A/N: So here is the final installment of Motherly Instincts. Thank you again for everyone who reviewed, followed, favorited, and provided advice! You guys definitely made my first experience in the fanfic realm an amazing one!

Disclaimer: I do not own Twilight or any of its characters. The story and characters belong to Stephenie Meyer. Also, I apologize for any errors. I don't have this story beta'd (mostly because I am unsure of how to even go about doing that), so the errors are my own.

Chapter 13: Epilogue

"Mama?" Bella looked up at her mother from her place in bed, "I am much too excited to sleep. Can I stay up with you?"

Suplicia chuckled at her daughter's antics; she had become a bit bolder and playful after her time with the Cullens. She responded with a light smile, "I am afraid not little one. You need your sleep. Come, I will read to you until you tire."

Bella sighed but snuggled into her mother's side. Suplicia wrapped her arms around her child and read to her until her breathing evened and she fell asleep. She watched her sleeping child for a while before she forced herself to get up and begin preparations for the following day. Suplicia had spent every night with her daughter since she returned from her stay with the Cullens two months ago. She just couldn't seem to bear the thought of being apart from her. And while she knew that Isabella was overjoyed to be back home with her and the rest of her family, Suplicia knew that a part of her heart was hurting.

Suplicia smiled at the thought of what was to come the following morning. With that thought in mind she hurried to the family room and began preparing for Christmas. The Volturi had not celebrated Christmas in centuries, but with the presence of the human princess, every year the celebration was bigger and grander. As she entered the room she saw her husband ushering around the various guards making sure that everything would be perfect for their daughter.

Suplicia made her way over to Didyme and Athenodora. Dora was the first to speak, "Were you able to get her to fall asleep?"

"Not without difficulty."

Didyme and Athenodora chuckled before Dora spoke again, "She's always like this before Christmas. Remember last year when she snuck out of her room and tried to open her presents early?"

The three queens laughed at the memory. Didyme continued the story, "The poor thing felt so guilty she almost made us take the presents back."

Suplicia responded, "I hope she doesn't try to do that this year. I know for a fact that her 'presents' will not be able to be returned."

They were interrupted from their conversation by the sounds of small paws pattering toward them. When Suplicia looked up she sighed in annoyance. "Do you not keep that thing on a leash, Dora?"

"I do not care what you say, Cia. Pocio is family and will be a part of this day whether you like it or not." She bent down and picked up the dog. It was solid white, with long hair pointy ears and a curled tail. It looked more like a large fox than a dog. "How can you say no to such a face?" Dora playfully used the dog's paw to bat at Suplicia's arm.

Suplicia rolled her eyes in annoyance and before she could respond Didyme interrupted, "So, when will the other guests be arriving?"

Suplicia, grateful for the intervention, responded quickly, "Mid-morning."

"How will we keep her distracted?"

At that moment Jane walked over to the three queens. She began to feel nervous as the three of them gave her very mischievous looks at the same time. She voiced her concern, "Why do I feel as though you are setting me up for something?"

Didyme responded first, "Oh we were just discussing who would keep little Isabella distracted tomorrow morning." She lifted an eyebrow toward Jane as she finished.

Jane didn't bat an eyelash, "I am assuming that I will be watching her. If that is the case I will excuse myself to go make a few preparations."

Dora pouted after Jane's retreating form, "Nothing fazes that woman. I do wish we could see her uncomfortable at least once in our existence."

Suplicia and Didyme nodded their agreement and then separated to help the kings and the rest of the guard with decorating.

The next morning, as anticipated, Isabella woke up bright and early. Suplicia was waiting by her bed and smiled when Bella opened her eyes, "Buon Natale, my darling."

Bella smiled, "Buon Natale, Mama! What are we doing first this morning?" She said while barely maintaining her excitement.

"You are going to be spending the morning with Jane," Bella's eyes brightened at the mention of Jane, "And then you will both join us in the family room. We have a big surprise for you."

Bella leapt into her mother's arms and gave her a large hug. She pulled away and then proceeded to help her get ready for the day. As they were finishing, Jane entered her room. Bella's eyes danced and she exclaimed, "Buon Natale, Jane!" She leapt into her arms for a hug.

"And a Happy Christmas to you as well, munchkin." She placed the child down and took her hand in her own, "I have a very exciting morning planned for us. Are you ready to go?"

At Bella's nod, they departed and Suplicia quickly made her way back to the family room. When she arrived she saw all of the kings the other two queens and the elite guard, sans Jane, waiting. Aro quickly approached, "Will our little one be sufficiently distracted while we wait?"

She patted Aro slightly on the shoulder, "You know how she is with Jane, dear. She has probably already forgotten that today is Christmas."

Aro chuckled and nodded his ascent.

A few hours later Jane and Bella made their way into the family room. Bella immediately made her rounds wishing everyone a merry Christmas. Everyone took time to return the well wishes and then they began to open gifts. After Bella had opened her last gifts from her parents, her mother spoke gently in her ear, "We have one more surprise for you, my darling."

Bella looked up from her position in Suplicia's lap to make eye contact with her mother, "What's that?"

At that moment Carlisle Cullen entered the family room with a large smile on his face. Bella's eyes widened and she leapt up from her mother's lap and ran toward him. When she got close enough she flung herself into his arms, too speechless to even offer a word of greeting.

The rest of the vampires watched the short reunion between the two. Marcus smiled and mused out loud, "Ah, I see that I have some competition for the position of Isabella's favorite uncle." Caius harrumphed and Carlisle's face split into a large grin. Aro looked thoughtfully and said with the briefest of smiles, "Dear brother, I think you are losing your touch, for the competition is clearly mine."

Aro then looked toward Carlisle with a warm smile, "It is good to have you back with us, Carlisle."

Bella looked up at Carlisle with almost pleading eyes. He knew instantly what she was asking and inclined his head toward the door. There at the entrance stood the rest of her family. Carlisle, seeing what she wanted, placed her down. Bella took off once more and finally found her voice, "Mommy!" She exclaimed before being met with Esme's embrace.

"How long are you going to be visiting?"

Rose walked over and Bella climbed into her arms, "For a very long time, sweetheart, for a very long time."

FIN

a/n: Thank you all again for reading!