Stephenie Meyer owns all things Twilight. No copyright infringement is intended.

Beta'd by HollettLA.

Here is the first of TWO epilogues.

#2 will be posted soon.

Riders on the Storm

Epilogue: Christmas

Damion POV

Believe it or not, a lot has not changed in the past six months. A few things have, but I wouldn't call them major. Jordan and I are still going strong. While I'm ready to caveman it—knock her out with a club and drag her down an aisle—she hasn't mentioned anything regarding the future.

Meanwhile, my little sister and Peto are engaged.

Maggie's fucking huge now—about to fucking pop that kid out any second.

Mom is still…Mom.

Sonny's busier than he ever was while my father's home so much; it gets on my mother's nerves. She swears it doesn't, that she's only kidding when she tells him to get out of her hair. Maybe she is? Fuck, I know she is. 'Cause if Dad was still out there all the time, she'd be bitching and moaning a lot more than she does these days.

As far as I know, Mom and Dad are happier than they've ever been, actually.

And I know that because my father kept his word.

Every Tuesday, we meet for lunch. He comes to the hospital, where we chat about everything—our lives and what's going on. Sundays, my only day off, the three of us get to hang out—Sonny, Dad, and me—while I also get to spend time with Mom and Kylie.

For our lunches, though, Dad has to come to NYU since fourth year is even more grueling than third year.

I'm getting even less sleep than I did.

Thank God Jordan and I are still a team in that respect, too—although she's going into OB/GYN and I've settled on the surgical program for residency—and we're both focusing on our respective paths this year. Even so, we're still at the hospital during the same hours. We get to see each other in passing, and…

Well, I'd wanted for us to get our own apartment near NYU, but neither of us have apartment money.

Every once in a while I get that itch to ask Sonny for a job, but I've managed to…push that side of myself so far away, it's practically dead and buried.

Even if one contract could mean a whole year's rent for a nice studio downtown—

I stopped that thought before I could finish.

For the thousandth time.

With getting closer to my father, I approached him about it—thinking he could take pity on me and get me a place. The man has so much fucking money. Maybe he took a step back, but his hand is still in everyone's fucking pockets.

He said sure, he'd get me an apartment.

Only . . . it's nowhere near the hospital.

I'm living in Sonny's old apartment on Fourth Avenue—across from the tanning salon that Maggie runs now, since her head wasn't in school, like I knew it wouldn't be—it's in Bay Ridge. It's rent-free, so I shouldn't complain, but I do . . . because Jordan refused to live with me. She lives at the dormitory, still, but after this year…she'll be kicked out on her ass. Forced to live with me.

Hehehehe.

Sure, the apartment in Bay Ridge isn't convenient at all, but at least while we're there, we have total privacy. Yet, two or three days a week, I find myself bunking with my love—passing out with her in my arms is more like it; we're always too fucking tired.

Oh, I've also gotten myself a car, and since my father's a persuasive fucker, I have a free parking pass—something only the attending physicians have at NYU.

During the off-hours—when I'm coming or going—it takes me twenty minutes to drive into Manhattan, which truly is nothing, no time at all when it comes to traveling, and Jordan knows that.

She stays over as much as I'm in her bed.

However, I think Jordan would be happiest if…we lived in my car, in the NYU parking lot, or in an on-call room, so she could be there 24/7.

While I should admire her dedication, I spend more time resenting it—albeit halfheartedly.

I do love a smart woman—my woman, who's sitting next to me and pretending to listen to Anthony as he rambles on about some dude he's seeing.

Jordan doesn't care. She keeps squirming because my hand snuck itself into her pants—it has a mind of its own, I swear—and it's cupping her ass cheek.

No one knows why I'm smiling right now.

Except maybe Sonny. He keeps quirking a brow any time our eyes find each other. He's currently sitting near my uncle, trying to calm him down.

Hanna brought her fiancé to Christmas Eve dinner, and he looks older than Carlisle.

My cousin and her daddy issues.

Fuck. Carli keeps eyeing that old fuck, too. I bet she fucks him to spite her sister.

Now those two? I mean, I know Sonny and I are fucked; we have a weird relationship, but come on? They're ridiculous.

"How old's that dude?" I asked Anthony.

We've actually only been talking as of recent, to be honest—the holiday season and random Sunday dinners. I think he's long forgiven me about the shit with Alex—his mom—although we've never spoken about it. We just haven't had the time to get together, hang out. He's doing his own thing.

Last I heard, he was on Aro's crew, and he has his secret love life that everyone pretends not to know about—he's like in the closet but has his head poked out while overcompensating by being a total tough guy.

And I hardly have enough time to sleep, take a decent shit, or fuck my girlfriend on a regular basis—all three of those usually happen on Sundays, though, no matter if we're at my parents' house.

It's nothing personal—why we haven't been hanging out.

"I dunno." Ant grimaced, looking to Jordan. "Can I speak freely?"

I shrugged, not giving a fuck.

Jordan hasn't left me yet—not since that weekend we were in the Hamptons, after which I told her so much. I broke so many things down for her. I even explained…about Lauren and what happened to me—yet, I didn't breathe a word about that bitch's untimely demise. I told her about Alex, the whole Amelia story, more about Maggie…just everything. Everything came spilling out. After that talk with my father, I was just emotional, and I couldn't believe it—how truthful and upfront I was about everything.

She surprised me yet again—how she didn't judge me—she just listened, and she apologized about the bad things that happened to me.

Anthony leaned into us. "My pops wants to have him clipped...just because."

My eyes widened, and I hugged Jordan's head to my chest, as if it'd shield her ears from his words. But then I just laughed. "No way." I let go of Jordan. "He's kidding."

Jordan giggled. "I know." But she didn't know.

I leaned farther back to look at Ant from behind Jordan. "Seriously?" I mouthed.

He gave me a short nod.

"Fuck," I whispered, staring back to the three of them—Carlisle, Sonny, and Virgil.

Yes, that fucker's name is Virgil.

"Where're my parents?" My head whipped around.

Just as I said that, Maggie waddled over to the recliner. She was about to sit on it, but she thought better. Then Jordan helped her plop down next to us on the couch. "Whew." She blew out a breath. "I think they're in the bathroom—snuck in after I left." She held her huge belly.

"You've dropped so much." Jordan rubbed the bump.

I smiled. "Is my nephew still kicking you like crazy?"

Maggie shook her head. "I haven't had belly-burn all day. My doctor said yesterday at my appointment…I'm already two centimeters dilated, so yeah. Soon."

"Well, you are due any day—any time." Jordan had wide eyes.

"Shut up." Maggie slapped Jordan's thigh. "You know I'm scared."

Jordan rolled her eyes. "You should have thought about that before."

"I know…I'm just nervous, you know?" Maggie reached for the chocolate-covered cherries on the coffee table.

Knowing what she wanted, I handed the box to her. "My parents are fucking in the bathroom, aren't they?"

"Your parents fuck everywhere," Aro said, settling down in the recliner. "It's nice—having everyone together." He guzzled his drink.

I nodded, and, for some reason, we all grew quiet with his presence.

Aro rolled his eyes. "I know when I'm not wanted." No one negated that as he got up to leave. It's not that we hate him or anything, but…

"He's scary," Jordan whispered.

I chuckled.

"He's really nice, actually," Maggie replied. "Like…a misunderstood giant?" She crinkled her brow.

"Oh, well you have experience taming those huge beasts." Anthony gave her a high five. "Santino. Santino…" My cousin chanted his name, admirably.

"Eeewww." Maggie pushed his shoulder. "That's my husband…and your cousin."

"And he's a good-looking man, and with his new title...well, his almost-new-title."

We all fucking grimaced at that.

"I mean—"

"Just stop," I told him.

"Like you should talk, Dame," he said.

We all shut up again, my lips drawing a tight line.

"When's dinner gonna be ready?" Maggie made to get up, reaching her arms out—slouching back only to reach out again. "Someone help me."

Jordan giggled, leaving the couch to help her. "Come on, Momma. We'll go see if Alex needs help…she's in there with Kylie. I'm sure she does." Both women left us to go toward the kitchen, and I watched Jordan's retreating ass like I always do.

"Yo…" Anthony left the chair he was in to sit next to me. "You still down to…" He pulled an air trigger.

Hating my curiosity, I said, "What's up?" Even if I refused to give him a clear answer, I was morbidly curious as to what he wanted to ask of me.

He brought his voice down to a whisper. "No need to deny it. I was made because…Sonny and my father went to bat for me. I still owe your father. I never made my bones." He's never killed before.

"Right." I nodded.

"Your pops is sending me out to Iowa."

"For who?" I asked, keeping my tone hushed.

"I know you keep your distance…but you know a few things. That's where Mike from Philly fled to—some cabin, but he's gotta rat within his inner circle." He pursed his lips.

That dude, the head of the Philadelphia family, ducked out very soon after he dissed my brother. He wasn't in witness protection, he ran on his own, knowing his days were numbered. That's all I knew of—all anyone knew of—until now, I guess. Luke is still Luke. Sonny told me that they couldn't touch Luke until Mike was taken care of—the hit on Luke was supposed to look as though it came from Philly.

"Sonny suggested I take fucking Peto—"

"What?" That was news to me. I actually see Kylie and Peto quite often, too, since they're both going to school at NYU. Sometimes they drop in to say hello, but Peto getting involved…? Never in a million years would I…

Well, it's not far-fetched, not with Peto's overall demeanor. He's rough around the edges, kind of like Sonny, my father, and his own father…but with the rules being what they are—because of his mother's heritage, Peto could never be a made man.

"Eh…the kid's doing this and that—odd jobs to make a few bucks, but I digress." He shrugged. "I know you and me don't talk as much as we used to, and I'm not making any money off it to share—"

"You're not?" I was shocked.

"When you have your button, the boss asks you to do something, you fucking do it—no questions, no reward. Actually, my reward'll be the Skip's respect, Sonny's respect."

I nodded, understanding.

"From what I hear, it's an easy in-and-out job, but I'd rather have someone I trust with me." He hit my arm.

I opened my mouth to speak, and I'd also caught a glimpse of Jordan's ass from the kitchen—in the distance. "I can't—can't take any days from the hospital. Not this year," I said. "I'm sorry, and I know I owe you." That could be why he's hitting me up now, too.

Ant patted my back. "It is what it is. I gotta get my feet wet somehow."

"We're still cool?" I asked.

He snorted. "Of course . . . I leave tomorrow, actually. That's why I thought maybe you could come with, but I get it. We should plan something for New Year's."

"My mom's making dinner," I said.

"We could get drunk." He nodded, chuckling and clinking his longneck to my glass of soda that sat on the table.

"How are you, though, for real?" I quirked a brow.

"I'm perfect…Maybe shit isn't as sweet as it once was, but—"

"What do you mean?" I stared at him.

He glanced out to Sonny, his father, and Aro—who were all staring hard at that Virgil now. "Civil war might be on the horizon," he whispered.

"Civil?" I questioned, my stomach knotting up.

He left the couch. "Wanna go smoke a cigarette?"

I nodded, quick to follow him outside. We passed Jordan and the ladies in the kitchen to get to his backyard.

Once out there, I shivered and lit my smoke. "Why haven't I heard this from Sonny or my father?"

"They don't plan to let it get that far." He sipped his beer. "They'll sooner clip Jasper than—"

"Cousin Jasper?" I was shocked. "Why?"

"Some…a select few aren't too happy with the change in management. Those who like Jasper think he should sit on the throne. Those loyal to your father trust his choices . . ." He trailed off. "The Cullen family might get just a bit smaller." He held up his thumb and forefinger.

Just then, the screen door slammed closed and Sonny came out.

I stared at him. "How come you didn't tell me?"

Sonny pushed Anthony. "Why you talking outta school, bro?"

"It's Damion." Ant pulled on his cigarette.

Sonny sighed, and he actually had his own pack of cigarettes, lighting one up.

"Tell me," I said.

Sonny nodded. "Look, there's nothin' to worry about. We'll make a few examples—"

"Starting with Jasper," Anthony said.

"And the rest fall in line." Sonny spoke over him. "Loose lips sink ships. You ever heard of that? And if Jazz can get it, so can you—watch your fucking mouth!" He yoked Ant up by his collar.

"Chill." I got between them.

Sonny let our cousin go, a growl escaping his lips. "You need to keep your mouth shut. Understand?"

Anthony showed us his palms. "I'm sorry, but it's just Dame."

"Yeah, you're also a made guy. I don't give a fuck who he his." Sonny jerked his chin to me.

"Hey!" I nearly shouted.

Sonny turned to me. "I'm wrong?"

My shoulders dropped. "You're not," I admitted, because he was right. "But...whatever."

Sonny sucked his teeth. "I was gonna tell you…when the time was right. After the holidays…I mean, soon, we might have to attend a few funerals, but that's all I was gonna say."

"Unless…they're out to get you first." My stomach was a wreck right now. "What if—"

"Nothing's gonna happen. Relax." He squeezed my shoulder. "Jasper thinks it's all good—since Dad stepped back from Midnight Sun, gave him his half," he laughed. "We're doing our best to keep everyone happy, but it's just a front. If you can't trust me—the way I do things—trust Dad. He knows how to play his enemies like a fiddle. Right?" He nodded.

"If you guys aren't worried—"

"I haven't lost a wink of sleep." Sonny flicked his ashes onto the floor. "Besides—" he looked around the empty yard "—the hit on Jasper is happening tonight."

"On Christmas Eve?" Anthony gasped.

"Cousin Alice—"

"Dad's idea," Sonny laughed. "He could be dead right now for all we know."

"But Cousin Alice—" I started again.

"Is with Uncle Emmett and Aunt Rose—at their house, celebrating the holiday. Jasper, that piece of shit, is with that cooz he sleeps with. I had someone clocking him—gave the okay a little while ago. I bet he told his family he had to work. I dunno," Sonny explained.

"So, the order didn't come from Dad?" I turned to him, surprised. "It came from you?"

"Does it make a difference?" he asked. "Dad knows, and he agreed with me. We're all here. We all have an alibi."

I nodded, feeling a little bit better, but not really. "And Jasper's crew—"

"Won't do shit." Sonny threw his cigarette butt to the ground to stomp on it. "A few will follow Jasper to the great beyond…" He moved his arm with a flourish, his voice getting deeper and yet wistfully grim. "The others…they'll know better. Dad says it's just history repeating itself, which is why…I've been making Maggie stay with Mom and Dad…why Dad's been home more, too." He turned for the house. "We good now? You know enough?" He was totally calm.

I nodded. "I'd say we're square." I drew one with my fingers.

"Awesome." He winked at me before he disappeared into the house.

I looked to my cousin.

"I don't have a big mouth," he said. "I just knew…you should know."

"Thank you." I truly appreciated it. Sonny says he'd tell me, but who knows? If it doesn't concern us as a family . . . well, no.

Jasper getting clipped will have absolutely no effect on my life.

I shook my head at nothing.

"What?" Anthony asked.

I threw my own cigarette away from me, turning for the door. "I'm freezing." And I missed Jordan.

"I'm right behind you."

"That's what I'm worried about," I joked.

"That so wasn't even funny—it was corny." He followed me back inside. "I actually miss Grandpa. He has the best homo jokes."

I smiled, hoping our grandfather had a decent Christmas Eve with Lizzie and her family back in England. He left New York in October. Says the winters in London aren't as brutal.

"Oh!" Maggie shouted, sitting on a stool in the kitchen. "Did you hear about that new lesbian hotel opening up on Third Avenue?"

"Lesbian hotel?" Anthony furrowed his brow.

"Yeah…The Two Fingers Inn." Maggie guffawed.

It took Anthony, Jordan, Kylie, and Alex a minute to get it, but I barked out a loud laugh. "You've been married to my brother too long."

Maggie giggled. "He thought it was hilarious."

"Oh…I get it!" Aunt Alex let out a small snort, turning away from us. "Carlisle!" She looked back to Maggie. "Tell Carlisle."

Maggie's face turned beet red. "I can't."

Anthony chuckled. "I bet my father told Sonny that."

"No." Maggie smiled.

"What's up?" Carlisle poked his head in.

"Nothing." Maggie waved a hand.

"Oh, come on." Alex pleaded.

"Tell him," Kylie encouraged.

"What's going on?" Mom and Dad showed up, looking gloriously disheveled.

"In my bathroom?" Carlisle asked.

"Fuck you," Dad said.

Mom sighed, wearing a smile, blissfully unaware, and the kitchen became much smaller with everyone in it. "Is the turkey almost done?"

"Almost," Alex said.

"What was so funny?" Dad grabbed an empty wine glass and filled it up.

Maggie pulled on Mom's sleeve. "I told them about…that joke you told me."

"Ha!" Mom slammed her hand down. "The new lesbian hotel."

"What lesbian hotel?" Dad and Carlisle asked in unison.

"Where is it?" Carlisle went on.

"Fucking perverts! Get out of my kitchen!" Aunt Alex shooed them away.

"But it was funny when Maggie said it?" Anthony asked.

"Because it's Maggie." Kylie placed her arm around her. "She's so not innocent. Look." She poked the bump. "But don't say the Lord's name in vain."

"I make her say 'Oh my God' nightly." Sonny showed up.

"Santino…" Maggie giggled.

I grabbed Jordan's hand. "I love you," she said without sound.

I grinned, bending low to kiss her cheek, and now that the bathroom was free . . .

"You told them about The Two Fingers Inn?" Sonny asked.

"Oh…that's an old joke." Dad waved a hand, dragging Mom out of the kitchen. "I bet Aro hasn't heard it—you tell him, love."

"I can't tell Aro that," Mom admonished.

I smiled, watching them leave as I wrapped my arms around Jordan. "Did you wanna have some wine with me?" I whispered in her ear while Sonny ushered Maggie out, too.

"It's nice…seeing you so happy," Alex told me.

"Thank you." I appreciated that—coming from her. "Wine?" My gaze met Jordan's.

"She already had two glasses," Kylie laughed, and my sister was probably on her third glass as well.

I sniffed my woman's mouth. "Huh…I need to catch up, then."

"You're—" Jordan poked my chest "—supposed to drive."

"We can stay at my parents'."

"Oh!" Kylie clapped. "Yeah! Christmas morning and we're all there. Sonny and Maggie are staying, too."

Jordan sighed, turning to face me. "I'm game."

"Good." I reached down to palm her ass.

But then there was all this commotion coming from the other room—indistinct shouting and bustling around. Curiously, I left Jordan to go look, and then Sonny was grabbing and shoving me. "Her water broke!" He was beside himself.

"Relax," Mom said. "It's important to stay calm."

"What? We gotta get to the hospital." Sonny's big ass scooped Maggie into his arms and made a run for it; I was surprised he could lift her.

"Whoa!" I waved my hands in the air. "Chill out!" Meanwhile, I had to get my head together. Everyone was hovering, helped to keep Sonny and Maggie here—not letting them get away.

Sonny turned, his hands shaking and yet he still had his wife in his arms.

"Settle down a second." I was breathing heavy—a bit nervous myself. "You got two doctors here. Two women who've had babies—"

"Exactly!" Mom shouted and hit Sonny's back. "Put her down . . . gently, on the couch."

My brother looked as though he might cry. "You sure you-you didn't piss your pants again? Laughing so hard?"

"N-no," Maggie whimpered, and then she stiffened, holding her abdomen.

I looked to my watch to time the contractions.

"Is this your first?" Jordan asked.

Maggie's face was almost purple so she couldn't answer just yet, but then she said, "Yes!" followed by a few more tears.

"I don't give a fuck—youse ain't fuckin' doctors yet!" Sonny shouted.

"Relax!" Dad slapped the back of his head. "They're…close enough. Should we...boil water?" He looked to my mother.

"Fuck. That! We're going to the hospital—" Sonny made to gather Maggie into his arms again.

"Gimme your keys. I'll drive." I held out my hand.

My brother gave them up before he ran out with his wife.

Sure enough, we all cleared out. There was a procession of vehicles following us to the hospital. Jordan rode shotgun, trying to keep Maggie and Sonny calm, for which I was grateful.

My brother was acting like such a pussy, which is so unlike him. His wife is having a baby, and yet he does…what he does otherwise. It just threw my head for a loop.

When we reached the hospital, Sonny and Maggie hopped out while I found parking. By the time my family and I rushed inside, they'd already gone up to the maternity floor, and the lot of us already knew where that was.

Some of us took the elevator and others took the stairs, reconvening in the waiting room.

"I don't care. Maggie said I could be in there." Mom pushed Dad over to the side, barreling down the hall to Maggie's birthing suite.

I laughed. "Nothing short of…an act of God is keeping that woman out of there."

"Oh…I wish I could be in there, too," Kylie said, wringing her hands.

"Relax." Peto rubbed her back. Now that they're engaged, he can soothe her, kiss her—whatever—and no one can say shit about it. They still live apart, though—live with their parents. That could be why Peto's doing whatever to make some money.

Dad paced the hall—no matter what anyone said.

Worrisome thoughts soon turned into anxious ones, and about forty-five minutes later, Mom came out with a report.

"He's coming fast!" she squealed, throwing herself into Dad's arms. "She's about seven centimeters dilated already. I bet she was dilating since…whenever! You know Maggie's not that bright."

"Shhh." Dad chuckled, kissing her lips to shut her up.

"You know what I mean." Mom waved a hand. "She's scared, but she takes pain really well. Even so, I talked her into getting the epidural."

"Thank God," Jordan said. "It hurts," she told me.

I smiled. "I've…birthed a couple babies myself."

"Assisted." Jordan corrected me.

"Same difference." I was excited for my brother, and I wished I could see him. "Mom, do you think I can…" I pointed down the hall.

"Sorry, baby. They like to limit the amount of traffic—I gotta go!" Mom ran away again.

Dad stared after her.

"Come on, Ed…Come sit." Carlisle ushered him to a chair.

Dad was too fucking wired, shook his head no. You'd think he was about to give birth, or be a father, and I bet he was as nervous as I was—excited for Sonny but scared something could go wrong.

After hearing all about my mother's experiences . . . Her last, Kylie's was the most nightmarish, where she'd had her third C-section and yet they couldn't get her to stop bleeding.

But so far, so good.

No one was talking Cesareans.

No one was talking anything, really.

It was a waiting game.

As the hours began to pass us by, we all actually grew tired. Aro and Lisa had gone to get everyone coffee and donuts, and at two a.m., Mom came running down the hall again.

"IT'S A BOY!"

Dad was buzzing, unable to be still. "We knew that already!" He shook her.

"A healthy baby boy!" Mom cried. "He's—he's perfect," she sobbed, her knees giving out. "Perfect."

Dad got right down on the floor with her, which was a sweet sight. "Really?" The old man was tearing up, too.

Mom nodded. "We're grandparents!"

Dad squeezed Mom so tight, it made me emotional.

"Yay!" Kylie jumped on top of them.

And for the first time in my life—well, my adult life—I walked over to join in on their group hug, not caring who saw, not caring what anyone thought. This was cause to celebrate, and on Christmas.

And maybe we're weird, but I was proud…

We had one more Cullen amongst us, and, hopefully, another in the near future—Jordan, who joined me, embraced us all as well.

/=/=/=/=/=/

SANTINO

/=/=/=/=/=/

Santino Junior was still tucked into my arms when six a.m. rolled around. I didn't want to let my little dude go for anything in the world. We named him after me. He also has my dark hair; Maggie has dark hair, too, but he has a lot of it. He's the most adorable thing I've ever seen—he's probably the most beautiful child who's ever been born.

My wife, who's currently sleeping, agrees with me.

He's perfect—ten fingers, ten toes, pretty big balls for a baby—and did I say he's perfect? Mom says he looks like me, but I hope he grows to look more like my beautiful wife.

My gaze kept whipping between the both of them—my wife and my child—and I had no idea how I'd gotten so fucking lucky.

"I love you," I whispered, kissing his forehead.

He moved, and I stiffened, not wanting him to cry and wake Maggie. She did so well. She got the shot in her back that helped with the pain, and she was so nervous, anticipating. Meanwhile, she was calmest of us both when we arrived.

"Your room is all ready for you," I crooned.

The door to the room opened just a little bit. "Can I come in?" It was my brother.

I placed my finger to my lips, nodding.

He rushed to get to my side, look at his nephew. My family was behaving themselves very well, although they haven't left the hospital yet. Mom and Dad were the toughest to kick out of the room, but they were still all waiting—waiting until Maggie woke up. The doctor said she needed her rest, and I agreed with him.

"He's beautiful." My brother got all weepy, and he cried, covering his face with his palms.

I grinned, looking back down to my Sonny. "I know."

Damion sniffled. "Can-can I—um." He reached but took his hands back.

"Go wash them first," I said.

He smiled through his tears, getting some of that hand sanitizer shit from the wall, quick to rub it into his skin.

"Let it dry." I didn't know—there was so much I didn't know, and I didn't want anything hurting my Sonny.

"It's fine." Damion took him from me, and I'll be damned if I almost felt stripped naked—not having my son in my arms anymore. "Look at you." He smiled very wide. "When you get older, I'll teach you how to bust Daddy's balls."

I laughed, sitting back in the chair, and Maggie was still sleeping.

"He's amazing." Damion stared at him. "Amazing . . . You're a dad. Is that weird yet?" His gaze met mine.

I shook my head. "It's weird—loving someone so much at first sight, loving them to—beyond the point of what's logical." Fuck me, I felt emo again, too. "Okay. Give him back."

"No!" Maggie winced as she sat up. "Gimme him."

Damion chuckled as he walked to hand him over to her.

"How was your nap?" I pushed her hair behind her ear.

"I was never sleeping—just resting my eyes. Hello, little love." She placed her lips to Sonny's head. "I missed you…missed holding you." She started to cry, lip quivering and everything. "God…I love him so much."

I rubbed her back, and I couldn't wipe the smile off my face. "Me too."

"Me three," Dame said. "I'll let…Kylie come in…since she's awake." He backed out of the room.

"Go get coffee." Maggie turned to me. "We'll be okay."

I kissed her cheek. "I love you."

"I love you, too." She gave me one fierce kiss—a kiss so hard-core, it was like she wanted to make another Sonny right here.

"Damn." I cleared my throat, pulling away.

Maggie giggled.

I kept my eyes on them—my family—as I left the room.

Kylie whizzed by me with Peto, but Damion caught me before I could stumble. "Rude asses," I commented.

"Let's get coffee." Damion put his arm around me. "Wish we had some cigars."

I chuckled, knowing I'd left my heart with Maggie, not wanting to go anywhere.

"Just a heads up…" Dame massaged my shoulder as we walked. "Mom just got the call."

"Call?" I asked.

Damion leaned into my ear. "They found Jasper—shot between the eyes, in his car."

"I forgot about that. Mom's not too upset, right?" I hoped she wouldn't be, not with her grandson just born.

"She's upset for Alice…who…swears Dad did it. I dunno." He let the subject drop as we approached everyone. They all clapped, hooted, and hollered when I'd made my presence known while my mother was still on her cell phone.

"Congrats, man." Aro kissed both my cheeks. "I hear he's beautiful."

I patted his bicep. "Feel free to go say hello." I saw the huge stuffed bear in his arms. "This thing's almost as big as Maggie."

He laughed. "The baby'll dig it." Aro nodded.

"Of course." I hid my eye roll.

"He really is gorgeous," Carlisle said, having seen him.

I slapped my hand to his. "Thank you."

"Beautiful." Aunt Alex had tears in her eyes, too—all the women did, really. Fuck. Us guys were all squishy and emo, too.

My father had his brows raised. "How's Maggie feeling?"

"She's fine." I smiled, giving a pointed glance to Mom.

Dad waved a hand. "Don't think about none of that right now." He kissed me—smack dab on the lips . . . again. "I'm so proud of you!"

I laughed out loud, hugging him tightly. "Technically, I didn't have the baby."

"But we're another Cullen strong," he sighed, holding my cheeks. "I love ya, kid!"

"I love you, too." I rubbed his back, aching to get back to Sonny and Maggie. However, I was also concerned for my mother—for the future, what it might mean if Alice has the suspicion, and then my cousins have their own thoughts. "I know we hafta talk," I whispered.

"I'm taking care of it. No worries on your part. You go—enjoy." He waved me away.

My eyes stayed on my mother, who was crying—not necessarily happy tears.

"She's fine," Dad said. "Go." He gave me a nudge.

/=/=/=/

My father was correct. Everything regarding Jasper, and even the reasons why he was clipped, were all squared away. Dad made up some story for Alice that she believed.

To be honest, after she found out he had a mistress, which wasn't true . . .

We had one of our guys clip him on his way home from the city along with some no-name prostitute we placed in the car with him.

After Cousin Alice found out about that fun little fact, she actually eased up on Dad, eased up on wanting to know details. It was, after all, her husband, and so she was still torn up about it . . .

Those who'd been following Jasper's lead came to me—one by one—swearing their loyalty to me, my father.

We had their fear, their respect, and they knew what their ends would be had they not given it to us.

Honestly, it was Jasper's crew against my father's entire empire—a losing battle—a stupid battle. But my father's cousin had them thinking they could swoop in and take it all.

Unfortunately for Jasper, my son stole the show at his service—his wake. I didn't feel entirely comfortable taking Sonny to such a public place, but I couldn't hide him or Maggie—keep them away someplace.

Everyone crooned and told us how beautiful he was.

And…with my mother there, no one was getting too close to her grandson anyway. Mom probably had a full clip in her purse for anyone who tried.

"A baby at a funeral." Kylie shook her head.

"Fuck…in this family, it won't be his last…let's just hope it's no one important." Damion bumped his fist to Sonny's teeny one. "Right, my widdle man?" He jutted his lower lip out, squeezing Jordan to his side. I have a feeling that Damion's nephew has softened him—about the baby idea, having one in particular. He's got the itch, and it's plain as day now.

I chuckled, wrapping my arms around Maggie and Sonny, who's six days old.

My mother says he's a good baby, and—while I haven't known many babies, except what I remember of Kylie as a toddler—I agree with her. He only cries when he's got shit in his drawers or wants Maggie's tit, and he's a good sleeper.

Actually, sometimes he cries when Dad holds him. My father is just too fucking loud—swears my son dislikes him, but it's his booming, excited-as-fuck voice, which Mom has told him about, told him to lower it, so maybe it won't scare—startle his grandson.

Dad's getting the hang of it . . . He notices that Sonny doesn't cry in his arms if he's not speaking.

"We should say goodbye." I kissed Maggie's cheek, and having a newborn is a good excuse to duck out early.

"Oh, can we go for pizza?" Kylie asked. "I'll go get Gio."

I never answered her, handing Sonny over to Damion while my wife and I went to say farewell to the rest of our family.

Sonny fell asleep in the car on our way home, and I tried my best not to wake him as I brought him inside. Truth be told, I was exhausted, seeing and greeting all those people, showing face. Since my son was born, I haven't been working—I took my own short paternity leave, not giving a fuck.

"We should take a nap, too," I told Maggie.

"Oh, can we?" She almost seemed excited by the prospect. "He woke up four times last night…I'm beat."

"He did?" I was surprised.

"Yeah…" She nodded, bringing Sonny into the nursery.

I followed, getting there just in time to watch her ease him down. Then she turned, pointing out and tiptoeing.

I did the same, wearing a smile until we entered our bedroom.

Maggie turned on the monitor, sitting on our bed with a huff. "He'll be asleep for…maybe an hour—two?" She didn't bother to get undressed, pulling the blanket over herself.

I crawled in after her. "You should wake me up at night…while I'm home." My hand roamed down her side, wishing like hell we could fuck. Maggie still hasn't lost her baby weight. She thicker and just as beautiful as ever.

She hummed, halfway to sleep already. "You're like a log…don't wake up."

I nuzzled my nose to her cheek. "The doctor said nothing inside, but…" My hand traveled up to her breasts.

Maggie answered with a light snore, and I smiled, rolling onto my back to stare at the ceiling. My wife falls asleep just as quickly as our son does these days. Presumably, if he's asleep, so is Maggie, and she truly is a good mom—dotes, always knows what to do, although she second-guesses herself all too often.

I wish she didn't do that.

She fell right into her role—did better than I could have ever imagined, and I was so proud of her.

And I was happy, the happiest I've ever been.

Our house is happy.

It's not as sex-filled as it once was, but I hope once we get down to a…schedule that we can…get back to…having some sex?

I laughed at myself, turning back to hold Maggie tightly.

Just like I hate to let Sonny go, I never wanna lose hold of Maggie either.

/=/=/=/=/=/

KYLIE

/=/=/=/=/=/

At Sonny Junior's christening, Gio and I officially announced our engagement. It wasn't our intention to steal the little dude's thunder, but our whole family was together—extended family, too—and it was better we do it here than at Jasper's funeral.

Everyone congratulated us, some gave us money, which will go toward our new place—the one we don't have yet.

For years, I hoped I'd get to live in that sweet apartment on Fourth Avenue—where Damion lives now, but I guess it's not my turn.

My mother said that Aro and Dad have a surprise for us; however, it'll be a wedding present—like maybe our own house, so we're torn between waiting it out and just needing our own place already.

It's torture—to be engaged to the most gorgeous man imaginable and not be able to fuck him senseless whenever I want to.

This time, I was sure I'd make it down the aisle—sure we'd get married.

Although…this actually wasn't a rehearsal dinner, nor was it an engagement party.

I giggled to myself and turned to tickle under Li'l Sonny's chin—one of his little wrinkles. "How's Aunty's baby?"

He didn't do anything because he's barely a month old, his eyes fluttering to a close.

I sighed, still staring.

"Want some cake?" Gio was already stuffing his face with some. "It's good."

I smiled. "I'm good." Soon, whenever we have steady plans, I'll need to squeeze into a wedding gown. "I can't wait to marry you." There were stars in my eyes as I stared at Gio. "I love you."

He grinned, leaning over to kiss me. "I love you, too." His eyes went to Sonny Junior for a second. "Maybe we'll have a baby, too…someday."

"Someday," I agreed, nestling into his side. "And we'll all live happily ever after?"

"Definitely," he spoke with a mouthful.

It made me giggle as I grabbed a napkin to wipe his mouth.

"We'll be as happy as your mom and dad?" He quirked a brow.

I turned to see my parents swaying to a muted beat they must have had in their heads—occasionally kissing.

There was enough security here, where we were all carefree.

"I hope so. I hope we all are." My gaze trailed to Damion and Jordan, who—at the moment—were trying to swallow each other's faces whole, and then Maggie and Sonny. They were too busy showing a united front as they greeted everyone—much like our parents used to do. After all, Sonny's the new Skip, and Maggie's his wife . . .

"I think so." I looked back to Gio, smiling; meanwhile, I had my fingers crossed under the table. "I know so."

His lips crashed to mine, and the butterflies flew wildly in my stomach, which made me want to mount him right here and now.

But…it was my turn to watch the baby.

Reluctantly, I pulled away to smile.

The End…well, sort of.

There's one more epilogue coming up!

Please leave me your thoughts.