Chapter 11

Edward looked at Carlisle, "You two go home. Get out of the area."

Carlisle shook his head, "She can't possibly know anything. I'm sure she's here for a purpose, and I'm pretty certain she knows we're all here. If we leave she'll wonder why."

"If she knows nothing, why would she find anything suspicious with you leaving?"

"Why draw the attention and make her even ask herself the question." He looked over his shoulder to where Esme was standing with everyone else.

" Alice, you didn't see this coming?" Edward asked.

"It must be because of Jacob," she suggested, trying not to place any blame on him.

Edward looked stressed and ran a hand through his hair. Carlisle placed a hand on his shoulder, "Edward, I'm sure it's fine. Go with Bella and Renesme."

"You should go back to the house." He firmly stood his ground.

Renesme was waving a hand for them to come back. Alice put on a fake smile and they returned to the conversation.

Charlie held a hand out to Carlisle again, "Congratulations," he said with a smile, "I had no idea your wife was pregnant."

Carlisle fought the urge to show his disappointment in the fact that Charlie now knew. He forced a smile and returned the gesture, shaking Charlie's hand. "Thanks Charlie."

Edward whispered to him, "Renesme told him."

"That's really great. I'm happy for you guys." Charlie went on.

Edward stiffened up as he recognized Jane's scent getting closer. He joined their conversation, also forcing a fake smile, "I think they're going to wait until after Christmas to share it with everyone, so don't tell anyone you guys." He motioned to Charlie and Sue.

Charlie pretended to zip his lips, "Secret's safe with me."

"Jasper and Emmett don't know," Rosalie lied, "Only the girls... and Edward."

Carlisle's arm tightened around Esme's shoulders. "Why don't we head down to the ice rink."

Renesme's eyes lit up. Edward pulled her onto his shoudlers, wondering where his brothers were.

The skating rink was huge and filled with children. Christmas music blared over speakers set up around the perimeter. Moments ago everyone would have been thrilled to be there, but now everyone was on edge. Bella was somewhat in the dark, but knew something wasn't right. Alice had managed to tell Rosalie and Esme began to let worry show on her face.

Edward rented skates for everyone and Renesme couldn't get herself onto the ice fast enough. First she pulled Alice along with her, then Rosalie and later both of her parents. Sue helped Charlie around, as he struggled to stay up. Bella managed a laugh, knowing her father couldn't wait to get himself back into his shoes. She found herself thinking how thankful she was that her father found someone like Sue. Aside from the temporary brief looks of panic as he almost fell to the ice, he seemed truly happy.

"Happy?" Edward asked Bella.

She nodded, "Very happy. Everyone's here."

He nodded and she sensed again that something was off. "I was trying to listen to what you were talking about before with Alice and Carlisle."

Edward decided not to beat around the bush, "Jane's in the area."

Bella's mouth dropped and she looked over toward Carlisle and Esme, who in the moment were lost in each other's conversation with smiles. "Well, what does she want?"

"Jasper and Emmett are checking it out." A light snow had begun to fall and he brushed some out of Bella's hair.

Bella suddenly felt sad. She didn't want to see two of the greatest, kindest people she knew go through the Hell that they all went through with Renesme. Carlisle didn't even like to fight, and Esme was just too sweet. They deserved to be happy without the Volturi coming in to try throw a wrench in everyone's plans.

Edward put his fingers under Bella's chin, "It might be nothing, love. Don't get so worried just yet."

Bella tried to do as he said. She looked toward Carlisle and Esme again. She leaned against the side pointing up at one of the elaborate Christmas decorations and he stood behind her with his hands on the railing protectively around her. They looked at each other and shared a kiss. Carlisle then rested his chin on Esme's shoulder and kissed her cheek adoringly. Snowflakes decorated his black jacket.

Love was all around them: Carlisle and Esme. Charlie and Sue. Jacob, Renesme, Edward and of course Rosalie, Emmett, Alice and Jasper... Bella wished that the boys would return soon so they would know for certain what Jane was up to.

Edward turned to her, as if he was able to read her mind, "Jane's gone." He smiled, but still looked leery of what could come of her presence, "I can hear Jasper and Emmett's thoughts. They never came in contact with her, and she was definitely aware they were following her, but she left. I don't think she knows anything."

Bella's thoughts were eased. Edward looked over her shoulder to Carlisle, who turned around part way and made eye contact with Edward, who then nodded and gave a thumbs up. Carlisle nodded back and turned back around.

"I think we're okay," Edward smiled. He saw Charlie finally lose his balance as Sue laughed and tried to catch him. "Let's go help your father out."