Chapter 31

Carlisle, Esme and Masen were the last to arrive back at the Cullen house, though they could hear Alice and Jacob talking to Charlie and Sue.

"We actually all just sent them on a vacation," they heard Alice tell Charlie, referring to Carlisl and Esme, "We thought it would be nice because they never really get to go anywhere."

"That's very thoughtful," Charlie said back.

They made arrangements to go over to Charlie's house for the following day to attempt to answer any questions he had. For the time being, he seemed content and as he and Sue left the Cullens' house, Esme and Carlisle entered with Masen from the back.

"Why'd you tell him we were on vacation?" Esme asked Alice.

"He thinks you're pregnant. He can't come in here seeing you unpregnant with Masen," she smiled at them, "I'm ten steps ahead."

Carlisle smiled.

"So it seems like Masen has a gift after all," Alice said to them.

"Does that mean I can start ripping off their arms and legs so he repair them?" Emmett asked, motioning to Jasper and Edward.

"Emmett!" Esme said.

"You're sick, you know that?" Edward told him with a smile.

"What? He needs to practice, too. Just like Bella does."

"Well it only makes sense," Edward told them, getting serious again, "You heal people every day, Carlisle. And both of you have the purest hearts I've even known."

Everyone seemed to be in agreeance.

There was a stillness in the room. Bella and Edward each stood with a hand lovingly on each of Renesme's shoulders.

"We may really never have to worry about the Volturi again," Rosalie said, "We're stronger than them. The only difference is that we use our strengths for good. And even if down the line they were to pick a fight over who knows what, Masen can heal whatever damage is done."

"That's true," Jasper agreed, "I mean between Alice and Edward, we can always see them coming so we can prepare. Bella's shield will help us block whatever they were to throw our way, and if someone did get hurt in the process, Masen would be there to pick up the pieces."

"Don't forget yours and Nessy's gifts," Alice told him.

"I suppose the two of us could come in handy, too," Jasper winked at Renesme.

"Way to leave the rest of us out, "Emmett said jokingly.

"The bonds of this family are more tightly bound than the Volturi could ever be," Edward told him, "You saw how quickly Jane went against Aro. They don't have the love we all have for each other."

"Not even close," Renesme agreed.

Everyone smiled at her addition to the conversation.

Alice couldn't help but swoop her up and hug her. Rosalie joined them and she planted a kiss on the top of Renesme's head.

"This turned into an all right Valentine's Day," Jasper said.

Alice returned to his side and she landed kisses all over his face. He smiled and wrapped his arms around her.

Emmett tugged on Rosalie's arm and motioned for them to leave with a devilish smile. Rosalie took his hand and the two of them were gone without saying another word to anyone. Jasper and Alice did the same.

"See ya in a week," Edward joked.

"Where are they going for a week?" Renesme asked.

Bella looked at Edward and they couldn't help but smile. Carlisle and Esme both laughed.

"Vacation," Edward told his daughter, he picked her up, "I love you Ness."

" I love you, too."

Jacob came in through the door with his arms full of chocolate candies.

"Jake!" Renesme exclaimed, leaving Edward again.

Bella looked up the crooked grin on his face, "You okay?"

"Yeah," he put an arm around her, "I know she loves me. She can love me and you and Jacob, I suppose."

"It's not fair, he brought candy," Bella told him with a smile.

"Very true."

"Happy Valentine's Day Ness," Jacob said with a hug. He made his way over to Masen, "Thanks little man," he said to him.

Masen blew a kiss to Jacob, "Ja," he said again.

Jacob looked to Carlisle and Esme, "Thank you guys."

"No, thank you Jacob," Carlisle said, "What you did was very brave."

"We can't thank you, and the pack enough," Esme told him, "You risked our lives for us, and for Masen."

"We couldn't have done it without you, " Carlisle finished, "Please tell Sam I'll meet with all of them tomorrow and thank them personally."

Jacob nodded, "And sorry about Paul."

"No, don't be," Carlisle told him, "Jane was hurting you. You're his family, he was only trying to protect you."

"I guess it all worked out, huh?"

They both nodded. Carlisle put a hand on his shoulder, "Thanks again, Jacob."

"Well thank you for creating this miracle baby who saved me. Or at least saved me from a ton of pain."

Bella stared at Masen then whispered to Edward, "He's like an angel."

"Maybe he is," Edward told her.

"I know you haven't agreed with me yet, but just look at him. There is no way we've lost our souls."

She saw Carlisle look in their direction.

"He's like a gift from God. I mean, he can heal people. Nothing without a soul is capable of that."

For the first time, Carlisle's thoughts about the topic began to sway. He agreed, looking at his son, "I'm starting to believe you're right, Bella. I had always hoped there would be some kind of afterlife for us, should this all one day come to an end. And now I really do believe there could be."

Renesme was trying to listen in on the conversation, and so they all changed the subject.

"I think we should have a little get together with everyone," Esme told them, she looked at Jacob, "Your family, and Charlie and Sue. I think it would be nice. And we can show our gratitude to the wolves for their help."

"I'm always up for a party," Jacob shrugged.

"Well when you get home start making a list of what everyone likes to eat, and we'll either make it or order it."

"That'll be a pretty long list," he told her with a laugh, "But yeah, I'll ask them."

"Maybe break out the wine again," Bella joked.

"Lush," Jacob said, grinning.

"And if we order out, it might be nice having some of the locals seeing us pick up a pizza or something," Carlisle said, "We wouldn't want them to wonder why we never eat out."

"Well, come up with a day that works for everyone," Esme told them, "We need to have a little fun."

"Speaking of fun, why don't you two go have some," Jacob said to Bella and Edward, "I'll hang here with the munchkin."

"Why don't the four of us do something together," Edward suggested.

"Edward," Carlisle said with a smile, "Take an hour."

Esme looked at Carlisle and giggled, remembering their brief romantic getaway not long ago, "It is Valentine's Day after all."

Edward smiled at his father, "Just one hour. Then we'll be back." He looked at Jacob, who shoved a heart candy into his mouth and waved as they disappeared.

"What about you two?" Jacob asked, "I'll look after the little guy."

"Can we put on a movie?" Renesme asked Carlisle.

"Sure. Pick one out."

Esme leaned up against him, "I think we're too emotionally drained for today, Jacob."

He made himself comfortable on the couch opposite them and stretched out, kicking off his shoes, "Suit yourselves."

Masen climbed onto Jacob, continuing to try saying his name. Renesme plopped into the end of the couch and put the recliner up. Jacob lifted his feet and she rested them on her lap, patting them like she was playing the drums. He laughed and the movie started.

Carlisle leaned in and kissed Esme, stopping before he got carried away. "I love you."

"I love you, too Carlisle. Happy Valentine's Day."

"Happy Valentine's Day."

Esme rested on the comfort of his chest and he massaged her back with this fingertips. She loved knowing that her biggest task ahead was as simple as planning a party. They had survived unscathed from another run in with the Volturi. She finally felt at ease, and hoped that their future would continue to go smoothly as Masen grew. While she found herself able to relax that night, she knew there were still so many uncertanties.