Chapter 29
Due to necessity, Quitahka and Paul left to return to the tribe the afternoon following Kevin's welcoming party. But, given their new found means of convenient transportation, Rachael, Rebecca and their children stayed with the Quileute tribe to spend much desired time with Sara and to further get to know Renesmee. She dazzled his sisters with tales of her childhood, living through a civil war, the atrocities she's seen, the cities she'd lived in. She even told them one of her earliest memories of the largest vampire coven known, the Volturi, coming to America with full intent to execute her. She talked of Nahuel and his aunt Huilen, or what little she really knew of them. They were the two that saved her life. She only wished she could've gotten to know them better or that she could see them again. Her new niece and nephews listened intently just as their mothers, fascinated by what they'd always thought would be a breach of all things natural and decent. That's what Quicheat had said, at least, before Rebecca swatted his head for being rude.
They were especially intrigued with the knowledge that Renesmee was taken on by Sokajili as an apprentice. It was the first the tribe would have a female Medicine Man and they knew the Hou tribe had also never had a female Medicine Man before either. In the time since she'd had Kevin, she would still spend her mornings with Sokajili and help him and continued learning their rituals and practicing. Just the other day, she assisted Sokajili with a woman in labor with her third child. Carlisle had requested to see some of the things that Sokajili did to practice medicine. He was intrigued by aroma therapy, but had never been trained in it. He'd only ever been taught to see it as quackery and witch craft in his youth and even now, but he could tell this natural medicine Sokajili used and was training Renesmee in was capable of great things that even modern medicine simply couldn't achieve without severe side effects.
Jacob's sisters and their children stayed with the Quileutes for several days before they decided it was time to go home and Edward rode them home in the cart. They left loving Renesmee, any remaining fears they may have had about her completely dashed. Only days after Jacob's sisters and their children returned to their tribe, Renesmee and Caevia were sitting together on the water's edge breast feeding their sons. Little Embry was already growing to be so big. Since his birth in the summer (from Caevia's and Embry's memory, Edward guessed Embry Jr. was born in late June), Embry had already gone from approximately 8 or 9 pounds to 14 pounds. And since his birth, Kevin had already gotten just a little bigger, maybe a pound and a half. As the two of them breast fed, they both had their free index finger extended for their baby to hold.
"I'm pregnant again," Caevia smiled while she watched Embry nurse.
"Already?" Renesmee smiled. "That's great news. Have you told Embry?"
"I told him this morning. He's thrilled about it," Caevia said. "As far as I know, he's already told Jacob and Quil."
"He probably has by now. I'm happy to hear he's so excited. It'll be another summer baby too!"
"Summer's the best time to have a baby," Caevia smiled. "You'll have a new brother or sister soon, Embry," Caevia cooed to the baby.
"Jacob tells me you and Embry are planning to have five?"
"At least," Caevia agreed. "Embry said he promised to give me a child for every one that was taken away from me. Though I may end up wanting more after that."
"I say have five first and see how you feel from there," Renesmee joked and the two shared a laugh. At the other end of the village, Embry was relaying the news to Jacob and Quil.
"Two down, three more to go," Quil joked. "It certainly didn't take long to get her pregnant again, did it?" Embry shrugged with a chipper grin.
"Once she was feeling better after having Embry, she and I started having sex again." Embry looked at Jacob. "So are you two planning to have another baby any time soon?"
"I'd like to get used to having Kevin around before we start thinking of having another one. We'll have another one soon enough."
Later that day, Renesmee's family came to the village eager to announce that their home was officially completed and they wanted to invite the tribe, anyone who wanted to go at least, to their home for dinner. Never ones to turn their nose up to a party where there was sure to be plenty of food, everyone in the tribe, just over 100 people, agreed they wanted to come to the celebration. Jacob, Quil and Embry agreed among themselves that they would trade places keeping an eye on the tribal grounds during the party to make sure all things were alright while everyone was away at the Cullen's house. Between Jacob, William and Carlisle, they agreed to have the party in two days so as to give the Cullens and the tribe members time to prepare food for the celebration and give the people enough time to walk to the Cullen's home which, as agreed, was 12 miles away from the Quileute tribal ground. So the trip to the Cullen house would take everyone a long time unless they used several carts. And as promised, the Cullens created a long stretching cobble stone path that twisted and turned through the woods leading to the Cullen house.
"Esme is eager for you to see the staircase," Carlisle said to Jacob while they sat up front of the cart as they made their way to the house. They drove the cart with all the food the Quileutes prepared, save for the deer. That was being carried in a separate cart to keep it away from things that were already cooked. The rest of the tribe rode behind in several other carts talking amongst themselves and, for those that shared a cart with them, playing with and cooing Kevin and young Embry.
"Is she?"
"Yes," Carlisle affirmed. "Those railings you carved for her look lovely on the staircase. She wanted to ask you to carve us a door after she saw the finished product, but we'd already purchased doors, so I convinced her against it."
"I'm glad she likes them," Jacob said. He was quiet a moment, thinking about the images Renesmee had shown him of their old houses, particularly the plantation style home during the war. "Renesmee showed me other homes you've all lived in."
"Has she?" Carlisle said.
"Yes," Jacob nodded. "She showed me that home you guys had during the war."
"Ah yes," Carlisle smiled, "she was very fond of that house. It was the first home we lived in after leaving Michigan. There was a swing out front and a generous yard for her to play in. When Caevia came along, the memories became fonder since she had someone that could play outside with her without fear from anyone seeing us."
"I thought Caevia hated that house," Jacob said.
"She did," Carlisle confirmed. "The house was a style that's very popular down south so many of her former masters had very similar homes. She was much happier when we moved further up north and lived in homes that were of a different style. The house we've built here is very different. We've decided that, since overcasts are so common here, we should have many large windows. It opens up the rooms and allows a nice source of natural light, albeit tamed."
"And that's where you will all stay?"
"At the very least, we'll ensure we always have that home," Carlisle said. "We may have to move away at some point, but we'll come back. This place is beginning to grow on us. Perhaps one day, we shall go to the Alaskan Territory and be with our cousins, but for now, this is certainly a lovely place for us."
"You have cousins?"
"The Denalis," Carlisle confirmed. "They are not our cousins by blood like myself and Edward, but we've grown very close with the Denali sisters and the Spanish couple that lives with them, so we consider them family."
"Oh," Jacob said.
"Renesmee asked us not to broach the subject," Carlisle eventually continued, "but Edward had mentioned you and Renesmee had a discussion regarding the homes she'd lived in and you feeling as though she would like to have one again."
"She said she's happy without one," Jacob said with a hint of defensiveness.
"Please do not take this the wrong way," Carlisle said kindly. "I did not mean to imply anything negative against you. I'm more interested in your opinion on the matter. If we were to offer our assistance, would you consent to us helping your tribe build homes for themselves? I've come to notice winters are not very pleasant here. It must be unpleasant for everyone."
"Our tents are well equipped to resist the elements. They keep us warm in the winter and keep us cool in the summer. As far as I could tell, Edward was more concerned that Kevin and his future siblings would be sharing sleeping space. Such a tragedy," Jacob said sarcastically. "My sister, my cousins and I all slept in the same spot and we turned out just fine."
"Indeed," Carlisle chuckled. "I must apologize to your for Edward's behavior. He does mean well, I assure you. One day, I'm sure, you and Renesmee will have a daughter. When that happens, I believe you will come to understand how Edward is feeling."
"He's being a dick regardless," Jacob mumbled and Carlisle just smiled.
"He only wants the best for Renesmee and for his grandchildren, as any parent does."
"That doesn't entitle him to degrade me as a father and a husband," Jacob said bitterly.
"You're right, it does not," Carlisle agreed, attempting to calm Jacob down. "Perhaps I'm not being of much assistance with this matter."
"Quite the contrary," Jacob finally said after a moment's silence. "Out of everyone you and your wife are the most pleasant."
"Thank you for saying," Carlisle said. "Just give Edward time. He'll warm up to you eventually." Jacob just shrugged and took a deep breath. They were quiet a moment longer before Jacob took another deep breath.
"Perhaps later," Jacob said.
"I'm sorry?" Carlisle said.
"I mean regarding building homes similar to the ones your people have. Perhaps later, we'll look at building those."
"We're more than happy to assist when you're ready," Carlisle answered, patting Jacob's back.
When they all arrived at the home, Jacob was a little dumbstruck by it. There appeared to be three distinct floors from what he could see through the many windows. Most of the rooms were clearly visible from the outside. Each visible room was filled with bright reds, golds, tapestries fancy furniture and a large fireplace. Renesmee had shown him images of old English homes when they'd been reading the books based in England. Aside from the difference in window quantity and placement, the home seemed very similar to those homes. The yard from the back of the house from where they approached was vast and filled with wooden swings, a little pond surrounded by particularly fancy looking rocks and a generous patio area. He could see a little of the staircase from outside and he saw the railings he'd made for Esme. Each was aligned up the staircase with expert precision.
"It is, perhaps, a little odd looking compared to most homes, but we thought this would be a lovely design."
"It looks like those English homes from the inside."
"Renesmee has shown you images of those?"
"Yes," Jacob answered. "I notice the common theme is too much stuff and too many needless rooms." Carlisle chuckled as he stopped the horses.
"The wealthy are prone to many needless things, I'm afraid. We've certainly not been an exception."
"I would certainly say so," Jacob mumbled.
The yard itself was also filled with tables lined with food from bread, to large glass containers of water, some seafood Jacob recognized to be cooked salmon, potatoes and a large multilevel cake that was white in color. Between that and the food the tribe had brought, they would certainly not leave hungry.
"We managed to acquire some salmon. Esme was told that was a popular fish in your tribe," Carlisle said.
"When they're in season," Jacob confirmed with a nod.
Once everyone was at a stop in their respective carts, everyone got out and just gawked at the home as well as all the food. William instructed everyone to assist with getting a fire prepared for the deer, which Emmett and Jasper came outside to assist with. In the meantime, Jacob allowed Carlisle to escort Jacob into the home. When Esme saw him enter, she went right to him with a bright smile.
"Oh, Jacob there you are!" she said, taking a hold of his hand. "Come, let me show you the stairs. The railings you made look absolutely beautiful."
"I saw them from outside," Jacob said as Esme pulled him closer to the stairs. Indeed, the railings looked nice on the long, spiraling staircase.
"Yes, but the detail you put in these are wonderful. Thank you for these, Jacob, they really are lovely. Did Carlisle tell you I'd wanted you to make use doors?"
"He said he'd convinced you against it."
"Indeed, and I'm kicking myself for it. I know you would've made them beautiful."
"I can always make them later," Jacob mumbled. Renesmee walked up behind them, Kevin in her arms, with Caevia and little Embry in arm close behind.
"Those look beautiful, Jacob," Renesmee said when she looked at his work. "They look beautiful from outside too."
"And Caevia," Carlisle said, "Edward tells us you're pregnant again?"
"Already?" Emmett joked, walking back inside from assisting with the fire.
"Yes," Caevia smiled. "Embry will have a little brother or sister come summer."
"Can we expect a baby a year then?" Embry joked and chuckled. Caevia smiled.
"We'll have to wait and see," she replied with a laugh. Bella, having run upstairs to grab something, came downstairs with a tiny white gown that was about Kevin's size.
"Renesmee," Bella said with a smile, "We finally found a church that can do Kevin's baptism. We can do that this Sunday. Let's have Kevin try on his gown. Esme helped me make it for him."
"Oh mother," Renesmee smiled as she followed Bella to a table. "That's so beautiful." Jacob followed out of curiosity, though his opinion of the baptism was, at best, indifferent. Renesmee and Bella worked to get Kevin into his little baptismal gown that Bella had made. It was all white with the exception of a little lining on the coat Bella had made. That was a slightly darker, eggshell color and his little cap was that same color. Kevin looked around while they fused over him, but he remained quiet all the same. When he was dressed, Renesmee brought Kevin back into her arms and showed him to Jacob. "He looks so handsome, Jacob," she said.
"I'd thought to use your baptismal gown, but your father said it would be better to give Kevin his own. This little jacket was your father's idea too."
"Thank you, mama, he looks so handsome."
"And Jacob, we can fit you for something nice to wear for the baptism. We've had the opportunity to speak with the priest at the church and he was surprisingly open to the knowledge that you're an Indian. Evidently, he has plenty of experience with them."
"Where exactly is this place?" Jacob asked.
"We'll have to go to Hoquiam. In fact, I think Sergeant Lovejoy had stopped there looking for Renesmee. Everyone remembered him. We'll even have a place to stay while we're there. It turns out there's a gentleman there that owns a bakery that's good friends with the tribesman there. In fact, he was the one that told us of the church and priest that could do the baptism."
"He was a very pleasant man," Edward agreed. He knew, given his experiences in the past, they would be most sympathetic and more than willing to assist them even after explaining exactly who they were.
"Where is Hoquiam?" Jacob asked.
"It's about 100 miles from here," Edward said. "If it's agreeable to you, we'll leave tomorrow so we can be there by Sunday."
"How many days away?" Jacob asked Edward to clarify.
"By horse and cart, we can get there in 2 days. My question to you is shall it just be us and you or will you invite your parents to come as well?"
"Father will not go," Jacob said. He's already discussed the matter with his father and mother and they were, in a word, discontent. Kevin had already been brought into the world under their traditions and, in their eyes, they were undoing all that for pale faced traditions.
"Jacob," Bella said, noticing Jacob's shit. "I don't want you to think we intend to belittle your people's traditions. We wish only to assist in raising our grandchild."
"If this is what Renesmee wants, then I'll comply." Jacob looked at Kevin in his little gown and coat and patted him on the head. "He looks cute," he said before walking outside to assist with dinner. Renesmee watched him walk away and then looked at Kevin. He'd closed his eyes, appearing to attempt taking a nap in her arms.
"Let's get him out of his gown before it gets dirty," Renesmee said. They removed the gown from Kevin and returned him to another pair of clothes that Renesmee's family had made him. She walked outside once Kevin was dressed and gently tapped Jacob on the shoulder to get his attention. He stopped what he was doing and looked at Renesmee.
"Is everything alright?" Jacob asked.
"Everything's fine." She gave Jacob a quick kiss. "Please, Jacob, if you have any objections to Kevin being baptized, then we won't go."
"No," Jacob said, finally smiling back at her. "Your people have your traditions just as we do. I won't diminish their importance. We'll leave for Hoquiam tomorrow and have him baptized by Sunday." Renesmee smiled and gave Jacob another kiss.
"Thank you, Jacob." She gave him a kiss. "You'd said you would love to hear me play the piano in person once."
"Is there a piano in the house of you to play?"
"Of course there is," Renesmee smiled. "My father would sooner discard his right hand than live in a house without a piano," Renesmee joked. She looked for Jacob's mother and when she found her, she ran to her and handed Kevin to her with a smile. "Would you mind terribly looking after Kevin a moment? I want to show Jacob the Piano."
"The Piano? Is that the instrument he said you play best?"
"Yes," Renesmee nodded.
"You know I'll look after him," Sara smiled and looked at Kevin. "You're always a joy, my little cub," Sara said to Kevin, cooing and ogling over him while Renesmee walked away and grabbed Jacob's hand to lead him to where the music room was. Esme pointed to a room off towards the front of the house with a glass double door that was currently closed. Renesmee led Jacob to it and opened the door to see the piano in the left corner of the room surrounded by all the other instruments they owned.
"So that thing in the middle is the piano?" Jacob asked as Renesmee went right too it with a bright smile. She went right to the piano and immediately started playing. Jacob sat on the bench facing away from the keys but kept watching Renesmee play. "What is this called?"
"It's Nocturne by Frederick Chopin," Renesmee said. The song was so calm and lovely. Renesmee even closed her eyes at a point while she played. She looked as if she might cry. "It's been so long," she said. "The last time I played was when I was in that Inn where everyone stayed. You remember?"
"I remember the nosey, talkative bitch that lives there," Jacob said. The song Renesmee was playing, despite Jacob's mood, was so relaxing and even romantic. He couldn't stay angry at the withered old hag for very long.
"She's what we call a 'busy-body'," Renesmee said with a smile. "But they have a piano in the dining area and I'd played for Claire when she ran into town to come and get me."
"I heard about that," Jacob said. "She'd scared her parents something awful."
"I'm sure of it," Renesmee said. "It's nice to play again under happy circumstances."
"Will you teach our son the piano then?" Jacob joked as he rested his hand on Renesmee's knee. He attempted to lean back, but he hit some keys and it made him jump and made Renesmee stop playing. She started to laugh and rested her hand over Jacob's on her knee.
"I imagine I will. Though daddy already has quite the curriculum planned out for Kevin and all our other children."
"Curriculum?"
"It's things that he will be studying," Renesmee said. "He'll have the boy learning French, math, English literature, Religion, Science, basically everything I was taught. Daddy will happily teach Embry and all Caevia's other children should she ask."
"It couldn't hurt," Jacob said. "And when will this glorious education begin?" Renesmee slapped Jacob's hand, but continued to smile.
"Don't speak so harshly. It will start when he's older. I imagine piano and French lessons will start sooner than his other lessons. Music and Language are things you always start a child on young. As I remember, I learned how to play the piano before I learned how to walk."
"And here all I learned how to do was fish, hunt, and fight," Jacob joked.
"Our son will learn how to do those things too. It's not as if my parents will be the only source of education our son has. He'll be a regular renaissance man."
"Renaissance man?"
"It means someone that is skilled in many different fields."
"Oh," Jacob said. Renesmee gave Jacob another kiss and returned to playing the song she'd been playing before Jacob had accidently leaned against the keys. His hand remained on her thigh as she played, squeezing her livingly. They'd not made love in weeks and it was leaving him restless. He'd attempted to initiate something the other night, but she said she was still sore, still bleeding a little and wasn't ready yet, so Jacob left her alone. He'd not attempted again since that night, but he was still anxious. "I've missed you," he finally said while he squeezed and stroked her thigh.
"I've missed you too," Renesmee said. "Don't worry, Jacob. The moment I'm back to normal, I'll let you know."
While the rest of the food was being prepared, some of the people walked around looking at the house. Esme made sure to show Renesmee and Caevia around so they knew where everything was. As she'd always said, they were all always welcome to visit whenever they desired. As the night progressed, Bella managed to work up Claire's confidence and convinced her to play for everyone in the tribe, showing off what Bella had taught her. As Renesmee had promised, Bella proved to be a most expert teacher. She was more confident playing the violin than Renesmee was and she knew the chipper Scottish fiddle songs that her father had taught her when she was younger and Claire enjoyed them more than the slow classical songs Renesmee knew how to play.
It was before dinner when Claire played a fun little song that Bella had taught her to play, dancing around Claire as she played and encouraging others to dance with her. Anyone that wasn't consumed with cooking joined Bella and danced around while Claire played, exciting the little girl and encouraging her to play more. She didn't stop until dinner was officially served and Bella took over playing the violin from there to entertain their guests.
"Caevia," Renesmee said when everyone was seated for dinner.
"Yes?"
"I mentioned my parents wanted to have Kevin baptized right?"
"Yes, you'd mentioned it. Did they find a church that would do it?"
"They have," Renesmee nodded. "We'll have to go all the way to Hoquiam."
"Where is that?"
"South of here," Renesmee said. "About 100 miles south of here."
"Good Lord," Caevia said. "That's quite a trek to have a priest splash water on his head."
"Daddy said they made arrangements for the baptism to be this Sunday, so we're leaving tomorrow. And I was actually wondering if you and Embry might come with. I would love for you and Embry to be Kevin's Godparents."
"You want us to be the Godparents? But we're not Catholic."
"I know you're not. It's not about being spiritual guides," Renesmee laughed. "It's more a matter of knowing that, if somehow something happens to me and Jacob, I can count on you and Embry to take care of Kevin and our other children. My family could take care of them, sure, but I want to know they'll stay with the tribe."
"I find it exceedingly unlikely that anything will happen to BOTH of you, but," Caevia giggled, "if it will give you piece of mind, Embry and I will gladly take Kevin in if something should happen to you and Jacob. I'll let Embry know we're both going to be traveling tomorrow." With Kevin still in one arm, Renesmee wrapped her free arm around Caevia's neck and hugged her.
"Thank you so much, Caevia," she said with a bright smile. Embry hadn't been paying attention to Renesmee and Caevia until Caevia tapped Embry's shoulder.
"Embry, we are joining Renesmee and Jacob tomorrow."
"Joining them where?"
"We're going south for a ceremony that'll be performed on Kevin. Renesmee has asked us to be what her people call Godparents," she answered.
"What are Godparents?"
"In our case, its Renesmee's way of entrusting her children to us should anything happen to her and Jacob."
"Well, they don't need a ceremony for that," Embry said. "I know, but it's just a way in her culture to make things official. I warn you, it will be a long trip."
"It will?" Embry mumbled.
"My parents will ensure the trip is as swift as possible," Renesmee stepped in. "In fact, you and Jacob can run as wolves if it'll make the trip easier for you."
"We'll do that," Jacob said, only now contributing to the conversation. "It will give you and Caevia more room to relax during the trip."
The night wore on with eating and dancing until everyone went inside to sleep. Quil, Jacob and Embry had been taking turns keeping an eye on the village, but once everyone was asleep, all three were out and stayed close to the village while everyone slept at the Cullen house. Places to actually sleep were on a first come first serve basis, beds being saved only for the children and everywhere else being a matter of sleeping where there was a spot. Those that slept in beds found themselves eager to stay as the beds were so soft, warm, and pliable compared to their beds planted firmly against the ground. Embry and Jacob returned in the morning while Quil went right to the village when morning came, waiting for everyone to return. Alice and Jasper agreed they would remain behind so they could lead the villagers back home and would catch up to them later. Though the plan had been for Jacob and Embry to walk as wolves, by the time they came back from patrol, they were both simply exhausted. Esme insisted they stay in the cart with Renesmee and Caevia and the rest of them would either sit up front or walk. They had no worries of getting tired anyway. Jacob protested initially, but they demurred the moment he inadvertently laid against the cart and practically fell asleep while still standing upright. He and Embry slept the whole trip. Renesmee and Caevia sat beside Jacob and Embry respectively with Bella and Esme being the only ones in the cart with them. Rosalie sat up front with Carlisle and Edward and Emmett walked alongside the horses, increasing their speed to match that of the horses whenever necessary.
"Remember when we'd ridden from Seattle to Olympia?" Caevia asked Renesmee about an hour into the trip.
"Yes, I do. You slept most of the trip as I remember." Caevia huffed a little and looked at her husband, who was in the envious position of sleeping like a log.
"I did," she said. "It made the trip more bearable, though I was still sore when we arrived in town."
"I know, I was too and they just would not let us rest or stop to let us stretch our legs."
"That was the worst part," Caevia agreed.
"If the two of you need us to stop at any point," Carlisle said from the front, "just let me know and we'll take a break."
"Don't worry, you'll be the first to know," Caevia joked and looked at young Embry. "These two should be fine most of the trip at least. Embry's been sleeping like his father lately."
"Was he fussy at first?" Carlisle asked.
"A little," Caevia said. "He would cry sometimes even after I'd fed and cleaned him. I'm not sure why he was doing that."
"He may have been colicky," Carlisle said. "It's not terribly uncommon in children. It doesn't appear to bother him anymore."
"Oh, no, he's much better now," Caevia affirmed. "He's sleeping through the night most nights now. He's still an early feeder, though," Caevia teased, rubbing his chin while he slept. "But he's really like his father. Once he's asleep, he's asleep and he won't wake up until he wants to."
"Enjoy it while it lasts," Renesmee joked to Embry and to Kevin. "Before you know it, you'll be all grown up."
"Don't even say it," Caevia laughed. "He's not even six months old yet. It's too soon to tease them about growing up."
"By the way, how've you been feeling? You haven't had any morning sickness?" Renesmee asked.
"Not this time so much. Sokajili was able to make me a little perfume to ease nausea and I've been rubbing that on my chest whenever I feel sick. It's helped out quite a bit."
"Is Embry looking forward to the baby?" Rosalie asked.
"Yes, he's very excited," Caevia said.
"You do know," Embry chuckled from the side of the cart, "that when I asked if you would have a baby a year that I was joking correct?"
"The challenge is accepted all the same," Caevia joked. "What about you and Jacob?" Caevia asked. "Are you feeling any better since having Kevin?"
"I'm still a little sore. I imagine I'll be better soon, though. Though I will say, I'd like to wait a little longer before Jacob and I have another baby. I don't know how you'll do it, Caevia. You'll still be breast feeding Embry when the new baby comes along. Why he'll probably be able to stand and eat." They both shared a laugh and Caevia shrugged.
"He'll still have a year's source before I'll start weaning him. That's a good age to start right Carlisle?"
"I always recommend waiting at least until the baby is 2 before you start weaning. I would, however, start introducing solid food at around 1. The earlier the better. And feed him lots of fruit. The potatoes will be an excellent food for him too. They'll be easy to digest and easy on his stomach. And they must eat their vegetables. No excuses," Carlisle teased. "That goes for Kevin too, Renesmee." Renesmee laughed and looked at Kevin, sound asleep in her arms. Jacob was sleeping beside her and she couldn't help but look at the two of them and compare. His family joked that Kevin favored her, but when she watched the two of them sleep, their faces were so identical it was striking. She looked at Embry Sr. and Embry Jr. seeing much the same scene: faces identical in their sleep.
Alice and Jasper caught up with them before nightfall when Caevia requested they stop for a few hours. She wanted a chance to stretch her legs and take care of Embry. Jacob and Embry Sr. finally woke up when they stopped and were groggy but more alert than they'd been before when they left. Renesmee took care of Kevin, feeding and cleaning him as Caevia was doing for Embry Jr., while Jacob and Embry Sr. walked around to stretch out.
"Are we still not there?" Embry complained. "We slept through most of the day!"
"It's a long way away, Embry. I don't know what to tell you."
"What is this for again?"
"ABaptism," Jacob said.
"What's that mean, exactly?"
"I don't know," Jacob said. "Something to do with washing sin from the baby with blessed water or something."
"Sin? What sin? He's a baby."
"I wouldn't worry about it so much. You and Caevia are just theGodparentsbecause Renesmee wants to be sure Kevin will have somewhere to go in case something happens to us."
"Godparents,"Embry managed to utter in a thick accent. "It won't undo any of our ceremonies will it?"
"Of course not," Jacob said.
"So does this mean we'll be doing this every time you and Renesmee have a baby?"
"I imagine so," Jacob said. "So you'll beGodparentsto a lot of kids."
Embry grunted and little and scratched the back of his head. "I still don't understand why Renesmee thinks this ceremony is necessary. You know we'll take those kids in with open arms worst case scenario."
"We do know that, this just makes it official. Or 'legal'in her people's case."
"What does 'legal'mean?"
"It means a practice or custom that is recognized as being required by the authority of the land. Like a law. So if we go to a big building called a'church'have the'priest'throw blessed water or'Holy Water'on Kevin's head and you agree to be a guardian to Kevin should we be unfit or unable to fulfill our role as parents, then it falls on you and Caevia and its official in the eyes of the law."
"Church, priest, holy water," Embry repeated.
Jacob laughed, "Keep it up Embry, and you'll be speakingEnglishin no time."
"Ehr," Embry grumbled a little. "Do you think I should? LearnEnglishI mean? You learnedEnglish, Caevia knowsEnglish, even Quil's starting to learn a little since Bella's been teaching Claire on that string thing."
"Violin," Jacob said.
"Yeah, that thing."
Jacob chuckled, "It certainly wouldn't hurt. I'm sure Caevia would be happy to teach you. I'm sure the Cullens will make sure all our kids learn to speakEnglish, so it's almost silly for us not to know it at this point."
"I'm hearing they'll be teaching them a lot more than a second language,"Embry rubbed the back of his head.
"That's what I'm being told,"Jacob said. "It's her family's way of ensuring our children have 'opportunities' as they put it."
"What's that supposed to mean?"
"Making it possible for them to have lives outside the tribe from what I can gather."
"Will it earn our kids some margin of respect from the pale faces?"
"We'll just have to wait and see,"Jacob answered.
They all rested for about an hour before getting back on the cart and continuing on to Hoquiam. Renesmee and Caevia went to sleep this time around while Jacob and Embry held the boys, who were now fast asleep after their meal. It was the wee hours of the morning when they arrived into town. No one was on the streets that were illuminated with lanterns. Edward led the way to the Inn that they'd made arrangements to stay at and arrived, according to the clock they saw through the window, 2:15 in the morning. Jacob and Embry woke Caevia and Renesmee while Edward and Carlisle went to the doors of the inn and made their presence known. Jasper took the cart around where they'd been advised they could keep their horses while a young woman answered the door for them.
"Can I help you?" she asked when she saw the large group standing outside.
"Good evening, miss. I'm Carlisle Cullen. I believe my cousin spoke to someone here about renting a few rooms?"
"Oh, yes! I know who you are! Please come inside. You must be dreadfully tired." The woman moved aside and allowed everyone in. Jacob looked at the woman and was a little stunned that she didn't seem the least bit concerned about him or horrified by him. Jasper returned and allowed himself in as well before the young woman closed the door. "You traveled from Forks correct?" she asked as she ran around the counter to go make coffee. "That's no easy trip the way I hear it."
"You've heard correct," Carlisle smiled.
"Well, I can think of ne better reason than to make the journey than to welcome a young man into the arms of the Lord. At least, that's what I remember Mr. Edward said this was regarding correct?"
"Yes, it is for a baptism. His grandson's baptism specifically."
"Yes, he'd mentioned the father is an Indian," she said. "Well, the Catholic church here has baptized many an Indian and saved them from heathenism."
"Excuse me?" Jacob said defensively. His voice made the woman jumped suddenly since she'd not noticed him. Edward immediately stepped in.
"Never mind him," Edward said.
"Are both the babies your grandchildren?" the woman asked, only now noticing Renesmee and Caevia and the babies they held.
"No, no, only Kevin is my grandson. The other young man is Embry. Caevia and her husband Embry sr. are acting as Kevin's Godparents."
"I see," she replied. Then she finally returned a smile to her lips. She walked over to Renesmee and Caevia to look at both children. "Might I hold one of them?" she asked. Renesmee complied and handed Kevin over. The woman cooed and looked down at Kevin, placing a free finger over his little nose. "Oh, he's just darling," she said. She looked up at Jacob. "You must be his father. He looks just like you."
"It's good someone sees it," Renesmee joked. "The tribe all say he looks like me."
"If they mean he's pale and light-haired, then yes, but in fact, he looks like his father." The woman gently bounced Kevin up and down in her arms cooing him. Kevin opened his eyes just a sliver and when he did, the young woman stopped. "Oh dear, I think I woke him."
"It's alright," Renesmee said, taking Kevin back in her arms. "He'll go right back to sleep before you know it." The woman looked at Embry Jr. next with just as kind a smile.
"Might I hold him too?" Caevia smiled and gently handed Embry over to the woman, who did the same to Embry as she did to Kevin. "Is this young man not being baptized?" she asked after a moment.
"We do not follow a Christian faith, rather a faith in the earth and the spirits that reside within it."
"I'm sorry to interrupt but might we be shown to our rooms miss…" Carlisle trailed off momentarily allowing the woman to advise her name.
"Oh, that's Paisley. Miss Karen Paisley. My Uncle owns this place, but I do most of the running of it," she joked. "Please, we have several rooms open and reserved for you. I'll have to fetch a second crib for you," she said to Caevia. "I'll bring that to you once you're all settled."
"Thank you very much," Caevia said while they all followed Miss Paisley up the stairs. Everyone's rooms were within the same line, so they were all neighbored.
"This room," Miss Paisley said when she got to the last room in the hallway, "was reserved for the couple with the child. The two of you," she indicated towards Caevia and Embry, "can have this room. It's open as well. And as I said, I'll grab the other spare crib that we have for your use. As for everyone else, there are plenty of rooms, so pick one that you like and please enjoy your stay."
"One more thing," Edward stepped forward. "You'd said there was a gentleman that would be assisting us with this process," Edward said, wanting to make sure everyone was on the same page.
"Ah, yes, Mr. Locksley. A wonderful old man. I like to think most of us are rather accepting of Indians, but out of all of us he's the most kind hearted. Why, he has an Indian that works for him in his bakery." The woman giggled a little. "His children even call Mr. Locksley 'grandpa'. It's quite lovely I must say."
"And how will he be assisting us?" Jacob asked.
"He's the one that convinced the priest to perform the baptism," Miss Paisley said. "He's not usually too keen on performing a baptism when both parents aren't Catholic. And I should warn, he won't be too keen on making the godparents individuals that aren't Catholic, so you'll want Mr. Locksley to put in another good set of words for you."
"Yes, Caevia and Embry becoming godparents was a touch last minute, but Renesmee was adamant," Bella said.
"Oh, no, I understand. Mr. Locksley was actually quite eager to help."
"Why's that?" Jacob asked.
"Well, the moment Mr. Cullen her," she indicated Edward, "mentioned the name Renesmee, why we all knew exactly who he was talking about."
"You did?" Renesmee said.
"Of course! When Sgt. Lovejoy came through looking for you. He asked virtually everybody if we knew who you were. And might I add, you're stunning in person. Sgt. Lovejoy angered Mr. Locksley like you wouldn't believe! I've never seen the man so angry in my life! Even Cory was up in arms for a while over the whole matter."
"Who's Cory?" Carlisle asked.
"Cory? Oh, he's the Indian that works for Mr. Locksley at his bakery. Sgt. Lovejoy demanded that he be given right to search their burial grounds searching for you. Upset the whole tribe. I understand the man was running an investigation but that was just so rude!"
"I'm sorry I caused such a fuss," Renesmee said.
"So where did you turn up?" the woman asked. "I admit, we were shocked when he came here asking about a woman kidnapped from Olympia. And accusing our Indians of the incident no less! Why, what in God's name made him think they would travel such a distance?"
"It's a long story," Renesmee said, trying to avoid the whole truth. "I was kidnapped by bandits, ended up with tribe after tribe until Caevia and I were given to the Quileutes."
"And where do your people reside?" Miss Paisley asked.
"Further up north closer to the border of Canada," Carlisle answered.
"Oh goodness me," Miss Paisley said. "Perhaps searching for you here wasn't so ludicrous after all." She managed a small laugh. "You certainly went a long way, my dear."
"I certainly did," Renesmee said. Jacob yawned quietly while the women talked and Miss Paisley looked at him. "Oh, I'm sorry, you all must be exhausted. I'll leave you to sleep. Just give me one second and I'll get that second crib," Miss Paisley said to Caevia before she left the hallway and ran down the stairs where the spare cribs were kept.
The rest of the group went into their rooms of choice, only four of whom really needed any rest. Miss Paisley brought the extra crib for Embry's use and everyone that needed it finally got some much needed sleep. Renesmee woke up to the sound of Kevin getting fussy. It was his little coughs and mumbles before he started crying. Renesmee woke up right away going right to Kevin to attend to his morning needs while Jacob rolled onto his back groaning while he started waking up. Kevin stopped crying the moment Renesmee's breast was bare and he was able to start his breakfast. Jacob finally sat up in the bed and rubbed his face, after which he looked at Renesmee watching her and Kevin.
"Good morning," Renesmee smiled. "How'd you like sleeping in a bed?"
"It was soft. I hated the pillow, though," Jacob said, referring to the pillow he'd thrown on the ground only moments of rested his head on it. "It kept poking me."
"It's an unfortunate side effect of a down pillow."
"What's a down pillow?"
"It's a pillow that's stuffed with goose feathers."
"Well, no wonder it was poking me," Jacob said. "And it went flat so quickly, it was more pleasant to just rest my head on the bed."
Renesmee smiled at him, then looked at Kevin while he had his breakfast. Sometimes Kevin would open his eyes and look at her, but most of the time his eyes were closed and content. Jacob laid back down to get a little more sleep while Renesmee took care of Kevin. When Kevin had his fill, he took his mouth away and began to squirm and whimper. Placing a blanket on her shoulder, Renesmee gently placed Kevin on her shoulder and patted his back until a tiny burp escaped his mouth. She cleaned Kevin up and returned to the bed, baby in arms, and sat down next to Jacob. She rubbed his bare back until he turned around to face her. He smiled and reached out for Kevin. After he sat back up, Renesmee handed Kevin over to him.
"So when is the baptism?"
"It'll be tomorrow," Renesmee said. "We'll have today to meet the priest and relax a little. After the baptism, we will have a large dinner spread for you, Embry and Caevia. A baptism is usually a large family gathering. It's a shame the Denalis couldn't come. They would've loved to join us." Jacob scrunched his nose.
"It's hard enough to handle the burn in my nose with the vampires already frequenting the village," he said. By now, Kevin was asleep again and wasted really moving very much. His foot twitched from time to time at most. "I'll just be happy once we go back."
"Home sick already?" Renesmee smiled. They smiled at each other and Renesmee scooted closer to Jacob on the bed until her head rested against his shoulder.
As it turns out, when Kevin started crying, Embry had too. So they were all awake around the same time. It wasn't until they'd been up for an hour that Edward decided to have them come downstairs to eat breakfast. As Jacob, Embry and Caevia ate, Carlisle spoke with Renesmee about the location of the baptism and other details regarding the church. Miss Paisley provided the family with directions to Mr. Locksley's bakery so they could speak with him for further assistance with regards to the new developments regarding the baptism. Poor Miss Paisley looked quite groggy from being up all night, but she was as pleasant as ever before someone came through the door, a wash of relief painted her face and she excused herself to run upstairs for some much needed sleep.
After those who ate finished their breakfast, Jasper retrieved their cart and horse so they could go to see Mr. Locksley. Alice, Rosalie and Esme decided it best they stay behind to find appropriate clothes for everyone. They insisted that Embry join them. He was about Jacob's size and they needed a point of reference for the both of them. Caevia's measurements were already well remembered by Alice, so she was able to go see Mr. Locksley. Embry did protest once it was made clear what Rosalie, Alice and Esme were saying. He didn't understand any of them and he wasn't comfortable going with them alone. Caevia eventually advised it would be best if she joined them, if only to ensure that Embry had someone to talk to that understood him. Jacob suggested he could just go, but everyone insisted that wouldn't be appropriate. He was the father of the child being baptized and he needed to be present when all arrangements were being made.
When they all agreed on who was going where, Alice led her group to a store she had discovered was close by so she could get Embry, and by virtue Jacob, fitted for something nice to wear and retrieve clothes for everyone else to wear too. Carlisle led those that remained with him to the Bakery. They went over the bridge and followed Miss Paisley's directions until they stopped in front of the little bakery in question. They stopped the horse outside so everyone could get off and Jasper brought the horse to a place where he would be kept out of the rain once it started. It was cloudy and looked like it would rain some time that day. When they all walked in, there was a young girl standing behind the counter with pigtail braids, a little pink floral dress and a bright smile.
"Good morning and welcome! Can I interest you in some coffee and a muffin to start your day?" the young girl asked.
"Oh, no dear, we're alright," Carlisle said. "I was actually hoping we might speak with a Mr. Locksley? We were told he's the one we need to consult with regarding a baptism being held tomorrow."
"Oh, yes, grandpa said something about that. Hold on, I'll run and get him." The little girl stepped away from her post at the register and stopped by an opening blocked by a little curtain. "Cory!"
"Yeah!" a voice came from behind the curtain.
"I need to get grandpa. Would you mind coming out here for a second?" There wasn't an answer so much as there was a moment of movement before a tall man tanned and dark haired came out from behind the curtain. When Cory was outside, the little girl continued towards the back of the bakery. Jacob looked at the man with a raised eyebrow, but said nothing. Cory looked at everyone and noticed Renesmee instantly.
"Mrs. Wallis?" Cory said when he noticed Renesmee.
"It's not Mrs. Wallis," she said. "Just Renesmee will do." Cory looked at her a moment, looked at the baby she held, then looked at Jacob.
"Oh," he finally said. "So that's what happened." He managed a small laugh, though Jacob heard a hint of bitterness. "That Sgt. Lovejoy made quite a show of trying to find you."
"Yes," Renesmee said awkwardly. "I've heard he was adamant."
"Son of a bitch had the nerve to demand to look through our burial grounds," Cory said. "He threatened to hang us all at the gallows if we didn't comply. Even if we did have you, it's rather stupid to assume we would bury our prisoners with our respected dead."
"Yes, he was very cold from what I hear," Renesmee said. "I'm sorry my disappearance caused so much trouble."
"You have nothing to apologize for," Jacob stepped in before looking at Cory. "And you watch what you say. She's not responsible for anything that viper did."
"Well, someone is," Cory said. "Where is your tribe from anyway? It couldn't have been far from Olympia."
"We are the tribe up north," Jacob said. "We're on the other side of the mountains from the city."
"The wolf tribe you mean?" Cory asked, a little surprised.
"The Quileutes, yes."
"So are the legends about your people true?" Cory asked.
"That depends on what you've heard." Before Cory could ask more, the little girl came back with an older gentleman following behind her.
"These were the people you'd been talking to Father McKay about, grandpa," the little girl said.
"Ah yes, the Cullens I believe were your names am I right?" Mr. Locksley said.
"Yes," Carlisle started. "My name is Carlisle." Carlisle then proceeded to go down the line of people introducing those that were present. "This is Jasper, Edward, Emmet, Bella, Jacob and Renesmee and their son Kevin. He's the one that will be baptized tomorrow."
"So you're Mrs. Renesmee Wallis?" Mr. Locksley said.
"Just Renesmee, please," she said.
"Yes, of course, my apologies. My name is Ted Locksley. This is my granddaughter Sherry and you've this is Cory. It's a pleasure to meet you."
"It's a pleasure to meet you too," Renesmee said. "And thank you for assisting us with my son's baptism."
"It was my pleasure," Mr. Locksley said. "I admit, I was intrigued when I was told this was for your son. I still remember when Sgt. Lovejoy tore up the town looking for you last year."
"I know. Cory mentioned that incident with the burial grounds. I really am sorry about that."
"Oh don't apologize, dear. It's not your fault. I am curious whether or not he ever found you."
"He did find me eventually," Renesmee said.
"She returned with Sgt. Lovejoy when they found her with us under the strict condition that no harm came to our village."
"Seeing as she's currently with you again, I take it he went back on that part of the agreement?" Mr. Locksley asked knowingly.
"He tried to arrest me and have me hung for," Jacob thought a moment, "I think it was not participating with the law and assault against an officer. Since he went back on his side of the agreement, I went back and got her."
"What happened to Sgt. Lovejoy?" Cory asked.
"He's been dealt with," Jacob said bluntly.
"We'll just leave the matter at that," Edward stepped in. "We should mention a new development since you last discussed the baptism with us."
"What might that be?"
"I've decided I want Caevia and Embry to be my son's godparents," Renesmee said.
"Why should that be a problem whom you choose to be the godparents?"
"They're not Catholic," Edward said.
"Oh," Mr. Locksley said, scratching the back of his head. "That does complicate the request just a little. Convincing Father McKay to perform a baptism with a non-Catholic father wasn't hard at all. Trying to convince him to make non-Catholic godparents might be a little more tricky."
"She's adamant," Edward said. "Though might I say, religious convictions aside, they would be fine people to entrust this child to in the event such a circumstance is needed."
"I don't doubt your judgment. I only doubt whether I'll be able to convince Father McKay to agree to such a request."
"Father McKay isn't usually hard to convince," Cory spoke up. "Just give him a good bottle of wine and he'll be pretty lenient."
"Bite your tongue, Cory," Mr. Locksley said, though he was chuckling. "You should know better than to say such a thing."
Cory shrugged, "I'm just telling them what I do when I need something."
"So you follow a pale faced religion?" Jacob asked.
"My father converted to Catholicism when I was little. Most of my tribe is Catholic. Just about everyone in my generation is baptized."
"Is there a specific wine that he likes?" Renesmee asked.
"Red," he said bluntly.
"I meant is there a particular vintage that he prefers."
"Just red," he said bluntly once again. "It could've been filtered in an outhouse and he'd still drink it so long as it's red wine." Mr. Locksley laughed at Cory's joke, but walked over and swatted his arm.
"Honestly, Cory, don't be so disrespectful," Mr. Locksley managed. Sherry finally walked back behind the counter while her grandpa laughed a jubilant laugh.
"Are you all sure I can't interest you in coffee and a pastry? Cory's cinnamon apple muffins are delicious!"
"I'll take one," Jacob spoke up.
"Do you have the money to pay for a muffin, Jacob?" Edward looked right at him, but Mr. Locksley stepped in.
"No, please, it's on me," Cory said. "Anyone that put Sgt. Lovejoy in his place deserves a free muffin." Cory went back into the kitchen to grab a muffin fresh from the ovens.
"Did anyone else want anything?" Mr. Locksley asked.
"Oh no, we're alright," Carlisle said. "So when can we go to meet Father McKay?"
"I'd suggest we wait another hour," Mr. Locksley said. "He usually has a morning mass around this time."
"It'll give you time to go buy wine," Cory said when he stepped out with two apple muffins and handed them to Jacob. "You look like the type that eats a lot," Cory said. Renesmee started snickering. Then Cory looked at Kevin. "I've never seen a pink kid, before."
"A what?" Jacob asked.
"It's a half white child," Cory specified. "When you mix white and red paint, it produces pink hence the joke. Honestly, if I didn't know better, I'd just assume the kid was white."
"No, he's only half," Renesmee said. "Do you have children?"
"Three," Cory said. "Patricia, Lesley and my youngest, Joseph."
"Cute little kids," Mr. Locksley said. "Seeing as we have the time, I'm curious where you wound up being and how you got there." Mr. Locksley took a moment to gather some chairs together and gestured towards them when they vaguely surrounded a table. "Please, sit, we can chat while we wait for Father McKay to be available." Everyone sat down while Cory left for the kitchen.
"The cinnamon buns are probably ready by now," he said. "I'll come back out if you need anything." When Cory was gone, Renesmee returned her attention to Mr. Locksley.
"To answer your question, Caevia and I were kidnapped by bandits. After that, they just traded us around until we ended up with the Quileutes."
"Where would that be?"
"It's just outside of Forks," Carlisle said. Mr. Locksley whistled a little.
"They really did take you for quite a trip, didn't they? At least you landed somewhere where you're happy, I suppose."
"I did," Renesmee nodded. "I'm relieved to see you seem to have a positive relationship with the tribe near you."
"It depends who you ask," Mr. Locksley said. "Me, I grew up with Cory's grandparents since I was a boy. I was close friends and fishing buddies with his grandpa as far back as I can remember. My mother would take me with her whenever she would donate food and clothes to their tribe and I became friends with them. They even took my last name."
"That's quite a display of friendship," Emmett said.
"I'm curious if you've taken a surname," Mr. Locksley asked Jacob.
"No, I haven't. I see no need to."
"So do you still go by Mrs. Wallis or have you returned to your maiden name?" Mr. Locksley asked of Renesmee.
"Neither," Renesmee said. "We did the same thing with our son. On his birth certificate it just reads Kevin."
"Hm," Mr. Locksley said.
"We can always give him our surname later if it's needed," Edward said. Jacob just huffed rather than express any irritation with the presumptuous nature of Edward's comment. Edward said nothing only because he didn't want to argue with the man in front of a stranger. "Regardless, the boy will have an education."
"That's excellent," Mr. Locksley said. "I had a decent one, though I stopped going to school when I was 10. By that age, I was already working here helping my father run this place. I started in that little kitchen back there, started helping my father with office work when I was about 14 and took over the business when he returned 30 years ago. I can read, write and do math. That's really all I've needed."
"He's getting a hell of a lot more than that from what I'm being told," Jacob said.
"Is he?"
"He'll have the same education I did when I was growing up," Renesmee said. "My Uncle Carlisle was raised by a Pastor in England so he had a rather fortunate education. I was given the same advantage."
"You're originally from England?" Mr. Locksley asked.
"Yes, I was born in London. Edward, my nephew, was born in southern England. I decided to come to America a while ago and Edward came with me."
"Goodness," Mr. Locksley said. "To move a family so large from England to America. That's quite a feat." No one said anything or corrected him. Bella did, however, make one small correction, knowing her father would roll in his grave if he knew she hadn't.
"My family is actually from Scotland," Bella said.
"Are they?"
"Yes, both my parents are Scottish. I was born here in the states, though."
"That explains why you have no accent," Mr. Locksley said.
"I can certainly give ye an accent if ye ask meh to," Bella said in the thick Scottish accent she remembered her father having and Mr. Locksley chuckled.
"A Highland Twang if I ever did hear it," he chuckled.
"Edward and I met several years ago when I worked for a butcher," Bella said in her usual voice. "In fact, one day I met him, then we were married the next year," Bella said, smiling at Edward. "He used to come to the shop at night to get blood for sausage his family makes and when we met for the first time, he started coming to the shop a lot more often."
"Sounds like how my wife and I met, actually," Mr. Locksley chuckled. "My wife used to work at the post office and when I met her getting my father's mail, I found myself finding any excuse to go there whether it was for stamps or to check my mailbox again." Mr. Locksley laughed. "Why, I've still got stamps from back then that I still haven't used." They all laughed a little before Mr. Locksley refocused his attention on Renesmee. "So how did you to come to marry."
"Well," Renesmee took a moment to think how to tell him what she could and what she couldn't. "Like I said, Caevia and I were kidnapped by bandits and eventually we ended up with the Quileutes. Once we were in their village, they just had us working with the others and we slept in a tent together." That was, for the most part, pretty much true.
"And how did you and," Mr. Locksley stopped a moment. "I'm terribly sorry, what was your name sir?"
"Jacob," he replied.
"Yes, Jacob, thank you. How did you and Jacob come to marry? If you don't mind my asking."
"It wasn't right away," Renesmee answered honestly. "When Caevia and I first arrived, I was scared and I didn't understand the language. Luckily, Caevia's dialect from her tribe is very similar to Quileute, so she was able to help me. Jacob loved me from the beginning," she smiled. "But it took time for him to learn English and for me to be accepted. I fear Forks has not been kind to the Quileute, so they were all very apprehensive of me when I first arrived. It wasn't until I rescued two of the children from certain death that they accepted me."
"What happened?" Sherry asked from behind the counter, interested in the conversation.
"Two of the children were playing in the woods and I believe they crossed paths with a hunter. I suppose the hunter was startled and he shot Claire and her brother Yaloweih. Jacob, Embry and Quil were able to find them and bring them back so I could treat the wounds. Once they were alright, their parents were very thankful and the people embraced me after that."
"You have experience with such things?" Mr. Locksley asked.
"Carlisle is a doctor and I worked as a nurse before I'd left for Washington. I'd seen and treated bullet wounds before and knew what to do."
"Well, thank goodness for that. My father uncle had fought in that war. Poor man lost his right leg." Renesmee cringed a little at the memory. She remembered too many that had lost limbs and the screams that came when it happened.
"You said your father owned this place before he retired?" Carlisle asked.
"Yes, he did. My grandpa had brought the family here after the Civil War and we all settled here. He worked mill worker before he took a chance and opened this bakery."
"It certainly looks like it has paid off," Edward said.
"It certainly has," Mr. Locksley said. "So you are Renesmee's father?" Mr. Locksley said.
"Yes, I'm her father," Edward said.
"I must say you look quite young for your age."
"One can never be too grateful for good genes," Edward joked and Mr. Locksley laughed.
"Indeed. I wish we could all be so well preserved." Mr. Locksley returned his attention to Renesmee. "So how long have you and Jacob been married?"
"It'll be 1 year in January," Renesmee answered with a smile.
"Already been a year has it?" Mr. Locksley laughed. "Is that what the bracelet you have on is for?"
"It's their version of a wedding ring, yes," Renesmee said.
"It's awfully lovely," Mr. Locksley said.
When an hour did eventually pass, Mr. Locksley suggested they leave for the church, Cory reminding them to get some wine. Figuring it was better to be safe than sorry, Mr. Locksley stopped by a general store and they bought some red wine for Father McKay. With wine at their disposal, they continued on their way, on foot, to the church a couple blocks away and let themselves into the church doors. An older man was near the front of the church absorbed in some task in need of completion when they arrived. Mr. Locksley was the first to go towards Father McKay and address him.
"Father," Mr. Locksley said, gaining the priest's attention.
"Mr. Locksley," Father McKay said with a smile. "It's a pleasure to see you as always. Who might your friends be?"
"This is the family I'd informed your about. They have a son in need of a baptism."
"Ah, yes, the Cullen family. It's a pleasure to finally meet you."
"It's a pleasure to meet you too," Renesmee said.
"Is he the son in question?" Father McKay said, pointing at Kevin.
"Yes, this is him," Renesmee said. She looked at Kevin and saw he was still sound asleep. "I'm sorry he can't say hello. He's been asleep since I fed him this morning I'm afraid."
"Oh, nonsense, no need to apologize. He's a growing boy. He needs his sleep. I mentioned this with Mr. Locksley, but we will be able to hold the ceremony tomorrow after morning mass."
"There is a new detail that should be brought up," Mr. Locksley said. "They've advised me that they have godparents lined up, but they're not Catholic."
"Godparents that aren't Catholic?"
"It's for my piece of mind," Renesmee said. "Carlisle and his wife Esme are my godparents and if anything ever happened to my parents, they would've taken me in. I just want to know that no matter what, my son will have a home where he can stay with the tribe."
"I see," Father McKay said.
"We brought you wine if that helps," Jacob blurted out. Edward swatted him, but Father McKay laughed jubilantly.
"I see you've been talking to Cory," he said. "Honestly, that boy; couldn't keep a secret if his life depended on it."
"I realize it's a bit unconventional, but perhaps for Mrs." Mr. Locksley stopped a moment, "my apologies: Renesmee. Perhaps for Renesmee and her husband you might make an exception?" The priest looked thoughtful for a moment and slightly hesitant. It wasn't something he typically did.
"It is certainly unconventional," Father McKay finally said. "Are they Christian if nothing else?"
"Our views on the world are different than yours and they don't include the belief of a single deity," Jacob answered. The priest took a deep breath and remained thoughtful.
"The short answer being no," he said as he rubbed his face. "I suppose I shouldn't be surprised given the circumstances."
"So will you permit Caevia and Embry to be my son's godparents?" Renesmee asked after Father McKay was silent for too long.
"I suppose in this case, I shall make an exception." Renesmee smiled and bowed her head just a little.
"Thank you very much, Father. This really does mean the world to me."
"And for that, here's your wine," Jacob said, offering up the bottle Edward had bought and Father McKay finally laughed, accepting the bribe. When he looked at the bottle, he noticed it was a very expensive vintage which pleased him greatly.
"How kind of you to offer such a fine bottle," he said "All the more reason to agree."
They lingered a while at the church only to work out additional details regarding the baptism. It would be held after noon when morning mass was completed and the ceremony would comprise strictly of Renesmee's family, the godparents, and them and Kevin. When they returned to the Inn, Alice, Esme and Rosalie had already returned with Caevia and Embry with new clothes for everyone to wear for the occasion. Embry and Jacob both would be wearing appropriate suits. Embry having already been fitted did not need to put on the suit again. Jacob did, however, need to try his on. It fit him well and when Renesmee saw him dressed up, she just couldn't help but smile, though Jacob was nothing if not unbearably uncomfortable.
"I will never wear that thing again after tomorrow," Jacob said to Renesmee once they were finally alone in their room with Kevin. "It was like wearing a second skin. It was horrible."
"You'll only be wearing it for a few hours," Renesmee said as she placed Kevin back in his crib to sleep for the night. "And for the record," she continued as she walked over to Jacob, "I thought you looked very handsome."
"Sure, sure," he grumbled a little, though embracing Renesmee as she wrapped her arms around his neck. "Enjoy seeing me in that thing while it lasts then," he said, though by now he was smiling. Renesmee returned the smile and hugged Jacob a little tighter, resting her head against his shoulder. Jacob planted his cheek atop her head and started gently swaying her back and forth. "How've you been feeling?" he asked after a moment. Renesmee giggled a little and looked up at Jacob giving him a kiss on the nose.
"I'm getting better. Let's not tonight, though," she said. "I promise, when we get back, I'm all yours."
"You promise," Jacob asked eagerly and Renesmee smiled wider.
"Yes, Jacob, I promise."
The next day, everyone was consumed with getting ready for Kevin's baptism. Jacob and Embry, not wanting to wear those suits again, waited until the last minute to get dressed. All the women were in their high necked buttoned up dresses of varying colors. Renesmee in particular was in pink with her hair done up in a bun with a little hat pinned in to match. Caevia wore a similar dress with less lace and a brighter green dress with sleeves that reached her wrists. It had been so long since she'd been in such dresses that she felt uncomfortable and over dressed. Embry Jr. was in a tiny little suit himself, though he made no mention of any discontentment with his fancy outfit. So long as Caevia was holding him and he was fed and cleaned, the boy was happy to sleep through the whole matter. Kevin had on his little baptismal gown and suit. He was awake, but made few sounds through the whole process. He squirmed and kicked as he often did and would let out little sounds here and there, never crying unless he had a need that required immediate attention. As they were on their way to the church, Renesmee explained to Jacob and Embry how to ceremony would work and what they would need to do.
When they arrived at the church, Father McKay was dressed in his usual ceremonial robes that he wore for sermons, celebrations and baptisms. He instructed them all to come forward to the little tub he'd already prepared. Rosalie took Embry to hold for the duration of the ceremony. They sang a psalm as the priest instructed (though Jacob and Embry made little contribution not knowing the words) and he greeted all of them, welcoming them on this festive occasion. Then Father McKay looked at Renesmee and Jacob.
"What name have you given your son?" he asked, as per the ceremony.
"Kevin," Renesmee and Jacob both answered.
"And what do you ask of our Holy Father in his house today?"
"Baptism," Renesmee and Jacob both answered.
"You have asked to have your child baptized," Father McKay continued. "In doing so you are accepting the responsibility of training him in the practice of the faith. It will be your duty to bring him up to keep God's commandments as Christ taught us, by loving God and our neighbor. Do you clearly understand what you are undertaking?"
"We do," Renesmee and Jacob answered. Then Father McKay addressed Caevia and Embry.
"And to you, I ask as this young man's godparents: do you understand and accept responsibility for this child and practice of faith and assist his parents in every way necessary?" Caevia took a moment to translate the priest's question as closely as she could and told him to repeat after her.
"We do," Caevia and Embry finally answered, Embry's accent thick having only learned the affirmation just this morning. Having received Embry's and Caevia's answer, Father McKay turned his attention to Kevin who, though awake, was constantly shifting his attention from one thing to another.
"Kevin, the Christian community welcomes you with great joy. In its name I claim you for Christ our Savior by the sign of his cross. I now trace the cross on your forehead, and invite your parents to do the same." Father McKay sighed the cross of Kevin's head and instructed Jacob and Renesmee to do the same. While Jacob had his thumb on Kevin's head, Kevin grabbed Jacob's thumb with a smile and began to hold tightly. Jacob smiled back and allowed Kevin to keep holding his thumb while Father McKay proceeded with readings from several scriptures and having all in attendance join him in prayers.
"Almighty and ever-living God, you sent your only Son into the world to cast out the power of Satan, spirit of evil, to rescue man from the kingdom of darkness, and bring him into the splendor of your kingdom of light. We pray for this child: set him free from original sin, make him a temple of your glory, and send your Holy Spirit to dwell with him. We ask this through Christ our Lord." Using his thumb, Father McKay crossed oil on Kevin's little chest, causing him to let go of Jacob's thumb at last and sneeze a little at the smell of the oil. "We anoint you with the oil of salvation in the name of Christ our Savior; may he strengthen you with his power, who lives and reigns forever and ever."
"Amen," they all said.
Father McKay said another prayer and finally gently splashed a little water on Kevin. When touched by the water, Kevin was surprised and squirmed in mild protest, though he did not cry. After the prayer and the baptism, Father McKay returned his attention to Renesmee, Jacob, Embry and Caevia.
"Do you reject Satan?" Father McKay asked.
"I do," all four answered.
"And all his works?"
"I do," they answered again.
"Do you reject sin, so as to live in the freedom of God's children?"
"I do," they answered.
"Do you reject the glamour of evil, and refuse to be mastered by sin?"
"I do," they answered.
"Do you believe in God, the Father almighty, creator of heaven and earth?"
"I do," they answered.
"Do you believe in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord, who was born of the Virgin Mary, was crucified, died, and was buried, rose from the dead, and is now seated at the right hand of the Father?"
"I do," they answered again.
"Do you believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy catholic Church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and life everlasting?"
"I do," came their answer.
"This is our faith. This is the faith of the Church. We are proud to profess it, in Christ Jesus our Lord."
"Amen," everyone repeated.
The ceremony seemed to drag on as Father McKay continued his questions and applied more holy water to Kevin. He instructed Jacob to light a candle accepting the light of Christ and eventually they did the ending prayers and blessings. Jacob was so relieved when it was over and insisted he and Embry be allowed to return to their usual clothes before they had dinner, they being Jacob, Embry and Caevia, to celebrate the baptism. Cory wound up coming to deliver the tiny cake that Edward had ordered to celebrate and wished them all the best of luck before returning to the bakery.
As promised, they were off the next morning, leaving for the tribe. As happened last time, Jacob and Embry slept through most of the trip. Caevia and Renesmee got some sleep but were mostly occupied with attending to their sons. They returned late in the afternoon that same day being greeted by everyone asking how their trip had been. Having missed her grandson dearly, Sara ran over and immediately confiscated Kevin promising that she would return him eventually. Relishing the break, Renesmee complied and allowed Sara to take Kevin for a time. She returned to hers and Jacob's tent to rest as did Jacob. Sara only disturbed them when Kevin became fussy for his dinner. Renesmee's family remained for a time but left the tribal grounds before it became dark. When it was dark, Sara returned Kevin to Renesmee for the remainder of the night and Jacob kissed Renesmee good night before he went out on patrol. Thankfully, Quil's time alone had been calm and uneventful and tonight was much the same. When Jacob returned early in the morning, he went right to his and Renesmee's tent and found her just as he'd left her, sound asleep with Kevin in his own little basket also sound asleep. Jacob looked at Kevin cautiously, as if making sure he was asleep and would remain so for at least another hour. At this point, he'd take thirty minutes.
Jacob laid down beside Renesmee and embraced her from behind. She moaned, but otherwise did not stir. He then started kissing her neck hoping to wake her up, gently caressing her body as he kissed her. She moaned again and began to squirm until she was turned around and facing Jacob. She opened her eyes and smiled at him.
"Good morning," she said. "Did everything go well last night?"
"Yes, everything went fine. No vampires were lurking around, no one from town was in the woods, and everything was uneventful."
"That's good to hear," she said. "You're probably exhausted aren't you?"
"A little, but there is one more thing I'd prefer to do before I go to sleep," Jacob teased as he kissed Renesmee's neck again. She smiled and gently rubbed her hands on Jacob's bare chest. "Are you alright to?"
"I did say we would," Renesmee smiled. Then she brought her hand to Jacob's face and motioned for him to stop kissing her neck and look at her. "It feels like it's been years and not months," she said. Jacob smiled and kissed her.
They kissed passionately as Jacob brought his hands down to her legs and immediately began to take off her dress. He was relieved that she'd returned to the tribe's usual clothes since they returned. Those buttoned down dresses were so prudish and looked wretchedly uncomfortable. He kept wanting to rip that stupid pink dress of her or at least tear the neck imagining it almost certainly must suffocate her. The dress came off with ease and he took his lips away only long enough to pull the dress over her head before returning to their kiss. Renesmee's hands wandered along Jacob's back, gently running her fingers over his skin, giving him goose bumps and making him shiver with longing.
Jacob's hands gently massaged her breasts until he started to lick and suckle them, though it only last a moment before Renesmee warned they were too tender and asked he move on. Jacob complied and started kissing down her belly and along her hips until he reached her core. Tentatively, he placed his middle finger inside her as he licked her sensitive bundle, checking if she was ready and comfortable. Renesmee did not voice a word of complaint, rather she moaned and squirmed from the feel of Jacob's tongue that's she'd missed. She tried her best to stay quieter for Kevin's sake and also wanting to ensure that she did not wake him or this glorious reunion would have to be halted.
Jacob added and second finger and continued his maneuver until Renesmee's body crushed around his fingers and she barely managed to hold back a loud whimper. After her initial climax, Jacob removed his fingers and began to kiss his way up Renesmee's body again, very gently kissing her breasts and then wiping his chin and mouth before kissing Renesmee again. Tentatively once again, Jacob slowly entered Renesmee checking for any sounds of pain or discomfort. She made none and instead held onto him tighter with a content and ravenous moan and Jacob echoed with their lips still merged. He set a slow initial pace and didn't speed up until Renesmee pulled her lips away and begged him to. When her moans began to become louder, she placed her lips against Jacob's shoulder and sucked, moving from spot to spot and leaving little red marks all over him that seemed to instantly heal.
Jacob did the same to her, sucking the skin behind her ear knowing it drove her wild. Renesmee received her second climax and nearly squealed from the feel of him. Jacob's grip on Renesmee tightened when he reached his own climax and he started kissing her all over. The two of them kissed for minutes, very nearly getting ready to make love again before Renesmee heard Kevin's first morning whimpers and gently pushed Jacob away.
"We'll continue this later," she said with a hint of seduction in her voice before she pushed Jacob to the side and went to Kevin, immediately attending to feeding him. Jacob watched her and smiled as she looked at Kevin with the most loving eyes. Then she looked up at him with a similarly loving, though slightly different smile. "I love you," she said.
"I love you too."