Chapter 10

Christmas cheer was in the air. Families from all over gathered on the streets of Seattle. Every light pole in the area was decorated with a different style lighting fixture - snowflakes, angels, Santa Clause's... Little temporary shops were set up around a huge park, each selling something different. Venders competed with their own steaming hot goodies and different flavored coffees. Kids everywhere were bundled up with hats and mittons. A huge sign showed the time and every few seconds would switch to the tempterature. It read 30 degrees.

The Cullens and Jacob blended in, walking the streets in their clothes, pretending to feel the chill in the air.
"Hey Nessy," Emmett said pointing a long line of kids, "Do you want your picture taken with Santa?"
"Sure," she said with a shrug. The group headed across the street and waited for fifteen minutes or so before Renesme jumped on Santa's lap.
"I'm glad she's getting to experience the human side of things," Esme said to Carlisle, "I think it's important."
He took his hands out of the pockets of his long, black jacket and placed an arm over her shoulders, "It's great. She's so happy."
"Maybe we'll get the chance to do this some day."
"I hope so."
The two of them watched with sheer joy as Bella snapped photos of her little one.
"Your turn to sit on his lap, Jacob," Emmett joked.
Jacob made a face at him and rolled his eyes.
"Hey, look!" Renesme pointed down the sidewalk towards a little coffee stand. Charlie handed Sue a coffee and the two of them headed toward where they were standing.

"Dad!" Bella called out. At the same time, Renesme called for him.

Sue seemed to notice them first and pointed then gave a friendly wave. Charlie's face lit up when he noticed his beautiful daughter and granddaughter.

Bella made her way through the crowd and hugged her father. He winced a bit at her forceful hug. Edward couldn't hold back a laugh.

"I didn't know you were coming down here," Charlie said.

"Yeah," Bella told him, "It was last minute. I didn't know you two were either," then added, "Hi Sue!"

"Hello, Bella." She smiled warmly.

"Hey, Dr. Cullen," Charlie shook his hand.

"How are you Charlie?" Carlisle replied.

"Great, great."

"Good to hear. Why don't you two join us around town?"

He nodded with a smile.

"Would you or anyone like a cup of coffee?" Charlie asked.

"No thank you."

"Maybe a hot chocolate," Renesme smiled.

"Alright, kiddo," Charlie grabbed her by the hand and led her to the same stand he and Sue had just come from.

"How are you Mrs. Cullen?" Sue asked Esme.

"I'm great. How are you?"

"Doing well," she glanced at Esme with a smile, "You're glowing."

Carlisle looked at Esme out of the corner of his eye, who looked down shyly. "I suppose." She couldn't hide back a smile.

Edward read Sue's thoughts to see if she had been told the news, and within a few seconds he realized she had from Billy. Charlie was still in the dark. He turned to face his siblings and sensed something wasn't quite right.

Jasper and Alice were whispering back and forth, then Jasper tapped Emmett and the two of them disappeared in the crowd. Edward approached her.

"What's going on, Alice? Your thoughts are jumbled."

She tried to sound casual, "Someone's here. Jasper and Emmett are going to check it out."

"Here, where?"

"They're tracking the scent now."

"Who's scent?"

Alice looked away. Edward heard Carlisle excuse himself from the group and within a moment he was at his side.

"What's going on, Alice?" Carlisle asked.

"It's Jane, Carlisle. She's here."