Chapter 19! Man, we're rolling. I know the past few chapters have been less Ness and Jake, and I am going to get back to our favorite couple. Promise. Pinky Promise. But this chapter is about Walker and Tricia because it's Tricia's birthday! At least you guys got to see her birthday present from Embry last chapter. ;) But now, the parents. Over all, I love this chapter. There is a treat for you at the end, but don't scroll down!

*Disclaimer*

Please Enjoy!

WalkerPOV

Last night, after leaving the Cullen house from checking in on Shelby, Christa and I had tucked into the house for the night. Haleigh had barely let me go so that I could take a shower. And when it was her turn for a bath, she'd made me promise to sit in the hallway across from the bathroom while Christa went in with her.

Now, I woke up, late in the afternoon, with Haleigh sprawled over my chest, her head tucked under my chin. Christa was fitted into my side, my shoulder her pillow.

My two girls. Only two days gone, and I'd missed them something terrible. I stroked their hair simultaneously. Haleigh snuggled closer, but Christa woke up.

She smiled up at me. "Hey."

I smiled back. "Hi. I missed you so much."

Her smile widened, but she looked down at Haleigh. "We missed you, too." Reaching up, she twisted one of Haleigh's curls around her finger. "She called you 'daddy'."

I hadn't really thought about that fact since last night. She'd said it more and more after that first time in the clearing, muttering it over and over. Accepting it was an overbearing weight. If I showed how much it meant, she'd keep using it, and tomorrow we'd be sitting at dinner with Mom and Dad.

"Walker? Why aren't you happy about that? She loves you."

Closing my eyes, I lifted my free hand to rub them. "I know. I am happy. It feels right. I'm just thinking about tomorrow. If she blurts out that word, we might as well tell them we're married already. And that will break Mom's heart."

She stroked my stomach just above the waist of my pajama bottoms. "We don't have to tell them. All we need to do is tell Haleigh not to say anything about the ceremony. She's adopted. Calling us 'mommy' and 'daddy' is normal in young adopted kids. The two don't have to be connected."

"But she'll want to talk about it."

She sat up on her elbow and glared at me. "Walker, why are you fighting this? You want this. You want her to think of you that way."

Sighing, she was right, but I rubbed my eyes again. "For the record, I'm changing the subject. Tricia's birthday is today. Mine's tomorrow."

"Wait, your birthday is on Thanksgiving?" she asked with a laugh.

"Yeah. Look, I changed the subject to say that we can go to Tricia's birthday dinner tonight and have a trial run so the holiday isn't destroyed."

She grinned down at me. "That's a good idea, baby."

"Mommy?" Haleigh mumbled.

I watched my wife smile and stroke our daughter's hair. Two words that a normal eighteen year old guy would never think to think and be thrilled about it.

"Hey, sweetie. Did you sleep good?"

She nodded. "Mhm." And then I felt her start to panic, her heart rate rising. Planting her bony elbow into my chest painfully, she sat up. "Where's Daddy?"

Christa chuckled.

"I'm right here, baby girl," I said gently moving her elbow.

Turning back, her eyes were wide as she took in where she was. And then she grinned and threw her arms around my neck. "Daddy!"

Christa moved so that I could wrap both my arms around Haleigh. God, the sound of her calling me that made me love her more. The more I was around her, the more I saw her smile at me, the more I thought of her as my daughter. It was so hard to explain the difference between my feelings toward Tricia and my feelings toward Haleigh. I supposed it was because Tricia now had someone to protect her, to watch over her. Haleigh had no parents, and had nobody that she trusted enough to let her guard down around. Years and years, Tricia had been my sister, had played that part, and now, it was just truth. That's what she was.

But Haleigh was different, and I had to protect her. And Christa.

"Come on, munchkin," I said, sitting up with my arms around her. "We get to have dinner with my parents tonight. And Tricia and Embry."

She frowned as I swung us off the bed. "Gramma and Grampa?"

Exchanging a look with Christa, I widened my eyes but stood up and headed for the kitchen. "About that, baby girl. Listen, I need you to do something for me, and it's important, okay?"

She nodded, expression serious, as I sat her on the kitchen counter.

Brushing her hair back on each side, I cupped her small face in my hands. "We're going to Gramma and Grampa's tonight, but you can't call them that just yet, ok? You can call me and Christa what you want, but my mom and dad are Miss June and Mr. David, alright?" She frowned but nodded anyway. "Also, don't say anything about the marriage."

"The what?" she asked.

"Mating ceremony," Christa interjected.

"Oh," she said in understanding. And then she frowned again. "Why can't I say anything?"

Christa stepped in beside me and rubbed Haleigh's leg. "Well, because that ceremony was just for us wolves. So they can't know about it."

"But why?" she pouted.

Christa narrowed her eyes playfully and leaned forward. "Because mommy and daddy want to have a big party, another ceremony that they can come to. They couldn't come to the other one because it wasn't for humans. And the big party is the one we want them to know about." She put a finger to her lips. "But shhh, they can't know about it until we're ready for them to know."

"Ohhh, it's a secret?"

Christa went with it. "Yes, it's a secret. Top priority. You can't tell anybody, ok?"

She nodded and held out her pinky. "I promise."

Christa smiled, wrapping her pinky around Haleigh's. "Good girl." She helped Haleigh off the counter. "Now, let's go get dressed."

They went for Haleigh's room, and I went back to ours. Checking the clock, I saw that we'd slept all day. It was four in the afternoon. Knowing Mom, dinner would be ready at five-thirty, just like every night. After I got dressed in jeans and a black button down, I called Tricia after seeing a missed call from Mom.

"Hey, big brother," she answered breathlessly.

It was the kind of breathlessness that I, as her brother, didn't need to know anything about. Especially since I could hear Embry and what sounded like a shower in the background.

I cleared my throat. "Hey, birthday girl."

"What's up?"

"Uh, it's your birthday. I'm assuming Mom is making you a birthday dinner. Christa, Haleigh, and I were going to go up there to join in if you didn't mind. Of course, if you wanted some alone time with Mom and Dad we'd understand."

"Oh, Walker, that would be amazing. I'd love that. And tomorrow will be yours. Mom called to say that she'd make Dad behave with Christa and Embry."

"Pfft, yeah right. Good luck with that."

She laughed. "That's what I said. But, uh, Walker, I kind of made a slip saying something about in-laws. I think I played it off good, but you never know with Mom. I'm sorry. It just kind of slipped."

"Trish, don't beat yourself up. We were going to announce an engagement tonight anyway. Just don't say anything about the wedding. We already told Haleigh not to say anything."

"Tricia, you joining me? If not, we'll be late." Embry's voice floated over the line.

"I'm coming," she yelled holding the phone away from her mouth, and then she was back. "Of course, I won't say anything, Walker. But I gotta go."

"Yeah, sure. I'll see you at Mom and Dad's. Love you, little sister."

"Love you, too, big brother."

We hung up just as there was a small knock on the open door. Turning, I saw Haleigh in a light blue dress and her hair braided down her back.

"Da-Walker, Christa asked me to tell you that we're ready."

Something inside me hurt at her indecision at what to call me. Sitting on the edge of the bed, I patted my knee. "Come here, baby girl." She came over to me and, picking her up, I sat her on my knee. "I know that we've been confusing about what to call us, so I want you to be honest with me, okay?" When she nodded, I asked, "What do you want to call me? And don't be scared about what I'll think."

All she did was stare at her doll's hair and chew on her lip. She did that a lot when she was feeling insecure. I didn't like that at all. I wanted her to feel absolutely comfortable around me. Christa and I had signed the papers that Carlisle had drawn up for the adoption. Haleigh was lawfully our daughter, and no child should feel like he or she couldn't be themselves around his or her own parents whether they be adoptive or biological.

Placing a finger under her chin, I lifted her head. "Haleigh, please tell me. What do you want to call me?"

"Daddy," she whispered.

I couldn't help the grin. "And Christa?"

Another whisper. "Mommy."

"Then mommy and daddy you shall call us."

We both looked to the door to find Christa. She was dressed in a nice pair of jeans, knee high boots, and a green v-cut sweater.

Smiling, she came over to kneel in front of us. She took Haleigh's hand and squeezed. "Haleigh, you call us what you want to call us. We signed the adoption papers. You're our daughter." She brushed some loose hair from Haleigh's cheek. "Our baby girl. It will take some getting used to, but we will get used to it, okay?"

Haleigh nodded before wrapping her arms around Christa's neck and planted a kiss to her cheek.

"I'm happy you're my mommy."

Christa hugged her back. "And I'm happy you're my sweet girl."

"Promise?"

Christa held out her pinky. "I pinky promise."

Haleigh giggled.

"Alright, my two beautiful girls. We gotta go or we'll be late. We need to stop by the camp. I want to check on them before he head up to town."

Christa scooped up Haleigh and went out to the truck that Jacob had let us keep. After locking up, I followed them. Christa's-our- place was only about five minutes from the turn off to where the camp was set up. We pulled up next to Bianca's tent. Not wanting to stay too long, I left the truck running and my two girls inside while I asked about the integration of Emma and Calahan's pack.

Speaking of, Emma emerged from the tent with Bianca. Emma was as petite as her name with strawberry blonde hair, light freckles, and a dainty frame. Anybody would assume her attitude was as delicate as her name and appearance, but that was only looking at her body. Once you looked at her eyes, you knew that she was dangerous. Any man that thought he could take her on was overestimating himself. I'd seen her fight. Women always fought dirty. Add some fangs and claws, and she was downright lethal. Even Calahan, the pack leader and her mate, was careful about her temper.

He emerged from the tent behind the women. He was as tall and broad as Emma was short and small. Jet black hair and eyes the color of a Husky's, his demeanor was as cold as those eyes, except for toward Emma and their son, Garrett. Truth be told, he made me more than a little uncomfortable because his pack feared him. That wasn't how I felt a pack should feel. But many of them had told me that they felt safe with him, and I supposed that was better than nothing. If it wasn't broke, I wasn't going to be the one to break it and then have to fix it. Nobody was crying foul.

We shook hands.

"How's the female and the young of the dead warrior?" he asked in a painfully deep voice.

"Brayden's not old enough to know what's going on, but Shelby's a strong woman. She'll pull through. I was going to check on them after my sister's birthday dinner tonight. How are you and Emma settling in? And Garrett? I trust you're being treated well."

"Very well. Bianca and Angelica are...wonderfully dominant females." He leaned in close to me. "You're allowing the same-sex relationships?"

Emma stepped up and punched his arm. "Cal, that is inappropriate. Walker has done wonders for this pack. You remember how it was when Edmund still led."

I laughed. "Yes, I am. I don't know about the norm overseas, but here, we're kind a roll-with-the-flow kind of bunch. If it ain't broke, don't fix it. Bianca's my second and she's more familiar with how a pack should work so for now she deals more with pack business unless it's a big decision. Then, she gives me the options. I'm still learning, and recently infected." I held my hand again. "But hey, I just stopped by to check in on you, make sure you're and your pack are settling in just fine."

He took my hand. "I have a feeling we'll be fine. It's good land. Quiet. And a lot of our pack members are friends. Garrett really likes Xavier."

I chuckled. "Yeah, he's a good kid."

"As are you."

"Thanks. I'll see you guys later."

"Take care of your females."

"I will."

Hopping into the truck, I turned us around and went for what was sure to be a tense and eventful birthday dinner.

ShelbyPOV

Bella had rolled in Nessie's old crib so that I wouldn't have to be separated from my boys. Now, late in the afternoon, Brayden woke up with a gurgle. I'd been awake for about an hour, just stroking Seth's skin and hair. Caden had said that the boy had woken up a couple weeks after being infected, but his brain waves hadn't been as active as fast as Seth's. At the rate he was healing, Carlisle expected Seth to be fully healed by tomorrow morning. Hopefully, he'd even be awake. My hopes had skyrocketed. Just yesterday, his body had been lifeless in my arms, and now my blood was reviving him.

I changed and fed Brayden just before Bella and Edward came in to hand me a plate of food. I hadn't eaten since yesterday morning, and now my stomach screamed. With a smile, Bella took Brayden to dance him around the room while I ate. Edward performed his normal tests and smiled when he got to the brain monitor.

"Almost at one hundred percent. If you're feeling up to it, I think we could perform the second transfusion."

"Absolutely. I just need someone to watch Brayden."

Bella laughed. "I don't think that'll be a problem. Who could let this precious little thing go? Would you want me to stay here or-"

I shook my head. "No. He needs to be around other people."

She nodded. "I'm sure the pack would love to see him. Those that aren't on patrol are hanging around the house."

"Yeah, family." I jumped as a sting landed in my arm. "Ouch."

"Sorry," Edward said as he continued with the transfusion tools.

Once I was hooked up, Bella bent forward so I could kiss Brayden before she took the plate and my son out of the room.

"I can stay, Shelby," Edward said.

I shook my head. "Nah, go do whatever you need to. I want some time."

"Of course. What about guests? The pack really wants to see you. So far, not all of them know that Seth is alive. Some believe he's still gone."

"Sure. Just a few at a time though."

"Absolutely."

About five minutes later, the first of the pack arrived. Edward had been right. The pack didn't know that Seth was alive. Each and every one of them had cried at my feet, thanking me the way Leah and Sue had. By the time the last one left, I was crying.

Hours had passed and Edward was back to remove the needles and tubes.

"Thank you," I said.

"You're more than welcome."

While he bandaged up my arm, Nessie and Jacob came in quietly along with Sam and Emily. Emily pulled me into a tight hug, and I knew she was crying by the shaking of her body. I stroked her hair and back.

After a moment, she pulled back and rubbed her eyes. "Ugh, I'm sorry. Just so much emotional whiplash."

"Tell me about it. I was here and it's still hard to believe that this is happening."

Sam had gone to stare down at Seth. "I don't understand why this didn't help with Jordan. He was attacked by an infected wolf."

I cleared my throat. "Actually, he was attacked by Nyla. She was born to two infected wolves. I think the infection was more of her DNA than disease." When he looked at me, I shrugged. "I've thought about that, too. He died protecting me. If there had been a way to save him, I would have."

"She has a point."

Caden was leaning in the doorway, arms crossed.

"These things aren't always a sure thing. Just like I didn't know that this could work on two different races of werewolf. Otherwise I would have told Shelby to mix her blood with his immediately upon our arrival."

"It's ok, Caden," I said reassuringly. "You didn't know. And who would have guessed that something like this could happen? I wasn't trying to do anything, just give a piece of me to...to burn with him. It's still hard for me to believe that at any moment he could open his eyes, that he'll tell me he loves me again. That he'll hold his son again. But then I look at him and the fact that he's breathing on his own, his heart is beating strong, and his skin is warm. Getting my hopes up is scary but I trust Edward and Carlisle." I looked over to Nessie. "Did you see Brayden downstairs?"

She smiled as if she knew how worried I was. She always could see through my fake nonchalance. "He's fine. I think he's a chick magnet. Claire and Leila love him even though he's asleep."

I looked at my watch. "Oh man. I didn't realize how much time had passed." Outside, darkness had fallen over Forks. "He probably needs to be fed, too." And suddenly, I was as tired as my son even though it felt like I'd just woken up.

"I'll go get the little man," Jacob said before walking out.

I watched the door close behind him. "Ness, he really is gonna be a great dad."

Her nod was sad. "Yeah, he is."

Reaching forward, I gripped her hand, feeling her wedding band. Man, I wanted one of those. Maybe a tattoo. I'd always wanted a permanent ring on my finger.

"Sweetness, it'll happen for the two of you. I promise. Remember what Carlisle said? Things are definitely too stressful right now."

"Yeah, I know." Her thumb stroked my cheek when she put her hand to my face. "Thanks. Jake and I will be sleeping downstairs if you need us."

I frowned. "Wait, I thought you guys were hosting Thanksgiving?"

"We will, but not until Seth is back."

"No, Ness," I said shaking my head. "Don't do that. Just go on with your plans."

Her look was stern. "Not without you and Seth."

Reaching out, I gripped her hands. "Nessie, please. Just go ahead as if everything is normal, as if Seth is actually coming back. It will help me to believe it, too. I can call you if I need you."

Her lips tightened into a line, but I knew she was going to cave. And just as I thought, she nodded. "Ok, Shelby. Ok. Since I'm gonna do this we gotta get going so I can start cooking."

A loud crying preceded Jacob into the room. Brayden was not happy to be awake. Or he was hungry. Probably both.

"There she is," Jacob cooed as he handed me my baby.

"Thanks, guys."

"Jacob, Shelby is forcing us to do Thanksgiving so we need to get home so I can start cooking. We need to grab my mother, grandmother, and aunts on the way down."

Surprisingly, he didn't question it. Nodding, he wrapped his arm around Nessie's shoulder after pecking me on the cheek. I laid Brayden out in my arms. The crying died down but he was still cranky. Hungry it was.

"Alright, well, let's go grab them if they didn't already hear."

"Hey!" a voice yelled from downstairs. "Where my aunt goes, I go!"

We all laughed.

Cricket was as bad as Alice.

"Alice, tell Cricket she's coming, too," Nessie said with a giggle. And then she bent down to me, planting a kiss on my cheek. "Alright, well, you call us if anything changes, okay?"

"I will. I promise. Now all of you out. I need to feed my son."

They all chuckled as they made their way out, each of them stopping to touch me in some way. It was both to take comfort and offer comfort. I appreciated it more than they could possibly know. As I fed Brayden, I allowed Edward to come in to check on Seth. Edward said he was doing very well, the second transfusion having jumped his brain waves. There was a great chance he'd be on full battery power by late tonight or very early tomorrow morning. I had to keep telling myself that that didn't mean he'd be opening his eyes.

"Get some sleep, Shelby."

"I've been sleeping a lot."

Edward shook his head. "Not restfully. You were earlier and you need more of it. If Brayden won't go back down, we'd be happy to watch over him."

Sighing, I knew he was right. "Thanks, Mr. C."

He chuckled as he walked out with a "you're welcome".

Brayden was still feeding so I just watched Seth. His eyes had slowed under his lids. When I'd panicked, Carlisle had told me that was actually a good thing. Movement meant he was in the deepest form of sleep. When it slowed down, that meant he was more than likely closer and closer to waking up.

I watched as there were only a couple flicks every few minutes.

So close.

"Come on, baby," I whispered. "Come back to us. To me."

TriciaPOV

Embry and I made it up to Mom and Dad's place the same time Walker pulled into the driveway in a huge truck. Jumping out, he waved at us as he went around to open the passenger door. I noticed he'd taken off his wedding band, and my heart hurt. I wished he could tell them, but he was right. It would break Mom's heart.

Surprise hit me when Haleigh jumped out in a light blue dress. Grinning, she waved at me as she ran over.

"Hi, Miss Tricia. Daddy said it's your birthday," she said swishing the skirt of her dress.

My grin matched hers even though I was surprised at Walker's new name. I popped a fingertip on her nose as I crouched down. "It is my birthday. And if Walker is your daddy, then you get to call me Aunt Tricia. How does that sound?"

Her dark blue eyes lit up as she flung her arms around me. "Happy birthday, Aunt Tricia."

"Thank you, sweetie," I laughed, wrapping my arms around her.

When she pulled back, she looked all the way up at Embry, who smiled at her. "Hi, Mr. Embry."

"Hi, Haleigh." He held out his hand, palm up. "What's up, cupcake?"

Giggling, she slapped his hand.

"Are you my uncle?" she asked.

I laughed. She sure was getting outgoing, comfortable with us. But then she had Walker to protect her now. She felt safe, so it would make sense that she felt like she could be herself.

Embry just sort of balked at answering.

Walker laughed as he scooped her up. "Baby girl, easy on the questions."

"What's up, daddy-o?" I asked holding back a grin.

"Hush, you," he said before diving in to nibble on Haleigh's neck.

She was giggling furiously as Christa walked up beside them and the front door opened to reveal Mom standing there. She ran out the door to hug me.

"Oh, happy birthday, baby."

I hugged her back. "Hey, Mom. Thanks."

She pulled back to hug Embry. "Welcome back. Hopefully David will be more civil."

"Thanks. I think we can come to some sort agreement," he said with a chuckle.

What we were all tense about was when she turned to Walker with Haleigh in his arms. As expected, she froze. The little girl had lost her grin under that stare and tucked her face into his neck.

Instead of saying anything, though, she just tugged her shirt and smiled. "Hey, my sweet boy. It's been too long since you've been home. Christa, it's good to see you, too, sweetie."

"Thanks, Mrs. Johnson."

Walker and I both hid grins. The two women shared a name now.

"Mom, this is Haleigh."

She smiled at her. "Hi, Haleigh. It's nice to meet you."

It was a long moment before Haleigh offered a small smile. Which was a good sign.

"Hi," she murmured finally.

"Come on, let's get inside. Dinner's almost ready." She turned back to me. "I made your favorite."

I rubbed my hands together. "Ooo, enchiladas and Mexican rice."

Everybody laughed at me as I grabbed Embry's hand and pulled him into the house. Walker and Christa were next and then Mom. Dad was in the kitchen, making up his homemade salsa.

Skipping up to him, I kissed his cheek. "Hey, daddy. Smells good."

"Hey, baby girl. Who else is here? I heard voices."

"Embry, Walker, and Christa, so be nice, Dad. Please. Just try to get along with them. Christa and Embry are pretty permanent."

He sighed. "I figured that out when you and Walker stood up for them." Another sigh, this one defeated. "Ok, ok, I'll be nice."

I turned away and then thought to tell him about Haleigh. "Oh, and there's a little one here, too, so you have to be nice anyway."

With wide eyes, he turned in shock. "What do you mean 'little one'?" And then his eyes went to my stomach. "Tricia…"

I laughed. "No, dad. I'm not pregnant. And if I was it wouldn't be far enough along to count."

His eyes widened, eyebrows meeting his hairline. "Wait a second, are you saying that you've...that you and Embry have…"

A pair of big hands settled on my shoulders. Embry's warmth gave me the strength to meet my dad in the eye.

"Dad, that's not really any of your business. But I was talking about Haleigh. She's six and here with Walker and Christa."

Dad clenched his jaw, took a deep breath, and glared at Embry. "I can't stop," he motioned to the two of us, "this, can I?"

Embry and I both shook our heads.

"She was right," Embry said. "I'm permanent. Period. Nothing will change that. And Christa is permanent with Walker."

Again my dad sighed and held out his hand to Embry. "Then, I guess all I can say is take care of my little girl."

Embry reached around me to take that hand. "Of course. Nothing is higher on my list of priorities."

"Tricia? Embry? David? Everything is ready except for you," Mom called from the dining room.

A high pitched giggle echoed after her voice.

I took Dad's hand. "Come on, Dad. Let's eat. We're starving."

"By the way," Dad said. "What happened to your face?" he asked Embry.

Embry, as well as all the other wolves, had wounds and bruises covering their bodies. Embry's had healed significantly since our hot interlude before coming out here. Apparently, it had something to do with the fact that he'd been with his imprint intimately. Well, if "being" with me intimately helped heal him, I'd gladly spend all night in bed with him.

"Fight," Embry answered gruffly.

"Did you win?"

"Yes, sir."

"Good man."

I rolled my eyes. Bonding over a fight. Men.

When we finally sat down at the table, Dad stared at Haleigh in Walker's lap. He was trying to get her to sit in her own chair. Eventually, she scooted over between Walker and Christa. Christa put a napkin in her lap.

"David, quit staring. It's rude," Mom scolded as Embry pulled my chair out for me.

He cleared his throat and shook his head. "So, who is that little gem?" he asked with a genuine smile at Haleigh. She shrank back until Walker's body hid her from Dad's view.

Walker laughed and pushed her forward. "Haleigh, say hi to my dad. Don't be rude."

"Hi, Mr. David."

When Dad got a good look at her, his jaw dropped. She was unusually pretty for a six year old. Dark blue eyes, coffee brown hair, and a light smattering of freckles.

"Well, hi, there, beautiful." He looked up at Walker. "Are you babysitting her tonight for a friend?"

Walker cleared his throat and looked at me. I nodded with a wink and smile.

"Well, Dad," he started as we all passed the food around. "I, uh-"

Haleigh tugged on Walker's sleeve before he could finish. "Daddy, can I have more milk?"

The room froze, but Walker didn't miss a beat. He was already twined around her pinky.

"Of course, baby girl." Grabbing her glass, he met Dad's eyes head on as he went to the kitchen to get her more milk.

When he sat back down, Dad's eyebrows took another hike. "'Daddy'?"

Walker reached around to grip Christa's shoulder, which she reached up to grip with her left hand. The wedding ring gleamed in the light from the chandelier over the table. Of course, Dad's eyes narrowed and Mom gasped.

Walker cleared his throat. "I'm only going to say this once. This is Tricia's birthday and we aren't going to ruin it, so pay attention and get over it. Christa and I are getting married." He glanced down at Haleigh, who frowned and pressed her lips into a tight line. "And we've already signed papers to adopt Haleigh."

Dad just gaped. Mom teared up, covering her mouth with her hand. Her other hand clutched at her chest.

"Walker-," Dad started.

My brother shook his head. "No. You're not going to tell me I'm too young. I turn nineteen tomorrow."

"And you think that automatically makes you old enough and mature enough to handle a new relationship and adopting a little girl? Walker, being a parent is a lot more than being a brother."

"Dammit, Dad, I know that." He slapped his hand into the table.

"Walker," Christa warned softly as Haleigh shrank into her side.

My brother took a deep breath. "You don't understand what all I've been through in the past few months."

Christa shot him a warning glance.

I frowned. He'd never told me what exactly he'd been through, and neither had Embry. Every time I'd asked he'd told me I needed to ask my brother.

He nodded and gripped her shoulder tightly. "Dad, I know that there's a lot I have to learn. But I also feel like I've matured enough for this. Haleigh doesn't have or trust anybody else to take care of her. Even if Christa weren't in the picture, I wouldn't be able to turn her away. She believes in me, trusts me. Why can't you?"

Grinning, Haleigh cuddled into Walker's side. Seemed like she was a daddy's girl.

"And what about her parents?" Dad was like a dog with a bone.

Walker glared at him. "They're dead," he answered stiffly between his teeth.

"Oh," was Dad's brilliant response. "Well, how did she come into the picture?"

"New friends of mine."

"This is all so sudden," Mom finally managed.

Walker offered her a smirk. "I know, Mom. And I'm sorry to just throw this on you." Then he looked at me. "Sorry, Trish."

"Don't be. I'm glad this is out."

Embry gripped my hand under the table to bring my knuckles up to his lips.

Dad threw his hands in the air. "I suppose you two are next in the kid department," he said to us in a sigh of defeat.

Walker relaxed visibly in his chair and leaned over to kiss Haleigh's hair.

"Sir," Embry said, his voice deep and commanding. "There are things about the five of us that you don't understand, things that we can't tell you unless absolutely necessary or unless we think you can handle it. Now is not that time. Walker and I both were in that fight. It wasn't just some bar brawl. It was serious. Though he's only nineteen, Walker is more than capable of taking care of a wife and child. And as for me and Tricia?" He shrugged. "Kids may very well be on the way. Christa, Walker, and I share a condition in which protection on the males' part isn't an option. But I would be damned if I ever left Tricia alone to carry a child of mine." Leaning forward toward my dad, he said, "Like I told you before, Christa and I are permanent. Consider us in-laws. And consider that little girl your granddaughter. You're lucky to have her as such."

Glowing with pride at my man, I snuggled up against him as Dad blinked. Ever since we'd made love earlier today, Embry had somehow seemed taller, bigger. The whole walk up here, he'd kept me close to his side, hands roaming my body, eyes on our surroundings. Every time something in the woods had made a sound, he'd growled.

What was more was that Dad seemed to be taking in what Embry had said. Sitting back in his chair, his eyes sherry eyes, so much like Walker's, roamed the five of us. Especially Embry and Walker. And then they landed on Haleigh, who was glancing between him and Walker.

"Well," Mom said, while Dad was still lost in thought. "We should get eating before the food goes cold."

"Great idea, Mom. I'm starving," Walker said as his stomach rumbled.

Embry's echoed the call.

We laughed and dug in. Out of the corner of my eye, I could see Dad still watching us. He started eating as well, not at all acting his usual self. Usually, he was dominating, his presence taking up the space. But now, Walker and Embry had taken over, their dominance reigning over the females and my dad. And Dad must have felt it. He watched closely as Walker helped Haleigh cut up her food and pass Christa the bowl of rice. He watched how his son doted on his new, small family. And then Embry. How he ate with ease, his big hand on the back of my neck, massaging. A sense of ownership yet equality in the gesture.

We were all almost done with our plates of seconds when Dad cleared his throat. We all stopped to watch him.

"It seems as if I have misjudged my children. Tricia, you were right about your mother and me. We did marry young. We raised the two of you to be strong, independent, and self-thinking since you were very young. And now, you've gone and grown up on me. I didn't want to accept that it's happened so fast. Still don't, but here it is. I may not agree with everything happening, but I will support you. Both of my children. I promise to...try to get along with you, Embry, and you, Christa. If you need any help with the wedding, let us know. We'll see what we can do to help."

Christa smiled at him. "Thank you. That really does mean a lot. Embry and I aren't trying to be antagonistic. And we both understand that Walker and Tricia are younger than we are. We'd never force them into anything. We love them, and we want to get along with you. Walker looks up to you. He wants to be the kind of dad that you were and are. Haleigh adores him, as do I. Losing him would destroy me. The same with Embry and Tricia."

Embry nodded in agreement. "I do love your daughter. Very much. I know it seems sudden, but like I said, there's a lot about us that you don't understand. Tricia means the world to me. I'd do anything to protect her."

Mom sniffled at the end of the table and dabbed her eyes with her napkin.

Dad cleared his throat, nodding. "I suppose you want to move out as well?" he asked me.

There was no accusation this time in his voice.

"I don't have to," I said quietly.

"David," Mom said.

He nodded. "I think it's too soon, probably because I don't understand, but again, I raised you to trust your gut. Your mother raised you to follow your heart. You're eighteen. If you want to move out, I can't stop you."

Embry and I shared a look.

"What do you think?"

He grinned at me. "I already gave you a key. It's up to you, sweetheart."

Tearing up, I ran around the table to throw my arms around my father's neck. "Thank you, thank you, thank you! I love you, daddy. Best birthday present ever. I'll visit all the time, I promise."

He chuckled as he wrapped his arms around me. "I've heard that before. Hell, I've said that before."

"I promise, Dad. You have a granddaughter now. I can bring her up." I looked over at Haleigh. "Would you like that? To come visit with me?"

At first, she just stared at me.

Walker leaned over. "Haleigh?"

Mom leaned forward. "We would love to get to know you, sweetheart."

She still didn't answer.

Dad leaned forward. "Haleigh," he said, getting her attention. When she looked at him, he continued, "I see you like dolls. My mother had a collection. Would you like to see them?"

Haleigh glanced up at me. I nodded encouragingly. And then she looked at Walker. He nodded, too.

Dad got up and went to stand next to her. He held his hand out to her. "It's ok, sweetheart. If there's one you like, you can have it."

"Go on, baby girl," Walker urged. "It's ok. Mommy and I will still be here when you get back." He held out his pinky. "Promise."

She thought about it for a moment before wrapping her pinky around his. And then she took Dad's hand.

"Okay. Are they pretty?" she asked as they made their way to the stairs.

"Very."

Making an excited noise, Mom got up to squeeze Christa. "Ah, congratulations! Let me see the ring." When Christa lifted her hand, Mom's eyes widened. "It's gorgeous." She turned eyes to Walker. "You did beautifully, baby."

"Thanks, Mom. But Haleigh actually picked it out."

"Really?"

He nodded.

"Well my new grandbaby has some taste." She laughed. "And she's beautiful."

Walker and Christa shared a happy look and smile. Embry pulled me over to him so he could kiss my forehead.

"You two are next," Mom warned. "I want to see a ring on that finger."

"Mom," I scolded.

"What?" She looked at Embry. "I knew you were here to stay the moment I saw you look at my daughter. David is blind and in denial. He'll get over it."

Embry chuckled. "I'll see what I can do."

Mom clapped her hands. "I'm so excited. Have you thought about a date or anything for the wedding?"

"Mom," Walker laughed. "Today is Tricia's day. You can interrogate me and Christa tomorrow."

"Oh, I don't mind," I said with a grin. "Embry and I could just sneak off."

Jumping to an upright position, Mom pegged me with a glare. "Don't you dare. I still have homemade chocolate cake for you to eat."

Embry gave me a look. "I can't pass up homemade chocolate cake. So you can sneak off and I'll eat your piece."

They all laughed as I glared at him. "I don't think so. Mom's cakes are pure heaven."

"I'll go get it out of the freezer," Mom said and bustled back into the kitchen.

"Freezer?" Christa asked.

"Ice cream cake," Walker and I answered at the same time with the same groan of ecstasy.

A moment later, little feet pattered down the stairs.

"Daddy! Daddy!"

Haleigh ran into the dining room, face flushed, eyes gleaming. There were two dolls in her arms. One was the one she'd come with. The other was the one she'd picked from the furnished attic where Dad kept all his collectables. It wasn't one of those creepy dolls but seemingly normal.

Walker picked her up to sit her in his lap. "Which one did you pick? Let me see."

With strawberry blonde hair and dark eyes, the doll looked startlingly like Christa. It had always been my favorite growing up.

"It looks like Mommy."

"Yes, it does. This one was Aunt Tricia's favorite, too."

She looked over to me. "Really?"

I nodded. "Mhm. I carried her everywhere with me. Keep her safe, okay?"

She nodded seriously, clutching both dolls to her. "I will."

Dad came up behind me holding a bag. It was a birthday present type of bag. Sitting down, he set it between himself and Embry. With narrow eyes, he said, "You open it after cake."

Just in time, Mom backed through the swinging door with the double chocolate cake in her hands. There were eighteen candles on the cake in the shape of a butterfly.

"Anybody want cake?"

WalkerPOV

Dinner was fantastic, and the cake was fabulous. Dad had made Tricia a jewelry box in his wood-working shop. It was gorgeous and Christa had salivated over it. Dad had noticed and had winked at me, letting me know he was on it.

The five of us were currently on our way to the Cullen place to check on Shelby. We'd wanted to get there quickly, so Haleigh was still covered in chocolate. Christa was carrying both dolls and Tricia was carrying the leftovers for both couples. Mom had made us take them.

"Hey, guys," Embry called to us before we reached the porch steps. A beeping was coming from inside.

"What's up?"

"Uh, there's something I need to tell you before you go in."

Christa and I exchanged a look.

"Okay?"

"It's Seth. The night we came back, Shelby mixed her blood with his because she wanted the pyre ceremony to burn some of her with him. But-"

"But?" Christa demanded.

He took in a deep breath and blew it roughly. "He's alive."

"What?! How?"

"Her blood, the infection. Caden could explain it better but it has something to do with the regenerative properties. His blood started up as did his heart. When they finally figured it out, they gave him a transfusion, more of her blood. Each time I check on them, he's even better."

All we could do was gape. Christa was tearing up.

"What about brain damage?"

Embry chuckled. "That was a popular question. Apparently, there's nothing the infection can't cure. Caden talked about the soul and sticking around for three days. You'd have to ask him. But you needed to know before going in there."

Nodding, we finally made it in the house. Christa took Haleigh to the bathroom to clean up. Embry, Tricia, and I went upstairs. The house was strangely quiet. Sue and Leah were passed out on the couches with blankets draped over them. The woods outside, though, were teeming with wolves that weren't on patrol. As we moved up, the beeping got louder and I could hear that it was a heart monitor.

Tricia stepped up in front of us at the door. She pressed a finger to her lips. "Brayden might be asleep. It's late." Delicately, she knocked on the door. "Shelby? It's Tricia, Walker, and Embry."

The door opened a moment later. Shelby was brushing her hair out, already dressed for bed in shorts and a t-shirt.

"Hey, guys. Come on in. Brayden's asleep though."

Tricia smiled back at us before reaching out to Shelby for a hug. "Embry just now told us that Seth was alive, or we would have been back sooner."

She laughed softly. "It's okay. I just gave the second transfusion. Carlisle said he should be up to one hundred percent by late tonight or early tomorrow morning. Where's Christa?"

"Cleaning chocolate off our daughter. And that's great, Shelbs," I said, pulling her in for a hug. "How's the little man?"

Moving aside, she motioned to the bed where Brayden was sprawled on Seth's chest. "He wouldn't go back down in the crib after I sat him next to his dad. Probably the body heat. It's a little drafty in here for a baby."

"That is so cute," Tricia gushed.

Moving closer to the bed, I could see Seth's chest rise and fall because Brayden's little body moved with each breath. This was crazy. I'd watched as the vampire had gone after Jacob. Was running toward them when the other had gone for Jacob's throat. Was going to take the blow for Jacob when Seth beat me to it. I'd had a front row seat to see him drop like a stone, his blood spraying everywhere from the throat wound. And now, he was being given a second chance. A second chance to fight to get back to his son, his mate. If anyone deserved it, he did.

"You have to be quiet, ok? The baby's sleeping," Christa's whispered voice floated into the room. I turned to the door

A moment later, they rounded the corner. Both dolls were back in Haleigh's grip. When she saw me, she ran to me. I scooped her up.

"Say hi to Miss Shelby. Quietly."

She waved. "Hi, Miss Shelby," she whispered.

Shelby tiredly smiled back. "Hey, cutie. Did you have lots of cake tonight?"

Haleigh nodded. "It was yummy."

"I bet. I love your new doll."

Clutching the doll to her, she tucked into my shoulder. "Thank you. Grampa gave her to me."

"Well, that was nice of him. She's very pretty."

"Thank you."

Again, Shelby smiled, but it was tired.

I cleared my throat. "We just came by to check on you." I looked at everybody else. "Why don't we get outta here and let her get some sleep. She's about to fall over."

We all said our goodbyes and gave her hugs, and a kiss in Haleigh's case, before leaving her to help heal her mate.

JPOV

My house was in total chaos. Alice and Rosalie were dashing around, decorating the house with fresh candles and table runners and other things that I didn't know the names of. Several aromas made my mouth water and stomach growl as I watched Bella, Esme, and Nessie cook dish after dish. The fridge was full to bursting with sides that would taste as good reheated and the freezer was full of homemade chocolates.

I had been tasting all the things that I could get away with tasting before Nessie caught me. After that, she'd been guarding the kitchen with a wooden spoon. Luckily, Emily had come up to help as well as my sisters. I'd taken Henry and Leila as a distraction from all the deliciousness I wasn't able to enjoy yet.

Henry loved Leila. He was always hovering over my shoulder to watch her. Since it was very late in the evening, she'd conked out about an hour ago. After putting her in the crib upstairs and keeping the monitor next to me, Henry and I found something on Nickelodeon to watch. It was way past his bedtime but he was too juiced to go down, excited about all the hustle and bustle. I was wide awake, too, but only because I was waiting for a call from Shelby or Edward about Seth.

Part of me was skeptical that this was actually happening, that Seth was actually going to open his eyes and talk to us again. That he would laugh, smile, and joke around again. The world had already seemed dark and bleak without him.

The front door opening once more shook me out of my thoughts. Cricket and Trey hauled in some grocery bags. Alice had given them some money and the keys to her porsche so they could go get some things that were missing.

Cricket rubbed her hands together and blew hot breath into them. "Got the stuff for finger foods. Trey and I can work on prepping those. Then we can cook them tomorrow."

"We'll take them down to the big house once you're done," Bells said. "There's no more room in this fridge."

Trey came to flop down next to me. "Hey, cool. Avatar. Good show, my man." He reached across me to hold his hand out to Henry for a slap.

All too happy to make a new friend, Henry grinned and slapped that hand. I had to agree with Trey. For an animated show, it wasn't all that bad. Funny, serious, kids maturing too fast. Sounded a lot like my life.

Beside me, the monitor screeched to life.

"I'll get her, Em," I called over my shoulder as I got up.

"She's probably hungry."

"Make her a bottle. I'll feed her."

"Jacob,-"

I gave her a look. "Hey, I'm the godfather. I can take care of her while you girls have fun. Seriously, Em, visit and have a good time. I'll take care of the little squirt."

Not giving her time to answer, I took the steps three at a time. Going straight for the crib, I leaned over to pick up a squealing Leila.

"Oh, it's okay, sweetness," I said, putting her against my shoulder before I got a whiff of her. "Well," I said as my eyes watered, "I smell why you're so cranky. Let's get you cleaned up."

Laying her out on the changing table, I cleaned her up the best I could without giving her a bath. Once she was dry and powdered up, I slipped a new diaper around her and redressed her. She'd calmed down considerably by the time I picked her up again.

"There ya go. Now you feel better." She snuggled into my shoulder, positively tiny in my hands even though I knew she was normal size and healthy.

Back downstairs, I went into the kitchen to get the bottle from Emily. She kissed her daughter's forehead before I took Leila back to the couch. Henry was back to being all over me, laying his head on my arm to watch her eat as I laid her out in my arms, head propped into the crook of my arm, and pressed the bottle to her lips. Eyes on Henry, she took it. If I didn't know any better I'd think I was seeing a future couple.

"Well, she's cute," Trey said.

"This is my goddaughter, Leila. Sam and Emily's daughter."

He chuckled. "Looks like she has an admirer."

Glancing over my shoulder, I nodded. "Glad I'm not the only one to notice that."

Henry reached out, gently, to rub his fingers over her hair.

It was hard to believe that I was holding the future of the pack in my arms. A future female protector. And if things happened the way I saw them, her male protector.

Because Henry could very well imprint on Leila.

As seen with Seth's miraculous feat, anything was possible.

SethPOV

The inside of my head was chaotic.

I knew I was no longer floating above my body because I wasn't seeing Shelby sleep next to me, or Brayden in the crib. Something solid but light was on my chest. That I could feel.

But it was like I could see all the functions of my brain rushing to catch up with the time lost. There were parts of my brain that were healing before my eyes, and I knew that I had died. If the out of body experience hadn't clued me in first.

What the hell was going on? How was I alive?

I'd been sucked back into my body the moment the monitors had started leveling out, which was good. I'd been feeling like I was slipping, fingers sliding over the grip I had of watching my mate and son.

Thinking of them, I somehow knew that Brayden was on my chest. Shelby had laid him there.

To my right, something whined. It wasn't on the outside of my body either. Looking over, I saw a wolf. My wolf. Standing next to me, he butted my hand. I petted his head, stroking the fur between his eyes. He purred.

"Almost, buddy. We're almost out."

There was one last gray spot that I could see. Outside of my own head, I could hear the machines getting louder, the way sounds do when you're asleep and start to wake up.

And then I thought, maybe this wasn't real. Maybe I was stuck in purgatory, dreaming of the way I wanted things to go, dreaming of getting back to my family.

But then, my nose registered a scent. Shelby's scent. And Brayden's.

No. This was real, dammit. Somehow they'd found a way to bring me back.

"Come on, come on," I whispered.

It was like that one spot was keeping me trapped here in my own head, like it was keeping my awareness protected until my body was well enough to handle it. Once it was gone, I had a feeling I'd be free.

The wolf beside me whined as the spot got smaller and smaller.

And then it was gone.

Consciousness sucked me out of that domed arena of my neurons to stretch me, filling out my skin, the wolf's presence right behind me. It took several minutes to adjust, and when I could finally open my eyes, I couldn't believe what I was seeing.

The ceiling.

Over to my left, the picture window with its heavy drapes.

Over my left shoulder, the monitors.

Movement on my chest brought my eyes down to see the most beautiful sight I'd ever seen. The top of my son's head, all that thick black hair resting over my heart. And at my right hand, Shelby curled around my fingers, lips pressed to the skin of my wrist. In all the time I'd been here, she hadn't left my side.

Two days I had spent trying to talk to them before I'd realized what had happened. And then sorrow as Shelby's heart had broken. All the way back from that clearing, my...soul had been connected to my body. For some reason, I couldn't let go.

And now I knew why.

I was back. Something, some miracle, had brought me back to my family.

With the warmth of my son blanketing me and my mate's love enveloping me, I started to cry.

Uh-huh, uh-huh! So? Who's as excited as I am?! Let me know! Review please? Pretty please?! Love you guys! xoxoxoxoxo