A quick note on this chapter:

As a drabble, this little story was meant to help me "drop everything and write." I've never used a beta and when I started out, the goal was to post everyday, even if it was only a few words. Obviously, I haven't always done that, but I'm trying to get back into it. The scene below was one I wanted to skip. When I sat to write this morning, my intention was to move these characters along and get the story going again. But then I read your reviews and PMs.

Since it was very clear many of you were looking forward to reading the reunion, I decided to hash that out and see where it went. I am not 100% happy with the result, but it's a first take on how things would go for these guys and I hope it lives up to at least some of your expectations. After all, your kind words have more than exceeded mine. Thanks again for reading and reviewing.

-Ginnie

Reunion...

~(~)~

Bella excuses herself to the restroom when the text message comes in that they're on their way. She's not surprised to find Edward sitting in the reading area when she comes out.

"Hey," he says, looking up at once, his face anxious and his hair sticking up.

She puts her hands on her hips. "Hey yourself."

"Are you alright?"

"Much better now that my bladder's empty, thanks."

His cheek turn pink and he looks at the floor between his feet. "Sorry. I meant—"

"I know what you meant, sweetie. I'm fine. Nervous. But fine." She moves to stand in front of him and puts a hand out. "Will you please relax, though? You're making this harder on both of us."

He takes her hand and stands. "I'm sorry. You're right."

She gazes up at him and reaches up to fix his hair with her free hand. It doesn't really help and they both laugh. She straightens his collar and smooths his sweater over his chest instead.

When she's done, she steps back. "My turn. How do I look?"

"Gorgeous," he says without hesitation.

"You didn't even look at me."

"I've been looking all day, Isabella," he says, reaching for her waist. She blushes as he runs the back of his fingers over the denim covering her hip and then up again before tugging lightly on the hem of her long-sleeve shirt. "I like this color on you. I like the fabric, too. It's soft."

Her cheeks heat even more. "I'll keep that in mind."

The sound of a car door slamming outside the store gives her some idea their wait is over. Sure enough, another door closes and several muffled voices reach their ears a second or two later.

"Here we go," he says, squeezing her hand. "The kids are kinda wild around me, so I apologize in advance for all the shrieking."

Bella nods and takes a deep breath, licking her lips and steadying her nerves. Edward kisses her cheek when the bell above the door rings and then disappears around the bookshelves. She draws her hands into fists and then actively releases them, stretching her fingers and rolling her shoulders back at the same time. Deep breaths. No need to be anxious. It's just Edward's family.

Alice. Jasper. Emmett. Rose… and the baby girl she never got to meet.

Her heart gives a little lurch. What if she totally loses it in front of the kids? They'll think she's nuts. She clenches her fists and releases them again, forcing her breaths to stay even and her heart to calm. Swallowing, she takes another breath. She's fine. It's fine. She can do this.

Stepping out from the reading area, the first thing she sees is Emmett holding the door. He's in profile, but there's no mistaking his size. Next her eyes fall on Rosalie just behind him. She's wearing a hat and scarf, but her golden hair and gorgeous face are as distinctive as her husband's bulk. She turns her head and stares right at Bella, and for a moment, the fierceness of her gaze freezes Bella in place. Shaking it off, she raises a hand and offers Rose a timid smile.

Before Bella can decipher whether or not her smile has been returned, two little bundles of cotton and Gore-Tex barrel though the door.

"Toni! Caleb! Slow down!" Rose calls after them.

The children in question ignore her entirely and run straight for Edward, calling his name. He kneels down and scoops them up, laughing. "Hey guys!"

"Where have you been, Uncle Edward?"

"Did you get stuck in da snow?"

"You missed the movie. It was sooo good."

"Yeah, Unca Edward, you missed Alvin and da Chipmunks!"

He laughs again and kisses the little cheek on his right. "Sorry, I had to go see some friends yesterday. Did you miss me?"

"Uh-huh."

He kisses the other little cheek as well. "How 'bout you, Toni? You miss me?"

"A little bit," the girl says, and Bella sucks in a breath. She sounds just like her mother.

"Good," Edward answers as Bella's eyes shoot past them to Rosalie. She's not surprised to find her former sister-in-law staring back at her.

"Rose…"

"Hello, Bella."

"That's your baby girl?"

"Yeah, it is. She's five now."

"She sounds just like you."

Rose nods, her eyes flickering to the little girl. "That's what everyone says."

Bella smiles and looks back at the child. She's watching Bella suspiciously, perhaps because her beloved uncle is quite distracted now. Bella meets his worried gaze and gives him a small nod. She's okay.

He winks and then returns his attention to his niece and nephew. Toni glances between them and it seems she's about to ask who Bella is when Edward lifts both the children in his arms and says, "Why don't we go see what sort of goodies Grandma's got hiding here, huh? I think I saw some candy somewhere, too."

They both cheer as he carries them off toward the play area on the other side of the store. He's running interference for her, and she kind of wants to kiss him silly for it.

Taking a deep breath, she looks back toward the door. It's closed now and Emmett's sidled up behind Rose, a wide grin on his face, while a smaller figure has come to stand to his left.

Bella would know her anywhere, of course. Blue eyes almost exactly like Edward's. Hair the same color as Emmett's. It's hidden partially by a vibrant colored scarf wrapped fashionably around her head and neck. Her small frame is hidden behind a chic grey coat that bulges slightly in the front.

"Alice."

"Bella?"

Bella nods, her eyes swimming despite her best efforts. "Yeah, it's me."

"You're here. You stayed."

Bella nods again, and before she even realizes what she's doing, she's moving forward. Alice's astonished expression thaws as she starts moving too. She drops the handbag Bella hadn't even noticed and pulls her scarf from her head, and then they're hugging. Hugging so tight Bella's a little afraid she'll hurt Alice. But Alice isn't letting go.

"Holy shit," she whisper-cries in Bella's ear. "I have missed you, girlie."

Bella half laughs, half cries at Alice's curse. "Me, too," Bella rasps. "So much."

They hold on to each for heaven only knows how long. Bella keeps her eyes closed tightly, smelling the familiar scent of her once closest friend, relishing her strong embrace. She swallows and breathes deeply, willing her heart to calm so she can manage to let go.

But Alice is the one to relax her grip and lean back. Smiling, she shakes her head and laughs. Her brow is wrinkled in a mix of disbelief and wonder. "I can't believe you're actually here."

"I know," Bella says, blushing. "I've been a coward."

"Oh, hush. That's so far from the truth it's not even funny. I just thought… I mean Edward didn't say anything, and we didn't expect you to stay on our account, so…"

"I asked him not to mention it. I thought it might be better this way."

Alice laughs. "Well, you were right. Best Christmas present ever."

There are some disgruntled remarks about that from behind them, but they go unanswered.

"God, Alice…" Bella says, holding her friend at arms' length and looking her over. She glances and back up, a question in her eyes.

Alice nods and grasps one of Bella's hand without hesitation. She squeezes it tight, bringing it straight to her belly.

"Oh," Bella breathes. "Wow."

"I know, I'm huge."

This makes Bella laugh. "You're tiny. Just round."

"At least I have boobs now."

Bella laughs. "That you do." She shakes her head. "Edward told me of course, but seeing it is just…amazing." Her throat tightens and she has to take a deep breath as she stretches her hand across Alice's stomach. It's firmer than she might have expected. "Do they move much?"

"All the time. I'm surprised you didn't get kicked when I hugged you."

"I was a bit distracted then," she replies, smiling. "Maybe I did and didn't notice."

"Maybe. Here," Alice says, gripping Bella's hand and moving it higher and to the left. They're quiet a moment, and then the swell beneath Bella's palm moves ever so slightly.

"Whoa." She raises her eyes to Alice. "That's incredible."

Alice shrugs. "It is. Until one of them kicks you in the kidneys, anyway. Or the ribs."

"Or your bladder," Rosalie adds.

Bella glances over her shoulder and smiles at her. It's too much to hope that all is forgiven, but she's glad Rose is speaking to her at the very least.

"As uncomfortable as that sounds, it's amazing."

Alice moves Bella's hand again. This time the movement is stronger and makes her gasp.

Rose steps a bit closer to them. "You should see it at the very end. Your whole stomach moves. Em and I used to lay there and just watch it. It was better than television."

Her voice is wistful, making Bella feel much the same. "I would have liked to have seen that," she says, honestly.

Rose swallows and nods, but says nothing more.

A chorus of giggles from the other side of the store breaks the moment and Bella withdraws her hand. Emmett takes advantage of the distraction.

"So is it my turn yet?" he says.

She smiles. "Hi, Emmett."

"Ah, you can do better than that. Come give me some love."

This gets a laugh from the others and causes Bella's cheeks to heat. She steps forward tentatively as he opens his arms.

"That's better," he says, giving her a quick squeeze. He pulls back, but keeps hold of her shoulders. "It's really good to see you," he says softly.

"Thanks. You too."

"You and Ed have a good night?"

She tilts her head to one side, narrowing her eyes. "I'm not answering that."

He laughs. "I'll take that as a yes."

"How 'bout you take that as a 'it's none of your business' and shut up?"

Emmett laughs, along with Alice and everyone else, and pats her on the shoulder. "Sure thing, Miss B. I'm just going to…" He looks around and points in the other direction. "See about a book."

Bella raises an eyebrow, holding in her own laughter until he's gone. "Obviously he hasn't changed."

"Some things never do," says Rose.

The bell over the door rings and Jasper walks in with a crying toddler. His little face is all red, his dark brown hair sticking up. His coat is hanging off him and he's missing a boot.

"Oh, lord help us, here we go," sighs Alice.

Rose shakes her head and hooks her arms though Bella's. "Come on, I'll introduce to Toni while Alice takes care of that."

"Should we help?"

"Nah, he's going through separation anxiety. Better to stay clear until he's calm."

"Poor Jasper," Bella says, watching the frustrated father hand his son over to Alice.

Rose shrugs. "It's their penance for not having to carry them around in their bodies for nine months. Besides," she says, lowering her voice to a murmur, "he's the one who forgot the condoms at the store and then didn't pull out."

Bella almost chokes on her tongue before a laugh bursts out of her. "Wow. TMI, Rose. TMI."

Rosalie just smiles. "Welcome back to the family, kid."