Chapter 20! Man, I love this! No drama this chapter. Decided to give the holiday a break. And I think I've got all the names of the kids figured out for their series! Woo hoo!

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Please Enjoy!

ShelbyPOV

All of a sudden, my dream started to shake. Earthquake?

No. My dream was about Seth. An earthquake seemed a little out of place. My dreams weren't that sporadic.

With that realization, consciousness started to pull me out of sleep. I was still shaking. No, not me. The bed.

Thinking someone was in the room, messing with Seth, I shot upright only to find the room empty except the three of us. Frowning, I looked down.

And gave a small yelp.

Seth was crying, and not sleep crying. Great racking sobs made the bed shudder. His fingers had tightened around mine. I just watched him, not daring to breathe or believe that this was actually happening.

When he took a deep, calming breath, his eyes opened and found mine.

"Shel-by," his shattered voice croaked.

Letting out a sob, I leaned over him, pressing my lips as gently as I could to his. "Seth, it's really you. You're back."

Burying my face in his neck, I cried and wept in joy. Brayden was still asleep further down on Seth's chest. A moment later, I felt a hand in my hair. Seth's fingers weakly brushed through to my scalp, pressing my head closer to his body.

"Love...you."

"I love you, too, Seth. So much. But don't talk, okay? You need to get used to being functional again."

Sitting up, I found that he was still crying, his hand going to Brayden's back. Closing his eyes, he breathed deeply.

"Edward, get in here. I know you're out there."

Sure enough, a second later, Edward was beside the bed, smiling down at us. "It's good to have you back, Seth."

"Good...to be...back."

Reaching over to the table, I grabbed a glass and filled it with water from the pitcher. Sticking a bendy straw in it, I put it in his face. "Here. Since you insist on talking, at least hydrate."

He did as I asked, wincing as he sucked down the liquid. At least his lips weren't chapped. I'd been putting chapstick on him so it wouldn't happen. Edward checked all the machines, and then did his own assessment. He checked Seth's eyes, lungs, and pulse. And then he helped him stretch and bend his arms and legs. At first, Seth winced and hissed through his teeth, but Brayden asleep on him helped keep him quiet. After about thirty minutes, Seth was moving much easier, still weak, but easier.

"I think that's enough, Edward," I said, mopping the sweat from Seth's forehead.

Edward nodded. "I'll be back later. We don't want you to get too stiff." He looked to me. "I'm sure the others will want to know."

I nodded. "I'll call them. I just want some more time."

Once he was gone, Seth and I just stared at each other, his big hand rubbing our son's back as he slept. His other hand reached up to stroke over my cheek and play with my hair.

He swallowed hard before saying, "I watched you," raspily.

"What do you mean?" I whispered, my own hand rubbing up and down his arm.

"When I was...outside my body. I watched you." He frowned. "But...I...c-couldn't," swallow, "hear Caden. What he said. What...brought me...back?"

With my other hand, I reached up to stroke his hair. "Shh, don't strain yourself. And it was my blood. Did you see me cut my hand and then yours?" I didn't question that he saw us. If he said he did, then he did. He wouldn't say something without being absolutely sure.

He nodded.

"The infection in my blood regenerated everything, even your brain. Of course, I didn't know that that would work, hadn't even thought about that. I'd just wanted a part of me with you, always. After saying my goodbyes, I had to leave the room, or I wouldn't have let you go. It was Caden and Edward who heard your blood and heart. It was so slow because of the small amount of blood I'd given you. At first, I didn't want to believe what Caden was saying, to get my hopes up, but after Caden talked me into giving you a transfusion, your vitals just shot up. The second transfusion helped even more. And I've been by your side ever since."

More tears filled his eyes as he cupped my cheek. "You...saved me. You're my...miracle."

My turn to tear up. "I think we're even. Your love saved me. My blood saved you." Stroking his cheek, I said, "I gotta call Sue and Jake. They'll kill me if they find out I've waited this long to call."

"What time is it?"

"Two in the morning. Thanksgiving day. And let me tell ya, I'm looking at what I'm thankful for."

He chuckled but winced. Offering the cup to him again, he took more water. Less wincing this time.

Putting the down the cup, I managed to wrench myself away from him to get my cell phone on the counter where I'd left it to charge.

Pressing speed dial, I waited for Sue to answer even though she was downstairs asleep. I didn't want to leave Seth for one second.

"Shelby?" she asked, sleep coating her voice. "What's wrong?"

"Nothing. Sue...he's awake. Weak, but awake."

"What? Did you just say-"

"Yes," I said with a smile. "He's awake. Come up and see."

"On our way."

Laughing, I hung up and turned to, again, make sure that this was actually happening. Seth had elevated the bed so that he had to hold Brayden. He was watching our son sleep, silent tears seeping down his cheeks.

Wanting to give them a moment, I speed dialed Nessie.

When she picked up, I said, "Ness, he's awake."

RPOV

My cell phone nearly slipped from my fingers, but I managed to catch it.

"Uh, yeah. I-I'll let them know."

"Sue and Leah are here right now. We'd prefer to visit ourselves for a little while."

"Of course."

We hung up, and all I could do was stare at the phone in shock.

"Ness?" Jacob asked worriedly.

When I didn't answer, he handed Leila to Trey and jumped the couched to get to me.

His hands smoothed over my temples. "Nessie, baby, what is it?"

"That was Shelby. Seth's awake."

The entire house froze.

"What?" Jake asked.

"Seth. He's awake."

For a moment, he just stared at me. And then he wrapped his arms around my waist, buried his face in my hair, and popped me off my feet. The whole house cheered.

Wrapping my arms around him, I kissed his neck.

When he put me back down, I said, "She, Sue, and Leah want some time with him tonight. But I think we can all rest easy now. He's awake and talking, drinking water, holding Brayden. He's back."

"Well,"Cricket spoke up. "I think that calls for a drink and a toast."

Emily nodded, grinning. "I like the way she thinks." And then she went for her bag. "I brought some wine."

Jacob went for the wine glasses hanging under the cabinets and set them on the counter before grabbing a corkscrew from a drawer. He opened the bottle and poured the drinks, handing the glasses out to those who actually consumed things other than blood.

Jacob raised his glass and we all followed.

"To Seth, the man who selflessly gave his life for mine. And to Shelby, whose love and blood brought him back to us for a second chance to be with his family."

"To Seth! To Shelby!"

We all drank to the occasion. The wine was sweet and perfect. My first taste of alcohol besides the champagne at my wedding. I liked it. Jacob pulled me into his side and kissed the top of my head. Cricket turned on my iPod sound system, cranking music throughout the house.

Celebrating, we danced throughout the rest of the morning, the sun actually shining bright through the drapes. Leila was snoozing in the playpen in the living room. Henry was asleep on the couch.

Eventually, Sam, Paul, and Tom came up to the house looking for their wives. When they found out the reason for the celebration, they had drinks of their own. The party wound down after about another hour or so. My family left. Trey and Cricket went up to their room, tipsy from all the wine. Emily picked up Leila and left with Sam. Tom scooped up a limp Henry, walking out with Jake's sisters and Paul.

After everyone left and Cricket and Trey were tucked in, Jacob and I collapsed on the couch. I was tired tucked into Jacob's side. He wiped a hand down his face, also exhausted.

"God, what a day."

"And night," I offered.

He groaned. "You're right. Man, are we off track."

I laughed and stroked a hand down his abs. "We did sleep late in the afternoon, Jake. Come on, let's put out the fire and get some sleep. Seth is awake. We can visit him tomorrow."

"You mean later today," he huffed as he pulled us both off the couch.

We both groaned on our way down to bed after Jacob put the fire out. All the tension eased out of me as I cuddled down into the poofy mattress pad. Jacob's body enveloped me from behind, his face buried in the slope of my neck. In moments, he was snoring softly in my ear. Smiling, I myself started to drift off.

Before I did completely, however, I made the promise to myself that I'd find a way to show my immense gratitude for Seth's sacrifice on Jacob's behalf.

Later that morning after everybody got some much needed rest...

SethPOV

Paul and Rachel were sitting next to the hospital bed when I came out of the bathroom. The stretching exercises that Edward had insisted on helped tremendously. My lower back was a bit stiff, but that was probably from the very uncomfortable bed. I'd move into the recovery room tonight whether the doc liked it or not.

Brayden was napping in the crib beside my bed. Shelby had put him down before she'd headed to the kitchen to whip up some lunch. I was starving.

"Seth!" Rachel shouted, getting to her feet and rushing over to me.

"Shh," I hissed. "My kid's asleep. And I'm fine. I've been practicing with Edward."

She wrapped one of my arms around her shoulders. "You shouldn't be trying alone, Seth. You were dead for two days."

"Yes, and I feel great for a dead guy, Rach. Seriously, Shelby's blood worked a miracle. I feel as if I've done months of healing in just a few hours." Even though I was grateful for her now. I'd taken a shower and standing for that long seemed to have taken some of my energy, but I tried not to lean on her as she helped me toward the bed. Shelby had insisted on giving me another transfusion after we woke up again.

Brayden let out a little shout. I gave Rachel a look.

She sheepishly smiled at me. "Sorry."

Gently letting go of her so she wouldn't think I was actually mad at her, I made my way to the crib faster than I really should have. Leaning over the rail, I picked up my son.

"Hey, buddy. Did Aunt Rachel wake you up?"

He grinned at me and snuggled into my neck while his hand came up to pat my lips. I was pretty sure that meant he wanted me to talk.

"He looks just like you, Seth," Paul said with a grin.

"Most of me. His eyes are Shelby's though."

Brayden made that high pitched happy sound that babies tend to make. Across the room, the door opened and Shelby walked in balancing a plate and two glasses of what looked like sweet tea. Paul got up to help her.

"Thanks," she smiled up at him.

And then she looked at me, smile slipping a bit.

"Seth, seriously? I thought we talked about slow?"

I laughed. "Shelby, it's not like I tried to run a marathon. I just took a shower. And then Brayden woke up."

Her eyes bugged. "A shower?"

I nodded. "Yeah. I don't know how you stood to be near me. I was rank."

She looked up at Paul. "Can I kill him now, or should I wait?"

We all laughed. After a moment, she shook her head and joined in.

Man, it was good to be back. Good to see my mate smile instead of cry. My son's weight in my arms, his smile aimed at me once more. Hovering above my body, my soul had ached to be with them again, to be given another chance to be the father my son deserved, the mate my woman needed.

Paul came up to me, seriousness in his eyes. I handed Brayden over to Rachel. Tears started gathering in the male's eyes just before I embraced him. He hugged me back, tightly and cried silently into my shoulder.

"I missed you, brother," he choked out.

"I know, Paul. I know. I'd feel the same if it had been you."

Over his shoulder, I saw the two women tear up, Rachel reaching out to rub her husband's back.

Paul moved back and cleared his throat as he wiped his eyes. "You're the best of us. You always have been. Even Jake would agree with that."

Shaking my head, I was about to deny that when a deep voice said, "He's right. I would agree with that."

Everybody parted on each side of the door to reveal Jacob and Nessie standing there in the hallway. Jake and I just stared at each other. Compared to the other males of the pack, he was huge. Well over six feet, broad frame, and heavily muscled, he was everything an alpha should be. But in that moment, the look in his eyes showed a vulnerability that males only showed to those they trusted.

He cleared his throat. "I'd like a minute with my second in command," he asked roughly.

Rachel and Paul started for the door immediately, but Shelby looked up at me.

I nodded. "Go on. I'll be ok. Jake won't let anything happen to me."

On her way out, she hugged both Jacob and Nessie even though Ness locked her arm with Shelby's. She gave me a smile over my mate's shoulder.

"I'm glad you're back. I'll hug you when we come back."

I grinned. "I'll be ready for one of those famous Nessie hugs."

And then she was gone. Jacob stepped into the room and closed the door. Leaning back on the mattress, expecting him to sit in the chair, I was surprised when his big body dropped to his knees at my feet, head bowed.

"I owe you my life," he whispered.

Shaking my head, I knelt down in front of him, hand on his shoulder. "You owe me nothing."

His eyes were tear-filled as he looked up at me. "I owe you everything."

"Jacob, any of us would have taken that blow for you. Walker was on his way. I just got there first. And, who knows, the blood exchange may not have worked for him. The only reason it worked for me was because of my mate's sentimentality. Walker would be dead right now, burned to ashes." Laughing humorlessly I said, "I never believed in fate until just now. It was meant to be me. And here I am. A second chance."

"Because you're the best of us," he whispered through tears, his hand reaching up to clasp my neck.

Pulling my alpha to his feet, I hugged him the same way I'd hugged Paul. "You're my brother, Jake. Shelby had Brayden to keep her here, but Ness only has you. There was no way I could let you be taken from her, from all of us. It would have destroyed each one of us to burn your body. And there was definitely no way that I could be alpha, no way I could fill your shoes."

"I hate you. So much," he said raggedly. "You selfless bastard."

I chuckled. "I hate you, too, brother." Leaning back, I rested my hands on his shoulders. "I'd do it again, Jacob. In a heartbeat. That's just who I am. Shelby knows that. And she'd raise our son to know that."

"Well," he said pulling away to wipe his face. "You'll have one hell of a story to tell your grandkids."

We both laughed.

"I think we all will by the time this fight is over," I said just as a pounding sounded on the door.

"Jacob Black, you've had your minute!" Nessie yelled. "I want my hug, dammit."

Chuckling, he yelled back, "Alright, woman. Geez. Get in here."

The door flew open, and then a flash of auburn curls rushed in. She slowed down when she got to me, being gentle, and wrapped her arms around my waist. I wrapped mine around her back.

"I missed you," she whispered. And then she pulled back.

Okay, the tears of a female tugged at me. Especially this one.

"Thank you, Seth. Thank you so much for bringing him back to me. I will never be able to repay you for what you did, but thank you all the same."

Resting my cheek on top of her head, feeling my own tears surface, I muttered, "This is all the thanks I need." Clearing my throat, I pulled back to look at her. "Now, I heard that you and Jake are still hosting Thanksgiving."

Laughing through her tears, she nodded. "Your mate made me."

"Good. I've been dead for two days. I'm starving."

A shocked silence filled the room, as if they didn't expect me to joke about it. But then, Jake, being who he was, caught on and started laughing. When it became a belly-aching laugh, Nessie joined in. The joke hadn't been that funny, but their laughter was full of relief, as if they hadn't expected me to still be me after all this crap.

"Well," Nessie said, stroking a hand down my chest, "I think we'll have enough food for our guest of honor."

"Definitely," Jake agreed.

"Good. Now, Jake, could you grab that plate and those glasses? I am so sick of this room. And I need a tv."

He frowned. "Shouldn't I be the one to help you down the stairs?"

I snorted. "Please. Who said I needed help? Having a beautiful woman on my arm was my goal."

Nessie giggled but Jake rolled his eyes. "You've already got a baby. You ain't gettin' into my woman's pants."

My turn to roll my eyes. "Ness knows she's a sister to me. No need for explanations. Besides, knowing she's the one helping me down will be more incentive not to rush things and screw up."

Jake nodded. "Good point," he said, picking up the plate and the two glasses.

It took about ten minutes for us to get downstairs to the living room. My back kept spasming, but everything else worked fine. Surprisingly, the wounds I'd had were sealed up, pink scars on my skin. Not even bothering me.

When I finally managed to set my feet on the hardwood floor, the room froze. Everybody had gotten to their feet and turned to face me. The Cullens were all there. Christa, Haleigh, and Walker were taking up one couch. Embry and Tricia had been on the loveseat. Mom and Leah came out of the kitchen, both tearing up. Charlie had been sitting next to Billy's wheelchair against the window wall. Outside, various pack members had heard the stillness in the house and stopped to look into the windows.

Before I could say anything, they all started clapping. The wolves outside started howling. Nessie squeezed my waist and grinned up at me.

I didn't get choked up however until I saw Shelby walk out of the dining room with Brayden on her hip. The two most important people in my life.

Thinking about it, I realized that I hadn't given her a proper hello. Letting go of Nessie, I slowly made my way over to them. When I got there, I cradled her face in my hands, wiping her tears with my thumbs.

"I love you," she whispered.

"I love you, too."

Leaning in, I pressed my lips to hers, softly at first. And then I deepened the kiss. She opened for me, allowing my tongue to slip inside her warmth. A warmth I had missed fiercely.

The crowd in the living room cheered, and Brayden hit my jaw with a tiny fist.

Laughing, we broke apart to watch him. My energy was draining fast, though, and a rush of weakness flowed through me.

"Seth?" Shelby asked worriedly.

As I started to collapse, I felt a pair of big hands catch me under my arms. "Easy, big guy," Jacob said in my ear.

He sat me down in the big plushy chair. My breathing was labored, heart thudding against my chest.

While Carlisle checked me over, he gave me a look. "Slow, Seth. Don't overdo it. You could seriously hurt yourself."

"That's what I told him," Shelby said, glowering at me.

Cocking an eyebrow at her, I said, "My blood sugar is no doubt low, doc. I haven't eaten."

As I said that, Jake thrust the plate into my hands. It was full of roast beef, chicken, and ham with mashed potatoes, green beans, and mac-n-cheese.

"Happy Thanksgiving," he said. "Now stuff your face."

We all laughed as Shelby sat on the arm of the chair, Brayden smiling down at me. I dug in, groaning as the sustenance hit my stomach. So good.

Emmett turned on the tv and popped in a movie. I didn't care what it was as long as it wasn't the news or a soap opera. Bugh. Those things sucked.

When I was done with the plate, Esme took it from me. Carlisle had said no seconds. Too much, too soon. So, I pulled Shelby, and Brayden with her, into my lap sideways so her feet dangled over the arm of the chair.

This was what I was thankful for. Not just the two in my arms, but all of them. My entire family. They'd all come together to worry over me, to watch over my mate and son while I healed. I owed them.

A hand landed on my shoulder. Looking up, Edward was smiling down at me.

"Just as you told Jacob, you owe us nothing."

Brayden's little hand pressed over my heart.

As I stared at my future, I said, "Then I guess we're even."

RPOV

After we made sure that Seth was settled and okay, Jacob and I excused ourselves so that we could get things at the house together for dinner. Seth promised he'd be up there. Mom, Aunt Alice, Cricket, Aunt Rose, and Esme followed us up. Walker, Christa, and Haleigh came with. Walker called his pack on the way up and told them to join up. Luckily we had enough food. There was a lot to heat up, and already some of the wolves were at the house, wanting to help out. Jacob gathered some of the guys to help build up a bonfire and to clear an area in front of the cabin for the kids to run around.

Quil and Claire made it up at the same time so the two girls ran off together with Quil trailing them to make sure they didn't get too close to the lake.

Before he took off, he looked back at Jake. "Seth is really up and around?"

Jake nodded. "He is."

"Man, that mate of his is a keeper."

"Amen to that."

Quil ran off to catch up with the girls.

Out of nowhere, a smack landed on my backside. In shock, I turned to Jacob, who snuck in a squeeze before releasing me.

He laughed. "Go on. Help the women inside. The boys and I will clean up out here."

Narrowing my eyes playfully, I went up on my tiptoes and leaned on his chest. "I'll get you back for that."

Leaning into me, he wrapped an arm around my waist, his hand descending. Reaching around, I gripped his wrist.

"Can't wait," he growled against my lips.

"Mmm," I mumbled as he kissed me. "Love you."

"Love you, too. I'm very thankful for you."

"And I for you."

We shared another kiss before he pushed me toward the house.

About an hour later, most of the wolves had snacked themselves full, so they were running around outside. I was standing on the porch when Christa came up behind me.

"Hey, Ness."

"Hey. What's up? How's it feel to be married?"

"Weird," she said immediately.

We both laughed.

I nodded. "Yeah, I know what you mean."

"I'm so sorry, but Walker, Haleigh, and I need to go. It's his birthday and we need to see his parents. Again."

I turned to her in surprise. "It's his birthday? Why didn't you guys tell us? I'd have made something special."

She chuckled. "And that's why he didn't want you to know. He didn't want anything special."

"Yo, Chris! Babe, we gotta go," Walker yelled from the truck that Jacob had let them keep because of Haleigh.

Embry and Tricia had been chasing Claire and Haleigh. When Walker yelled, Haleigh had stopped, allowing Embry to scoop her up into his arms. She giggled as he tickled her.

"Uncle Embry! Stop!"

"Never!"

Laughing, Tricia shook her head. "I guess we should be heading out, too."

Turning, I wrapped my arms around Christa. "It was great to see you guys. Have fun."

"Thanks. His parents know about Haleigh and that we're engaged, so today should be a little better than yesterday."

"How'd they take it?"

"Walker's mom was cool about it, taking it in stride. It was my dear father-in-law we had to have a firm hand with. I think he's more fond of me than Embry though."

Leaves rustled at the bottom of the porch steps. We both turned to find Walker giving us a look.

"Chris, talk to her on the phone. Mom was expecting us thirty minutes ago."

She rolled her eyes. "I'm coming." As she walked down the steps, "See you later. If I can, I'll stop by to help with clean up."

"Don't worry about it. I've got family that never sleeps."

She laughed as she made her way to the vehicle. "Well, tell Seth we said hi when he manages to get up here."

"I will."

"Oh, hey, Bianca!" Walker called, turning away from us. "I want the pack back down at the camp before dark. The weather's supposed to get bad again."

The female nodded in response from where she was sitting around the bonfire with Xavier. "Roger that."

As he headed to the truck, he called over his shoulder, "Trish, Embry, grab my daughter and let's go."

While they all piled into the truck, I just glowed for them. Now that I knew that his parents knew about Haleigh, I understood his easy attitude today. He'd been so carefree, smiling easily. It was good to see him like that, accepting his role as young father.

Embry, Tricia, and Haleigh piled into the back of the cab, but Walker still had one more person to give an order to as he rolled down the window, slowly pulling the truck away as he talked

"Xavier!"

"Yes, sir?"

Walker gave him a look, but continued. "Talk with Jacob and Caden tonight about training, okay? Since we don't seem to have enemies around right now, maybe we can get started on that."

The boy nodded. "Yes, sir. I mean, yes, Walker."

"Good man," Walker said, sitting back into the truck.

I waved as they pulled away.

Not five seconds later, Dad's car pulled up in its place. As the passenger door opened, Dad dashed around to help Seth out of the car. The man hissed until he straightened with a sigh of relief.

"Thanks, Edward."

"Not a problem."

Shelby and Brayden got out of the backseat. For a moment, Seth and Shelby fought over whether Seth should carry the diaper bag or not. Seth won. Not surprisingly.

As they walked up to the porch, Seth had his hand on Shelby's lower back. "Who just pulled away? I recognize the truck but Jake's inside."

"Walker, his sister, and their mates. Oh and Haleigh. Apparently, it's Walker's birthday and they need to go over to his parents' place." I smiled at my dad. "Hey, Dad."

He grinned at me. "Hey, sweetie."

Seth's eyebrows rose. "Ah. Bet Christa and Embry are havin' a blast with the in-laws."

"Oh yeah. Tons." Going down the steps, I offered him my arm. "Come on. We got food waitin' on ya."

Luckily, he wasn't as hard-headed as my husband and accepted the help I offered. By the time we made it to the top of the stairs, another car had pulled up, one I vaguely recognized. Alana got out of the driver's side, Patrick out of the passenger's. Shelby's dad and a woman I could only assume was Audrey got out of the back.

Jacob came to lean on the rail next to me. He didn't look exactly thrilled with the new guests, but he wasn't going to fight it either, not with Seth grinning at them.

"Hey, guys. Glad you could make it out." Then he turned to us. "Jake, that's Shelby's dad and his girlfriend, Audrey."

When they made it up the steps, he did all the introductions. I already knew Shelby's dad so I shook Audrey's hand. She was staring at me.

"You're not a wolf, are you?" she asked as if she already knew the answer.

I smiled gently. "No, I'm not. But my husband is."

"Ness," Jake scolded.

"Oh, hush. She already knows."

The woman looked over to Jacob. "I won't tell anyone. Seth spoke very highly of you. And it's very hard not to trust Seth."

I smiled smugly up at Jacob. "See? Great judge of character. Now go play football or something before you start glowering at us."

He scowled. "I don't glower."

"Yes, you do. You're doing it now." Turning him to the stairs, I smacked his ass. He jumped, turning to give me the same look I had him. I mocked his wide eyes. "Now, go."

"We're in public, woman," he grumbled all the way down the steps.

"Oh, please," I muttered before turning to Audrey with a smile. She laughed. "Come on in. We still have tons of food. The guys outside just finished round one. They'll be back in here in about an hour after they run it all off."

"Thank you for having us," she said as I led her into the house. "And the two of you make a very beautiful couple."

I actually felt myself flush. "Well, thank you. And it's our pleasure to have you here."

"You know, it's good when a couple can be openly married."

Frowning, I asked, "What do you mean?"

"Well, how could I explain this?" she muttered to herself. "When a couple is first a couple, they have no problem being openly gooey, but once they're married, it's like everything gets shoved into a closet and nobody knows anything. I think it's healthy that the gooey relationship survives after being married."

Shelby snorted. "That's one couple you don't have to worry about getting shoved in a closet. They'd take advantage of that and the whole house would hear them." As I blushed again, she leaned into Audrey. "They've only been married a month."

Audrey nodded in understanding. "Ah, newlyweds."

"Exactly. They're disgusting."

Mr. Marks joined in with their laughter as I got plates and glasses down for them. They piled up their plates and sat down at the only clear space on the table. Seth sat in the seat that had remained open the whole day just for him. It was normally Jacob's seat, the head of the table. At first, Seth fought it, but I glared at him and he sat with a huff.

Shelby nudged him as she set his plate in front of him. "Quit bitching. You should feel honored."

"I just don't want everyone kicking up a fuss over me."

"So," Mr. Marks said as he cut up some turkey, "what exactly did happen? Noticed you weren't at full capacity."

Shelby, Seth, and I all shared a quick look.

It wasn't quick enough.

Mr. Marks glared at us. "How bad was it? If something happened to my future son-in-law, I would like to know."

Shelby beamed. Reaching forward, she patted his arm. "It was a very bad accident, Dad. We thought we lost him there for a while."

"What?!" he exploded, looking at me and Shelby. "And you didn't tell me?"

"Shelby," Seth admonished.

She shrugged. "It was a very...sudden turn of events. There really wasn't a period in which to tell you." She looked over at Seth and took his free hand with hers. "We got him back. It was a miracle, but here he is. I'm sorry, Dad."

Mr. Marks sighed before looking at Seth. "You need anything, anything at all, you let me know."

Seth chuckled, squeezing Shelby's hand. "I will." Then he motioned for Shelby to hand Brayden over. "Give him to me. You need to eat."

It was her turn to huff. "I'm fine. It's you who needs to eat."

Seth growled. "Give me our son, woman. I've already eaten once today. I'm supposed to take it slowly, remember? So hand him over."

Sighing, she did as her man told her and handed over their son. Seth stood Brayden on his lap, holding out the boy's arms. Brayden bounced happily, and then tried to reach out to Seth's plate.

Seth caught him. "Oh, no you don't. You can't have that yet. You are on a purely liquid diet, my friend."

We all laughed as Brayden gurgled.

A flash lit up the room.

As we all blinked, I looked over to find Jacob with my camera. He grinned as we all leaned in toward each other and smiled. Jacob clicked the button once more.

"Now, you go jump in, Jacob."

Esme was standing behind him, her hand held out for the camera.

He shook his head. "I don't do pictures."

"Shut up," I said. "Yes, you do. Remember my wall of pictures? And our wedding? Get over here."

Laughing, he handed over the camera and came to kneel between me and Seth. We got in one good picture before Brayden managed to evade his daddy's grasp and dig into the mashed potatoes and threw them onto the side of Jacob's face and neck.

That would definitely be one photo for the album.

"Better get used to it, Jake. My grandkids are gonna be just like that."

We all turned to find Billy, Charlie, and Sue in the doorway. Jacob's sisters were there, too.

More plates, more food. After seconds had been passed around to everyone, there were only a few leftovers. Sue, Rebecca, and Rachel helped me wrap them up and put them in the fridge before we went back to having fun.

Billy volunteered Jacob, Paul, and Tom to wash the dishes.

All three objected, but gave in anyway.

We took a picture to memorialize the moment.

The rest of the day was spent taking pictures. Candids and posed. Esme and I were what Jacob called "click happy". We also managed to get some of Walker's pack before they had to take off as the sun set per Walker's orders.

Eventually, Walker and Christa did manage to come back, so more pictures were taken. Embry and Tricia, too.

Even Jacob had ambushed me with Esme's camera, his arms held out in front of us in "selfie" mode.

Another one to match my favorite picture.

Later, as the house was empty once more, except for Cricket and Trey up in their room, Jake and I collapsed against the couch, stuffed.

"All in all, I think our first hosting of Thanksgiving was a success," he whispered into my hair.

In one statement, he had summed up the whole day.

So? I loved the playfulness this chapter! YAY! Seth's back! Let me know how you feel about his one. I know not everybody was in it, but really? That would have been a book of it's own lol Love you guys xoxoxoxoxo