Chapter 4: Future
~Edward~
Watching my wife and our two babies sleep was something I never grew tired of. We were moving toward a different chapter in our lives, toward a future Alice had seen so long ago that it almost seemed like another time with someone else looking in. There was no more fear or uncertainty as for my part of the change. My wife had no doubts about being turned, just worries about how her father would deal with that, and what Jacob's pack would do once they knew the truth. Alice's visions couldn't show us how he would react, but I hoped that he and Sam realized the difference. My wife wasn't being forced in to this change. Bella knew a little of what she was getting herself in to, and it wasn't like the rest of my family who went into this life blindly. Having said that, none of us never blamed Carlisle for his actions. My father changed us out of compassion each for a different reason. We had grown used to this life and moved on.
In the front of the plane, the stewardesses were now resting knowing one of us would wake them if we needed anything. There was so much Bella and I needed to plan on and discuss, but for the first few weeks on the Island, I wanted nothing more than to enjoy my days spent with her and our two children. Across from me in one of the seats that reclined fully, Bella rested on her side. Next to her Anthony was on his side facing her pressed snug against her chest. Renesmee was behind him turned away from both of them also soundly asleep and I hoped she would stay that way for the next few hours. My baby girl had a good day with no melt downs, and had only been a little fussy before we boarded our flight. Watching her sleep, I thought of what Emmett had said and was glad my family would support us during Bella's change. I wasn't sure what I was going to say to my daughter when she wanted to know where Momma was, and why she couldn't see her. Hopefully once Bella was turned my wife could be reunited with our children.
Anthony stretched out from the fetal position he had been in. Before he could wake either Renesmee or Bella I went to him, lifting him away from Bella, cuddling him in the crook of my left arm as he opened his eyes. Earlier today while we packed, Bella had kept him in the sling and he had slept on and off most of the day in her arms. My son stretched again looking directly at me with a very serious expression on his small face. As I sat back down across from my wife and daughter I tuned in to his thoughts finding that he was very content. "When are you going to smile for the rest of us?" I whispered as he continued looking up at me. I recalled Renesmee smiling the first time she heard my voice before she was even a day old. Emmett teased me saying it was just gas, but I got the distinct impression it was because she knew who was talking to her. Anthony's personality already seemed a little more intense. A moment later his expression changed and I settled him against my shoulder patting his back before he could cry and wake his mother and sister. "Is it time for something to drink?" I asked as he squirmed against me.
I moved to the front of the cabin past the stewardess who offered to assist me. "Thank you, but I know exactly what I need," I said and her thoughts were not the purest even with my wife and two children on board the plane. Very discretely, I heated one of the bottles already prepared for Anthony. It was dark blue in color so that the contents weren't obvious. Once it was heated I went back and sat with him gently rocking my son as he drank hungrily from his bottle. While I was rocking him, Bella stretched before sitting up. When my wife saw me she smiled, getting up to come sit next to me.
"How long was I asleep?" she whispered reaching out to hold one of Anthony's small hands.
"Two hours."
My wife nodded leaning against me as our son continued to drink, "I wish I wouldn't have been so tired. This is going to really mess things up as far as sleep goes," she fretted.
"You can always take a nap later on today," I suggested as Anthony finished the bottle. I settled him against my shoulder closest to his mother and began patting his back. Bella talked to him softly, and our son lifted his head.
"You're very alert," Bella said as Anthony finally burped a little. Times like this, when it was quiet, were rare with our very active daughter. Once Anthony gave me another burp I settled him on my lap so he could look at both of us, putting my arm around Bella as we watched him.
"Do you think he can see as well as Renesmee did at his age?" Bella asked as she let him hold one of her fingers.
"That isn't easy to really know for certain. He looks right at us when we talk, but he may just be following the sound of our voice. Get in his diaper bag and hand me that apple shaped rattle," I said.
Once it was in my hand, I shook it and Anthony's gaze fell upon the apple. I moved it slowly from left to right and our son followed with the movement of his head. When I gently shook it again he jerked his arm to the left trying to figure out how to reach for it. When I put it on his chest, Anthony lowered his head trying to see it, crying loudly and suddenly as he let me know he was done with the eye test. Bella reached out and lifted him up against her shoulder before he could make anymore noise. Luckily for us Renesmee was still sound asleep.
Once my wife was rocking him, he snuggled against her and was soon asleep. After she laid him back down on the reclined chair placing a pillow between him and Renesmee, Bella came back to me and before she could sit down I pulled my wife onto my lap hearing her sudden intake of breath.
"The stewardesses," she reminded in a soft whisper.
"They won't pay attention," I assured as she turned. Our lips met in a searching kiss, and though I wanted to do more, I kept things low key. When we parted so she could take a breath, Bella smiled at me before settling her head against my chest right below my neck.
Traveling at night was the best and safest way for me to go from one place to the other, even so it wasn't easy on my daughter. As I finished changing Renesmee's diaper, she cried louder than she had when she realized what I was doing. When she was this tired I didn't try to make her behave. I'd woken her up when I realized she needed to be changed, and it wasn't her fault she was tired. My wife already had our son in the harness, and Anthony wasn't crying anymore.
Once I had Renesmee in my arms, she rested her cheek against my shoulder. I opted not to put her in the pack carrier, knowing she would have another fit as I tried. Bella came to us kissing her and wiping her face with a warm cloth before she got both diaper bags and the pack carrier putting it on her back as she smiled at me.
Our flight had landed and we had to deal with customs before we headed for another charter that would take us into Rio. With Bella walking ahead of me, I managed to carry our daughter and roll the largest suitcase while my wife handled the two smaller ones. A small hand pressed against my neck and I saw my daughter eating at Carlisle and Esme's. "We have to get ready for our other flight. After that we will find a place to eat," I assured her. I felt her body shift as she sighed, smiling as her small arm held securely around my neck.
Getting through Customs was a hassle even with all the preparation we did. Sometimes I felt that they were going overboard, but did everything we needed while keeping one arm around my baby girl. A half hour later we were heading for our next flight, still having plenty of time to get to the next terminal. Renesmee had shown me a few more times her last meal at Nanna's house, but hadn't made a sound since her diaper change back on the other plane.
We finally arrived at the small terminal and after setting everything down in front of some seats I sat down with my daughter. Bella was still standing getting the snacks we had gotten along the way prepared while she handed me Renesmee's sturdy bib with different kinds of flowers printed on the fabric. My daughter's bib came in handy with the catch pocket and once I had her sitting side ways on my lap, I snapped it on before opening the can of yogurt Bella had put beside me. She was across from us laying out a changing pad for our son. While she got him changed, I fed our daughter.
"Do you ever feel domestic when we are both busy like this?" Bella asked once she had finished and was sitting to my right. Anthony was on her lap and she was letting him sit up keeping him supported with her hands against his back and his chest.
"I feel very human," I answered. Sometimes when I was taking care of my children along side my wife, I didn't feel like a man cursed to walk the earth for all eternity. Instead, I felt like any other man with two kids and a woman who loved me more than I deserved.
"Penny for your thoughts," Bella said as she broke off some of the muffin she had opened and gave it to our daughter while our son now rested over her lap on his tummy.
"Just considering the reason why all of this makes me feel so human," I told her.
"And?"
My wife was a very persistent woman, but I was the same why when I knew she wasn't saying something. "You have to promise not to overreact," I said cradling my daughter as she began to drink from her cup.
"I promise."
"I don't feel like the monster I once thought I was. Having these two, taking a trip with you and them, I feel like any other man we might see walking down a street." Now Bella was being the quiet one. "You promised," I reminded, mindful of our surroundings. We were talking quiet enough that no one would overhear.
"Is it really so bad, being who you are?" Bella asked as she reached out and put her hand on my cheek.
"Not so long as I have you and our children. We need to get ready," I informed her, hearing the engine of the plane outside. Renesmee was falling asleep, and didn't open her eyes as I gave her cup to Bella before lifting her back against my shoulder.
"Mister Cullen, you and your wife can board now," a gentleman told us. He helped with the luggage and we all headed down the ramp way to the plane to make the last leg of our trip.
~*~
When we landed in Rio, it was half past four in the morning. Renesmee had woken up while we landed and was walking next to me with her hand secure in mine as we made our way outside to get a taxi. Bella had our son cradled in her arm while she managed the smaller things. When we got to the curb I found a waiting taxi and spoke the the driver who helped me load things into the back of his small van. Once we had it all I joined my wife and our babies in the back putting Renesmee on my lap as she showed me a car ride in her safety seat. "We don't have far to go and this is special," I whispered knowing she could hear me.
It didn't take us long to get through the city and once we were dropped off I got the pack carrier ready for my daughter as she stood by the larger of the suitcases. When I was ready she darted behind Bella. "Come here, now," I said firmly. To my relief and likely Bella's, she obeyed keeping her head down. "I need you to ride in this while Momma and I get everything ready on the boat, and you need to listen to what we tell you." Renesmee looked up at me, reaching, and when I knelt down she put her hand on my face. I saw the evening at the game when I gave her a swat for kicking and acting out. It had been the first time I'd used that kind of punishment and it seemed she remembered. "When you don't listen you do get punished" I said hugging her as she sniffed.
"Not like," she whispered.
"I don't like that either," I agreed rubbing her back before I put her in the carrier. Once I had her strapped to my back, I helped Bella get on the boat handing her the things I knew she could get without too much strain. By the time it we were ready to head out, the sky was turning from a dull shade of gray in the east to a soft orange. I backed the boat away from the harbor making a wide turn before going straight heading out toward the open ocean.
"Down now," Renesmee said bouncing in her carrier.
"When we get out further, I will get you out," I answered. As we continued onward she sang to herself swinging her legs while to our right, Bella sat with Anthony fussing against her shoulder. "Do you want to steer a while and let me try?"
"You would trust me?" she teased as she got up reaching for me to help steady her.
"I trust you implicitly," We kissed before I got Anthony kneeling down while she lifted our daughter out and kept one hand steady on the wheel. While Bella and Renesmee steered I put Anthony across my arm and rubbed his back getting him quieted fairly quickly. His small arms and legs hung over my arm while his left cheek rested in my hand. He still had on his soft cotton sleeper and I had a feeling he was a little bit too warm even though it was made of thin material. "Love, turn it slightly to the right," I called out.
Bella did and stopped when I told her she had turned it enough straightening the wheel back out while Renesmee sat at her feet splashing a little of the water that had splashed in. When the Island came in to view, Bella was ready for me to take over and by that time our son had gone back to sleep. When she was ready, I slid him into the harness waking him up as I did.
"Antony sad," Renesmee said as she sat beside her mother.
"We'll get him inside and put something else on him then he'll feel better," my wife answered.
I had us docked in a couple of minutes but Anthony was in full fit. "Here, take the keys. I'll be able to handle the rest," I told her loud enough so she could hear me.
"Stay Daddy," Renesmee said as I picked her up.
"You'll have to ride in the carrier."
Renesmee nodded and once I had her back on my back I shut everything on the boat off covering the steering wheel and the instruments before picking up the bags and suitcases and setting them over the side. With both hands free I got everything easily in one trip listening to Renesmee singing her Sunshine song as we made our way toward the house.
~Bella~
Now that my son was wearing one of the one piece short outfits I'd packed in his diaper bag and was drinking a bottle, he was a much happier baby. I'd already made up a sippy cup for Renesmee and was looking forward to spending our first day on the beach. "That's so much better," I crooned rocking Anthony as he looked up at me. His little outfit had been one of the ones Alice had gotten this past Christmas and I was glad it fit him.
The door opening caught my attention, and I felt guilty as Edward came in with everything we had packed, "You could have left something for me," I said as he got the door shut. I had already switched on all the ceiling fans and right now it was relatively cool.
"But it was faster this way," Edward pointed out as he slid the pack carrier off his shoulders getting it propped up and secure before he lifted our daughter out. Her bottom was soaked and I realized that was from letting her sit on the floor of the boat. "Don't put her down, you need to get her dressed," I said as Edward turned her around realizing what I was talking about.
Renesmee was touching Edwards cheek and he kissed her before getting her diaper bag bringing it to the sofa. He had her changed into a new outfit before she could get grumpy and once she was free, Renesmee ran to her plastic toy chest pulling out the first things she could find. After Edward sat down next to me, I leaned against him, my favorite place to be while Anthony rested against my chest settling down to sleep. "Do you know how tempting it is just to stay here all the time?" I asked.
"I know how you feel. You were right when you once said our problems seem to get left behind. Do you want me to fix breakfast?"
My stomach grumbled and my husband had my answer. As he got up, Renesmee came over to me and I held onto her as she climbed on the sofa.
"Go side in sand," she whispered.
"We will after we have breakfast and Anthony has his nap out," I replied.
"Me, Daddy go out."
"Renesmee, will you help me fix breakfast?" Edward called, and in an instant she was off the sofa running to him.
"Alright, lets find a place to put you," I said kissing the top of my son's head as Renesmee sang her ABC's, something she was really good at.
"The crib should be ready in the blue room," Edward called out as I headed in that direction. The room was dark enough that Anthony wouldn't be disturbed by light and once he was in the crib which seemed to shallow him up, I covered him with one of the blankets folded over the edges, wondering what the house keepers thought. I remember clearly the woman had been weary about me being with Edward and my husband explaining that they had ideas of his true identity, but that they were not a threat. As I stood watching Anthony sleep, I wondered if the woman had ideas of half vampire children.
In the kitchen Renesmee was already in her highchair swinging her legs as she ate the scrambled eggs her Daddy had just served her. She was still struggling with using the spoon, and that was mostly our fault because we usually fed her when she asked.
"Momma do it," she said when her eggs dropped from her spoon.
I pulled a chair in front of her and took her hand putting the spoon a different way before I helped her get the bite and guide it to her mouth. "Do you think the woman who cleans the house might now a few things about our situation?"
"I heard her thoughts, have heard them many times and most of what she and her people believe go against what has happened with us." Edward answered bringing my plate to me. He took my place and I cut in to the omelet he had fixed me taking a bite and savoring the taste.
~*~
By mid morning, we were on the beach. Edward had just finished putting up the large umbrella and was working on a new toy Alice had found for us. It was a small tint meant for the beach and keeping little ones shaded and cool. I sat down on the blanket beneath the umbrella as Renesmee settled in front of me with her toys ready to play, but was waiting like Edward had told her. It was nice having her being so good, and I hoped this would last through the morning, and even when it was nap time. Against my shoulder, Anthony was gumming my skin, but it wasn't uncomfortable. He had on his new swim trunks, dark blue with green baby sea turtles printed on the fabric. Next to us was the hat that went with the suit.
My daughter stood up putting her hand on my neck, showing me the ocean before she rested her cheek against Anthony's back.
"We'll go down there after Daddy gets done. Do you want to take your suit off. You don't have to wear anything," I told her. She shook her head putting the bucket on her head as she waited for her father to finish. One of my goals while we were her was to work on potty training. Renesmee rarely woke up wet anymore, and the fact that she knew to come get us when she had wet or made a mess made me think that maybe we could try just a little to see how she took to it. The other thing was, that I wanted to do this with her before I got transformed. No one else had to use the bathroom aside from me, so I was her only example.
"Alright, that is that," My husband said as I looked over at the tent.
Our daughter climbed inside laughing as Edward hid from her before appearing again. "Go water now," she said ready for some action.
Anthony and I already had on sunscreen and when Edward gave the go ahead Renesmee grasped his hand staying with him while I walked behind. While they ventured into the deeper parts of the water I sat down in the wet sand letting the gentle surf wash over my legs. Anthony liked his baths, but I didn't want to overwhelm him this first time.
"Momma come," Renesmee called out to me.
"I will later on. We need to let Anthony get used to this," I called back easing him down until his little feet were touching the wet sand. The surf washed up over his feet and he began to cry instantly. "Shh, you're okay baby," I whispered settling him back against my shoulder. The water wasn't nearly as warm as his bath water would be, and I had a feeling that to him it was a bit too cold, though Renesmee had never complained even when she was little.
"Momma see," Renesmee hollered at me. I looked in time to see her go under water with Daddy's help. When she came back up, I cheered her on. She could swim from me to Edward short distances and had been able to do that since her first visit. It seemed like she remembered and I wished there was a way for her to swim at home. If we could teach her enough control maybe one day she could take a class, but that was likely not going to happen.
I sprinkled a little water down Anthony's back and he didn't seem to mind that. Edward and Renesmee joined us and she gave him a kiss before she sat down and started digging in the sand. "Do you think the water feels cold to him?"
"No, I think it just surprised him. He might do better if we just took him in."
"Momma hold now," Renesmee said coming to stand in front of me. I let Edward take the baby and lifted Renesmee with me as I stood. Ahead of us Edward already had Anthony in to his waist and our son didn't seem to mind it at all.
"Swim Daddy," Renesmee said launching out of my arms. There was a small splash as she went under and Edward was at our side giving me Anthony as he pulled our daughter up. She began to cry instantly along with coughing up a mouth full of water, and I felt so horrible. Anthony rested in my arms not seeming to notice his sister's upset as we headed back to the blanket. By then our baby girl was settling down as Edward soothed her.
"You have to wait for me to be ready, and ask Momma to let you go the next time," he said as she rested her cheek against his left shoulder while he draped a warm towel over her.
"Got my mouth and nose," she said sadly.
Once I had Anthony content to rest on his stomach with a toy in front of him, I scooted back rubbing my hand over my daughter's back. She leaned toward me and I took her cradling her against my chest as I kissed her soft cheeks. "You have to warn me okay?"
"Not time out?"
Edward hugged both of us, "Not this time, but you are not to do that again," he said kissing her forehead. I hoped she would remember this, not wanting a repeat performance.
~*~
The only sound my ears were focused on was Edward's humming as I rested my cheek against his chest while we danced. Really he was the one doing the dancing while I stood on his bare feet. Our babies had been asleep for a few hours, both worn out from spending most of the day on the beach, and now it was time for Edward and me. I rubbed my cheek against his chest not feeling too cold in the blue silk nightgown Alice had packed for me. When he stopped moving, I looked up seeing the color of his eyes turning darker with desire. Moving off his feet I reached up wrapping my arm around his neck and running my fingers through his hair as he lowered his head. His lips were against mine demanding as his tongue moved across my own. I opened my mouth and he dipped his tongue in while his hands ran down my sides moving to my back before cupping under my bottom. A moment later he was pulling me against him and I could feel the steel hardness of his length pressed against my stomach before he lifted me grinding against my entry.
I pulled away from his kiss already breathing heavily as he put me back down. His hands caught under the soft silk fabric of my gown and he lifted it over my head before I found myself cradled in his arms. Something slid but I was too focused on his lips traveling down my neck to really notice. When he put me back down it was on the sand while he removed the pajama bottoms he had put on. I heard the waves moving against the beach. "The babies?" I breathed as he lifted me back into his arms.
"Will be fine," he whispered. I was grateful that the house was so close, and didn't have any more doubts as I felt the warm water surrounding me while my husband's lips moved demanding against my own. I leaned back in his arms floating in the water while he supported me. My body was alive with sensation as the water flowed around me while his cold lips pressed kisses over my left breast. When he drew one into his mouth I shuddered, and he pulled away, "Are you cold?"
"No," I moaned. He sucked my breast back in my mouth and I pulled him closer feeling my body's response to his touch. There was a familiar ache at my center and when I couldn't take anymore I wiggled in his arms.
His lips were back on mine as he shifted my body, and when mine was flush against his, feeling his hardness pressed against my entry, I wrapped my legs around him trying to push against him. Edward broke the kiss watching me as he slid into my body with his steely length. Already I felt my walls contracting around him, feeling his hands cupping my bottom before he slid almost all the way out. His lips were back against mine and as he slid back inside of me, his tongue mimicked that movement.
Edward was taking his time loving me, but my body was calling out for the completion I needed. I locked my legs tighter around him pushing myself as he thrust back in to me. His lips moved away from my mouth pressing against my neck as I felt him leaving the water. My world spun around and I moved my legs away as he settled against his back against the wet sand while the surf washed over him. Lifting my upper body away from him, I put my hands against his chest before lifting myself away from him panting as I pressed back against him.
His hands moved against my hips to help support me as I began to move steadily up and down his shaft. Briefly, I realized that this was our first time making love fully since Anthony's birth but all thought was driven from me as Edward settled me against his chest rolling me over into the wet sand. "Am I hurting you?"
I shook my head unable to speak and he moved out of me before driving forcefully back inside. My body contracted around him as my breath was driven from me. I wanted to scream his name as I felt my orgasm approaching. Reaching up I pulled at my husband until he was resting fully atop me. I bit against his shoulder screaming as my walls contracted around his length. He moved into me a few more times before his release came and I held on to him as he rested his cheek against my shoulder. After a while, he moved off of me getting on his knees as he lifted me from the wet sand. We walked back in the water rinsing the sand from our bodies before I was back in his arms while he carried me back into the house.
~*~
Over the next few days, we were busy playing on the beach. Renesmee was getting better about swimming and I'd even managed to get her to sit on the small potty after promising that I wouldn't flush the toilet until she was gone. She had no problem peeing there, but it was trying to get her to poop that was the biggest challenge. Edward had gone inland and gotten these pull up diapers that we could just pull on her, along with going to hunt and getting the blood our daughter needed. On Thursday we moved things around, putting the crib in our room and setting up the portable crib so Charlie could have the blue room.
With both babies asleep in the big room, I set about cleaning up while Edward sat on the sofa talking to Carlisle about something. It was raining outside which had made for a long morning indoors. Renesmee had gotten two time outs and a swat when she kicked over her chair while I was trying to put her in it. I'd hated doing that to her, but agreed with Edward about nipping tantrums in the bud. My hope was that after she had a nap she would be in a better mood, and I also hoped it would clear up so we could go outside. Once her toys were put back in the toy chest, I sat down next to my husband as he finished his call. "How are things at home?"
"Good. Rosalie and Emmett are enjoying having our house for themselves."
I smiled remembering how excited they both were when we suggested they stay there to keep an eye on things. "Do you think this rain is going to clear up?"
"It's supposed to later on, but it is also supposed to be cloudy for the next few days," he answered putting his arm around me.
"Momma potty," Renesmee said as she walked over to us rubbing her eyes.
I kissed my husband before taking her in to the bathroom very surprised that she had come to me. This was a first. After helping her get the pull-ups down she sat on her potty and I heard her go, containing my excitement because she was still half a sleep. I moved to take her off the potty but she shook her head. A moment later she stood up and I silently cheered when I found she had gone poop, laughing at myself for being so jazzed. Once her bottom was clean I carried her back to the crib and settled her down. "You are such a big girl," I whispered as she snuggled against the mattress.
Edward met me at the door and we hugged, "I hope this means we are finished with diapers," I whispered.
"We might not want to get that ahead, though I'm surprised she came out wanting to go in the toilet. Now what do you want to do?"
"Watch a movie," I said taking his hand, leading him back to the sofa.
The next morning found us preparing to go inland to get Charlie. In our room, I was trying to encourage my daughter to pick out an outfit and not get frustrated with her. She was being difficult, and I was about to choose for her even if it caused a fit. "Do you need me to do this for you?" I asked.
"Don't want wear them."
She plopped down in my lap still wearing just her pull-up and nothing else. I sighed as I wrapped my arms around Renesmee kissing her shoulder. "We need to get ready so we can see Grandah and bring him here with us."
"Want get in water," she whispered.
"We will when we get back. Come on baby, lets get dressed." To my relief she didn't fight me when I picked out the floral shirt and the denim shorts. Once she was dressed, Renesmee ran into the front room and sat down on the blanket with Anthony shaking his rattle for him while I went to the kitchen finding Edward finishing getting enough bottles and sippys for our trip inland. "What can I do to help?"
"Not one thing. We are ready," he said as he pulled me in his arms. As we kissed I heard a giggle and glanced down at our daughter.
"You kiss my daddy," she said with her hands on her hips. When Edward tossed her in the air, I shook my head before going to get Anthony settled in the sling.
An hour later, we were on our way to the airport and I was helping Renesmee sing The Old Lady Who Swallowed a Fly.
"All done," she said before I could finish the last verse.
"What else should we try?"
"No more. See Grandah."
Edward kissed her explaining that we would be there soon, but that the traffic was holding us up. I'm not sure she understood, but Renesmee was quiet after that happy to look at her picture book while I rocked Anthony.
When we got to the airport Charlie's flight had already landed, and when Renesmee saw him she tried letting go of Edward's hand crying when he picked her up. She calmed down once Charlie had her in his arms. "My goodness, you have grown into a little lady," my dad said causing Renesmee to grin and giggle.
"Hey, Bells, and who is this handsome young man?"
"My brother," Renesmee said as we all chuckled.
Charlie hugged around Anthony as he continued to sleep in the harness. "Did you have a good flight?"
"Not too bad. Customs was a real fun experience, but I'm here now. So what's next?"
After we got Charlie's suitcase, we led him outside. "We have a little grocery shopping we need to take care of, then it's on to the island." Renesmee was still in his arms and sat on his lap in the taxi as we headed in toward the shopping district. My baby was being quiet now but it was obvious she was showing her Grandah something because he chuckled every now and again.
By the time we got back to the Island Renesmee had fallen asleep in Charlie's arms. He let Edward take her when we got inside and since Anthony was awake I lifted him out of the carrier and put him in my Dad's arms.
"Bells, he's a good looking kid," Charlie said as he swayed with my son in his arms.
"Thanks. He's getting a little more plump. Alice calls him the Gerber baby," I said as we sat down on the sofa.
Once my dad had Anthony on his lap, my baby looked from me to Charlie seeming unsure of who had him. "This is your Grandah," I told him a moment before my son wrinkled his face and let out a pretty loud cry. Charlie let me take him and once Anthony was against my shoulder he settled down. "He's never done that before," I said surprised.
"Yeah, but I haven't seen him until now and he's used to the rest of your family." Charlie pointed out. "So he's on an all blood diet?"
I nodded, "His genetic make up is closer to Edward's and nursing him was really hard on his system. I still feel bad about being so persistent."
"He looks healthy now, so you guys must be doing the right things. Isn't that right?" Charlie asked as he gave my son a kiss.
A little later, when Renesmee woke from her nap we got everything ready and headed out for the beach. Edward already had the umbrella and tent set up before Charlie and I could get out the door with the kids, and already Renesmee was pulling my dad toward the ocean, very excited to have him with us. My father had on a pair of bright red trunks, and I wondered who had picked those out for him as I laid Anthony down on the blanket. "Dad, hold on to her," I called out, not wanting a repeat of what happened the day my daughter launched out of my arms. I sighed leaning back in my husband's arms. "She loves her Grandah," I whispered as I felt his chin resting on top of my head while he wrapped his arms around me.
"He loves his grandchildren," Edward answered.
For a few minutes we were both quiet, watching Charlie and Renesmee playing in the ocean. My father was enjoying himself, and I hoped that his relaxed state would remain in tact when we got around to talking about the issue at hand – my transformation. "How much information should we give Charlie about my change?" I asked as I lifted Anthony up letting him stand in front of me. He was beginning to enjoy brief periods of time on his feet, and I wondered if he would walk early like his sister.
"I think the best thing would be to let him ask what ever questions he has and address those. If he wants an explanation of the whole process I will tell him the truth," Edward answered.
"Mommy, Daddy here," Renesmee called out to us. She was ready for us to join her and after Edward was on his feet, I let him take the baby before joining him to go down the short distance to the water.
~Charlie~
It still blew my mind that my daughter's extended family owned an entire Island. After spending time on the beach and after eating roasted chicken for dinner with all the fixings, we took a walk and Edward showed us different sites. Sitting alone in the family room, I reached out and picked up one of Anthony's toys giving the small rattle a shake, wondering how this whole change would effect him and my granddaughter. My grandson wasn't all that comfortable with me holding him, and that surprised me because Renesmee had been so easy. Bella said he was more intense and I kind of agreed.
Hearing one of the bedroom doors open, I turned finding my daughter and son- in- law coming out of the larger one without the kids. "Everyone down for the evening?"
"Crashing and burning," Bella said as she came and sat down next to me. "Do you want anything to drink?"
"Nah, but I guess if you two don't mind I want to go on and get my questions and concerns out of the way."
Edward sat down in a chair caddy corner to us looking more at ease than I felt. "So when are you going to do this?"
Bella took my hand. "When we get home. We are going to wait two weeks to get everything back into a routine," she said.
I felt my throat tighten at the thought of losing her, and what I wanted to know the most. "So, this is going to end your life?"
When Bella didn't answer Edward did. "Yes, it will," he said honestly and I appreciated that.
"But you need this to happen because of those ruler vampires you told me about and about other dangers?"
Bella sniffed and I put my arm around her, "It's not my intention to make you feel bad. I just need to know a few things," I told her as she nodded.
"It's too dangerous for me to keep living my life as a human who can be hurt. I can be hurt when I become a vampire, but I will be better equipped to deal with things when I am. It's also something I've wanted since I met Edward. I feel like this is what my life has built itself up too, and I'm ready for this. I just don't want to hurt you is all," she said as her voice shook.
"Hey, I'm a tough guy. As long as I can see you eventually and continue seeing my grand-kids, I'll be happy."
We were all quiet for a moment. "What will this be like for you?"
"Very painful, but Carlisle and Edward are trying to convince me to take a shot of morphine."
"But you don't want too? Bella, compared to being bitten, which is what I guess will happen for you to get changed, you are worried about a needle?" We all laughed a little at that and the tension that had been in the air seemed to disappear. After that the conversation was light. Edward told me how they came to own and Island and I felt like I was living in another world. Mine felt like it was shrinking in light of accepting the truth that there were Vampires, Werewolves, and Shape-shifters along with the rest of the human population. At one point, Anthony woke up crying and Bella excused herself leaving me alone with my son-in-law.
"Have you been able to find out about human-vampire children?"
"Carlisle and Esme went to Europe that summer we found out Bella was going to have Anthony, but they only found legends we were already aware of about Cambion, babies born to women who were visited by the Incubus. Their legends say that the Cambion are born within a month of conception without a heart beat, and we know that isn't true. I think there have been other children born like Anthony and Renesmee. My fear is that the rulers of my world have destroyed any evidence they have found. That is one reason Bella being changed is important. They need to know that we kept our part of the bargain."
"If humans knew, do you think we would survive a war?"
Edward sat back, "If human kind knew that vampires existed; there are enough of us that would wipe them out. It's a fine line, Charlie, which is why even you knowing is a danger."
I nodded, "Does Bella know what your thoughts are about your rulers?"
"We haven't talked about it at length, but she knows my fears. I don't hide anything from her."
When Bella came back they told me a little about what the transformation would be like, and a while later I headed off to bed. I wanted to find a way to protect Bella, and wanted a chance to talk to Billy when I got home. I would have to ask Edward and Bella tomorrow if that was okay to do. As soon as my head hit the pillow, I fell into a much needed rest, feeling at peace with my daughter's decisions.
~*~
AN: Alright on to the next. I hope you enjoyed this chapter, and like how Charlie is reacting to everything. I think what he most wants is to keep the relationship he has with his daughter which means respecting the decisions she makes. He's also starting to have the same respect for Edward. I want to thank you all for the great feedback, and for continueing to add me to your favorites and story alerts lists. Bella's change is fast on the approach, but I think I'm going to do one last chapter with them all on the Island. They have all summer. More soon.
~Ella~