Leah and Embry were not ready anyway. Leah was explaining a long list of instructions to her mother when Jacob tapped on the door. Sue kissed her daughter's pale cheek. "Just go, Leah! I have actually seen a baby before! I hope you can relax and enjoy your evening, and don't worry about us. We'll be fine!"
Embry held the car door, and Leah collapsed into the back seat. "You know, this could be fun," she said as Embry climbed in the other side. "Let me know if I start talking baby talk."
Jacob grinned over the back seat. "We probably wouldn't even notice. You feeling any better, Leah?"
"Now I am," Leah replied. "Is there some reason we don't do this more often?"
"Six little reasons I can think of," Renesmee said with a smile. "But it is kind of fun to double date with Jake's brother. I'm still getting used to saying that."
"Me too," Embry agreed. "Now all I have to do is figure out how to explain all this to my mom." He sighed as they pulled into the theater's parking lot. "I feel like maybe I should come clean about my shifting now," he said. "I know you guys always wanted me to, but it was important to protect pack secrets. Speaking of which, who's patrolling for you tonight, Jake?"
"Seth switched with me. He would have been home alone anyway, because Brett is on the night shift at the hospital. Oh, and he says they were approved for adoption! They're just waiting for a baby."
Leah smiled. "I know they'll be great parents." All four exited the car and walked toward the theater. "Seth was staying with us when Amber was born. He's a natural. And being married to a pediatrician is a bonus!"
Jacob and Embry joined the ticket line, while the ladies waited inside. Leah turned to Renesmee. "I have to say, Billy was cool about the wedding. Seth wasn't sure what kind of reception he'd get, but it turned out to be a non-issue. And the ceremony was perfect. They're both good looking guys, but blue-eyed blondes are rare on the rez. Have you seen their wedding album?"
Renesmee nodded. "Yeah, I have. The photographer did a great job. Did Brett have any trouble with the wolf thing? I would imagine that would be a tough sell for a human," she mused. "Not being completely human myself, it was pretty easy for me to accept. Besides, I've known Jake since the day I was born."
Jacob caught the end of their conversation. "Poor Brett. We invited him to a bonfire, and he got introduced to all the wolves at once. Could have been traumatic, but he took it in stride. He actually considers Seth a superhero!"
They all enjoyed the movie, which was a comedy. Jake bought popcorn but tossed it when he realized the smell was bothering Leah. They stopped at Dunkin Donuts on the way home and snagged a table near the door. A dozen doughnuts disappeared quickly, with the women eating one each. They lingered over coffee, talking and laughing.
"So, what do you think? Any predictions?" Leah patted her stomach.
Embry was the first to speak up. "Amber's sure it's another baby sister." He grinned. "As for me, it really doesn't matter. Just so mama and baby are both healthy." He slipped an arm around Leah, and she laid her head on his shoulder.
"I'm thinking it's our boy," Leah mused. "I can't explain it, but it's just different this time. We haven't talked about names yet. I like Embry Jr., but he thinks it sounds too much like Amber. Besides, I'd hate to have him called Little Embry." She winked at her husband, and her glance shifted briefly to somewhere south of his waist. "That name's already taken."
Embry nearly choked on his donut. "Hey now! Let's not get personal!" He laughed along with the others.
When they stopped to drop off Leah and Embry, Renesmee said "Promise me we'll do this again soon!"
Embry tiptoed into the children's room after Sue left. He leaned over the crib and kissed Susie lightly. She was so beautiful, sleeping peacefully on her back and looking so like her mother. When he bent to kiss Amber, he heard a low growl from the foot of her bed. Chuckling softly, he whispered "You don't have to protect her from this big bad wolf, Nemo!"
Leah overheard his comment to the cat and smiled. She had already changed into a pair of Embry's flannel pants and a ratty t-shirt. "I sure could use a back rub, big guy. What are my chances?"
He laughed and threw an arm around her as they walked down the hall to their bedroom. "I think it can be arranged. You okay? I know those seats aren't very comfortable for you."
Leah arranged pillows so she could lie on her stomach, and she sighed as his strong hands moved over her back. "Mmmm hmmmm," she replied, relaxing instantly. "I'm thinking I should rent you out. We could make a fortune!"
"Sorry to dash your hopes, my dear wife, but these hands are for you only."
"Good answer," she moaned.
The older children would all be turning six this year, but Mei's birthday was first on the calendar. She would be four on Valentine's Day, and Renesmee was having a family party at the Cullen house. The family room was festooned with crepe paper and paper lanterns of pink, Mei's favorite color. Grandma Esme was making a big chocolate cake with pink frosting, and Bella had strung tiny pink twinkle lights in the trees outside the big picture windows.
Mei twirled in her pink princess dress, a frothy creation purchased by Aunt Alice. "I love it, Aunt Alice!" Mei hugged her aunt, who was also dressed in pink for the occasion. "Oh, look! Auntie Rose has a pink dress too!"
There was enough food for an army, including red dyed eggs for happiness and dumplings for good fortune in honor of Mei's Chinese heritage. Of course, they were served along with the usual fare of chicken nuggets and macaroni and cheese.
The doorbell rang, and Jenny hurried to open the door. "Grandpa!" she greeted Billy Black. "Look, Mei, Grandpa Billy's here!"
Jacob went to greet his father, and Jasper helped him get the wheelchair upstairs. Jacob noticed Jimmy and Amber were deep in conversation. "Dad?" Jimmy asked as they approached. "Amber says Grandpa Billy is her grandpa too. Is he?"
Jacob smiled at the children. "That's right. You and Amber are cousins because you have the same grandpa."
Jimmy shrugged. "Oh. Okay." He and Amber went to find Jenny.
Jacob smiled at his father as they paused in front of Leah's chair. "Things sure are simple when you're not quite six," he said.
"How are you feeling, Leah?" Billy asked politely.
"Like a hippo," she answered in pure Leah fashion. "But I had my second ultrasound today, and it's a boy!" She smiled widely. "I have to admit that's what I was hoping."
"That's wonderful news," Billy said. He looked down to find Clarence pulling on his pant leg. Holding out his arms, he helped the little boy climb up on his lap.
"Papa," Clarence said in a singsong voice. Billy's black felt hat rested on the arm of his little boy grabbed it and pulled it on his head, covering his face completely. Peeking out under the brim, he chuckled. "Peekaboo!" he laughed and clambered down.
Embry was holding Susie. He looked at Leah and she nodded. Standing, he placed the baby in Billy's arms and Leah snapped a picture with her phone. "You're pretty good at that," Leah said with a smile.
"It's been a while," Billy murmured, but his eyes never left his granddaughter's face.
Uncle Paul came in with Aunt Rachel, his eyes wide. "Does anybody know why there's a PONY in the front yard?" With squeals and laughter, the children scrambled for coats and the party moved outside. Mei got the first pony ride, with Renesmee walking beside her. Jacob had volunteered, but it was soon obvious that his wolfy scent made the pony nervous.
The children had a ball. Grandpa Carlisle had spared no expense to provide the perfect birthday party. But the adults recognized and appreciated the deeper importance of family and friendship.