Finally, my story comes to a close. Again, I have to thank my lovely daughter, BeatriceNicole for helping me get this last chapter untwisted. I was a ball of anxiety trying to finish this. I had most everything written down only it was literally a twisted mess. I have to say, my daughter missed her calling as an editor. So Thank You, Sweetie. You're the best. Also, I can't forget my bestie and sista, LadyPattinson. Thank You, sis. Both you lovely ladies have been a great help to me. I love you both so much. Happy Reading Everyone :D

Obviously I'm not Stephenie Meyer. All things in the Twilight Universe still belong to her and I'm stuck here, smacking my head, wondering, "Why didn't I think of that?" Ha, ha, but in all seriousness no infringement is intended on my part.

It was a gorgeous day, the sun was shining, and as I looked around at this merry bunch of misfits I realized, for the first time, that this is my happily ever after. This is everything I didn't know I wanted. All the family was here today, Edward's and mine. We had gone through so much together and this day was a day, of sorts, to come together and celebrate all our blessings. We didn't really have a set party plan for our celebration. More than anything, we just wanted to come together and enjoy each others company. We were all at our various tasks doing just that.

I'd come to love Edward's family and I truly regretted the way I treated them when I first came to live in their home. It wasn't as if they were like family to me now, they actually are my family. I can't even imagine life without them; it would kill me to try. They're all dysfunctional, crazy and mine. While it was true, all of us were very different, like mismatched puzzle pieces, but we all had our rolls to play, we all belonged.

After all the turmoil leading up to my marriage to Edward, and after all the Volturi put us through, and after the rescue mission to save my sister, Leah, everything finally started to settle down. A pleasant sense of normalcy settled over our lives. Well as normal as a blended family of werewolves and vampires could get.

Rosalie was the one who truly shocked me, even though I'd completely forgiven her the day she apologized for her behavior towards me, I never really expected to feel all that close to her. Now she's on the floor playing matchbox cars with little Riley, my baby boy, though we took to calling him Anthony, to save confusion since his uncle, Riley, survived.

Emmett, though a fairly doting uncle in his own right, didn't quite know what to make of all babies in the family. Rosalie said it was because he was use to being the baby of the family. It made all of us laugh to watch him sulk in a corner when Esme overlooked him to play with one of her grandchildren. She thought of all of them that way, even Emily.

Yes, my sister, Leah had a baby girl. She was impregnated by an unknown Volturi guardsmen. Emily Marie Biers was born three weeks after we returned home from Italy. Leah never really knew which vampire had been Emily's sperm donor, but there was no denying Riley was her rightful daddy. Riley truly had the look of one proud papa.

For the first time ever, my sister and I were finally in a good place. Seth was still a little leery of her, but he was slowly coming around. After breaking down and apologizing to us Leah admitted to us that she was jealous of our relationships with our dad Charlie. Leah couldn't really remember her own birth father. Our mother told Leah stories about him and how much he loved her, but Charlie was really the only dad that she ever knew. When we came along she had to share that love and she didn't like it.

Then there was Alice. Honestly, I was ready to shake some sense into her. She was the constant downer, deep in the throws of her own pity party. Even though she denied it, I was truly starting to think she didn't want me around. After all, I was the reason she couldn't access her gift. I suggested that she and Jasper go on an extended vacation together, but she claimed she didn't want to miss the baby's milestones of growing up. I guess I couldn't fault her for that, even though she was driving everyone crazy.

Then our little Antony did something miraculous. Alice was trying, to no avail, to predict the weather, a feat she accomplished with ease before I came along. To think, if she couldn't predict the weather, and soon, she might get caught in a downpour while out hunting. Poor, poor thing. I was ready to strangle her. Edward, sensing this, was holding me back, but it was Anthony that saved her scrawny butt. Seeing her distress, he jumped into her arms, holding on tight. Alice, who was somewhat leery of my children, though I knew she loved them, was shocked by his actions at first, but all too soon, her eyes rolled back in her head.

"She's having a vision," Edward said in surprise.

"What?"

"I think it's Anthony, I think he's amplifying her ability."

"You think?"

Edward only nodded, unable to tear his eyes away from our son, then chuckled at whatever Alice's vision was.

"There's a thunderstorm headed this way!" Edward and Alice announced in unison.

"Game on!" Emmett cheered.

It turned out the Cullens were avid baseball fans and they loved to play their own version of the game. Though I wasn't all that fond of the game myself I had to admit, the way the Cullens played it, was the most fun I'd ever had.

I smiled often, thinking back to that day, and I was relieved. We'd had a great time spending a day as a family, but best of all Alice had found relief. From that day on, Alice and I were closer than ever.

It wasn't too long after that I found myself in a deep discussion about the Southern Vampire War and how it played a roll, though clandestine, in the history of the United States. Jasper knew his history, mostly because he lived it. It was quickly becoming one of my favorite pastimes to just sit around and pick Jasper's brain.

Carlisle and Esme had become like a second set of parents, always encouraging and affectionate. I had managed to form a bond with most of Edward's family. This just left Emmett, and trust me, he was all too aware that I wasn't giving him as much attention as I was the rest of the family. Unfortunately, Emmett wasn't about to stand for it. I wasn't trying to be rude, I just didn't know what to make of the goofball. Finally, after listening to his jealous whining for far too long, I gave in to the big baby. Now I have to play with him, like a toddler, on a regular basis so he doesn't get his feelings hurt. It's all good though, I kind of like having a baby brother.

I have to smile, because today had turned into another one of those perfect, fairytale endings, type of day. I was sitting on the couch huddled between Esme and Jasper, parents, Charlie and Sue were cuddling happily on the loveseat, as the rest of our family is playing or otherwise interacting with the three babies.

Carlisle is off to the side taking pictures. Rosalie is still playing matchbox cars with little Anthony while Emmett acts his usual goofball self, vying for Rosalie's undivided attention. Anthony doesn't seem to mind, as he's laughing at Emmett's antics.

Alice, Leah, and Riley are finger painting with baby Emily on the Esme's coffee table. I have to laugh when Emily, frustrated with her painting, throws it over her shoulder and begins to paint the table instead.

"Looks like we have another decorator in the family," Alice comments, as Leah rushes to clean up her mess.

"Oh my," Esme sighs, but then laughs as well. "I think I like the table better that way."

Edward was such a good father, not that I was surprised in any way. He sat cross-legged with our daughter at a tiny table accompanied by her favorite doll and teddy and my baby brother, Seth. Carlie was hosting a tea party. A tear fell from my eye as I watched them. Since Edward was the guest of honor, Carlie felt it "only fitting" (her words) that he be given the privilege to wear her tiara.

I looked down to my stomach with a smile. I'd tell him soon.

It had only been a month since the twin's birth and they were already walking. Their growth rate had been some what of a shock to us. Carlisle, always the head of the family, and always thinking like a doctor, took it upon himself to research everything he could find about hybrids. Markus proved invaluable in this process. Moments like these were bittersweet, knowing in just six short years our babies would be fully grown. I think this revelation affected my sweet husband more than it did me. The darling man never wasted even one opportunity to play with them.

"Oh, Carlie. Does your mommy know you're forcing your Daddy to act all girlie?" Emmett shakes with laughter as he asks my daughter.

Carlie and Edward both give him a stern look.

"Emmett, what is wrong with you? My child does not have to coerce me into playing with her when it is one of my greatest joys in life to do so."

I know Emmett is only picking on Edward because is was only a few days ago that little Miss Carlie decided to show us her gift for the first time. Unfortunately for Emmett, pink is just not his color. Rosalie and Carlie were playing princess on her princess castle bed when Emmett barged in insisting he be allowed to play too. Rosalie told him their castle was for princesses only. Carlie, feeling sorry for him told him he could play so long as he put on a princess costume. Emmett being Emmett refused and proceeded to climb in their Castle anyway. He managed to get one foot in before he froze in place. His face went blank, he dropped his foot to the floor and walked robotically out of the room. Not three minutes later he returned in full princess regalia. Rosalie gasped at the sight of him standing there in her, now stretched out, Sleeping Beauty costume. Usually, us being responsible parents, we would have stopped Carlie, once we realized what was happening, but lets face it, we're talking about Emmett. He deserves everything he gets. Needless to say, all of us, found it highly amusing to see Emmett standing there like a brainless robot wearing a pink princess dress, high heels, and Carlie's tiara.

"I guess that means you really are a pussy," Emmett commented in his whiny baby voice.

"Emmett!" Esme screeches.

"Cat," Emmett squeaks, clearly trying to mask his blunder.

Edward smirks. "Too late. Now you're going to get it."

Jasper guffaws. "Let the entertainment begin," he says, rubbing his hands together.

With barely a blink of my eye, Esme is standing beside Emmett, hands on hips, eyes ablaze in fury.

"What have I told you young man?"

"I... I..."

With Emmett speechless, Esme grabs him by the ear and drags him into the yard because that word, over any other word is not to be spoken in her house. At least that's what she's screaming at him as she tosses him around the yard.

All of us, besides Rosalie who is otherwise preoccupied with the babies, rush to the porch to watch.

Jasper's grinning from ear to ear.

Alice bounces clapping her hands.

Edward places his hand on my waist, drawing me close to his side as I look on in confusion.

"Esme hates that word," Edward explains.

" What? Pus…"

"Don't say it," Edward warns.

"Ah..." I can't contain my giggles. Free entertainment doesn't get any better than this.

"Wow, Edward you mother kicks some serious ass." I tell him, truly impressed.

"That's my girl," Carlisle states proudly.

Later that evening with the twins tucked in their beds, fast asleep, I know it's finally time to share my news.

"Bella?" Edward looks at me with a worried expression. He walks up to me, wrapping me in his embrace. I can feel the essence of his mind nudging mine, hoping for a connection.

Hey, I give into his request.

Edward sighs with relief. Where have you been the last few days?

In reality, I haven't been anywhere else, not physically at least. I wasn't really trying to avoid him. I guess I was just sort of in shock. I wasn't sure if I was ready for this to happen again so soon after the twin's birth. I knew that there was nothing to be done about it now but enjoy it. Really, I was just having a hard time processing all the hormone driven emotions and changes in my body. I just needed the space in my head and I needed to find ways to distract myself from this reality.

It was amazing how Edward's cool breath tingling across my skin warmed my soul. I sighed in contentment as he pulled me impossibly closer and kissed my temple.

I loved this time a day when I could reflect back on another perfect day where I got to watch my two beautiful children grow way too fast, but never the less, still enjoying their childhood. They were, without a doubt the most beautiful children ever. Anthony with his brown hair and brown eyes, like mine, still managed to inherit Edwards handsome profile. Then there was Carlie, who inherited both Edward's bronze hair and green eyes, she bore the uncanny resemblance to Elizabeth Masen, Edward's beloved birth mother. So much so, that Carlie could be her doppelganger.

As I watch our beautiful children, deep in their slumber, I figured now was as perfect time as any.

Why haven't you said anything?

I was startled by Edward's question because our minds hadn't been linked for some time now and I could tell by the way he was eyeing my stomach that he knew I was carrying his child. Of course, this was Edward. He didn't need to read my mind to pick up on subtle changes in my body chemistry.

"To be honest, I don't know what I was thinking. You figured it out the day after we conceived our twins. I should have realized it would be the same for any other baby we conceived."

This caused him to smirk, as he placed his hands on my still flat belly.

I spun around, playfully glaring at him. "If anything, I should be annoyed with you. You probably figured it out before I did. Why didn't you tell me I was pregnant?"

He shrugged, locking his eyes to my stomach, refusing to meet my eyes.

"Edward?"

He eyes flashed to mine quickly, giving me a soft smile, but the smile couldn't hide the sadness I saw there.

Tell me, I demanded as my mind melded with his.

It's silly, he admitted, but he couldn't hide from me here. He wanted to hear me say it.

"Edward?"

"Yes, my love."

"I'm having your baby. You're going to be a daddy again, very soon."

"Wow! I love hearing that!" he exclaimed as he picked me up and spun me around in a circle. I couldn't contain my giggles. He truly was acting silly, but I wouldn't have it any other way.

"Which reminds me. After the baby's birth we really need to discuss birth control."

Edward frowned at my words. "Why? I thought you loved kids."

"I do," I admitted with a laugh. "Especially ones that look like mini Edwards or Bellas."

"Then what's the problem?" He stuck out his lip in a pout.

I kissed it, smiled at him and sighed, drawing my fingers through his hair and pulling him closer to me. He immediately responded by laying a trail of kisses down my neck to my collarbone.

"Edward!" I gasped. I could feel his lips smile against my heated skin.

"Don't be smug," I complained. "You know how you affect me." I was the one pouting now.

"You affect me the same way," he assured me, leaning his forehead against mine.

I don't think contraception will be an easy thing for us.

"What?" I asked horrified.

He closed his eyes, taking a deep breath.

I spoke to Carlisle about this very issue before we were married. We can certainly give it a try, but he doesn't think oral contraception or the shot will work for you. He also doesn't believe a condom would hold up against my little swimmers.

I guess you'll have to change me at some point then. I'd been thinking about this very thing, since the birth of our twins. Edward knew this, so he only shocked me with his reaction.

"No!" The word wasn't meant in the form of passive resistance, but as a command.

I should have been pissed at him, but I couldn't be angry with him. Not when I could feel the anguish the thought of me being changed brought him.

Edward and his family considered themselves undead, some sort of beautiful reanimated family of corpses, lifeless, frozen and soulless. I disagreed. I simply couldn't see them that way. To me they were so full of life, warmth and happiness. They believed themselves frozen, unable to change, but to watch them with the twins, half werewolf, half vampire, anyone could see that wasn't true. If they were truly undead there would be no life here; Edward would not be a father. For how could an undead thing beget life? Furthermore, how could that undead, soulless thing, love the life it helped create, so deeply?

I hugged him to me tightly. His pain always hurt me so much. I never wanted to make him feel this way.

I suppose there's always abstinence.

Edward laughed in a deep throated, humorless chuckle.

Now, we both know that will never last.

I smile cheekily at him, "Well, I guess I'm doomed to have hundreds maybe thousands of your babies. Although at the rate we're going it could be millions."

His eyes widened in what looked like horror at my words.

"You do realize, we'll start losing track of them eventually and there is the hybrid overpopulation issue."

Edward sighed, pinching the bridge of his nose.

"As much as I hate to admit it, you do have a point."

"Edward?" Was he really caving so easily?

"AND as much as it truly pains me, I'll consider your request to be changed."

"I sense a but."

I don't want to do that to you. Not that I wouldn't love you just as much after your change and it would make some things easier for me. It's just that I love you just the way you are. You're so warm and full of life and the pain you'd go through… You just can't imagine how horrible…

I can. I interrupted him. You showed me, remember?

He nodded, lowering his forehead to mine. I promise we can discuss this at a later time, but in the meantime I want… No, I need for us to exhaust every other option. I don't want to take anything else away from you.

I'm not exactly sure what you mean by that last part, but I agree to your terms.

With that said, he kissed me.

So much has happened to me since the day I was forced to marry my enemy. I look back to that first day that I really laid eyes on Edward; I know now what he knew then. He is my soul mate.

There you have it. My first story, completed. Thank you for your continued patience in waiting for each chapter to come out. Sometimes my brain doesn't work as fast as I'd like it to. I really appreciate you sticking with me.

With much love, N.J.