"

Leah grinned and said, "You are both like mother hens over here. Go to work." She leaned in for another kiss from Quil and climbed into her car.

The drive to Port Angeles passed quickly, and Leah was happy to be back behind the wheel alone. When she neared the club, however, she began to get anxious. The club was already fairly busy, not unusual for a Saturday. She was blindsided by a fierce hug from Rick almost immediately after walking through the back door. Leah returned the embrace warmly. A few others, Tricia included, flocked to greet her.

Without the influence on her mind, the swarm of people and activity no longer seemed to overwhelm her. For a moment, she almost regretted the decision to quit. When the questions and greetings finally calmed, Leah looked over to find Tom smiling at her from his barstool. He walked over and slung his arm around her shoulders, immediately leading her toward the hallway and his office. Tom shut the door behind them. He surprised her by sitting on the sofa next to her rather than on his usual seat.

He crossed his leg casually and asked, "So, how have you been, Leah?"

Leah said, "Better. Thank you. I came to bring bad news, though."

Tom sighed and said, "Lay it on me."

Leah chuckled as he seemed to brace himself. She said, "I'm not coming back to work. I'm quitting."

He said, "God, it's worse than I expected. I thought you were going to tell me you heard from Hodie or just needed more time away."

Leah said, "No. I haven't heard from him at all."

Suspiciously, Tom asked, "Where is your friend today? I thought you were never left alone?"

Leah said, "Quil is at home. The stalker problem seems to be resolved."

"Oh," Tom said in surprise. He asked, "Well, then why are you quitting? If you could take the full-time position, I would gladly give you a raise. Almost all of the staff have been bitching that they want you back. Patrons ask when you are coming back all the time. I think some of them are waiting to make you toss them out again."

Leah cackled at this news. It warmed her heart that her presence was missed. Her decision to quit felt much more difficult. She admitted, "Well, there is a slight problem with me fighting anyone for a while."

His face returned to the stern look she was so used to as he asked, "What is wrong? You know you can trust me by now, I hope."

"I do," Leah affirmed quickly. "Just between us? I'm pregnant. I'd rather everyone else not know yet."

Tom gaped at her in surprise. "Congratulations," he said carefully. Leah watched multiple emotions play across his face as he contemplated what to say next. Tom asked, "Is it Hodie's?"

Leah fought to keep from looking away guiltily as she said, "I am pretty damn sure. I told you my life is a hot mess."

Tom cackled and patted her on the back. He said, "We live and learn, kid. So you haven't heard from Hodie at all?"

Leah said, "No, although everyone keeps saying that I will eventually."

Tom asked, "Do you want to? Do you want him to know?"

Leah opened her mouth to speak and shut it again awkwardly. She did want to hear from him. She wanted to at least learn whether he was safe or not. He was still her imprint, and the urge to protect him remained with her. She could only nod in response.

"Well," Tom said as he leaned over to grab his checkbook from the desk, "I owe you your last paycheck, you know?"

Leah grinned and said, "You were supposed to send it to Hodie."

"Hodie is being taken care of, trust me," Tom said firmly.

He must be talking about the grand Rick sent him. Tentatively Leah asked, "Tom, have you heard from Hodie?"

Tom said, "Not directly. A very grateful thank you message from a random number after I transferred money to his account. He sent a postcard to Amara from somewhere in Virginia, and she showed up here all excited about it. I never heard anything from her after that." Tom finished scribbling a check and handed it to her as he folded it in half.

Leah argued, "Tom …"

Tom interrupted her saying, "Just put it in your pocket. Pretend it's vacation hours or something." He gave her a brilliant smile, and she laughed as she shoved the check into her pocket. He reached to embrace her again, and she hugged him back tightly.

She said, "You have been an amazing boss and friend."

"You still have a job and a friend here," Tom said. "Hell, I could teach you to manage this shit hole. I will have to transfer back to one of my other clubs soon to get it up to par. I'll be needing someone I can trust, Leah. Just call me if you need a job, and I'll set you up here any time."

"I appreciate that," Leah said, stunned by the idea. Manage the place? Leah was exalted by his assumption that she was capable. Then again, Tom said that I remind him of him.

Opening the door for her, Tom said, "Don't be a stranger, now. I fully expect some updates on how you're doing." Leah promised she would call or drop by soon and left his office feeling much lighter. As she walked to her car, Leah spotted the tail end of a blue S10 as it turned the corner. Her heart sprang into her throat, foolishly hoping it was Hodie somehow.

It is only wishful thinking, she thought as she climbed into her car. Leah did not have time to overthink it, her flashing cell phone stealing her attention. A missed call from Carlisle had her immediately scrambling to call him back. He answered on the first ring, his smooth, cheerful voice greeting her happily.

"I have some results for you if you are ready to hear them," Carlisle said.

Eager to get it over with, Leah said, "Let me have it, doc."

Carlisle said, "Your bloodwork shows that you are somewhere around six to seven weeks along."

Leah sucked in a deep breath as she fought to hold back tears. This is Hodie's baby for sure. What the hell am I going to do?

His voice filled with concern, Carlisle asked, "Are you alright?"

Leah had to clear her throat and take another deep breath before she could answer. She said, "Yes. I will be. I'm still just really surprised."

Carlisle said. "I will send a referral for an obstetrician for you. I want you to get started on prenatal vitamins and will call those into the pharmacy for you. I hope you know, Leah. Our family is here for anything you need."

Tears spilling over now, Leah said, "Thank you, Carlisle. I appreciate that." She said goodbye and hung up the phone. As she pulled out of the parking lot, Leah remembered the check. She removed it from her pocket and choked as she read the amount. Leah swerved for a moment, coughing, and let herself catch her breath before looking at the check again. The two hundred and fifty she had expected to see was instead written for twenty-five hundred dollars. The amount was no mistake, proven in its handwritten space. Her mind was so eagerly contemplating possibilities that she barely remembered the drive back to Forks. Leah deposited her check along with a stack of paychecks that sat locked in her glove compartment. She picked up her prescription afterward, and curiously opened the sealed bottle. The smell made her gag and she replaced the cap quickly. That's going to be a fun time.

Upon returning home, she gave fifteen hundred directly to Bella and Jacob as an advance. With Christmas around the corner, Leah pondered what she could do with the rest. Quil had given far too much of himself to Leah over the last six weeks. It was time for her to give something back.

Despite her worry over her results, Quil was not bothered by the news in the least. He embraced her happily and immediately began talking about how incredible their child would be. Those who knew remained silent, and even Emily did not accidentally give anything away. For the first time, Leah found herself completely trusting her pack and almost regretting that it did not happen while she could still phase. Her wolf remained with her, its presence as strong as ever. It remained curled up, however, possessively guarding the child inside of her. Leah found herself equally elated and bothered by the possessiveness of her child and wondered if it would stay with her until she gave birth. Trying to ask it gave her nothing except disappointment as it only huffed at her, refusing to reveal its plans or intent.

Her first appointment came the day before Christmas Eve, along with her first sonogram. Quil held her hand, his eyes swimming with happy tears. They remained plastered to the screen as they both stared at the life growing inside of her. She was given a due date, and Quil teased about how close it was to his birthday. Leah had cried happy tears, both for the miracle she now carried and the other miracle that sat beside her. She felt it was reaffirmed for her, without any doubt. Whether Hodie came back or not, she would not give Quil up again. Imprint or no imprint, her soulmate sat beside her. She loved and trusted him implicitly.

In a stroke of good luck, the twins were allowed to come home. They were released from the hospital the day before Christmas Eve and taken directly to Jacob and Bella's house. After weeks in NICU and an additional few days of observation, everyone was more than ready to meet them. Billy had decided to move in after the new year to spend time with the twins. He was the happiest grandfather to be seen as he held a boy in each arm with Sarah grinning happily between them in his lap. Sarah was infatuated with her tiny infant cousins, calmly observing them and unknowingly allowing gobs of pictures to be taken.

Leah's plans for Christmas gifts came together beautifully. Quil's gift from Leah was obvious and well hidden in the nursery closet. Jacob and Bella had received theirs on Christmas Eve. New chisels and whittling tools had earned Leah a loud, smacking kiss on the head from Jacob. A specific set of pans Leah had caught Bella salivating over online made Bella squeal excitedly and then run to go pee. Leah gave Bella a gift card for Sarah to let the toddler pick her own toy or purchase something she needed. Leah gave Sarah a second gift to open herself. The toddler shrieked at the sight of her stuffed wolf and managed to drag it with her wherever she went. Sarah showed it to everyone that she could and would hug it against herself happily as each person complimented her new toy.

Leah and Quil had constructed an extra group gift for their parents. It was intended to be a pregnancy announcement. Leah had argued with herself and Quil multiple times over the last week, worrying about how Sue and Joy would react. Quil reassured her every time, emphasizing that it was important for his family to understand their situation, too. They would be formally announcing their pregnancy to the council as well. As far as Quil was concerned, Hodie need not even be mentioned, though Leah was not comfortable withholding the truth. What Quil was doing by assuming the fatherly role was an honorable thing. Leah did not want to sully that by beginning their family together on a foundation of deception. Her child would not be lied to about his father. For Leah, that meant not lying to anyone else as well.

When Christmas Day arrived, everyone in the house was busy with last-minute preparations. Angela and Embry came early to help as decorations were hung. Piles of presents were placed around the tree. The space was quickly filled, spilling into the center of the living room and onto the coffee table.

The Cullen clan arrived early to drop off presents. Their gift options had been restricted to age-appropriate items for Sarah. She was more than happy to tear their beautiful wrappings to shreds. Esme put together a large crockpot of rich hot chocolate, and Bella spent half the morning in chocolate-filled bliss. Leah limited herself because of the caffeine, but the scent left her longing for more throughout the day. What she craved most of all was a cigarette as she waited anxiously for the rest of the family to arrive.

Leah waited patiently for the Cullens to leave before giving in to the craving and sneaking outside. She rolled her eyes as Quil kept her company, though he reminded her how important it was for her to quit. She was surprised that they did not quarrel as she reminded him that quitting cold turkey could stress both herself and the fetus. Not to mention, pregnancy was making her crave them more than ever. Her obstetrician had recommended slowly weaning herself from both coffee and cigarettes for this reason. It was not uncommon for first pregnancies to end in miscarriage and the thought of it terrified her more than she wanted to let on. Leah had been considerably drunk twice already without knowing she was pregnant, but the doctor had not been concerned. So far, everything about her baby was normal outside of the wolf spirit fiercely guarding it. Leah limited herself to half of the cigarette to appease Quil and reluctantly went back inside.

Finally, the others began piling into the house. The fireplace was lit and several crowded around the living room quickly. Leah helped Bella and Angela as much as she was allowed in the kitchen, mostly restricted to keeping an eye on Sarah and Ethan. Emily and Sam arrived with more dishes in tow. Their twins remained fast asleep and were laid carefully in the large wooden cradle Jacob had painstakingly crafted for Sarah. So far, it had been used for all of the pack children when they were at the house. Leah looked forward to the day she could place her own child inside of it, continuing the tradition. The food tables were overflowing, as usual, with a feast fit for kings. Hours of eating, talking, and laughter later, gifts were exchanged.

After most of the presents had been opened, Leah instructed Quil to stay put and went to grab his gift. She had painstakingly picked out the guitar, looking for specifics that Quil had talked about wanting when he had tried to teach her to play. Leah was beaming, poorly concealing his gift behind her back. She beckoned him over and rendered him speechless as she placed the new, icy blue guitar in his hands. He stared down at it, overwhelmed with gratitude. After a full minute of silence, Quil pulled her to him and kissed her soundly for the whole room to see. There were cheers mixed among a few surprised faces. Leah swallowed nervously at the scowl she received from Sue. Joy stared at them, stunned silent by the display. As Jacob and Embry crowded Quil to ogle his new guitar, Leah went to grab the final gift. She nearly dropped it as she trembled anxiously, once again contemplating scrapping the plan altogether. Quil met her in the hallway, leaving Jacob and Embry engrossed in the guitar. He gave Leah a dazzling smile and took the box from her hands.

Quil kissed her forehead and whispered, "Everything is going to be fine."

Loudly, Paul asked, "What will be fine?"

"Hush it," Leah warned Paul as she sat on the floor near Sarah. The others laughed at his mischievous grin while Quil placed the box on the coffee table in front of their parents, Billy and Old Quil. Sue raised her eyebrow at Leah suspiciously, though Joy appeared confused. To both of their chagrin, Quil sat behind Leah on the floor. She leaned back against his chest, hoping a little of his bravery would seep into her and slow her anxious heart.

Nervously, Joy asked, "Someone want to tell me what is going on?"

Sue nodded in agreement and asked, "What is this about?"

Quil's arms tightened around her waist as color flooded her cheeks. Leah said, "Um, this is more of an announcement than a gift, but it is mainly for you and Charlie specifically."

Boldy, Quil added, "And my mom."

Charlie chuckled nervously and asked, "Who is supposed to open it?"

As if on cue, Sarah pulled herself up to the coffee table. Entranced by the shiny bow on top, Sarah yanked the box lid away. Distracted by the toddler, it was a moment before the message inside was revealed to the room. Displayed in painted wooden blocks on carefully laid gift-wrapping tissue read the given due date. The sonogram pictures were displayed with extra copies tucked around the sides of the box as a border. Cheers erupted throughout the room. Charlie rubbed his hands together happily and chuckled at the grin Billy wore.

Paul stood up and stepped in front of Leah to yank her up for a hug. She laughed as he lifted and squeezed her to him tightly. It was the most affectionate embrace she had ever received from Paul. He said, "I thought I told you to quit doing shit that makes me worry about you? Damn it. Now it will be months. What the hell, Leah?"

Leah laughed and squeezed him back as others stood to embrace her and Quil. The only people who did not congratulate them were Sue and Joy. Sue glanced around at their otherwise excited family and scoffed before walking out of the room. Joy began speaking animatedly with Billy. Charlie took a drink of his beer, staring at the sonogram pictures as he ignored the argument he was stuck between. Seth was nowhere to be seen, most likely hiding in Billy's room, watching television and oblivious.

"Be right back, guys," Leah said to the chattering people around her and pulled Quil behind her after her mother. Snow fell like a thick blanket outside, and Sue was not in the kitchen. Leah opened the door to Jacob's workshop to check for her mother. She was surprised to find Sue crying angrily, staring down at his latest project.

Tentatively, Leah asked, "Mom? Are you alright? Do you want to talk?"

Sue scowled up at her daughter and said, "I don't want to fight with you right now, Leah."

The implication that she had come to fight instantly irritated Leah, and she turned to leave the room. From behind her, Sue hissed, "Did you do this on purpose? Are you two trying to make your life harder?"

Leah could feel Quil stiffen in anger at her side as her temper flared. "Yes, Mom," Leah snapped. Her words spilled out without thought, loud and dripping with sarcasm as she said, "Totally did this on purpose. Made Hodie knock me up before he left. Now I'm forcing Quil to raise it with me. All just to ruin your day. Merry Fucking Christmas, Grandma."

"Oh shit," Paul said a little too loudly, making Quil turn and lean into the kitchen. Leah did not need to see it to know Quil was pointing angrily at Paul in the living room.

Leah snorted and then yelled, "Mind ya' business, Lahote!" She lowered her voice and asked Sue, "Do you understand that this is why we fight so much? Why must you always assume the worst from me? Am I just a fuck up to you? Your pain in the ass? Am I putting a stick in your spokes all the time?"

Sue hissed, "How can you talk to me like that? I'm your mother."

Leah hissed back, "Then act like it."

Sue scoffed and said, "You think that my disliking your choices isn't acting like a mother? Honey, you have a lot to learn before that baby gets here."

Leah snapped, "You act like every decision I make for myself is some kind of personal insult to you. Newsflash, Mom. I do not need help in the shitty situation department. I have so-called spiritual guidance constantly fucking shit up for me. Hate my decisions? Fine. That doesn't mean you have to treat me like a fucking disappointment. You could give me a little positive support other than when I'm injured for once."

Sue said, "I am not going to smile and pretend everything is fine when it is not, Leah."

Leah lowered her voice again and asked, "Why not? You did it for nineteen years, married to my dad and hating it. You did it for eight months when you knew the truth about Sam imprinting on Emily while I didn't. I am finally happy for once. You would understand that if you knew me at all. You should know me better than you do. I didn't plan to get pregnant. I didn't plan any of this shit. I didn't cheat on Hodie, either. I still can't believe you actually asked me that, by the way."

Sue asked, "Are you ever going to stop holding that over my head? My knowledge about the wolves and the imprints? Don't you understand that it was to protect you and Seth?

Leah turned back to her mother and said, "Well, that plan certainly didn't end well. Did you plan for me to be a wolf someday?"

Sue said, "Of course not!"

Leah knew her mother would find the question ridiculous, but she had tried to prove a point. Leah repeated, "Of course not." She continued, "I didn't plan to stop phasing so soon. Turns out, the phasing stopped because I'm pregnant and not the other way around. The wolf is still with me." Sue gaped at her, and Leah chuckled anxiously. She said, "I don't know if he will ever come back or know he has a kid, but ...This was Hodie's purpose in my life, I guess." Leah huffed and stepped away from Quil. Feeling feverish from her temper, she fanned her face with her hands. Leah spun on Quil and said, "I didn't plan for your mom to be blindsided by our relationship, either. You insisted on this idea. Go talk to her!"

Quil's mouth dropped open in surprise and an embarrassed smile split across his face. He ventured to kiss her cheek and chuckled. At that moment, he seemed every bit the immature nineteen-year-old that he still was in many ways. Leah forced a smirk as she watched him leave the room. She shut the door behind him, wondering if she was helping to rush away what little adolescence he had left.

As the room became quiet, Sue wiped away fresh tears and said, "You need to find him, Leah."

Find who? Hodie? Leah asked, "Why?" Her wolf whined at her, endlessly wanting its mate. Leah tried not to let the surge of sadness she felt overwhelm her and brushed away tears of her own. Leah said, "We had a plan. He was supposed to come back to me after a month. He didn't. He's not ready for this. I don't want to burden him with this."

Sue asked, "But you're okay with burdening Quil?"

Leah shook her head, trying to repress her temper as she answered, "This baby is not a burden where Quil is concerned. Quil cares. He doesn't run like Hodie, Mom. If I make Hodie feel obligated to come back here, how do I know he won't just resent me for it? How do I know he won't just disappear again?"

Sue said, "He ran because of the vampire that was stalking him. Why would he need to run again?"

Leah said, "I don't know, honestly. I don't want to find out, though. I don't want to be disappointed. I don't want my kid to be disappointed, either."

Sue said, "If it is his child, he deserves to know."

Leah said, "There are things that I deserved from Hodie, too, Mom. He didn't even bother to make sure I lived. When he left, he told me not to wait around on him. I'm not sure anymore that he ever intended to come back."

Sue asked, "Did you not worry about your safety? Did you not use protection at all?"

Leah rolled her eyes and blushed. Not your typical Christmas Day conversation with your mother. Leah said, "At first. But the imprint …" She cringed and hid her face with her hand for a moment. God, Leah, do not talk about sex with Hodie with your mother. Leah said, "I thought Hodie was it for me. He swore he was in this for the long run, and apparently, only meant the 'running' part. As far as my ability to get pregnant, neither of us believed that I could. Sure did surprise the hell out of me when I found out."

For the first time since the revelation of her pregnancy, a small smile crossed Sue's face. She asked, "Are you positive it is Hodie's?"

"Without a doubt," Leah said. "I didn't get back with Quil until Thanksgiving. You can thank yourself for all that wedding mojo."

Sue cackled with embarrassment. She groaned and asked, "Are you gonna end up marrying Quil?"

Leah burst out laughing and shook her head. "Maybe one day," she said. "I love him, though. Quil wants this baby so much, Mom."

Sue leaned away, staring at Leah doubtfully. She asked, "He wants you to have someone else's child?"

Leah said, "He just wants me to be happy, Mom. He knows what I want for my life, and he wants to help me accomplish those things. As far as Quil is concerned, this is already his child."

Sue asked, "You are serious? Did he go to the sonogram with you?"

Leah described his reactions during her appointment. She could not stop smiling as she talked about Quil. She laughed again as she thought about his poor disgruntled mother and wondered how that discussion was faring. Hopefully, better than this one. Leah blurted out, "Well, do you wanna be Grandma or Nana? This is happening one way or another."

Sue ignored her comment and said, "Don't think I didn't catch your comment earlier, Leah. You know how unhappy I was with your father, even if I tried for years to make it work." Sue dropped her voice to a whisper as she admitted, "I don't want to see you miserable like I was. I don't want you to end up feeling stuck."

Leah said, "You still don't get it, do you? Do you think Quil and I are going to be like you and Dad, screaming and fighting all of the time? We are not like that. If anyone ended up as my personal Harry Clearwater, it would have been Sam. I told you before, Quil is like my Charlie. He only wants whatever makes me happy."

Sue said, "You argue constantly."

Leah said, "Not anymore. We fought all the time when we were apart because we were both miserable and blamed each other. We have not had a single argument in weeks."

Sue said, "I still think the imprint will come into play, Leah."

Leah said, "I refuse to let that shit get in the way of me being happy now, mom. So does Quil. If it happens, we will cross that bridge when we get there."

Sue asked, "And you love him enough to risk hurting your child someday if you split?"

Leah said, "I refuse to waste time worrying about what might not happen."

Taking Leah by surprise, Sue said, "Quil is not allowed to call me mom." Leah cackled as Sue struggled to keep a straight face. Sue said, "I mean it. It's weird. I don't let Jacob do it either."

Leah said, "Are we done bitching yet? I need to make sure Quil isn't out there with both feet in his mouth."

Sue mumbled, "Good luck with that."

Leah chuckled as she left the room to find Quil. Instead, she nearly walked right into Joy, who was waiting impatiently to speak to her. Joy gestured for Leah to go back into the workshop and followed her inside.

Sue asked, "Joy, are you alright?"

Joy said, "My son has lost his damn mind. I can't even get him to help me with his grandfather and you two," Joy turned to face Leah, "Think he's ready to be a father? Is this baby even his?"

"Biologically, no," Leah admitted, "but, we are together now. I'm sorry he was away so much. It's because he was taking care of me."

Incredulously, Joy asked, "What the hell is wrong with you?"

Leah said, "I was almost murdered. I had a fucking mental breakdown afterward, and Quil took care of me. He kept me sane, basically nursed me back to health. He made me feel safe. I'm sorry you have not been able to see how much he has matured in the last month, but I'm better now because of Quil."

Joy glanced hesitantly between Leah and Sue. When Joy pointed angrily at Sue, Leah could not help laughing. She had never realized the habit had started with his mother.

Joy asked, "Why the hell didn't you tell me about Leah getting hurt?"

Before another argument could ensue, Leah seized Joy's hand and attention. Leah said, "We have loved each other for a long time, Joy. I promise you, I have only good intentions with Quil. He wants to do more to help you with Old Quil, and I told him I would help him with that, too."

Joy asked, "Are you the one that's been cleaning my house?" Leah bit back a laugh as she nodded.

Joy said, "I knew someone was helping him. My house hasn't been that clean in ten years. Is he living here with you now? This is where he stays all the time?"

Leah said, "Yes. I plan to have a house built near here. I want Quil to live with me."

All Joy could seem to manage in her bewildered state was, "Oh." The door swung open, and Quil leaned into the room.

He asked, "Everything okay here?" He looked over at Leah, all the love he had for her written plainly across his face.

Leah gave him the best smile she could muster and said, "We are fine." He winked at her and pulled the door closed behind him as he left the room. As soon as the door clicked shut, the floodgates opened for Joy, and silent tears spilled down her cheeks.

Joy whispered, "I have never seen my son look at anyone like that."

Sue chuckled and said, "Scary isn't it?" Joy nodded and wiped her cheeks as Leah rolled her eyes. Somehow the way he stared at Leah had settled whatever reservations his mother had. Leah wondered if she would be such a pushover for her own child. She hoped she would be more like Charlie than her own parents, that much was certain. Joy surprised Leah as she embraced her and then quietly left the room.

Leah turned to Sue and said, "Come on, Grandma. You might as well enjoy the congratulations while you can." She held her hand out to her mother, and Sue squeezed it tightly.

Sue said, "You are still an asshole."

Leah smiled and said, "I still get it from you."

Leave those thoughts, loves XO