Sorry, this would have been out sooner, but I've been sick the past couple of days.

Also, the next chapter to "Ghosts of the past" will be up, shortly.

February

BPOV

Most of my photos tend to be just my own personal shots that I manage to sell—but today, I was actually called upon by a fan of my work to photography her daughter's wedding. It was an old friend of Sue's who had bought some shots I had taken at the Columbia River Gorge. And now she wanted me to do the one thing in the world I'm not all that fond of doing—take posed photos of bridesmaids in horrific dresses.

At least it was somewhat entertaining at times. The flower girl was cute, even when she pulled her dress up over her head in front of everyone. A lady, who I assumed was the girl's mother, ran up to me frantically, "You didn't get any pictures of that, did you?"

I shook my head and continued to concentrate on the wedding. It was a small party—two bridesmaids and two groomsmen, and only a few close friends and family in the tiny church. But, I was told, the reception would be much bigger. I almost cringed at the thought of trying to walk around and take photos of drunks stumbling about to bad 80's party music. And I really didn't want to accidentally get some shot of groomsman trying to get his freak on with one of the bridesmaids—just the thought of that made me gag.

I was wandering through the crowd, snapping away, when I noticed someone all too familiar—Leah. If memory serves me correctly, that means that HE shouldn't be far behind.

I found my way to the bathroom and decided to collect my thoughts. I could call Edward to come over...but he was at home watching the kids, and I didn't want him to have to make a big fuss of putting them in the car and bringing them here, or, worse yet, calling Esme to watch them while he rescues me.

Even if I know he'd drop everything to be at my side in a heartbeat. I took a deep breath and walked back out to find Linda, Sue's friend, walking towards me.

"Are you getting good shots?" She asked happily.

"Yeah, but I think I'm running out of memory cards; I can run to the car and get some real quick."

"Oh, there's no need," she said. "I'm sure you've got plenty. Have you eaten? You should have some of this wonderful pasta."

"Oh, thank you, but I want to get home and have dinner with my family."

"That's right, Sue said you have just a houseful of little ones—four kids? Wow, how do you do it?"

"I don't know," I replied, "I love being a mom. And, it doesn't hurt that I married the world's most perfect man."

"I see," she laughed, "Well, at least take some of these treats for your children."

She handed me a box of what smelled like cookies.

"Thanks, they'll love these."

I was heading back to where I had stashed my camera bag and a few other things when that creepy, hateful voice came from right behind me.

"Hello, Mrs. Cullen; where's Mr. Cullen today?"

I ignored him and packed my things. I wasn't even going to give him the satisfaction of knowing I'd heard him. That's what he said before, right? He just comes after me and Edward because we react to him. Well, I'm not going to react—I want him to leave my family alone, once and for all.

"The silent treatment, hmm? It will only work for so long, Mrs. Cullen, I know you. I know you won't be able to stay quiet forever."

I kept my cool and finished packing; then I slipped past him and out the door, knowing he'd probably follow me all the way to my car. I unlocked my Prius and loaded my gear in the back. As I shut the trunk, he was standing there, appraising me.

"Nice car, very environmentally friendly...and expensive," he quipped, "But, I guess when your husband's a cardiologist at Harborview Medical Center, he can afford the best."

I hesitated slightly, but continued to open my door and climb into the car. I turned it on and saw that he was leaning down to look through the passenger window.

He made the motion for me to roll the window down, but instead I threw the car into reverse and sped off, not caring if I hurt him in the process. As I looked in my rearview mirror, I saw that he was perfectly fine—and watching me as I drove back towards our house.

The paranoid women in me decided to take a couple of detours around Seattle, just in case he tried to follow me.

Once I was back home, I ran inside to find my husband and our 5-year-old twins still up. It was about 9:30 p.m., and I sat on the couch with them as they all dog piled on me.

"Momma! Did you bring us anything?" Keely asked.

"As a matter of fact I did, I've got some cookies in the kitchen, but you can only have one tonight and then it's off to bed."

"Awww," both whined in unison. "But, we're not sleepy!"

I crossed my arms over my chest and glared back at them with that motherly look. They shuffled into the kitchen where I handed them each a cookie and a small cup of milk.

After they were done, Edward and I walked them upstairs to their room and tucked them in. While their daddy read them a story, I snuck quietly into the nursery and checked on Alys. My 17-month-old was sleeping peacefully as I leaned over her bed and kissed her gently.

And then came my little man. Owen Edward, our only son, our little prince. He had his daddy's red hair and topaz colored eyes. Though, now those eyes were shut as he lay curled on his side with his thumb in his mouth.

I kissed the tip of his nose and said a quiet, "Sweet dreams, little man – Mommy loves you."

As I closed his door behind me, Edward was just coming out of the twins' room. I smiled and wrapped my arms around his neck.

"How was the wedding?" He asked as I buried my face in his chest.

"Boring," I replied, my voice muffled by his shirt.

"Really? Not even a tad bit interesting? No shots of couples bumping and grinding on the dance floor?"

I groaned and looked up at him, "Definitely not."

"Well, then I have to make this incredibly boring day up to you, don't I?"

"Yes, you do," I replied as I took his hand and pulled him towards our bedroom.

Most of the rest of the house was an amalgamation of both of our tastes – his love for high tech gadgets and my love for all things Ethan Allen. But the bedroom had been designated as my domain.

Edward told me to do whatever I wanted to – no matter the cost – and I completely went to town. I found this gigantic, California King-sized bed that was actually somewhat plain when compared the rest of the furniture in the house. But, what it lacked in style, it made up for in comfort and convenience. It was low to the ground, so when I pulled my husband into the room and onto the place we most wanted to be, I didn't have to climb up to get to it.

I was especially grateful for this feature tonight. After the events of today, all I wanted to do was have Edward over and over again.

EPOV

Since the birth of Alys, Bella and I have become accustomed to making love generally very late in the evening – that is, if there was no interruption from any of the children. Tonight, though, my beautiful wife seemed eager to have her way with me immediately – and I wasn't about to deny her.

She grabbed me by the collar of my shirt and flung us both on the bed. Then she pushed me on my back and straddled me as she tore my shirt over my head and started kissing from my jaw down to my chest. Her tongue circled each of my nipples as her hands worked on my jeans.

I pulled at the zipper on her dress and managed to work it down all the way – she stood up and rid me of my pants and boxers before letting the dress fall away from her body. My angel stood before me, clad only in panties, and I felt this warm rush of love and contentment course through me. Her body wasn't the same as when we were younger, it was softer, more motherly – and I think I loved it even more.

"Come here, Momma," I coaxed as she crawled towards me seductively. "Daddy's missed you."

Our bodies stretched out next to each other as we continued to kiss and caress gently. A lot of our love-making as of late has been all-too brief, just quick trysts so that we wouldn't find ourselves in a situation where one of the kids walked in on us.

But, there was something in the air tonight – something that made me suspect her day hadn't been as boring as she led me to believe. I tried to push that skepticism aside as she rolled me on top of her.

"Edward," she whispered, "Make love to me."

"Yes Angel."

I removed her panties and returned to my wife who was waiting there with hooded, lust-filled eyes. Her beautiful breast rose and fell with her breaths as she reached out to pull my face to hers. She captured my lips as I slowly entered her – her smooth, shapely legs wrapped around my waist as we set a good, slow pace. After a while, though, she became impatient.

"Faster," she said through her teeth.

I pumped my hips faster and was rewarded with a moan from her which she quickly silenced by biting my shoulder. She kept her hold on my shoulder while I buried my face in a pillow to drown out the grunt that was threatening to spill out of me. I collapsed against her once we were both spent and sated.

"Mmmm," she moaned quietly, "I needed that."

"I could tell," I replied as I rolled to her side but kept her close to me.

She was staring off in the distance, deep in thought.

"What are you thinking?" I asked.

"Nothing," she lied.

I was torn between letting it drop or risk starting a fight by calling her on her bullshit. I decided it would be best to leave it for another time, lest we risk waking the children.

"Babe," she said thoughtfully, "Have you thought about getting a vasectomy."

I stared at her incredulously, "Wow, that was blunt and apropos of nothing."

"Well, you asked what I was thinking," she replied quietly. "I was just wondering, since we've said we don't want any more kids, it's such a chore for me to remember birth control all the time when you can do something once and we're covered."

"Not necessarily," I said, "Vasectomies aren't a hundred percent effective."

She gave me an exasperated look, "Edward, you're a doctor…you of all people should know that the most practical solution to this is you have a vasectomy. I mean, you wouldn't want me to have to go in and get my tubes tied, would you?"

"No," I replied, "But, this is just a bit sudden. I think we should sleep on it."

"OK," she said softly, "All I ask is that you think about it, please?"

I nodded as we heard a soft knock on the door, "Mommy, Daddy, can I sleep with you?"

It was Aina. I put my boxers back on and went to pick her up and distract her a bit so Bella could slip into a nightgown. I held my daughter close before settling her in our bed between me and Bella. I watched as my wife as she gently rubbed Aina's back until she fell asleep. And I thought about what she had said – getting a vasectomy.

When we had talked about not having more children, a part of me secretly hoped we'd decide we wanted one more. Not that I don't love all my girls, but another man around the house would be nice. I wanted Owen to have a little brother to look after; I thought it would be good for him.

Now Bella wants us to make this decision final – no turning back – and I wasn't sure how to feel about it right now. While I watched two of my angels sleep, I stayed up until the break of dawn weighing the pros and cons in my mind – it's true, I want another baby; but it's also true that I'm completely happy with my life the way it is.

The last thought that ran through my head before I finally dozed off was why? Why did Bella bring this up when she did – the way she did? It seemed bazaar to me; like she was hiding something.

BPOV

It just kind of slipped out, really. I had been thinking about bringing up the subject of a vasectomy with Edward for a while, but I thought we'd sit down and talk about it rationally – not while in a post-coital haze.

But, once the words were out of my mouth, they couldn't be stopped. And I mentally kicked myself repeatedly at his hurt reaction. He had every right to feel attack at the way I brought it up; it wasn't as though we made any real, final decision on the children front. But, I looked at the life I had right now and thought how totally amazing it was, better than I could have ever imagined it would be; and then I thought about how difficult it could be to protect the children I do have. If I had one more, I'd be that much more vulnerable to the likes of James.

I know I should tell Edward about the confrontation, but I knew it would just worry him too much.

I was taking the kids to see their grandparents in Forks today, but – me being the forgetful person I am – I didn't fill up on gas and had to stop just outside of town at the little gas station there. I hadn't been to the station in years, and was somewhat horrified to find they didn't have a pay-at-pump option. I had to go into the store and pay in cash.

I stuck my head into the car, "Mommy needs to go inside really fast, OK? I'll be back in a minute."

I shut the door and locked it, making sure I set the alarm while I was at it. Luckily, it was still February, and the kids wouldn't become overheated in there. I kept glancing over my shoulder at the register as I told the woman I needed 40 on pump number 2. I was so distracted watching the children, I didn't notice the very tall man standing next to me.

"Hello Bella."

I turned with wide eyes, "Jacob? What are you doing here?"

"I came out to look at Jim's truck."

"Who?"

"Jim, he owns the station," Jacob replied, "He always calls me to come look at it – won't trust anyone else, apparently."

"Well, you're a great mechanic," I said quickly, "But, I really have to go, my children are in the car."

I walked outside only to hear his footsteps following me. I grimaced inwardly – the girls would want to talk to him once they saw him, and they would be upset with me if I said they couldn't. I unlocked the door so I could pull the little latch that opened the door over the gas cap.

"Mommy! Is that Uncle Jake?" Keely asked.

"Yes sweetie," I replied softly.

Jacob opened the back door on the passenger side and stuck his head in, "There are my girls!"

I went about filling the tank as Jacob played with the children inside the car. Once I was done, I'd have a little talk with him. The pump hit 40 and I pulled the nozzle out and replaced it on its latch. Jacob was just emerging from the car as I walked around the side.

"I know what you're going to say," Jacob said as I opened my mouth to speak, "You don't want me around. But, please Bella, I don't want to hurt you or your family – I just want to be your friend. I promise, nothing more this time; I'm not trying to trick you or anything. I just miss you, and I miss the kids – hell, I even miss ol' what's-his-name."

"Edward," I replied, unable to hide my smirk.

Something told me this could be another trick, another way for Jacob to weasel his way into my life again. But there was something in his eyes that wasn't there before – maturity. He seemed to genuinely want to be my friend.

"Look," I said, "We're heading over to see Dad and Sue; you can meet us there if you like."

He nodded, "I just have to wait for Jim to pay me, and I'll be on my way."

"OK, see you then."

I climbed back into the car and braced myself for the onslaught of questions that Keely and Aina would inevitably throw at me – Keely started.

"Where has Uncle Jake been?"

"He's been busy, sweetie," I said, "He hasn't had time to visit as often as he would like to."

"Can't he come to Grandma and Grandpa's with us?" It was Aina's turn now.

"He's coming," I replied, "He just has something to do first. He'll meet us there."

"Yay!!" Both yelled in unison.

"'Ncle 'Ake?" Owen asked.

"Yes, little man, you'll see Uncle Jake soon."

Once we were at the house, Dad and Sue rushed out to help me get the kids out of their car seats. I held Alys close to me as Sue grabbed Owen and Dad took a twin in each arm.

"How are my girls?" Dad asked them as he swung them around.

They laughed so hard they couldn't answer.

"Charlie, stop that, you'll make them sick," Sue chided.

"Oh, they're fine," I said. "They love it when Grandpa or Dad or Uncle Emmett throws them around like that. I like it too, it'll toughen them up."

Sue laughed and set Owen down in the TV room, "You want to watch Elmo? Grandma Sue got some new movies for you."

"Elmo!" Owen cried.

"Elmo!" Alys mimicked, she had become accustomed to repeating everything her brother said – I knew in a couple of years, he was going to start finding that quite annoying.

We set them down as Dad entered with the girls. The kids and Dad watched the movie as I walked into the kitchen with Sue.

"You seem distracted," she remarked.

"I saw Jacob at the gas station."

"Oh, was it awful?"

"No, it was surprisingly pleasant," I said. "I think that last talk we had might have knocked some sense into him."

"I'm sure that smack you gave him had something to do with it," she said with a smirk.

"Who told you I smacked him?"

"Edward," she laughed. "You should have seen the pride in his eyes when he told me, too. Like you were a soldier back home from the war or something."

I laughed, "Well, whatever it was, he seems to have really changed. He said he wanted to be friends – and only friends – this time. He's even coming here so he can spend some time with the kids."

She looked at me skeptically, "Bella, that boy is always going to carry a torch for you, and you know that. I thought cutting him out was actually a good idea to be honest with you."

"Why?"

"Because he has an unhealthy attachment to you," she said. "It may be better for you both to just stay away from each other. With you around, he doesn't feel the need to find anyone else, I think."

I shook my head, "Maybe that was the case before, but he seems to be making an honest effort to change here. I'm at least giving him the benefit of the doubt – if he goes back to his old ways, then I'll cut him off for good, OK?"

"That sounds sensible," Sue replied as she poured us some coffee.