I serioulsy am in tears while typing this authors note. This is the last chapter of my very first series. Jake and Nessie's story has ended... Can you believe it. This moment is bittersweet for me. Jake and Nessie were like my kids and now it feels like they're spreading their wings and leaving my nest. I...I don't even know what to say. I know, I know. It's just a story but we've followed these two for so long that...i don't want it to end. It's so weird not to be in their heads anymore.

This isn't really as big as a time jump as some of you expected but I hope it closes things up until I decide when Sage, Grace, and Addie should tell their story, which i hope all of you will enjoy. I'm very excited to write about their lives.. But still...no more Jake and Ness! Excuse me while i go through withdrawls and bittersweet cries.

I want to thank every one of you who has read, reviewed, favorited, and followed me and my stories. Throughout these years I feel as if I've grown with my characters. I want to take all the lessons each of you have given me and take it on my next journey. I can't wait for the next story and the next journey I will take, and I hope all of you will come along with me. No words can express how much I love each and every one of you and I hope all of you understand that you hold a special spot in my heart. Exactly like Jake and Nessie do.

But...I'm not done writing of course. Never! We still have Taken To the Grave-which I am very excited about. I totally scrapped the one shot and started with new ideas, and I hope you guys like them. I have the opporunity work with one of my best friends (twifanatic12) whom will be my amazing editor throughout this process-as she has also accepted the duty of being my editor for Worth Fighting For. I hope you guys will enjoy this story as much as you have enjoyed these four. It is something I am truly excited about.

Well, I guess that's all for now, dear readers. I have no clue when I will see you again, but I hope it will be sometime really soon. Keep an eye out for me...you never know when I might pop back up and surprise you with new stories. This isn't a good-bye. This is just a see you soon.

You are enough. You are so enough. It is unbelievable how enough you.

P.S. Look up the song at the bottom. It is such a beautiful song!

Love ya'll!

Epilogue

Nessie

Life with three kids was hectic. It was fun, but still hectic. Addalay was seven months old and full of so much sass. The twins were such a big help with her and helping me around the house. Of course when we brought her home, they asked for us to take that strange creature back to where it came from. They didn't really understand that she was here to stay.

For what felt like the thirtieth time this night, Jake and I slowly put Addie back down in her crib. We haven't gotten any sleep in the past few days and all of us were both running on fumes. We had the help, we were just to prideful to take it.

We very silently tiptoed out of her nursery, thanking whoever was listening that we're the mythical creatures that can be graceful and never make any noise. Jacob silently opened the door and we squeezed through before shutting it as quietly. We waited for a few minutes before celebrating. We loved Addie but the girl has got to let us sleep.

"How long do you think we have?" Jake whispered as we trudged through the hall.

"I hope an hour. That's all I need." I whispered back.

It was like our bed sang to us when we came into our bedroom. We just crashed down into it, not caring to undress or get under the covers. We just fell flat into it, sighing in relief as we started to doze off.

Until I heard a baby cry. Please tell me I'm dreaming. Please tell me I'm dreaming.

"That better not be Addie, or am I just dreaming?" Jake asked me, his voice muffled from the bed.

Yay…at least I got ten minutes. "Go get her, Jake."

"We said we weren't going to let this one sleep between us."

Yeah, because with the twins it took us forever to get them to sleep in their own beds.

"I meant to make her stop crying. She's crying because she wants to be held." I said.

He moaned. "We've created a monster. A beautiful one but you know what I mean; and you're coming with me. It's a team effort."

I let Jake drag me off the bed and we trudged our daughter's bedroom. I'm so exhausted. The twins weren't even this bad. But then again they really didn't sleep in their nursery for the first year of their life. We were trying not to let that happen with Addie too but…it's been kind of hard. There's no way that our bed can have two kids, two adults, and a newborn in it. There's no way. That screams danger on so many levels.

Addie's door was already open when we heard two voices already in there. Sage and Grace. We peeked in to see them over her crib, talking to her. They were smiling, the complete opposite of how the normal nights have been. They actually told us to take their sister back to where she came from so they could get some sleep. Yeah…that's not possible.

"I know you want Momma and Daddy, Addie, but they need sleep." Sage told his sister, running his finger over her little hand.

"Well, we need sleep too." Grace said too.

"You're not helping, Gracie. We're trying to get her to go to sleep so Momma and Daddy can sleep."

"Well…it's true. She's a brat anyway."

"Grace Isabelle Black." I scolded, stepping in. "Your sister is not a brat."

"She keeps us up at night."

"She's just a baby." Jake said, picking Addie. You couldn't ignore the glare on Grace's face. She was not liking the fact that she had to share her daddy with another little girl.

We thought that holding her and walking around would help her stop crying and go back to sleep. It didn't. It might be just an achy stomach. She was just fed. She's got a fresh diaper. What else would she want?

It was almost sunrise with no sleep when the twins came back into her nursery. It was my turn holding Addalay while Jake napped in the chair next to her crib. She wasn't crying at least. She just wasn't sleeping. I have no idea what else do.

"No luck?" Sage whispered.

I kissed him on the forehead. "I'm sorry, my sweet. I'll breakfast soon. Do you two want to stay home from school to catch up on some rest."

It was actually Grace who came up with the idea. "Maybe she's sick of you two. You didn't really give us the chance to try."

I looked at Jake, who peeked at me with still sleepy eyes. She was right. This was their baby too and we haven't let them help like they wanted to. We tell them that we need the help but when they show it, we push them away as it wasn't their responsibility.

I handed Addie over to them and sat down in Jake's lap. My instinct telling me be ready in case they needed me while the other part just wanted sleep. Grace and Sage talked to her, sung, made her smile. It made us smile. It made us smile even more when Addie's eyes slowly closed.

"We're calling Mrs. Porter." Jake thought. "I don't know how much longer I can take sleeping for only twenty minutes at a time."

Agreed.

It didn't surprise me that our Grace became jealous. She was so use to being her daddy's little princess that she didn't realize that she would be sharing that spot. And Grace Isabelle Black did not like sharing one bit. She avoided Jake for weeks and it seriously killed him. All I know is that Grace and Jake had a little daddy daughter time to talk and it was a secret only them to know. Everything's been a different tune in the month's since.

We still have nightmares. The twins still clutch us when we leave; Jacob drops something that he shouldn't be dropping; I see a gaping hole in my chest. We still have nightmares. But the one thing that scares me to death is Jacob's mind blanks. I am close enough to go against his liberty and talk to Grandpa. I'm his wife. I am allowed to not listen to him. Not that I have before.

The twins were out for the summer so it was an experience to have all three kids with me. But they were extremely helpful. I couldn't have asked for a better son and daughter.

"Momma? What time will we leave?" Grace as her and Sage played with Addie.

"Not for a while. Why? Are you ready to leave?" I asked, smiling.

"She just wants to see Kaleb." My son said, making kissy faces.

"You want to see Channing!"

At that exact moment Addalay made a noise, banging her toy against her bouncer. Her emerald eyes looked intensely at her older brother and sister as if to say for them to stop arguing. I found it adorable. Also an ever reminder that she took Daddy's human eyes.

"Looks like she's telling you two to stop bickering." I told my eight year olds, picking up Addalay. "Can you two help me with lunch?"

Sage got up and followed me but Grace trailed behind. "Uh…" she trailed. "Do I have to?"

"Well, that or you can entertain your sister for me."

Sage folded his hands and got down on his knees. "Please, Momma. Don't let her back in the kitchen. Remember the disaster last time?"

I smiled, kissing Addie and setting her in her rocker, remembering when Grace had it in her head that she can be the chef in the family. Like her parents and brother, she refused help. Let's just say she decided Mother sometimes knows best. She hasn't wanted to play chef ever since.

"Sagey, that was only one time." Grace told her brother. "And besides, cooking all the time is boning. I don't see how people do it all day."

Trust, me. It does get pretty hard. Sometimes I just get so tired of the same routine. Luckily being a stay at home mom keeps things interesting from day to day, but there are days where I'm just tired. Where I just want to pour myself a glass of wine and talk a long bath. I just want to take a few extra hours to sleep in and let Jake take care of the kids. Mommies can get tired too, right?

"So how about this? Since I already fixed lunch, the two of you help me pack a basket and we go surprise your father?" I asked.

"To see Daddy? Yes!" Grace said, her braid bouncing.

"To not get food poisoning from my sister? Any day."

As if in agreement Addie made a nose with her rattle and squealed. There's her vote too.

"So it's decided. Now let's get to work."

I didn't call Jacob, hoping for it to be a surprise. There was big chance that it could backfire with his crazy schedule. But then again I am the boss' wife. I have the advantages most people don't get to have that work for him. If I feel like it, I could barge up in a meeting and most likely get away with it.

While I was getting everything ready to leave I heard a knock on the door. I knew exactly who it was. I could smell her. It was almost a year since Daddy's death so she decides to show now? What nerve!

Stopping Grace from running to the door, I told them, "Stay here and watch your sister-and do not leave this room under any circumstances." I ordered.

At the tone of my voice they nodded and listened. I know I shouldn't take this out on them but my visitor was somebody I washed my hands of long ago. If my kids weren't here, I would kill her.

I stormed to the door but hesitated. I wasn't ready for this. I was so happy so can't she just leave us alone? She didn't want to open up to me. She pushed us-pushed my children-away. When you screw over my children, that's when I have a problem. Mess with me all you want but do not mess with my kids.

But I missed my mother. I missed having someone to talk to; someone that would keep me company; someone who would give me motherly advice. Could this be the beginning of a new relationship? Was she ready? Were we ready to open the twins up to vampires and werewolves? They were our babies. Vampires were the reason why they have nightmares at night. I wasn't ready to let them go.

I opened the door slowly, revealing my mother. I couldn't help but let out a gasp. I don't know why. I expected her to look different but she wasn't. She looked the same. My maternal instincts kicked in, wondering if she was going to attack my babies. Her eyes were black. Sage, Grace, and Addie all had the sweet, human scent. My half breed status was no match for her full blood. Was she here to seek revenge since she blames me and my twins for Daddy's death?

I hurried to shut the door but she stopped me. I swore. "I just want to talk, Renesmee. I know you want to protect your babies from me. I don't blame you after what I said."

Talk? Hah! "You had your chance to talk and you blew it! I'm not risking the safety of my children just to hear your empty apologies."

Momma flinched but clenched her teeth. "You have no right to speak to me that way! I just want to see my grandchildren and apologize to you!"

"No, you're not seeing them!"

"You've had the baby?"

"Yeah. Seven months ago. Now leave."

"Can you just listen to what I have to say?!" she shouted. When I did nothing but flinch she continued. "I know I made mistakes but I've came here to say I'm so sorry. I didn't mean what I said. I don't blame you or the twins. I was hurting and it just…it just came out. I am so sorry. I was going to say-"

"I understand everybody has their different ways of grief, but at some point, Mother, life moves on! I miss Daddy everyday but that doesn't mean I don't want to get out of bed in the morning! Jacob and I promised each other that if something happens to one of us, the other has to live for our children. That was my dying wish!"

"And that's my point! I thought I lost everything when you died, Nessie. I wasn't thinking straight-"

"Do you want to know what the killer part is?! Sage and Grace have asked me several times if their grandmother still loves them? What am I supposed to tell them when she blames them for the death of their grandfather!"

"Renesmee! Let me talk!"

I sat down on one of the whicker chairs and turned to my mother. "Talk. And it better be good."

She came and sat next to me. "When I saw that you died, I lost it. I didn't think a vampire could go crazy, but that's what it felt like; and then I heard you were alive…it just didn't make sense. I was so angry and hurt at your father that I took it out on you and the twins. I was about to take back what I said but Jacob ripped the phone from you. I would have called sooner but he told me not to ever speak to you or the kids and I just respected that wish."

That was a blow to the gut. I felt sick? So Jacob was the reason why my mother wasn't here all this time? "No…Jacob wouldn't do that."

But he would. If he thought he was protecting his family, he would do that.

Momma put a cold hand on my shoulder. "I know he probably didn't mean it. He was bit again, he just got the kids back, lost you, almost lost them again, so he probably thought I was the enemy. Then I heard that you were keeping the twins away from their vampire and wolf families, so I figured I would make their nightmares worst since I joined Aro."

Anger boiled within me as I heard of that. So many stories… "You could have still been there. You've never listened to Jacob before so why did it change?" I asked.

"I thought about Sage and Grace. I know you would wanted to be with your family and I still had some things to figure out. Renesmee, I don't want us to drift apart. You're my little miracle baby. I went through hell to keep you. I fell in love with you the moment I felt you inside of me. I don't want to lose my grandchildren."

I didn't realize I was crying until she reached out and wiped a tear away. What do I do now? "How can I trust you? You hurt me! You hurt my twins, and that's not something so easily forgiven!"

She smiled. "I guess you're going to have to figure that out."

I nodded. Oh, crap. I have two eight year olds watching a seven month old. "I should really get back inside. I have Sage and Grace watching Addie."

"Addie…"

"Addalay Melena Black."

Momma smiled again and it was a true, happy smile. "It's such a beautiful name. I hope I get to meet her."

I nodded. "I'll talk to Jake and then I'll talk to the twins. Their decision decides mine. We're going on vacation so maybe when we get back I'll call you. We'll go hunting and talk or something."

I let her hug me because it seemed to be the right thing to do. Daddy wouldn't want us fighting like this. He wanted us to be happy and be a family. To continue life as it was. I was a mom now and I had to set good examples. How can I teach my children to forgive when I can't. It'll be hard to work through our issues, and we might not ever get through them. The twins may decide that they don't want a grandmother that betrayed them in their life. They wouldn't understand. Like I said. Their decision makes my decision.

I knew I looked like a total wreck so I stayed in the corridor and pulled out my phone. I have to get the truth from Jacob. I won't be mad at him. We have came so far only to be knocked right back down. I just want to hear his reason. Because knowing it, I probably would have done the same thing.

"Need you…Are you in a meeting? The kids and I were going to come by for lunch." I texted to my husband.

I wasn't shortly long until I received one back. "Of course! Schedule's already cleared. What's wrong?"

I bit my lip. "Be there in a few."

~~~~~~ Forever ~~~~~~

Jacob met us out front, pacing back and forth. You know your husband is busy when you drive to one office and they tell you he's at another. And he said his schedule was cleared. Liar.

Sage and Grace climbed out, running towards their father. Addie whimpered, hating to be left out of the excitement. "I'm sorry, Miss Impatient." I cooed, unbuckling her, and bringing her to my hold. I kissed her cheeks, laughing when she giggled.

As I was making our way to Jacob, he met me in the middle. "The twins and I have decided to have lunch in the park." He announced, swinging the hands of Grace and Sage.

I glowered at him. "I just got Addie out and now you tell me this? Didn't think about it sooner? Really, Jacob?"

Addie reached out her hands to her father and her took her. "Sorry? I've got a few hours to spare before-don't give me that look, Mrs. Black. I had my schedule cleared." He said.

The twins took my hand. "Please, Momma." They said together.

I caved. "Fine. But next time, be in the place you say you were going to be." I snapped at my husband before walking back to the car. I didn't mean it to be. Just my mother visiting me kind of shook things up for me.

"What's gotten into her?" I heard Jacob mumble to our kids. Oh, he doesn't want to know.

I knew I shouldn't be angry. I would do the same thing if I was in his position. I know I would. I had every right to be angry at my husband but I couldn't be. I knew he was scared something else would still happen to us and he was just trying to protect us. To me, that's all that mattered.

It was quiet on the way to the park, expect for the twins talking but who could mind that. Jacob just sat, twirling his wedding band around, and pulling at the color of his suit.

"So why did you change clothes since leaving this morning?" I showed him.

He huffed before thinking back, "It's not like that. I had a meeting. It came up all of a sudden and I had a suit laying around. Are you okay? Do we need to cancel-"

"No." I was needing this trip to Hawaii as much as everybody else. "What time do you think you will be home?"

"What time is our flight?"

"Three-thirty."

I caught the look on his face and pressed the gas harder before slamming on breaks when I realized we were at the park. I got out, slamming my door, and opened the door for the twins. They spilled out with no question. Putting Addie on my hip, I opened the back. Grace grabbed the blanket, Sage grabbed the basket, and balanced Addie's toys and the ice chest. Screw the freaking trip. I said I wasn't mad at my husband. Well, now I am!

"Let me get that." Jacob insisted. He was out of his jacket, his tie was gone, his sleeves were up to his elbows, and a few buttons were undone, revealing his chest. I cursed myself for thinking of how sexy he looked.

"I got it!" I yelled, my voice hitching a little. The tears pricked up. I didn't want to break down again in front of the twins. They were worried already enough.

Jacob grabbed Addie and put her in the car, cranking it, and told the twins to watch her while me and him talked. He came back around, brining me in his embrace. I let a few tears escape as he rubbed my back and kissed my hair.

"What's wrong?" he whispered.

So many things were wrong but I wanted to speak with him about one thing. "Why did you tell my mother to stay away from me and our kids?" I asked.

He gave me a confused look so I projected my short conversation to him. I showed him how I was so angry at her, how I wanted to be angry at him, but I understood. We went through hell and we didn't know when or where a light was going to turn up at the end of the tunnel. We had twins and an unborn baby to protect. Anybody was the enemy.

He backed away and leaned against the car, running his hands across his face. "I thought she wouldn't listen. She said she wouldn't. All I could think of at the time is if I let another bloodsucker near my kids, I was going to kill them, and I didn't want to kill your mother. They took my twins, they killed you. It's in my blood to hate them, Nessie, and now I can't stand them. I…I'm sorry I said those things to your mom. You should be mad at me. I'm sorry I didn't tell you."

I laid my head on his bicep. "I missed her. I needed her and she was gone." I shook my head. "No. I shouldn't take up for her. She should have not listen to you. She shouldn't have cared what we would have wanted! A mother is supposed to there for her kids!"

Jake brought me close. "Don't be mad at your mom-"

"I am mad at my mom! I want her here with us and our grandchildren and then I don't. I…I don't know."

Life was too damn hard on a exhausted brain.

"What did you tell her?"

"I told her I would talk to you about it and then talk with the twins about it. Their decision makes my final one." I told him, wiping the tears.

He nodded. "I like that. Good idea, Black." He joked, nudging my side.

One more question. "If you cant stand vampires, how did you stand being with my family when I was in labor? Or what about me? I'm half bloodsucker? Do you hate me and our kids since they are one quarter vampire?"

He turned and wrapped his arms around my waist, kissing me. "There's your answer. And I did it for my family. Carlisle was our best bet and I wanted you to have the best the chance. I don't hate them. They actually helped get my kids back. I just can't trust any bloodsucker right now-and that's not counting you." He said, kissing me. He said the next thing between each kiss, "And I love you. You're my wife; the mother to my kids; only half of one; and unbelievably smart, gorgeous, and sexy."

I laughed. "You're a mess."

"So…since we're on vacation, any Mommy and Daddy time I can hope for?"

I busted out laughing even more when Addie started to cry. I patted his face and went to check on her. He may be a mess but he was my mess.

~~~~~~ Forever ~~~~~~

I was ready when our flight came and shocked when Jacob came with us. It was interesting. Sage was asleep, Grace was airsick, and Addie was cranky. Thankfully we had Kaleb and Kierra with us for extra hands but I still felt like you're typical scattered brained mother not knowing what else to do.

Grace was of course happy to see Kaleb and we were happy to see Kierra. She has grown up so much to became a beautiful young lady. I could remember when I would baby sit her while Kaleb ran patrols. Why did everybody have to grow up? Her, Addie, and now with the twins being eight didn't fit right with me. It made me feel so old. Why can't the all just stay babies for a few more years?

I was nervous as we stepped foot into the beach house. I was still paranoid when it was only a year. I know we still our enemies and that only made things worse. But I couldn't help laughing at the kids as they ran around the house, calling which room they wanted while Addalay was passed out on Jacob's shoulder.

"How did I get to be the bellboy?" Kaleb whined.

"Because I'm carrying precious cargo." Jacob shrugged, motioning to our daughter.

I shouldered the diaper bag and grabbed Addie. "Now you're not. Now go. Work. Help. Do something useful."

Jake huffed and walked off with a playful pout while Kaleb sniggered. I shook my head, going up the winding stairs to see what trouble Kierra, Sage, and Grace were getting into, and to put my sleeping baby girl down.

I walk into the master's suite when I heard giggling and laughter. I walked in to see the three of them screaming and jumping up and down on the bed, on our bed, having a pillow fight.

"Ssshhhh….you'll wake your sister." I whispered.

They all plopped down. "Sorry, Momma." The twins whispered.

"Yeah. Sorry, Nessie."

I moved and put Addie on the bed, spreading pillows around to make sure she didn't roll off. She huffed, rubbing her nose, and let out a sigh of content. For a baby who cried the first few months of her life, she was a happy now.

I kissed her forehead and walked out, hearing the giggles downstairs, and smiled. I felt strong arms pick me up and bring me into another room. I squealed when he put his hand over my mouth and gently shut the door. Of course. Leave it to Jacob to scare the crap out of me.

It was taken back when he put his lips on mine but decided to follow along. His lips traveled to my color bone as he said between kisses, "I think Kaleb can watch the twins while me and you have some alone time."

I made his face meet mine and his hand pull away from the strap of my dress. "What? We can't ask Kaleb to watch our kids. This is his vacation too."

The last time we had alone time with Kaleb watching the kids, it ended with them being kidnapped. I can't do that again. No…

"Yeah, and he crashed it."

"Kierra needed to get away."

He opened his mouth and then shut it, popping his head on the wall. "Please…." He whispered, kissing a spot below my ear.

"I just put Addie down."

"Yeah, and?"

"Later; plus by how you're feeling, you've got to phase. That's probably why you're doing this."

"That's so lame." He mumbled.

I projected to how hard he was holding me and he backed away. "Sorry." He mumbled.

I leaned my head against his chest. "I'm so sleepy. I just want to sleep for hours and hours at a time." I joked. I laughed at his look. "And not what you're thinking."

Jacob grabbed my wrist and brought his lips to mine again. It wasn't that deep, fiery, passionate kiss as before. Not this time. It was soft, short, sweet, and filled with sympathy and tenderness. He told me everything would be okay without even saying anything.

"I'll go check on Addie and you go see what our trouble makers are doing." Jacob smiled. He put his hands on my hips and brought me closer to him, giving a mischievous look. "And then me and you can check out this place."

I rolled my eyes. The only thing I was checking out was the bed and the back of my eyelids. I love Addie but she still hasn't figured out that nighttime was meant for sleeping. If it wasn't for my amazing family I would be a raging maniac.

I came into the living room, seeing Kaleb, Kierra, and the twins playing a board game. Jacob came down later with a pouty Addalay, whom had her head buried in her daddy's shoulder, whimpering.

"Who's winning?" I asked.

"Sage." Grace said. "But I have more money."

"Nah-uh. I bet that I have more than you! Loser has to do the other's choses for a week."

"Whoa, whoa, whoa. Shouldn't the parents know about this bet?" Jacob joked, rubbing Addie's back.

"Aw, come one, Jake. You know a little competition never hurt anybody." Kaleb joked. His eyes got big when he caught Jacob's glare.

Addie squirmed her way out of Jacob's hold and started reaching for her brother, trying to scoot. I was proud of her. She's starting to move around, already wanting to be Miss Independent. Our last baby won't be a baby much longer.

Sage grabbed her and put her in his lap, bouncing her. Addie smiled in accomplishment but that wasn't good enough. She also wanted her big sister to have her full attention on her. My little diva has them wrapped.

I smiled at my family. They were so beautiful. I was blessed to have them. "Now that you've got your hands free, Mr. Black, how about we start cooking and then we'll unpack."

Without waiting for an answer, I grabbed him and dragged him out of the room.

~~~~~~ Forever ~~~~~

The next day we took the kids to the beach. Kierra, Sage, and Grace loved it, but Addie…she'll get use to it once she gets older.. This was her first time so of course she would be cautious of it. So she was full content with sitting on a blanket with us under the shade, playing with her toys.

I felt Jacob's lips touch mine. "Will you stop?" I giggled.

"I can't."

I swatted at him. "Mmmhmm." I mumbled. "Can you stay out here while I take Addie back in?"

"Ness, she's fine. She's not getting that much sun and the fan's blowing right on her. She's probably not even hot." He said. I looked at my daughter in her adorable bathing suit, hat, and little, pink sandals with matching shades. At least with her I get to girly out and she doesn't fuss. "Relax."

I huffed, plopping back against him as I watched my eight year olds play in the water with Kierra and Kaleb. "Where did the time go? It didn't seem that long ago they were the ones that were babies." I said, motioning to Sage and Grace.

"And we were trying to figure out parenthood." Jacob laughed, smiling.

"We still are; but I wouldn't change anything, you know. Maybe one thing, but the rest I think just brought us closer."

Jacob looked at our youngest daughter then at our oldest son and daughter. "Me too." He smiled.

All of a sudden, before I knew it, Grace plopped in my lap, wet and sandy. It interrupted Addie's playing, which earned Big Sister a green eyed daggered glare.

"Okay. Sure. You can sit on my lap." I told Grace.

She moved her curly hair out of her face and took a sip of water. "Sorry, Momma. I just thought you looked so comfortable." She huffed, leaning back against me dramatically. I busted out laughing.

Jacob and Kaleb sniggered as Sage plopped down next to Jacob, the same state as his twin sister was in. "When-" breathe "-can we play…football…Dad…Daddy?" he panted.

He was having trouble catching his breath and couldn't hardly drink along with it. Red flags went off in my head but Jacob handled it smoothly. "How about you cool off first?" I told him.

Grace looked at me, already sensing my worry. "Is Sage okay, Momma?" she pushed to me.

I nodded, hoping she believed. I also hoped I believed it myself. Maybe I should call Grandpa or his pediatrician? Should we go home early? We all really needed this trip. Should I ruin it on one thing that may be nothing than me just being an over protective mother. He could be just overheated.

"So how is your summer, Kierra?" I asked, turning the fan on all my kids. Might as well call Kierra my kid too. She's apart of our family basically.

"It's becoming a lot better now that I get to hang out with all of you and Kabe." She said, smiling at her big brother. "I'm moving out of Dad's house since I can choose now."

"Kierry…" Kaleb trailed. "I'm sure they don't want to hear about our soap opera life."

I brushed Kaleb off and took Kierra's hand. "You're apart of our family, Kierra. We care about you."

Jacob and I have made some pretty stupid mistakes over the years, but that was what life was about. You make a mistake; you learn from it; you come back stronger and move on. Because then how can you live your life without learning? We were not perfect and I wouldn't want my relationship to be any other way. I love my husband as he was and he loved me as I was. We wouldn't change each other any other.

Jacob and I looked at each other and then back at our kids. Looking back at when our story began, I would never think I would ever go through this adventure. If you told me I would have three wonderful kids and I wonderful husband, I would laugh rudely in your face. I pictured my life so differently than the one I have now, that it always blew my mind away when I looked back. But I loved it. I wouldn't have my life any other way.

"I love you, you know that right?" I showed him. "You and our wonderful kids."

"Me too. Our life would be boring without them."

Sure, this story was hard and horrible, but there were also sweet times. You have to go through many of the bad to get to the good. Seeing my daughters' and my son's smile, I knew I was definitely at the good. Mine and Jacob's story was ending but we have three new ones coming up. Sure, we have more dangers ahead, more nightmares, and more tears, but we would get through them as a family. Because during the hard times, family was the one who got you through things. We were always strong together.

Sage, Grace, and Addie will have wonderful stories to tell, and Jacob and I will be there to watch. So bring on life. There was one important things we had on our side. Love. It continued even after we're gone. It never dies. Love was worth fighting for and I hope someday my children see that too. We'll have each other and we'll have love.

Forever.

The end is only the beginning…

I can feel the wind change

I can tell when something's not right

Our love is the one thing that keeps us

We will be alright

In some other world you've think you've think you've lost me

You need to know

I'm coming home

~Coming Home, Ramin Karimloo