Chapter Twenty Three

Bella

The children were so excited ripping the wrapping off their presents and thrusting them under our noses. Poor Dad was their favorite, I could see him slowly becoming glassy-eyed as gift after gift was paraded before him.

Hunter too had picked up the feeling of excitement and ran from person to person woofing and throwing the discarded paper and ribbon in the air and catching it again or ripping it into tiny pieces. Dad tried to stop the dog but I told him to leave it.

"Why shouldn't he enjoy himself too, Dad? He's been as good as gold since he arrived. We can clear it up later. Besides, he's making no more mess than the children."

I was a little angry with Edward who, it became obvious, had spent a ridiculous amount of money on gifts for Maggie, buying her things that were far too old for her like costly jewelry. What did a little girl want with an expensive gold heart-shaped locket? I gave it five minutes before it was lost on a walk or put away in her jewel box and forgotten about. She certainly didn't show much interest in it, preferring an art set from Carlisle and Esme and a robot dog that followed voice commands from Emmett and Rose. Edward, as usual, had gone for value rather than thinking about what Maggie would enjoy.

Charlie was bowled over by a new Lego set, the first few buildings of a new city collection, and sat on the floor with Dad and Jasper overseeing the construction. Meanwhile, Peter and Emmett were suspiciously quiet examining a present Charlie had received from Edward. I wasn't sure what was so interesting as it was just a gift voucher for a laser tag game. Something that he was far too young for. Maybe they were planning to take it off his hands? I could just see the two of them enjoying such an outing.

Jasper had warned me to keep an eye on them earlier. When I asked him why he just shrugged.

"Let's just say that when those two get together trouble isn't far away. Did I tell you that they once fused all the electrics in the house when they tried making an electronic trap?"

"A what? Why?"

"I have no idea, but no one went anywhere without both eyes wide open for days."

"Are they safe to be around the children?"

"Probably not, but I'd rather have them where I can watch what they're up to and I could hardly send Peter on his way after he came to help us."

"I like him, Charlotte too."

"I know, and that's what concerns me. That's when he's at his most dangerous. When he's lulled you into a false sense of security."

Hunter loved his home-baked biscuits and the squeaky ball that Emmett had bought him although it drove the rest of us crazy after a little while. He walked around with it in his mouth biting down on it constantly.

All the gifts were a great success and I was touched by the gift from the Cullen family to my Dad. Knowing that he would have no transportation having left everything behind in Forks they handed him the keys to Carlisle's Mercedes apologizing that it was secondhand.

"We didn't have time to go gift shopping."

Dad was touched by Esme's apology and the gift and mumbled his thanks. He'd never been much good at receiving things.

"Maybe you can teach me to drive, Grandpa", suggested Maggie only to be vetoed immediately by Edward.

"When you're old enough to learn I'll pay for proper lessons or teach you myself. I don't want you driving around the farm with an amateur, it's dangerous."

Dad turned to him, "Thanks for the vote of confidence, Edward. I should just point out that I've done all the advanced driving courses run by the department and I've held a clean license for over thirty years so you might want to rethink the amateur title."

Edward had the grace to look abashed, but he never apologized.

Rose and I finally rounded up the children for a late breakfast mid-morning and I could see Dad was relieved, he was hungry too.

"Sorry, Dad. We usually eat regularly. Today is just special."

He smiled, "That's OK. I was beginning to think that maybe you were breaking me in gently for life as a vampire."

I continued to scramble some eggs, "I'm sorry about all this. I know you're having a hard time with the whole supernatural thing but you don't get a choice now. I'm pretty sure the Volturi will be breathing down our necks soon. They were good when I told them about Charlie but their patience won't last much longer."

He smiled, "It's not your fault, Bella. And it's a small price to pay for having you in my life. Does it take long? I mean, what exactly happens? Emmett told me a little but I have a lot of questions. Did you have any qualms about becoming a vampire after you fell for Edward? Oh, by the way, I'm so glad you had second thoughts about him. My impression of Edward hasn't changed much."

I laughed, "Well, Edward hasn't changed much. He was very good with Maggie when she was first born, but he's becoming a little overpowering of late. I suspect he and I are going to clash soon. As for becoming a vampire, no I didn't have any qualms then and I don't now. I just hate the thought of being separated from my kids for a couple of years. I guess having you go through it with me might help."

"I was thinking the same thing." He put an arm around my waist and hugged me.

After our brunch, Edward made a big scene of presenting Maggie with the key to the padlock on the barn.

She stared at it frowning, "What does it fit, Daddy?"

"When you find that out you'll find your other present. Charlie can enjoy it with you."

I think he hoped the children would spend some time hunting for a padlock, but Charlie studied it closely and then turned to his sister.

"The only things that would fit are the basement door or the barn and I know the basement isn't locked because I went down with Aunt Rose to find some batteries earlier."

The two ran for the door and I had to stop them to remind them to put on coats and boots before going out in the snow. They grumbled, but were soon wrapped up and disappeared followed by the adults, all eager to see their expressions when they saw what awaited them.

The next couple of hours were great fun, with the kids skating and sliding on the ice and shrieking as the penguins and polar bears spun and the Santa and elves popped up and down. We were all included in the fun until finally Dad and I escaped back to the house to prepare dinner and enjoy a few minutes of peace.

On the table in the kitchen sat two boxes that hadn't been there when we left for the barn.

Dad picked one up, read the beautifully written label, and then handed it to me.

I took it, "Who is it from?"

He shrugged looking at the other, "It beats me but this one is for me. They look expensive."

I had a bad feeling as I opened the ornate box to reveal a silver chain. Pulling it out carefully revealed a silver symbol attached. As I looked more closely my heart beat fast and my mouth went dry. I dropped it and ran to the window to peer out into the darkness, but of course, I couldn't see anything. That didn't mean they weren't out there watching, but by the same token, the boxes could have been placed here when we went down to the barn ages ago.

"Bella? Bella, what's wrong? What are these?"

I turned to see my Dad holding up his chain which was identical to mine. A thin silver rope with a V symbol hanging from it.

"They're from the Volturi. A reminder, or warning, that they expect us to become vampires soon."

Dad's chain dropped from numb fingers to coil on the surface of the table.

He rubbed his hand on his pants, "The Volturi? They're here?"

I shrugged, "I don't know if they're still here, but the message is clear enough. Carlisle said that he'd persuaded Aro to allow us Christmas together. I guess this is Aro's way of saying, Christmas is nearly over."

I found that I was shaking and was glad when Dad wrapped his arms around me comfortingly.

"Hey, I've met this type before. They enjoy frightening people. They know we know what we have to do and we will, but not before we enjoy the rest of the festive season. Now, come on. Let's get dinner ready, the kids will be starving, and if they aren't...Well, I sure as hell am."

Jasper appeared an hour later with the children and while Charlie got them laying the table I took my husband to one side to show him the gifts that had arrived from the Volturi.

He frowned, holding my necklace up to the light, "Not very subtle, but it hit the mark. I think he's telling us that their patience is running out. I guess Charlie's little adventure piled on the pressure. I'm sorry, darlin'."

I shook my head, "It's hardly your fault. Dad and I are willing to go through with it. We just want to be here for the children over the festive season. I think we've agreed on New Year's Day. I just hope I can learn control quickly. I hate the idea of being away from the children. They are growing so fast that I know I'm going to miss so much."

"I'll make home movies for you. I promise you that you won't miss a thing. Now, it looks like they're waiting for you to start eating. I'll let the others know what's happened and give you some family time with your Dad. I love you, Bella."

Our kiss would have led to other things had the room been empty, but as it was we parted and I joined the kids at the table. I had to admit that the meal smelled wonderful and that Dad had improved as a cook, even if only with the gravy!

Jasper

I was mad that the Volturi had ruined Bella's Christmas, but they had been extremely patient and the reminder had been low-key.

Reaching the barn where the adults were now playing, much to Edward's disgust, I motioned for Carlisle to join me outside and filled him in.

"I suppose I'm not surprised. Aro was very clear that rapid action was necessary. Has Bella decided?"

"Yes, New Year's Day, the Chief too. Do you think that you can manage both?"

Carlisle looked dubious, "I'm not sure. I've never tried coping with more than one newborn at a time.

There was a cough from behind us, "Dr. Doom here couldn't cope with two fucking newborns. He'd get his head ripped off the first day. You need someone else to help out."

I turned to see Peter leaning, arms crossed, against the barn wall.

"Didn't your Mammy ever tell you that eavesdropping is a sin?"

He grinned, "What can I say? I'm a sinful man. I was just saying. You're going to need someone to look after Bella's father and how many people do you know with the relevant fucking qualifications?"

Carlisle winced.

"Sorry, Dr. Doolittle. Pardon my French!"

"Have you talked to Charlotte about this? It means giving up a few years."

"No? Really? I didn't know that! Do you think I'm fucking stupid or something? No, don't answer that. I might be offended. Char and I talked about it, yeah. Contrary to popular belief we do have a few fucking brain cells that still spark and we knew Dr. Zhivago here couldn't cope. So, we'll take the Chief. If you want, that is. It'll be fun. Just like the old days, and our ranch is isolated enough."

Carlisle interrupted, "That's a very nice gesture, Peter, but I don't think Bella would want her father to be taught to feed on humans."

Peter grinned, "You don't think so? Oh well…"

He shook his head, "Listen to me, Dr. Seuss. I may not be the brightest star in the fucking sky, but even I know the Cullen clan is squeamish. I'm willing to listen to the Chief, and if he says no humans then...No humans. That's the best I can do."

"Carlisle, we can trust Peter to do the right thing for Bella. Besides, we don't have many options. If we can't provide someone to look after Chief Swan as he transitions, the Volturi will. And I doubt they will bother worrying about his diet."

Carlisle looked from Peter to me and back again before sighing in defeat.

"You're right, of course. Thank you, Peter, for the offer."

Peter beamed, "Ouch, I bet that hurt! Apology accepted. Now, in return for my offer, there's something I need from you."

I groaned I should have seen this coming. It was going to hurt, one way or the other.

"Go on."

"Well, you know Edward's cozy little Winter Wonderland in there."

He gestured to the barn at his back.

"Yes," I answered apprehensively.

"Don't sweat, It's only a little favor. I know Edward gave Dr. Strange here the key because he and Angie are going off for a little hunting. Just lend it to me for a little while."

I glanced at Carlisle who shrugged helplessly, "Do we have a choice?"

Peter slapped him on the back, "Nope, but thanks anyway. I always said you weren't the stuffed shirt they say you are. Right. Let's go. Operation Assward is a go!"

"He'll hear what you're up to, Peter. You can't keep secrets from him."

"I'm not going back, and my partner in crime here can, can't you Doc?"

Carlisle groaned and returned to the barn while I went to fill Bella in on Peter's plan concerning the Chief.

Her Dad was just grateful for the offer of help, while Bella was understandably upset that she and her father were going to be separated.

"Bella, Jasper's right. If what you and Emmett told me about newborns is right I don't see how anyone could cope with two. Besides, if Jasper trusts Peter and Charlotte, so should we."

I was relieved that The Chief had taken the news so well. I actually thought that he and Peter would get along well. Neither of them took any crap from anyone, and both had inner strength. I trusted Peter with my life, so trusting him with the Chiefs was easy, and Charlotte would rein him in if he went a little wild.

The children were extremely tired after a long and exciting day, and even Maggie made little protest when I called an early night for them both. Charlotte and Esme, who were in high favor with Maggie, went to help her while Charlie insisted that Grandpa Charlie put him to bed.

Edward's nose would have been put out of joint by his daughter's choices, but luckily he and Angie had excused themselves for a few hours just as Peter had predicted.

Peter and Emmett had already excused themselves, and I was pretty sure that I knew what they had done while in possession of the key to the padlock. Either was a dab hand at making a duplicate.

I followed them, curious as to how Edward hadn't heard Peter's plan in his thoughts or Emmett's.

"Simple. I asked the Doc for a few tips. He suggested I dissuade him by thinking about Maggie meeting the wolf-boy. It seems it's not so hard to block him for a few minutes, especially if you have a devious mind like me. And Emmett here has his own coping mechanism. Personally, I think he was imagining that girl of his naked and sweaty, but I could be wrong."

The last came quickly as Emmett glared at him, then sighed and punched him on the shoulder,

"Come on. We don't know how long we have before Edward gets back."

With that, they disappeared into the darkness, and I prayed Edward would take his time. Otherwise, there would be all hell to pay and I could do without any added friction.