Chapter Thirty Nine

Bella

The children were so excited when they saw Dad that I had to yell at them to stop them from jumping out of the still-moving car to greet him.

As we came to a stop, they wrenched the doors open and ran screaming with joy straight into Dad's outstretched arms. It was a sight I had once thought I would never see and it made me smile.

Jasper went to rescue Dad while I spoke to Charlotte, thanking her for looking after him.

"How is he now? He looks controlled enough, but it must have been hard for you."

She looked a little apprehensive as she answered me.

"The Chief has been fine. We have experience with newborns and both of us have seen worse. It's been nice for Peter having another guy around. I think they bonded. Peter has few friends so I'm glad he's added your father to that list."

As the children ran to give Charlotte a hug too I saw the expression on her face. She looked so happy and I felt sorry for her. Like Rosalie, the chance to have children of her own had been snatched from her. It reminded me just how lucky I had been.

Jasper, who had been talking to Dad suddenly appeared at my side looking a little upset.

"I need to find Peter. I'll be back soon, Bella."

"Why? What's wrong? Is Dad OK?"

"Oh yeah, he's fine. It's nothing. I'll be back soon."

He kissed me and disappeared into the trees.

I watched Jasper leave wondering what had happened to send him looking for Peter so abruptly and then turned to see Dad standing there. We weren't much for hugs under normal circumstances, but at that moment I was so glad to see him safe through his newborn phase that I threw my arms around him and pulled him close.

"Hi, Dad. Are you OK? I'm sorry you had to go through all this, but we can be together now."

"I'm fine, and I'm glad to be able to spend time with my family. I wouldn't have missed this for the world."

I nodded, "Do you know what's wrong with Jasper?"

He looked extremely awkward, his eyes downcast, and then I realized.

"Dad!"

I touched his face and he looked up at me, his bright red eyes sparkling in the sunshine.

"You're drinking human blood? Why? Was it Peter's idea? Is that why Jasper's gone looking for him?

He paused before answering me, "Bella, I hope you are going to accept that it was my choice, not Peter's. I struggled with animal blood and I tried, believe me. Peter even sourced some human blood from a clinic, but that was no better.

I was beginning to think I wasn't going to make it as a vampire. Peter and I discussed what else I could do and we came up with a possible way out. I only hunt criminals. That way I can continue doing the only job I've ever known. I can protect the innocent, the victims, by taking out those who prey on them. I can control my thirst now and my temper, although I think I gave Peter a hard time there for a while."

He glanced over my shoulder at the ranch house, "It's great to see the kids again. They seem to have grown every time I see them. Did you do OK in Volterra?"

I nodded, "Yes. The Volturi were very good to the children. I think Charlie considers them extended family which is good. He's growing up so quickly, even more quickly than Maggie did."

Dad smiled, "I guess that's what comes of having a vampire for your Dad. Are Edward and Angie coming here? Or will they be going to the farm?"

I shook my head, "Edward is staying in Volterra. I don't know what's happened to him. He was doing so well with Maggie. I thought he'd changed since having a daughter, but he's too dangerous to be around the children now."

I explained what had happened in Volterra and Dad smiled, "It sounds to me like Charlie is a chip off the old block. I think he's going to be a warrior when he grows up just like his Dad. It would have been nice if he'd followed me into the police force but I guess that's not going to happen. Bella, what will happen when the children grow up? You can't keep them hidden away from people permanently, but could they live safely in the human world?"

I nodded, "Yes, I'm sure they will be able to. I don't know what the future holds for them or when they will stop maturing. It's hard when one week they need help with something and the next they look at you as if you've lost your mind for even offering."

He grinned, "That's kids for you. The only difference is that these kids are testing you daily. So, Edward won't be seeing Maggie again? What about Angie? Is she staying in Volterra too?"

"No. She left before we did. I'm not sure what she's going to do, only that she and Edward are finished. Marcus told us that they weren't mates so I hope she will find hers one day. She deserves happiness. I told her she was welcome to visit whenever she wanted and I hope that she will."

"Me too. Edward is a fool throwing away a woman like that, but she deserves better."

When we got inside the ranch house it was pandemonium. The children were playing with Hunter who was beside himself with excitement seeing them once more.

It took a while to calm things down and then they insisted on relating everything that had happened in Volterra. Charlie was very proud of his actions in protecting his sister although it was Maggie who explained what he had done.

Charlotte made up the spare room with two beds for the children who although they fought it were utterly exhausted. After supper and a bath, she took them up promising to read a story to Charlie. Maggie insisted she was too old for that kind of thing but we all knew she would be listening just as eagerly. Sometimes she just liked to underline the fact that she was the eldest.

Jasper was still a little annoyed with Peter, even though it hadn't been his friend's fault that Dad chose the diet he did, and once we were alone I tried to lighten the mood. Luckily Dad had taken Hunter for a walk so we were alone.

"I want to thank you for looking after my Dad, Peter. He said that he caused you a few problems."

Peter nodded, "Stubborn fucker, and he's fast. I wouldn't like to get into a fight with him now he's learned self-control. Maria would salivate if she could see him."

Jasper frowned, "Well, he'd certainly fit right in there now, wouldn't he?"

Peter sighed, "Are you gonna sulk for the rest of the day? I told you, it was his decision. I thought we were into all that self-determination. I get it, you don't like him hunting humans, but it's what he wanted. We all need to find our niche in this fucked up world and that just happens to be his."

"Peter's right, Jasper."

Dad walked in and sat beside me.

"It was my decision. I like the idea I can still protect innocent humans. OK, it's not the way I used to. I don't have any rules to follow now, but it still means the dirtbags will be off the streets. If I'm OK with it then you should respect my decision. Don't feel responsible, there's no need."

Jasper sighed, "I know, and I guess you're right. Will you be coming back to the farm with us?"

Much to my surprise, Dad shook his head.

"I don't think so. I don't want to give the kids any bad ideas. Besides, Peter invited me to their cabin. It's close to the Mexican border so plenty of hunting there. I hate drug pushers most of all and now I can make a real difference. You and Bella need some time as a family. It seems to me that you've been surrounded by family ever since Maggie was born. You should enjoy some peace."

"You will visit though? The children will miss you."

He took my hand in his, "Of course, I will. I'm not walking out of your life altogether. Just finding my own place in the vampire world. You'll get sick of the sight of me before long."

I winced inwardly, it was exactly what I had intended to do to him!

When the children discovered that Grandpa Charlie wasn't going home with us they were disappointed, and when they were told that Hunter was staying on the ranch I thought there would be a riot but Dad explained that Hunter had settled here and formed a bond with Peter.

"But we won't see him, Grandpa," said Maggie.

"Sure you will. I promise to bring him when I come to see you."

"When will that be?"

"Oh, I don't know Charlie. How about I promise to be there for your Mom's birthday?"

"But that's ages away."

"Not really, besides we can talk on the phone every week. How about that?"

Maggie flourished her new phone, "I'll give you my number, Grandpa."

"Now that's a nice phone. Where did you get it?"

Maggie grimaced, "Daddy gave it to me. I promised to call him, but I don't think I'll see him again for a long time."

"He's mental!"

Maggie glared at Charlie and he shrugged, "Well, he is, but maybe the Volturi can fix whatever's wrong with him."

"He just needed a little help and the Volturi will help him. We can visit him later. We can, can't we Mom?"

I nodded, "I'm sure we can make some arrangements to see Edward later. For now, you two need to get back into some kind of routine. There's lots to be done on the farm and you have lessons."

Both children groaned although they loved helping us with the animals and picked up things so quickly we would soon be struggling to stretch their minds. Charlie had already decided that he wanted to join the Volturi guard when he grew up and was pestering Jasper to teach him how to fight. Maggie wasn't so sure what she wanted to do. She was nervous around humans, always afraid that she might slip up and give herself away.

Still, she would find her place in this world, and hopefully one day she would find a love as strong and enduring as I had.

When we got back to the farm we were relieved to find Rose and Emmett installed in the cabin once more and the place looking as if we had never been away. It helped the children to get over having to say goodbye to Dad.

Emmett was happy to teach Charlie to hunt and fight along with Jasper, while Rose and I focused on their lessons.

Esme and Carlisle had gone back to Boston where he had just started a new job at a major hospital, but they kept in contact with video calls, letters, and phone calls.

A few weeks later Angie appeared at the farm a little apprehensive about her welcome but she was greeted as if she had been missing for years rather than months. She looked a little sad and told us that she was still undecided about what she wanted to do.

"It's strange, but I still miss Edward. When he wasn't being a total jerk he was so sweet and kind. I know we weren't meant for each other, but it's lonely when you've had someone in your life and then suddenly you're all alone. I hope you don't mind me coming to stay?"

"Angie, you're family. You can come whenever you want and stay as long as you like."

"Thank you. I missed the children too, especially Maggie. It was so nice having a family, I should say it's so nice to have a family. Being a vampire is such a solitary existence. I understand why Carlisle created his family."

"Have you kept in touch with Esme and Carlisle?"

Angie sighed and shook her head, "No. I'm scared they might think it's my fault Edward is trapped in Volterra. Besides, I never felt very comfortable there. I know they welcomed me as a daughter, but I felt like the odd one out, but I guess I should call them."

I understood that she wasn't sure where she stood as far as the family was concerned now she and Edward had parted.

"I sent Edward the divorce papers a few weeks ago. I guess I expected him to cause problems, but he just signed and returned them. Then I discovered that he is involved with a girl in the citadel. Do you know Sapphire?"

I shook my head, "No, but then I don't know many of the Volturi."

"I do. She works in the archives. I met her when I went there. She works for Marcus."

Angie turned to Maggie who had appeared in the doorway, "You do? What's she like?"

Maggie thought about the question, "Well, she has hair like Aunt Rose and a snub nose. I guess she's pretty, but not as pretty as you, Angie."

We both laughed as Maggie added, "I won't have to call her mom or anything, will I? I already have you, Mom, and Angie as my stepmom. I don't think I want anymore."

Angie was obviously touched by Maggie's words and held out her hand to the little girl.

"Why don't you show me what you've been doing since I was here last? Did you finish that cross stitch you were doing?"

Edward had bought Maggie a sewing kit among the heap of presents he provided at Christmas. He was hoping, I think, to encourage her in ladies' pursuits.

Maggie nodded, "Yes, and Poppa framed it for me. Come see."

I watched the two of them run upstairs and smiled. Maggie may have lost Edward, but she had gained a stepmom. Would that make Edward happy? I thought not, so maybe I should ensure that he found out. I was still angry at my ex-husband although I hoped he would find peace in Volterra and if that included a relationship with the mysterious Sapphire, then so be it.

I sat gazing out at the farm in the afternoon sun. I was so lucky. Thinking back to that terrible day that Edward had told me I should get rid of our baby I could never imagine getting to this point in my life. I had a fabulous husband, two beautiful children, and a family who supported and protected me. What more could anyone ask?