Wolves of the Pacific

by greenpeach20

In 1902, Renesmee Cullen grew tired of the tedious life of moving around with her family and decided to make the journey west as a mail order bride. Yet a chance encounter with a reddish brown wolf would change her life forever.

51. Chapter 51

Chapter 51

Seth was discharged from the hospital mid-September. Charlene had left for Paris a few days ahead of him. He gave her money to buy a boat ticket back to America and he'd send a Telegram once he got to Paris telling the Cullens when she was expected to land in New York. Seth had told Charlene that Bella and Edward would meet her in New York when she landed and they agreed they would meet in front of Notre Dame. On Seth's last day before he was to leave, he requested that someone go get Kevin and Embry so they could talk one more time before he left. Kevin and Embry left the Front early in the morning where it had continued to remain largely quiet and went to the hospital. Kevin would take advantage of that time to visit Amber and the two of them could also talk to Jacob and Embry Sr. and advise an update with Seth. Lt. McCarthy and Sgt. Stanley had already been sent home. Kevin wished he could have spoken with Sgt. Stanley before he'd left, but by the time he'd heard, the sergeant had already been put on the train back to Paris.

They arrived at the hospital and were taken to Seth's bed where he was already packing a few things. He was able to stand on his leg now, but he still had to walk with a cane. The doctor assured him eventually the cane wouldn't be necessary, but to refrain from putting too much pressure on the leg until he was fully healed. When Seth saw Kevin and Embry, they greeted each other and shared a hug. Kevin helped Seth sit down on the bed and went to retrieve a chair for himself and for Embry.

"So you're leaving tomorrow?" Kevin asked.

"Yes," Seth said. "I'll be in Paris by tomorrow afternoon and Charlene and I agreed to meet in front of Notre Dame. We'll have enough time to get married at the church and I'll be able to send word to your family to meet Charlene in New York."

"I wish we could be at your wedding," Embry said. "I'll make sure dad tells us all about it."

"I know, me too," Seth said. "How are things at the Front?"

"Quiet," Kevin said. "There's shots here and there, but from what I'm being told, the Germans are starting to focus their attentions up north closer to Paris."

"I guess it's a good thing Charlene and I won't be there very long," Seth said.

"Yeah, make sure to keep it short," Kevin said. "There have been shells landing in Paris."

"Has it happened recently?" Seth asked.

"I'm not sure," Kevin answered. "Either way, the less time the two of you are in Paris the better. Last I'd spoken to dad, he said the house for you and Charlene was finished. They'd made it look like a little French country home."

"Might I see it?" Seth asked. Kevin remembered the images Jacob had in his head when they'd last spoken and pushed the thoughts into Seth's mind and Embry's so he wouldn't just be staring at them.

The outside of the house was made of wood and the front patio faced the ocean just as Seth had asked. The wood was white and the roof was a deep blue as were the doors and the shutters of the windows. It was built on a hill and seemed to climb up the hill naturally as if it had grown from the ground. When Jacob had stepped inside, the entrance was built of brick with wooden floors. To the immediate left was a closet and then a set of stairs that went up the natural layout of the hill. The hallway continued forward while to the right, there was a large, open space that held a dining table made of a light wood. Beside that was the kitchen laid with wooden counters and brick above the stove and oven. The memory continued down the hallway which led to a sitting room with books, couches and a phone on a little table.

The memory continued back towards the entrance and up the stairs that went straight up, then stopped on a small platform. The stairs continued up to the right and led to two different paths. To the left at the top of the stairs, there was a balcony area that had a little blue door that led outside. The balcony area looked out onto the ocean and was surrounded by white bricks on the ground and built themselves up into small little walls that were built into the ground. There was an iron swing with a little iron coffee table facing the ocean and a small fire pit near the middle. Going back into the house to the right of the stairwell, there was one room down a portion of the open landing. This room, once opened, was a little bedroom that was dressed as a guest bedroom. It was largely white with blue trim and kept simple enough that once children did come along, it could be changed to accommodate a baby.

The room after that was a lovely little bathroom with white and blue wallpaper on which a little garden pattern was depicted. Beside that was another guest bedroom much the same as the previous room. Then there was a linen closet directly across from it that already held extra towels that were a cream color. Finally, at the end of the hall, was the master bedroom. There was a large bed directly across from the door with a few windows with white paint on the walls, blue trimmed windows, a blue dresser and a double sink area to the left in a recession in the wall. There was a bathroom to the left of that sink area with all the necessities in the running style.

"It's beautiful," Seth smiled when the memory ended. "Charlene will love that."

"I'll tell dad that Charlene has her ticket and to expect your telegram," Kevin said. "She'll probably get back to Washington before you do and as you can see, the place is ready to move in and she'll be comfortable until you get home."

"Make sure he tells the Cullens I said thank you. It'll be a few weeks before I'll be able to tell them myself."

"I'll let him know," Kevin nodded. "I guess we'll see you when we come home."

"Until you're home, then," Seth smiled and the three of them shared one more hug before Kevin and Embry left the hospital and ran to the woods nearest the synagogue. It was still the middle of the night in Washington so Jacob and Embry Sr. were still out and would be out for several more hours when Kevin and Embry shifted.

Kevin? Jacob asked.

How are you doing, Embry? Embry Sr. asked.

"I'm alright, Embry answered his dad.

The front's still really quiet right now, Kevin said. Seth is leaving tomorrow for Paris and he'll be on a boat a week after. He said he'll send a telegram when he knows when Charlene's boat is leaving.

I'll tell Edward and Bella. They can leave in a few days and meet her there. Will we get any notification of when Seth will get back? Jacob asked.

I don't know if you'll get anymore notification than what you got previously about expecting him in October. He might be able to send another message once he's back in New York and let you know when the train is expected to arrive in Washington.

I'll ask Edward and Bella to look into it, Jacob said. Amber's looking well since the last time you saw her. She'd be about 3 months now?

About, Kevin answered. Last Kevin had seen her following their second meeting, Kevin had met Mr. Lavoie and he was immediately worried about the man.

He was confined to a wheelchair due to his injury and he wouldn't spend any time with Amber. He seemed terrified of her, which worried Kevin. The man seemed to avoid her like the plague while Mrs. Lavoie spent time with Amber. He seemed to be nice enough to her at least, but Kevin was just eager to get her back home as soon as possible. According to Jacob's thoughts, Rosalie and Emmett were thrilled about Amber. They knew what to expect with a half breed child, so they were already stocked to the nines on girl's clothing and one of the rooms in the Cullen house was already remodeled for Amber to move right in.

Is there any way someone can come to France and pick Amber up? Kevin asked. I won't be able to take her on the boat with me.

I'll talk to Edward and Bella about it. I'm sure Rosalie and Emmett would love to come and pick her up, Jacob said.

We'll work on getting that set up once the war's over, Kevin agreed.

So how's mom doing? Embry asked, overhearing that Caevia was pregnant once again. It was a recent discovery.

She's doing alright, Embry asked. She's having her usual symptoms right now, but those will pass before long. Gaeli and the twins are walking now and Gaeli's a little chatter box. Peta's getting big too.

Let me think, Embry Jr. said. I'm 15, Aidie's 14 now, Jae, Rae, and Sharisa are 10, Peta's 5, and Gaeli's about 3, the twins are about 2….am I right?

Yes, Embry chuckled.

So this will be baby ten, Jacob joked. I can't believe you two are even considering having more.

It's a 'we'll see' situation. We weren't planning on another baby, at least not now. But it happened, so we're having our tenth child.

Dad, I'm saying this because I care. It really might be time to stop. Ten is absolutely a sufficient amount of children. Unless anything happens to me and you need to replace me, Embry Jr. laughed.

Don't even joke about that, Embry Sr. said sternly. Your mother and I would never 'replace' you.

Relax, dad, I'm just kidding.

You two have had double your original estimate, though, Jacob said.

I'll probably came back to Peta using my bed won't I? Embry Jr. laughed, but he wasn't too pleased with the idea deep down.

We'll rearrange things later, Embry said. Gaeli and the twins are still using the baby room and we'll have to rearrange that as it is.

You could always have the baby stay in your room, Embry Jr. suggested and Embry Sr. grumbled. Yeah, dad, that's what I thought.

They all talked a moment longer before Kevin wanted to see Amber before going back to the front. Embry decided to talk with Embry Sr. and Jacob a little longer while Kevin changed back and went right to the synagogue. It had been raining the day before, so the playground in the back was muddy and Kevin knew Amber wouldn't be back there playing. He went up to the doors of the synagogue and pounded on the door until Mrs. Lavoie answered.

"Sergeant," she said and stepped aside so Kevin could enter.

"Morning, Mrs. Lavoie. Where's Amber?"

"She's in her room," Mrs. Lavoie said. "I'm afraid now's not a good time. She bit my husband and she's being disciplined."

"Are you saying I can't see her?" Kevin asked a little harshly.

"Well, it would be best you didn't," Mrs. Lavoie answered. "Her toys have been removed and she's been told to stay in her room."

"Was she hungry?" Kevin asked.

"I don't know," Mrs. Lavoie said. "The girl won't eat anything and it's hard finding something for her to attack."

"How about I take her to the woods for a while and help her find something? She needs to drink at least once a month," Kevin said.

"I'm gathering that," Mrs. Lavoie said. "I don't know what we'll do about her. Trying to find a family to adopt her will be a nightmare."

"You don't need to worry about that," Kevin smiled. "I've already taken care of it."

"Pardon?"

"I've already taken care of that. My aunt and uncle have always wanted a child and they know how to handle half breed children. They said they'd adopt her. Once the war's over, they'll come and get her and bring her back to Washington."

"Are they Jewish?" Mrs. Lavoie asked.

"Well, no," Kevin said. "We're all predominantly Catholic, although I think Emmett and Rosalie are protestant. Or Methodist. Whatever their parents were. Jasper's Protestant I know and Alice is what one might call agnostic. But that's beside the point." Mrs. Lavoie looked less than impressed with that answer but said nothing. "Do you mind if I see her?"

"If you must," she said and Kevin walked past her further into the synagogue. It was such a beautiful building with Hebrew etched in wood in portions of the building with several pews and candles. Amber and the other living quarters were all down in the basement, so Kevin located those stairs and walked down to where Amber's room had been designated.

"Amber?" Kevin said, knocking on the door. Seconds later, he heard pitter pattering feet run to the door and open it.

"Kevin!" she yelled and jumped up with Kevin catching her in a hug. She'd grown so much in just the few weeks since he'd last seen her. She already appeared closer to 4. Her hair was longer and just as bright as always and her blue eyes were still as bright as ever. She'd grown perhaps two inches in height since he'd seen her. "Je vous ai manqué! Monsieur Lavoie est en colère contre moi," (I missed you! Mister Lavoie is mad at me) she whimpered.

"J'ai entendu," (I heard) Kevin chuckled. "J'ai aussi entendu dire que vous le mordit," (I also heard you bit him) Kevin attempted to scold, but she just batted her eyelashes and giggled, so he couldn't even pretend to be mad at her.

"j'avais soif," (I was thirsty) she said. "Je suis toujours soif." (I'm still thirsty).

"Je vais vous emmener dans les bois pour chasser. Comment ça sonne?" (I'll take you out to the woods to hunt. How does that sound) Amber cheered and hugged Kevin tighter. Continuing to carry Amber, Kevin walked up the stairs and passed Mrs. Lavoie as they left. "We'll be back after she's fed." Mrs. Lavoie just nodded and Kevin left the Synagogue and went into the woods where Embry still was.

"Kevin, regarde! Un loup géant!" (Kevin, look! A giant wolf!) Amber yelled when she saw Embry. He turned around and walked over to them.

"C'est Embry. Vous vous souvenez de lui, non? Nous pouvons aussi bien se transformer en loups," (That's Embry. You remember him, don't you? We can both turn into wolves) Kevin said.

"Vraiment?" (Really)

"Oui," Kevin answered. "Mais vous ne pouvez pas dire à personne. C'est un secret." (But you can't tell anyone. It's a secret). With a big smile, Amber ran her fingers over her lips, figuratively sealing them, and looked at Embry.

So this is Amber? Jacob said when Embry Jr. stepped closer.

She's a cute little thing,Embry Sr. said.

"Embry, I need to take her hunting," Kevin said. Then he looked at Amber. "Adieu à Embry," (Wave goodbye to Embry) Kevin said. Just as she was about to say his name, Kevin made sure to push a different name into her head.

"Au Revoir, Tatter," she said and Embry went stiff while Kevin, Embry Sr. and Jacob burst into laughter. Embry Jr. started growling and Kevin walked away with Amber wondering what was so funny. "Qu'est ce qu'il y a de si drôle?" (What's so funny?)

"Rien, Amber," (Nothing, Amber) Kevin said. "Il est juste une blague personnelle." (It's a personal joke)

Once deep enough into the woods, Kevin put Amber down and let her wander around looking for something. He followed closely behind and let her talk about whatever popped into her head. She eventually found a lone rabbit and attacked it, drinking it's blood until she was satisfied. After she was finished, she went right to Kevin with specks of blood off the corners of her mouth, so Kevin kneeled down and rubbed away the remnants of the blood with his sleeve.

"Vous vous sentez mieux?" (Are you feeling better) Kevin asked.

"Beaucoup mieux," (Much better) she answered. "Pouvons-nous revenir en arrière et jouer?" (Can we go back and play?).

"Seulement un peu de temps," (Only for a little while) Kevin said. "Je vais devoir y retourner bientôt." (I'll need to return soon).

"Mais je ne veux pas que tu partes," (But I don't want you to do) Amber complained and Kevin took her in his arms and picked her up and started walking back.

"Je sais Amber, mais je dois. Croyez-moi, si je pouvais passer toute la journée avec vous, je le ferais. Ne vous inquiétez pas. Un jour, bientôt, vous et je serai en mesure de le faire." (I know Amber, but I have to. Believe me, if I could spend all day with you, I would. Don't worry. One day soon, you and I will be able to do just that.)

"Quand?" (When) Amber asked.

"Une fois que la guerre est finie," (Once the war is over) Kevin answered.

"Pour quoi ne peut-être la guerre fini?" (Why can't the war be over now?)

"Parce que personne n'a gagné," Kevin answered. "Je pense que ce sera bientôt fini, cependant. Et quand il est, vous ne serez jamais obligé de me partager avec le champ de bataille jamais." (I think it will be over soon, though. And when it is, you will never have to share me with the battlefield ever again.)

"Promettre?" (promise) Amber asked, holding out her pinkie. Kevin accepted with his own and smiled.

"Je promets," (I promise) he answered and kissed Amber on the head. When they returned, Kevin knocked on the doors of the synagogue so Mrs. Lavoie would answer for them. Mrs. Lavoie appeared to be working on something near alter. "I never asked," Kevin said to Mrs. Lavoie. "Is your husband the priest here?"

"Rabbi, yes," she nodded. "It was his father, but he died while Pierre was at war. We had to make due while he was gone, but since so many have fled, it's a little lonely around here."

"Are you two planning to stay?"

"Unless Pierre says otherwise," Mrs. Lavoie said.

"So the position of Rabbi falls from father to son?"

"No," Mrs. Lavoie said. "It's supposed to be someone trained by the Rabbi, but the young man that Pierre's father had been training was killed in the war, so he's really the only option the synagogue has."

"Did he not want to be a Rabbi?"

"No," Mrs. Lavoie said. "He's a carpenter by trade." Mrs. Lavoie looked at Amber. "Vous vous sentez mieux, Amber?" (Are you feeling better, Amber?).

"Oui," Amber nodded with a smile.

"Vous ne serez pas mordre Monsieur Lavoie à nouveau?" (You won't bite Mr. Lavoie again?)

"No, Madame," Amber answered.

"Bien," she said and gave Amber a kind smile and a gentle pinch on the cheek. "Nous devons commencer la pratique pour la journée," (We need to start practice for the day) she said to Amber.

"What are you practicing?" Kevin asked Amber.

"She's learning to read from the Torah. She needs to prepare for her bat mitzvah."

"What's a bat mitzvah?"

"It's a coming of age ceremony for a Jewish girl. Young men have a bar mitzvah. Usually, it's celebrated at age 13, but given how this child is growing, I suspect we will be celebrating much sooner than that. She needs to be prepared."

"What does she need to practice?"

"She needs to practice reading from the Torah for one. That's what we're focusing on right now. Her Hebrew is quite good."

"Vous parlez l'hébreu?" (You speak Hebrew?) Kevin asked Amber and she smiled.

"Juste un peu," (Just a little) she answered.

"C'est excitant," (that's exciting) Kevin smiled.

"No, est difficile," (No, it's hard) Amber said. Mrs. Lavoie smiled.

"Il est un rite de passage, chéri," (It's a rite of passage darling) Mrs. Lavoie said. "I'll take her so you can return."

"Do you mind if I stay a little longer?" Kevin asked.

"Sergeant, she needs to focus on her studies," Mrs. Lavoie said.

"Only for a few minutes," Kevin said. Mrs. Lavoie sighed and had Kevin follow her towards the alter where the Torah was held. Mr. Lavoie looked at Amber, instantly nervous.

"Vous feriez mieux de ne pas me mordre à nouveau, jeune fille," (You had better not bite me again, young lady) Mr. Lavoie said.

"Je ne vais pas," (I won't) Amber said. Kevin put her down so she could go to the little stand near Mr. Lavoie. He took the Torah from the alter and placed it before Amber and instructed her to start from the beginning from the passages she'd be required to read.

Kevin sat at one of the pews and listened to Amber read the Torah. She sounded fine to him, but there were times when Mr. Lavoie would correct her and tell her to pronounce a word differently. Then occasionally, she would come across words or letters that were on the tip of her tongue. Mrs. Lavoie could always be counted on to be diligent. When just a mere five minutes passed, she told Kevin it would be best if he left and returned to the front. Amber overheard, promptly stopped reading, and went right to Kevin to hug him. She didn't let go of him until they reached the door. Embry was waiting for Kevin outside and they started to walk back to the front. Kevin looked over his shoulder, then turned around to walk backwards and wave goodbye to Amber after she ran out of the synagogue to wave goodbye to him. They finally returned to the front closer to the afternoon, but they'd not missed a thing.

The next morning, Seth and a handful of others that were returning home were placed on a train to Paris. From there, they would be put on another train to the coast where they would be shipped back. The moment Seth was able, he left the base and went straight to Notre Dame. He went inside but couldn't seem to find Charlene. He went to the first nun he asked and, firstly, after confirming if the nun spoke English, he asked if the nun had seen Charlene and described her. The nun confirmed she'd seen the young woman and explained she was currently in confession and if he wanted to wait, he was welcome to. So Seth sat in one of the pews nearest the confessionals and waited about fifteen minutes before Charlene finally stepped out.

"Seth!" she said and went right to him. Seth stood up and hugged her but had to grab one of the pews.

"Careful," he said. "My leg."

"I'm sorry," she said. "How are you feeling?"

"Alright, just a little sore. Did you get your ticket?"

"Yes," Charlene nodded. She reached into her pocket and pulled out the ticket. "It was the cheapest one I could get. I'll be boarding in La Havre and destined for New York. I'll get off at Ellis Island. The saleswoman told me to be aware I'll be on Ellis Island for a while."

"Why's that?" Seth asked.

"She said because Immigrants need to be evaluated and go through a health inspection."

"Oh," Seth said. "Well, at worst, Edward and Bella will just have to be patient. We can go to the Post Office and send word when to expect you."

"How will they find me once I'm off the island?"

"Don't worry, they'll find you," Seth answered and gave Charlene a kiss. "I have to go on the train tomorrow for my boat. So we'll need to get married today."

"That's alright with me," Charlene smiled.

"I'll see if I can afford to buy us some wedding bands," Seth said. "If we have to, we'll wait until we get to Washington. I do have one surprise for you, though."

"What's that?"

Seth smiled and reached into his bag and pulled out a bracelet he'd made. Kevin had obtained barbed wire for Seth and removed the barbs for him. He'd even smoothed it out so they would be completed clean. It was a very simple bracelet with three cleaned rows of barbed wire branded into a bracelet. There was only one barb that remained and it was used as a clasp. There was a loop through which a portion of the bracelet could go through and another, smaller loop that hooked into the single remaining barb to keep the bracelet on.

"Kevin was nice enough to help me procure the materials for this. The bracelet we propose with has to be made ourselves. Even if we can't get rings right away, you'll have this."

"You made this yourself?" Charlene asked.

"Mostly myself," Seth said. "Kevin helped me get the barbs off except for the one used for clasping." Seth put the bracelet on Charlene's left wrist and clasped it for her. "Do you like it?"

"I love it," Charlene smiled. "I told the priest I was confessing to that we would be getting married. He agreed he would perform the ceremony for us."

"Let's see if he can do that for us now," Seth smiled.

Charlene took Seth's hand and brought him with as she went to the priest in question who'd wandered back to the front of the church. She introduced the two of them and the priest agreed he could perform a quick ceremony for the two of them that instant, to which they readily agreed. It seemed he'd performed a lot of rather quick wedding since the war had begun. As promised, the ceremony was brief, performing the necessary prayers and reading the necessary passages before having them light a unity candle together. Upon the priest's declaration that they were husband and wife, Seth and Charlene shared a kiss and walked out of Notre Dame hand in hand. The first thing they did was go to the Post Office so Seth could send all the information on Charlene's ticket back home so the Cullens would know when to expect her. After that, they went to an antique shop where they were able to buy two old gold bands for themselves that fit them.

"Where have you been staying?" Seth asked when they left the antique store.

"There's a tavern I've been working at that's been allowing me to stay for free for waitressing tables. Tonight will be my last night before I leave tomorrow."

"Are you going by train?"

"No, there's a merchant that's going to Le Havre. He said he'll be able to get me there by tomorrow afternoon."

"Did he ask for any money?"

"No," Charlene said. "He was nice enough to let me tag along for free. He's a sweet old man."

"Alright," Seth smiled. "Would that tavern you're staying at mind terribly if we just spent an hour together?"

Charlene giggled, "I don't imagine they'd mind so long as you aren't spending the night. Then they would charge you."

"I wouldn't be able to spend the night," Seth said sadly. "But I don't have to be back until nightfall. So we can have a quick honeymoon. Maybe we can go eat somewhere and then we'll head to the tavern for a bit."

"I think that sounds romantic," Charlene smiled.

She'd had a chance to get to know the town a little, so she took Seth with her to a little café that served pastries and breads and they sat together and ate mushroom tarts and cake with coffee. After their small and private reception, Charlene led Seth with her to the tavern she'd been assisting at and led him with her to the room she had been using. It was a very small room and there wasn't much inside besides a bed and a counter, a small closet and a small bathroom. It felt like more of a shoebox than a room. Even Seth's tent had felt more spacious.

"It's not much, but it's served its purpose while I was here," Charlene said.

"Have you missed Chateau?"

"No," Charlene said. "It had become depressing just being there. If anything, I missed visiting you." Charlene wrapped her arms around Seth's neck and planted her head on his chest. "I'll be missing you for a while after this won't I?"

"It won't be so much longer," Seth said. "Edward and Bella will know when my boat arrives, so they'll be able to look up the train schedule and when I'll get back. I'm sure I'll get home just a few days after you."

"That's not so bad, I suppose," Charlene agreed. She looked up at him and smiled.

She took her head and arms away and helped Seth remove his jacket. Seth smiled and helped her out of her clothes as well and the two laid in bed together for a few hours making love and laying together enjoying each other's company. Eventually, Seth had to leave and return to the base. Charlene saw him off and worked her last shift at the tavern. In the morning, she met the kind elderly man that agreed to give her a ride to Le Havre where she would get on the boat the following morning. Seth's ship would depart from Le Havre as well, but it would not carry any civilians. Back home in Forks, the Post Office received the telegram from Paris addressed to Hailey to forward to the Cullens. A messenger dropped the message off.

"What's it say?" Mitch asked once the messenger left.

"Seth's just letting us know that what boat Charlene's coming on and, according to her ticket, she should arrive in New York within the week. I'd better get this to the Cullens."

"Goodness, Hailey, there's no way they'll be able to get there in time."

"With the Cullens, I wouldn't be so sure," Hailey sighed. "I'll be back once I get this delivered."

Hailey went out back and got on his horse, but rather than go towards the village, he went straight to the Cullen house. They were the ones that would be going to get Charlene anyway as far as he was aware. When he arrived, Edward was already outside waiting for him. Since Leah had essentially told him what was going on, the Cullens were no longer bothering with staying as normal as possible.

"I'll take that, Mr. Dauer," Edward said, accepting the telegram.

"So you really think you'll be able to get to New York in time to meet her?"

"Positive," Edward said with a smile.

"Is there any news from Kevin?" Rosalie asked, stepping forward.

"No more than what Jacob's already told us," Edward said. "Don't worry, Rosalie, you'll have your daughter before long."

"Daughter?"

"Yes, she and Emmett are adopting that little girl that Kevin rescued. He found her abandoned in a little house in Chateau Thierry during the battle with the Germans and he brought her to a synagogue where there was someone that could look after her."

"Ah," Hailey said. "I take it you're excited?" Hailey asked Rosalie.

"We're thrilled," Rosalie smiled. "I've always wanted children but, well, that was taken away from me."

"No, Mr. Dauer," Edward said, getting right to answering Hailey's question. "Female vampires can't reproduce. Male vampires can. And for the record, Mr. Dauer, it works just fine thank you."

"Glad to hear it," Hailey sighed. "I really can't believe that's what you people are."

"Well, it is," Edward said. "You're welcome to return to just assuming we're weird."

"I've tried but 'the Cullens are vampires' doesn't leave a person's brain easily. Neither does 'my cousin turns into a wolf'. You know, Mitch's old employee, Robert? He evidently used to swear up and down that the Quileutes controlled giant wolves that only appeared at night. I guess the old man wasn't completely crazy after all."

"Everyone assumed he was though, and that far better serves their purpose and ours."

"I haven't told anyone," Hailey said.

"I know," Edward said. "Mind reader, remember?"

"I'll not lie: that scares the living fuck out of me."

"Everyone's used to it," Edward said. "I envy my grandson. He can chose when to read minds and when not to. I wish I were so lucky."

"I imagine that must get infuriating," Hailey sighed. "So what's the little girl's name?"

"Kevin named her Amber," Rosalie smiled. "Not the name I would chose, but I'm told she's got golden hair, so I'm sure it suits her. She's growing so fast, though. Edward, perhaps we should go and get her now."

"No," Edward said. "Kevin wants here there until he leaves."

"What does it matter what Kevin says? He's not the one adopting her," Hailey said.

"It's complicated," Edward said and Hailey rose his hands.

"Never mind, I don't care," Hailey said. "I'll be returning to the General Store. I'll trust you to know how to get across the country in just a few days."

"No need to worry, Mr. Dauer. We've done it before."

When Bella returned from hunting, Edward let her know they would be leaving to go to New York soon. According to Charlene's ticket, she would arrive in New York just four days after departing from Le Havre. They left that night and ran to New York through Canada. They managed to get there in three days with just enough time to look through all the train schedules, obtain tickets for themselves and for Charlene and confirm when Seth's train would arrive in Washington. Within two days, the ship Charlene was to arrive in finally made it to Ellis Island. Charlene and several other people were led down the halls and their names were taken as well as their origin. Speaking English helped Charlene a lot, but there were plenty of nurses and assistants that spoke French. She was taken in for a general health inspection and was cleared with a good bill of health. She then had to wait in another line for hours waiting for papers that would mark her as an American citizen. She'd arrived mid-morning and by the time she was finally able to leave, it was the following day. It was easily the most exhausting two days of her life. When she finally exited Ellis Island, she realized she had no idea who she was looking for. But before she even had a chance to panic, she saw two people waving at her with a sign. It read, 'Mrs. Charlene Jagger'. It actually made her blush. She'd given the people on Ellis Island her maiden name, worried there would be trouble if she gave them her new married name. As it turns out she was right to do so. German passengers or people with German names were being hassled rather harshly. She ran to them and they smiled welcomingly.

"Mrs. Jagger?" Edward said when Charlene was before them.

"That's the first I've been called by my married name," Charlene smiled and held out her hand. "You can just call me Charlene." Edward accepted her hand and she was stunned by how cold he was.

"It's a pleasure to meet you, Charlene." Edward immediately pulled his hand away. "I'm Edward Cullen. Seth is my son-in-law's cousin. I suppose that would make us cousins, so welcome to the family. This is my wife Bella."

"It's a pleasure to meet you," Bella smiled.

"It's a pleasure to meet you. I don't know about you, but I'm famished. Might we have something to eat?"

"Of course," Edward said. "Our train won't leave until tomorrow. Seth's ship should arrive soon actually."

"Would we be able to see him?" Charlene asked eagerly.

"Unfortunately no," Edward said. "Apparently, the ship's behind schedule and as soon as they're off the boat, they're all going straight on the trains. That will make several more stops than ours is scheduled for."

"Oh," Charlene said. "I really was hoping I'd be able to see him."

"No need to worry. He will still arrives within days of us. In the meantime, that house he petitioned for the two of you is ready."

"It is?" Charlene gawked. "You finished it already?"

"Yes, and it's ready for the two of you to move in right away."

"I can't wait to see it," Charlene smiled eagerly.

The three of them walked around town, Edward and Bella remaining under an umbrella with gloves and very tightly dressed to ensure the sun wasn't touching their skin, and found a place for Charlene to eat. They insisted they weren't hungry and just drank coffee while Charlene had a much needed breakfast. The following day, they were on the train departing for Washington. It was such a long trip, but Edward had ensured they took a very nice train with luxuries that made the trip easier to bare. Even so, Charlene was so relieved to get off the train at Seattle. However, she found herself gravely saddened when they had to get on yet another train to Port Angeles from which they had to take a cart back. By the time they finally arrived in Forks, Charlene was about ready to fall over. She was half asleep when they arrived and the first place they went was the General Store. Edward helped Charlene and Bella off the cart and the three of them went inside.

"Mr. Thompson, Mr. Dauer," Edward said. "Allow me to introduce you to Charlene Jagger. This is the young woman Seth married."

"It's a pleasure," Mitch said, coming forward and greeting Charlene warmly. "You may just call me Mitch. I'm an old family friend of Seth's father."

"It's a pleasure," Charlene answered. Hailey stepped forward. "You must be Hailey," Charlene smiled. "I've heard quite a lot about you."

"All good things I hope," Hailey said.

"It depended on Seth's mood," she answered and they all laughed.

"Is that right?" Hailey chuckled. "I'll have to have a few words with him about that."

"Where is Leah? I'm eager to finally meet her too."

"She's back at the tribe," Hailey said. "I can take all of you there so you can meet her."

"I would love that," Charlene agreed.

"And Mr. Dauer, Mr. Thompson, we were planning to have Esme cook dinner tonight to welcome Mrs. Jagger. You're welcome to join us."

"You don't have to do that, Mr. Cullen," Charlene smiled. "I just got here. The poor thing will barely have time to make dinner."

"You're right," Edward said. "Tomorrow night would be more adequate notice."

"We'll go whichever night you have it," Mitch answered. Mitch remained at the shop while Hailey got the cart ready and took Edward, Bella, and Charlene to the tribe.

"So how did you and Seth meet?" Hailey asked while they were on the trail.

"He was one of my clients," Charlene said, embarrassed to admit it. "I know that must not sound good on my part."

"So he was just your favorite client, then?" Hailey joked and Charlene smiled.

"I suppose he was," Charlene said. "I don't want you all to think I don't really love him. I do."

"We know," Edward said. "There's no reason to defend yourself, Charlene. We know you love Seth and we know the two of you will make one another very happy."

"Thank you," Charlene smiled. When they finally arrived at the tribe, the first thing everyone saw was Charlene riding in the front with Hailey. Leah stopped what she was doing and went to the cart to greet Charlene.

"You must be Charlene," Leah said.

"And you must be Leah," she replied with a smile and got herself down from the cart. "It's a pleasure to finally meet you. Seth has told me wonderful things about you."

"I wish I could have heard a little more about you," Leah smiled. "That just means we'll have to get to know one another."

"I look forward to it," Charlene smiled.

"Charlene, please," Edward said once he was off the cart. "Allow me to show you the house we've prepared for you and Seth."

"Oh, yes! Please, I can't wait to see it."

Edward nodded and carried Charlene's lone bag with them to the house at the edge of the tribe that went into the woods and faced the shore. The instant Charlene saw it, she couldn't believe it was for her and Seth. She loved it instantly. Edward unlocked the front door and handed Charlene her copy of the key and stepped aside so she could go into the house. When she stepped in, all she could do was stare. It was more than she could have ever hoped for. When Seth had told her the Cullens would be building them a house, she never dreamed it would be so beautiful. She knew the style well. She'd seen homes like this, but they were always far beyond her family's means. To have such a beautiful home took her breath away. She wandered through the house, looking at the kitchen, down the hallway to the living room, up the stairs to see the doors on the landing.

"How do you like it?" Edward asked.

"You built this for us?" Charlene nearly cried.

"It's our wedding gift to you both," Edward said. "A newlywed couple needs a good home to start a family in." Charlene turned and went to Edward to give him a big hug.

"La maison est exquise," (The house is exquisite) she said in French without thinking.

"Je suis ravi que vous aime," (I am delighted you love it) Edward answered.

"Oh, yes," she said. "I adore it." She stepped away and went up the stairs to see the upstairs. She went to the balcony and the view was breathtaking. She loved the stone and how it was below the grass of the woods and looked out onto the ocean. The breeze alone was wonderful. She started to imagine sitting out on that balcony eating oatmeal, drinking coffee and sitting on the swing with Seth while he read the paper.

She ran back inside and started looking into all the rooms. They were all perfect. She started picturing their children in those rooms. She pictured a little girl and boy playing on the rug with wooden toys while she and Seth played with them. When she made it to the master bedroom, she started picturing them falling asleep together after a long day and cuddling beside one another in the early morning until their children woke and it was time for breakfast. Edward stepped into the master bedroom and placed her single bag on one of the small bench in front of their bed.

"Now, Charlene, I'm sure you're absolutely exhausted. So why don't we save getting to know one another for after you've rested. We'll all have dinner tomorrow evening and we'll be able to pick up Seth the following day."

"Seth will be home day after tomorrow?" Charlene asked.

"Yes, that's when his train is expected. We'll take you with to the station and we'll meet him there."

"I can't wait," she said. "And thank you for everything. This is stunning."

"I'm pleased to know you love it. And we'll change the styles of the other rooms once children come along."

"I can't wait," she said again.

Everyone left the house, but Edward took a moment to get out tea pots and some tea for Charlene when she awoke from her nap. The instant she fell into the humongous bed, she drifted to sleep and did not wake until the next morning. She'd not realized until her head hit the pillow how tired she really had been. When she woke, it was raining outside. So, sadly, she could not enjoy her breakfast on the balcony, but she could still enjoy it on the patio where there was a roof to keep her dry. She saw the pot Edward had prepared and made herself some tea with sugar. She found several apples in the pantry as well as potatoes, so she grabbed a few apples and went outside to enjoy. Because of the rain, the ocean wasn't very calm, rather it was going back and forth. She loved the view all the same. She could hear loud calls from out onto the ocean that she'd never heard before that where high pitched and sounded like communication. As she enjoyed her tea and apples, Leah ran from out of the rain under an umbrella and sat beside Charlene on the patio swing.

"Morning, Charlene," Leah said.

"Good morning, Leah," she answered. "It's quite rainy today isn't it?"

"It get's like this a lot," Leah said. "Washington is, as far as I'm told, one of the wettest states in the country."

"It's certainly green enough. Would you like some tea and apples?"

"I'm alright, I already ate. I just got here and wanted to check up on you. How did you sleep?"

"It's the best sleep I've had in years," Charlene said. "I could never sleep very well back home after the war started. Each morning would start with loud gunfire and sometimes grenades going off. Everyone was always awake with the Front."

"So you were that close? That must have been dreadful."

"It was," Charlene nodded. "We've lost so many because of it. My brother and previous fiancé had died within a year of the start of the war. And one day when my niece was playing, a stray bomb landed near the town and killed her and a few other children. Several others were badly injured."

"I'm very sorry," Leah said. "What was your niece's name?"

"Katelyn," Charlene answered. "Her mother and I never cared for one another, so after Katelyn passed died, we completely severed ties for the most part. My brother was already dead, so we didn't have that in common anymore."

"What was your brother's name?"

"Ashley," Charlene said. "My fiancé's name was Raul."

"It sounds as though you're lucky to get away with your life."

"I was. Most had fled the city before the Germans got through and attacked, but I stayed. I didn't want to leave Seth."

"I'm relieved he had you," Leah said.

"I'm relieved I had him too. Truth be told, I don't know how I would have lasted had I not met your brother. He may have been a client for a time, but before I knew it, he became much more than that. I looked forward to seeing him whenever he would have the chance to get away and see me."

"How was Seth the last you saw him?"

"He was doing much better," Charlene said. "He was still sore, but he's getting better with walking on his injured leg. As long as he doesn't put too much pressure on it, he's alright."

"That's good to hear. So, how old are you if you don't mind me asking?" Leah asked.

"I'm 20. 21 in January."

"You're a young thing, aren't you?" Leah teased.

"I suppose comparatively. Seth's only 31."

"Which makes me 36," Leah sighed. "Time really does fly by. Watch out, Charlene. You'll be thirty before you know it."

"I don't mind being thirty," Charlene smiled. "Honestly, I'm relieved."

"All things considered, I suppose that makes sense," Leah said. "So how do you speak English so well?"

"We had an English woman as a school teacher when I was a child. She fled after the war."

"That's a shame. So that front has been your life as it were for four years now?"

"Give or take," Charlene nodded. "As I recall, the fronts didn't start being dug right away. But once they were and they were so close to home, that's when things got bad. I started dreaming of running away to Paris and hoping I might find a good husband working as a dancer somewhere. Given that I got to meet Seth, I suppose the war can't be considered all bad."

"That's an optimistic way of looking at it," Leah agreed.

"Seth tells me that you and Hailey chose not to have children."

"Yes, Hailey never wanted children and I don't mind not having any. I always say there's no shortage of little children running around in the family to occupy any desire for children I might have. Caevia's having her tenth child next year and with you coming into the picture, I'll be having nieces and nephews. I'm perfectly happy with being the cousin or the aunt."

"I've not met Caevia, have I?"

"You'll before her by dinner at least. She's already starting to show, but only if you look really closely."

"And she has ten?"

"This next baby will be number ten, yes. It's Embry, Aidetzi or Aidie as we all call her, the triplets Sharisa, Jae and Rae, Peta, Gaeli and the twins Taraq and Bayaq."

"Good Lord," Charlene said. "Did they want that many kids?"

"Caevia wants a lot of children, yes. You see, she's not from our tribe. She was born to a tribe in Arizona which is much further south from here. She was part of the slave class of that tribe from what I'm told and she's been raped and impregnate 5 times if I recall correctly. All five were either forced to miscarry or were taken from her immediately after birth and thrown from a tower because they were bastards."

"Oh my God, that's deplorable."

"It is. I think she was sold out of the tribe and she moved around until she ended up with us. Embry fell in love with her and they got married and he wanted to give her a child for every one she'd lost or had taken away. Once they had five, though, they just kept going. As far as I know, they still plan to have more."

"Poor thing," Charlene said. "That's such a horrible thing to go through."

"It is, but she's happy now. She doesn't like to talk about it, though."

"I don't wonder why," Charlene agreed. "Seth told me about what happened. To your parents I mean."

"Yes," Leah nodded sadly.

"I'm very sorry that happened to you. He told me you and your father were close when he was alive."

"We were," Leah nodded. "But when he started drinking again, he wasn't the man I knew."

"Seth had mentioned naming a daughter Uileila, after your mother. I wonder if Hugo would be a good name for a boy. I know I told him I wanted Ashley after my brother, but we can always make Ashley his middle name."

"That will be up to you and Seth. I don't know if Seth would want to name his son after daddy, though. Seth was too young. He doesn't remember daddy the way I do."

"He tells me Hailey made you proficient in German as well."

"He did," Leah finally smiled. "Daddy would speak German all the time when I was little, especially when Oma came to live with us for a time. She passed away when Seth was three. We were crushed when she died."

"She must have been a lovely lady."

"She was. I had made her Sauerbraten years ago for Hailey as a wedding present and I made it just like I remembered her making it and you know what your husband said to me?"

"What did he say?"

"He said that Oma hadn't made it, so it wasn't right."

"Shame on him," Charlene giggled. "Though my daddy was the same way. My grandma used to make something called coq au vin, or chicken in wine. My grandma used to raise her own chickens and she was good friends with someone who's family had friends in Italy that would send them wine. She only made it once every couple of years when her rooster was old. That's how you're supposed to make it: with an old rooster. It was so delicious and she always made it with buttery fingerling potatoes with rosemary and sage and thyme. My mother tried to replicate it but no matter how tasty he always said, 'Il est tout simplement pas le coq au vin de ma mère,' or 'it's just not my mother's'. It used to drive mom crazy."

"It would drive me crazy too," Leah giggled. "Hailey's sister Leslie makes Sauerbraten every year for Thanksgiving. He used to love it."

"Used to?"

"Yes," Leah sighed. "His sister and I get along great. I adore his sister and she'll visit from time to time, especially now that her boys are older. His mother is another matter."

"You don't get along with his mother?"

"I'm afraid not," Leah said. "When she found out we got married, she was furious. The two of them argued for hours before she finally left our house in a rage. She lives in Port Angeles, so I don't have to see her, thankfully. But Hailey took me with for Christmas one year a few years ago thinking his mother had gotten used to the idea of us being married, but she all but called me a criminal and chastised me about what happened with daddy. I essentially told her to go fuck herself, to put the encounter briefly, and the woman left the kitchen to yell at Hailey and I just started crying. I haven't seen or cared to see the woman since."

"Nor would I in your position," Charlene said. "And she doesn't like you because you defended yourself and Seth against your father?"

"That's the biggest reason, but I think it also has to do with the fact that I'm an Indian. She's also not too happy about not having children, although she knows full well Hailey's the one to complain to about that."

"Has Hailey seen her since?"

"No," Leah said. "I've told him to go to the city to visit her without me, but he won't do it. He keeps saying he won't reward his mother's behavior with visits. His sister comes to see us every now and then and Hailey still writes to Leslie, so we get all the important news from her."

"That's a shame," Charlene said. "I don't know what I would do if your mother didn't like me."

"I'm sure mother would have loved you," Leah smiled reassuringly. "Do you suppose your parents would have disapproved of Seth?"

"I like to think they would have loved him too." Charlene and Leah smiled at one another. "Are you sure I can't get you anything?"

"No, really, I'm alright. I already ate. I just want a chance to talk to you before you're overrun by curious tribesmen eager to meet the woman that finally won Seth's heart."

"Was Seth really so hard to please?"

"I wouldn't say that," Leah shrugged. "He just wasn't finding a woman he wanted to marry. I don't even think he's ever introduced me to anyone. I know everyone in the tribe, but he never made anything official with anyone. You're the first one that I've been formally introduced to and the two of you are already married technically."

"Well, we still need to have a traditional ceremony do we not? A moon ceremony, am I right?"

"Yes, that is still needed," Leah nodded. "And I do believe a marriage license is still needed. The Cullens will get that for you no trouble at all."

"Ah, yes, I'd forgotten about that. I came in as Charlene Dubois. I'm eager to make my married name official."

"It will be, don't worry."

Leah and Charlene sat on the porch together talking for another hour before the rain finally calmed down to a light drizzle. Once it was only drizzling, Leah opened her umbrella and the two walked off the porch and went to the main area of the tribe where Charlene got a chance to meet everyone. Anyone that did not speak English smiled politely while anyone that did speak English eagerly asked Charlene questions to get to know her better. Charlene got to meet Caevia and asked about all her children, still rather shocked by the idea of having so many children. When she got to speak with Renesmee, she confirmed she'd heard so much about her and asked if she had Renesmee's blessing to give her name to Seth's and Charlene's first child as a middle name. Renesmee happily complied. As promised, later that evening, the tribe went up the trail to the Cullen house for dinner to welcome Charlene and to congratulate her and Seth on their recent/upcoming nuptials. Claire played the violin with Bella with Henry crawling around on the music room floor playing with the instruments that were close to the ground. They had dinner together and Charlene got acquainted with the Cullens and complimented them on looking so young. They all thanked her and tried to change the subject as quickly as possible. She returned to the house later and fell asleep, only to be awoken by a hand on her shoulder. When she opened her eyes, it was Leah.

"Morning," Leah said. "I'm sorry to let myself in, but we're going to be leaving soon to meet Seth at the train station."

"Oh, yes, no trouble at all," Charlene got out of bed and went to her back, but Leah stopped her.

"Alice actually gave me a dress for you to wear. She thought you would want to look nice." Leah placed the dress on the bed. It was a white dress with a rose broach on the throat of the dress. The sleeves were long with lace and the rest was a well fitted satin.

"It's a wedding dress," she said.

"It looks like one, doesn't it?" Leah said. "She thought it was appropriate. You can always wear something else if you don't like this."

"No, I'll wear this," Charlene smiled. "She went through all that trouble. Do you mind helping me into it?"

Leah helped Charlene get into the dress and the shoes that Alice had even picked out. They were so nice Charlene was terrified she would ruin them, but Leah assured her not to worry about it because Alice certainly didn't. Leah took that chance to look at the bracelet Seth had made her. It looked so battered, but it was cleaned thoroughly. Considering they met during a war, the materials seemed appropriate once she knew what they were. Once she was dressed and had eaten something, they went outside on the patio where Edward was already waiting and ready to take them to Port Angeles by cart. Hailey and Mitch followed behind by horse. Mitch insisted he wanted to see Seth home. It took a few hours for them to arrive and by the time they did, there were still a few hours to spare before the train was expected. Mitch decided to visit his sister for an hour. Hailey refused and instead preferred to visit Leslie. Leah happily agreed to the later and Charlene joined them while the Cullens that came waited at the train station. Leslie was alone at the house when they arrived with her husband at work and the children in school for the day.

"Hailey," Leslie cheered when she opened the door for them. Then she welcomed Hailey and Leah with German pleasantries, let them inside and offered them all coffee before finally noticing Charlene. "And who is this lovely young lady?"

"This is my new sister-in-law, Charlene," Leah said. "Charlene, this is Hailey's sister whom I was telling you about."

"Yes, Leslie, correct?"

"Yes, Leslie," she smiled. "So Seth got married? When did that happen?"

"We got married in Paris after he was discharged," Charlene explained. "We had met one another when he was stationed at the front in Chateau Thierry where I lived. After he was injured and discharged, we met in Paris and got married."

"Well congratulations on getting married. What about his injury? Is he alright?"

"Yes, he's alright, now. He suffered a shot to the leg, but he's only walking with a limp last I had been able to see him."

"That's a relief," Leslie said. "When was the last time you saw him?"

"A few weeks ago in Paris when we got married," Charlene said.

"Oh, no," Leslie said. "What on earth are you doing here talking to me?"

Charlene laughed, "The train isn't due to arrive for a few more hours. Hailey wanted to visit you so I'm tagging along."

"Well, you're welcome all the same," Leslie raised her coffee cup.

"Thank you for your hospitality. So are your sons at school?"

"Yes, both of them," Leslie said. "They grow up so fast. Mother's virtually monopolized them ruthlessly these past few years. I blame you for that, by the way, Hailey."

"Blame me all you want," Hailey said.

"I find it quite ironic that you were so adamant not to have children, but from what I'm told you've certainly latched onto Jae. That is his name right? Little Jae Bird?"

"We'll call him Jae Bird, but he hates that nickname," Leah giggled. "Yet, when Natalie or Rae call him that, he doesn't mind so much."

"Those are his sisters correct?"

"Rae is his twin," Leah said. "Sharisa is his other sister. Natalie's my little cousin. We're all just close family friends."

"So Rae has twin privileges, but what of Natalie?"

"He has a crush on her," Hailey said bluntly. Leslie nearly spit out her coffee as she giggled. "What?"

"You just say it so matter-of-factly," she continued.

"What? He does," Hailey said. "He might not say it, but he does."

"You seem to further prove my point about you and Jae," Leslie smiled. "If I didn't know better, I'd say you love that little boy as if he were your own."

"I'm teaching him German. This is a business arrangement," Hailey said and Leah just held back a laugh.

"A business arrangement? And what, pray tell, do you get out of this little 'business arrangement'?"

"Someone else in that backwater town that speaks a proper language," Hailey answered and Leah continued giggling behind her coffee cup as she sipped her coffee.

"You're hopeless," Leslie sighed. "It's alright to not hate at least one child, Hailey."

"I never said I hate him," Hailey said. "I'm merely saying that Jae is an adequately decent child that behaves in such a manner that he is not offensive to me."

"Hailey, he stared at you while you fixed a watch, snuck up on you, and he's hugged you without your permission several times," Leah laughed. "He's done all the things to you that you don't like about kids."

"I've since corrected the behavior and he's become tolerable," Hailey insisted.

"If you say so," Leah just laughed.

"I suppose as long as you're not a Scrooge to the poor thing," Leslie said.

"That's in his nature, Leslie, you know that," Leah said and they all laughed. "He's less so with Jae, though. You'll be interested to know Caevia's pregnant again."

"I just assume she's always pregnant," Leslie joked. "Congratulations to her and Embry. They'll certainly be busy. Well, Hailey: is Jae excited?"

"Excited enough I suppose," Hailey shrugged. "He just told me she's pregnant, I told him to tell me in German, he did and I gave him black licorice as a reward."

Leslie scrunched her nose, "That boy likes those vile things?"

"Loves them," Hailey smiled. "He has refined taste in candy."

"'Refined' isn't the word that comes to mind," Leslie argued. "Bitter and unpleasant would be more appropriate."

"Suits Hailey all the same," Charlene attempted to jab and everyone laughed.

"You'll be one of us yet, Charlene," Leah said and patted Charlene on the back while Hailey grumbled.

"I suppose I should ask how mom's doing," Hailey said.

"It would a thing a dutiful son would do," Leslie teased. "She's doing alright. She misses you."

"Enough to apologize to Leah?"

"Not that I'm aware of," Leslie said.

"Then she'll continue to miss me."

"Maybe you should swing by her house and say hello at least," Leah suggested. "I can stay with the group or something while you see her."

"Don't waste your good intentions on her, Leah," Hailey said.

"Honestly, Hailey, that was years ago. You're being harsh on her at this point," Leslie argued.

"Leslie, I'm not going to say hi to her when all she'll do is nag me."

"She won't nag you, Hailey. At this point, she just wants to know you're doing alright."

"You tell her that for me," Hailey said.

"Yes but she wants to see it. At least stop by if only for a few minutes."

"Really, Hailey, I think you should," Leah said. "And I'll just stay with everyone else while you two talk."

"Fine," Hailey muttered reluctantly, "I'll go see her." He placed down his coffee cup and stood from the couch.

"You're going now?" Leslie asked.

"She's just down the road from you. I may as well get it over with while you can keep Leah and Charlene amused."

"Alright," Leslie said. "She'll really appreciate this, Hailey."

"Yeah, yeah, yeah," he mumbled as he left the house and walked to their mother's house.

"That man's absolutely bullheaded isn't he?" Charlene said.

"You don't know the half of it," Leah and Leslie mumbled together and sipped their coffee.

Hailey walked down the road to his mother's house and knocked when he was there. His mother answered and she was so happy to see him that she just hugged him without a second thought, then dragged him into the house and pushed him towards the drawing room in the back where Mitch was seated so they could all talk.

"Hailey? I thought you were visiting Leslie," Mitch said.

"I was, but she and Leah told me I needed to come here, so I have."

"I'm so happy to see you, dear," Kathy said. "How've you been? Mitch tells me you're handling the General Store well. He even tells me he'll be signing it off to you once he retires."

"You are?" Hailey asked, looking at Mitch.

"That's my plan," Mitch answered. "I'm sure it's hard to tell, what with my boyish good looks, but I'm getting old. I need to make sure that shop will be taken care of once I'm retired."

"I guess I can handle that," Hailey agreed. "When were you planning to do this?"

"I've already started meeting with a lawyer in town. He's been helping me put together the paperwork. I want to have the store signed off to you by December."

"Why haven't you said anything?"

"I wanted to wait until it was finalized, but your mother here had to open her big mouth." Kathy kicked Mitch in the shin.

"I'm so proud of you, honey. I knew you'd do well for your uncle. So other than that, how are things?"

"Well," Hailey said. "Seth got married and we're all here with his bride waiting for Seth to come home."

"Yes, I've heard. Is Leah happy he's home?"

"Thrilled," Hailey answered.

"Don't be so brief, Hailey," Mitch said. "You came here to talk, so talk."

"Leslie tells me you're still mad at me," Kathy said.

"You called my wife a criminal, made her cry and you refuse to apologize for it. Yes, mother, I'm still a little mad at you about that."

Kathy sighed, "I'd hoped we could drop that."

"We'll drop it once you apologize to Leah. Frankly mom, even after the way you spoke to her, she's still been in your corner trying to convince me to work things out with you, so she damn well deserves an apology from you."

"For one thing, Hailey, I did not call her a criminal. I merely asked her to explain regarding what happened with her father."

"Kathy," Mitch interrupted. "Please stop trying to justify what happened. Just say you're sorry to Leah and things can go back to normal. They're married, Kathy. They've been married for 10 years. It's time to accept it and get over it."

"I have accepted it," Kathy said.

"Good," Hailey said. "Promise you'll apologize to Leah and we'll let this whole thing go. We'll come and visit during Thanksgiving and Christmas and things can go back to normal. Can we agree on that?" Kathy sighed and rubbed her face.

"I just don't understand what you see in her," Kathy said.

"It doesn't matter what I see on her. What matters is that I love her and you owe it to me to accept that."

"It does matter what you see in her," Kathy argued.

"Kathy, she's a good girl," Mitch argued. "And she makes Hailey happy. She brings out the best in him and she's made living in Forks and working for me easier on him. You remember how miserable he was when you first sent him to Forks to work for me. Leah made this easier for him and made him happy to live in Forks. Were it not for Leah, Hailey would still be miserable, you'd still be nagging him to get married most likely and I dare say he wouldn't have continued working for me."

"Oh, that's ridiculous," Kathy said. "I'm sure he would have found a nice girl if-"

"Mom, I wouldn't have, whether you like it or not."

"Alright, fine," Kathy said with a heavy sigh. "Fine. I'm sick of arguing with you. I'll apologize to her. But if I apologize to her, that means you visit twice a year again and things can return to normal."

"That's fine by me," Hailey stood up. "Alright, mom, let's go to Leslie's house. Leah's there."

"We're doing this now?"

"Yes, mother, we're doing this now."

"Well, ask Leslie and Leah to come here and we'll-"

"No, mom, you go to her," Hailey said. "Leslie's just down the road. It won't kill you to walk over there. We're only going to be here long enough to pick up Seth once his train arrives and we're leaving. And I'll not take Leah back here until you apologize to her."

"Oh for goodness sake," Kathy muttered and stood from her chair. "Fine. Let's get going."

Mitch stood and went with them to Leslie's house. Leah, Leslie and Charlene were still there talking and getting caught up or, in Leslie's case, getting to know Charlene a little. When they arrived, Hailey let himself into Leslie's house and stepped in, encouraging his mother to step in ahead of him. She did with intense hesitation and Mitch came in behind her. Once they were inside, Hailey closed the door behind them and they went to the drawing room where everyone was sitting.

"Morning, mom," Leslie said. "How are you doing?"

"I'm alright, dear."

"Mom," Hailey said and Kathy sighed.

"Leah," Kathy said. "I realize I owe you an apology. Last we spoke, I had been rather rude to you and that was wrong. Will you accept my apologies?" Leah stood up and smiled.

"Yes, Mrs. Dauer. I accept you apologies. I appreciate it."

"Good," she said. "Now that we've handled that, Hailey, I expect to see you come November when Thanksgiving arrives." Kathy started walking away and Hailey just gawked at her. Leah didn't mind. If anything she was just relieved this whole mess was finally over with. Hailey followed Kathy to the door and stopped her.

"For God's sake, mother, what kind of apology was that?"

"Hailey, I've apologized to her like you asked. I will be respectful to her, but that does not mean I have to like her. Now if you'll excuse your uncle and I, we have some more catching up to do before you have to get Seth. Enjoy the rest of your visit. I'll see you at Thanksgiving." Kathy left the house and Mitch started to leave, but Hailey stopped him.

"Damn it, that was not an apology. That was barely an acknowledgement."

"I agree, but let's just take what we can get and let things go back to normal. We'll come Thanksgiving like your mother wants, Leah can stick around you, me and Leslie, and everything will be fine."

"No, I'm not-"

"Hailey," Mitch interrupted. "Let it go. I'll be at your mothers so come get me once it's time to get Seth."

Rather aggravated, Hailey closed the door and returned to the drawing room to sit next to Leah. They immediately changed the subject so as to avoid any further awkwardness. Another half hour later, Edward came to Leslie's home first to advise Seth's train would be stopping in a few more minutes and they needed to get back. They all left eager, said their goodbyes to Leslie, and went to pick up Mitch and did the same with Kathy before returning to the train station. They stayed further away from the tracks but were on the platform with a few other waiting families whose sons were returning due to injury. Once the train was stopped, families waited as excruciating minutes passed for their sons to finally come off the train. Men with more serious injuries were further down on the train and those that needed assistance or wheelchairs were assisted. Edward subtly directed them to the portion of the train where Seth was and waited as men who were able to walk came off the train.

Charlene was practically bouncing up and down as they waited for Seth. He did eventually appear and he mostly hopped off the train to avoid putting too much weight on his injured leg. They waited a moment for him to get further away from the train, but once he was closer, they all went to him to welcome him back. Charlene and Leah got to Seth first and they both hugged him, only stopping when he started telling them to get off because they were putting too much pressure on his leg.

"Welcome home, Seth," Hailey said.

"It's a relief to be home," Seth said. "If I never have to leave Washington again, I'll be happy."

"How are you feeling?" Leah asked.

"Better," Seth answered. "It still hurts if I put too much pressure on my leg, but it's getting easier day by day."

"That's a relief," Leah said. "I got a chance to get to know Charlene."

"Was she nice to you?" Seth asked Charlene and she just laughed.

"Your sister's been very welcoming," Charlene smiled. "Just yesterday, we sat on our porch talking while we waited for the rain to calm down. Oh, Seth, wait until you see the house! The Cullens did a wonderful job!"

"I'll bet," Seth smiled knowingly.

"So when should we have that traditional ceremony?"

"It'll depend on what the Moon Ceremony says. We'll see Sokajili tomorrow about it. I'd rather use today to just relax."

"Oh, yes, you're right," Charlene said. "The train ride here was exhausting."

"It's good to see you, Seth," Mitch said and patted him on the back. "Let's get you home. You probably haven't slept in a proper bed in over a year."

"You'd be right about that," Seth laughed and followed everyone off the platform and to the cart they rode in as well as the horses and rode home.

When they finally returned to the village, everyone swarmed Seth ready to welcome him back home. Jacob teased him for his five o'clock shadow and they all helped him to the house. Charlene was sad that Seth wasn't overly expressive of liking the house, but he made the excuse that he was exhausted and just wanted to go to bed. They all agreed they would let him rest and would have a welcoming party for him later that night as the people had already begun preparing for his return. Charlene helped get Seth up the stairs to their bedroom once they were alone and he just plopped into bed.

"This feels so nice," Seth said.

"How does it feel to be home?" Charlene asked, laying down next to Seth.

"Relieved," Seth said. "Just relieved." Charlene smiled and rested her cheek against Seth's back.

"Are you hungry?"

"Yes, but I'm tired more so. Besides, everyone will be making food. I haven't had potato cakes since I left and I'm hurting for some real food besides bread and that horrible gruel crap they fed us."

Charlene smiled and patted Seth's back. "Just get some rest. You're earned it."

"Damn straight I earned it," Seth muttered and kept his eyes closed as he fell asleep. Charlene kept her cheek against Seth's back and wound up falling asleep on him. They didn't get out of bed until Leah came to the house and told them to get up for dinner at which point Seth ate potato cakes until he was almost sick.

The following day, as promised, Seth and Charlene when to Sokajili and Renesmee for their moon ceremony. She was so fascinated by the process. She'd never seen anything like it. With Sokajili's guidance, Renesmee prepared the herbs and threw them in the fire as he'd taught her, breathed in the fumes of the herbs, allowed her eyes to roll into the back of her head as she saw a vision of a full moon.

"For greatest happiness and prosperity in your marriage, you must marry under the full moon," Renesmee told them.

They went outside together and made the announcement to the people and, based on the moon the night before, Seth's and Charlene's wedding would be in four days. Immediately, everyone started preparing for the ceremony eagerly, getting food ready, getting the pyre ready and training the dancer. Unfortunately, Caevia would not be one of the dancers. Her youngest sons, the twins, were already toddlers and were too old to participate in the dance and, on top of that, dancing while pregnant was seen as bad luck since one couldn't be sure if she were carrying a boy or a girl.

When the night of the full moon finally came, Charlene was prepped by being sewn into the white rabbit fur dress that all brides wore. It was what she always imagined her wedding would be like: being dotted on while she got into her dress with family. In the short time she'd been there, she already felt like family. The ceremony proceeded once the full moon was out and after the ceremony and after the dance and after they lit the fire, Seth and Charlene shared a kiss and everyone stood to dance around the pyre. Seth had to dance much slower than everyone else because of the pain in his leg, but he made sure they danced at least three times around the pyre together. After the ceremony, while their guests enjoyed the rest of the feast, Seth and Charlene slipped away to their house and went straight upstairs together.

"That was beautiful," Charlene said when they were in bed together.

"It was," Seth said. "The Cullens said they'll get us a marriage license soon, so we'll make it legal."

"I can legally call myself Charlene Jagger," she smiled. "I'm very excited."

"Me too," Seth smiled. "But I'm a little more so excited that we get to stay here for three days undisturbed."

"Completely undisturbed?" Charlene asked mischievously.

"Completely," Seth answered. Charlene giggled while Seth rolled so he was above her and the two shared a kiss, starting off their three days of welcomed solitude.

Back in France, things continued on. The Germans didn't make a similar attack like they had in July. There were times when shots were fired. When that happened, Kevin gave orders to remain under cover as much as possible and if grenades ever came into their portion of the trench, he just threw it back. One afternoon when things had called down, Pvt. Tammy had given Kevin the nickname 'Pitcher'. He preferred it over being called your highness or your majesty in sarcasm. Every chance Kevin got, he went to visit Amber. She seemed to grow just a bit more every time he saw her. With the weather getting colder, Kevin would join her in her room to play with some dolls she had. All the same, however, he would never be able to visit longer than an hour before he would have to go back and every time Amber would kick up a fuss but would say goodbye to him telling him she expected to see him soon. One day in mid-October after Kevin had left, Mrs. Lavoie took Amber to Mr. Lavoie for her lessons in the Torah. He taught her for an hour until he told her to go to her room and play so he and Mrs. Lavoie could talk.

"What's the matter?" she asked when she and her husband were alone.

"I think I may have found a family that will adopt Amber," Mr. Lavoie said.

"Oh, Pierre, that's wonderful! Where are they?"

"They're in Munich," he answered.

"You mean Germany? Why would we give her to a family in Germany?"

"Hear me out, Gennie," Mr. Lavoie said. "They've been wanting a child for years. The husband, a Mr. Levi Dymek, is a banker and he's made a good living for himself and his wife. Her name is Anna and she sells candles out of their home. It's a little hobby of hers evidently. They're a good Jewish family and they're coming to see her in a few weeks."

"How were they able to get past the front?"

"They're taking a boat," Mr. Lavoie said. "I've explained to them that Amber's 'different' but I haven't gone into full detail. They probably just assume she's disabled somehow."

"How did you find out about them?"

"I reached out to a friend of mine from the front that attends a synagogue in Paris. His Rabbi reached out to a friend of his in English and that friend spread word to a few countries and the Dymeks are the ones that took the bait so to speak. I've been in a correspondence with them for about two weeks now. Thankfully, they have a phone, so I've spoken with them a few times and they seem like a nice couple."

"And what if they don't take Amber?"

"Then we let Sergeant Black take her like he's been saying."

"No," Mrs. Lavoie said. "Absolutely not."

"Gennie-"

"Pierre, that boy is going to give her to a family that aren't human and aren't going to raise her in proper accordance. Charlotte would not have wanted her daughter to end up with Gentiles that could very easily kill her."

"So you would rather she end up with people that can't handle her?"

"No, I want her with a good family that will raise her right just as Charlotte would have wanted and that will love her. If the Dymeks turn their nose up at her, then it wasn't meant to be and we keep looking."

"Gennie, I don't want that girl here anymore," Mr. Lavoie said frankly. "I don't know how that kid doesn't scare the shit out of you."

"I certainly hope the Dymeks are kinder than you've been," Mrs. Lavoie said.

"Gennie, whatever that…thing is isn't human. What happened to Charlotte was awful, but I don't want that thing in this synagogue anymore."

"She's a sweet little girl, Pierre, even if you don't see it."

"Gennie, we're not having this argument again. The Dymeks are the only people that have shown interest in Amber. If they don't want her, we give her to the Sergeant. That's it. End of discussion. Is that perfectly clear?"

"Yes," Mrs. Lavoie finally said after staring at her husband a moment.

"Good. Now let's just pray the Dymeks wants her and will take her."

"I think I'll do just that," Mrs. Lavoie said.

Another week passed since that discussion before they received a wire from Paris advising the Dymeks were on their way and would be on a train for Chateau Thierry that day. Mr. Lavoie affirmed for Mrs. Lavoie that the couple spoke French so there would be no trouble with communication. Mrs. Lavoie worked to make sure Amber's hair was done nice and that she was wearing a special dress so she looked nice. It was a dress Mrs. Lavoie had worn when she was a little girl. It was a little navy dress with white stockings, black Mary Jane shoes, long sleeves with cuffs and buttoned down the chest. She put Amber's hair in a ponytail and tied it with a navy bow that matched the dress.

"Now, Amber," Mrs. Lavoie said as she got Amber ready. "The people that are coming are looking to adopt you. So you be on your best behavior, alright? You make sure to show them what a little angel you are."

"Okay," Amber answered. "This dress isn't comfortable."

"Yes, it is a little snug, but it was the only thing I could find that's close to your size. Don't you worry, dear. Once the Dymeks adopt you, they will buy you all the properly fitting dresses you want."

"Okay," Amber answered.

Once Amber was dressed, Mrs. Lavoie had her remain upstairs near the alter where she played with her toys. Several hours passed before they finally heard a knock at the door. Mrs. Lavoie ran to the door while her husband wheeled himself behind her. When Mrs. Lavoie answered the door, there they were. Mr. and Mrs. Dymek were a kind looking couple that appeared to be the same age as them: early thirties or so. Mr. Dymek was very tall and wore a nice suit and a hat while Mrs. Dymek was rose to about her husband's shoulder and was wearing a lovely burgundy dress with little black shoes. When Mrs. Lavoie had opened the door, they all smiled at one another.

"Hello!" Mrs. Lavoie said. "You must be Mr. and Mrs. Dymek."

"Yes," Mr. Dymek answered in French with thick German accents. "I'm Levi, and this is my wife Anna. We're here to meet Amber."

"Yes, please, come in. She's just playing by the alter. I'm Genevieve Lavoie by the way. You've spoken with my husband, Pierre."

"It's a pleasure to meet you two in person," Mr. Lavoie smiled and extended his hand to shake Mr. Dymek's. "Please come meet Amber." Mr. and Mrs. Lavoie moved aside so Mr. and Mrs. Dymek could go meet Amber. She was playing with one of her dolls and singing a little French nursery rhyme that Mrs. Lavoie had taught her.

"Amber, dearest," Mrs. Lavoie said and Amber looked up. "This is Mr. and Mrs. Dymek. Say hello." Amber stood up and curtsied just as Mrs. Lavoie had taught her.

"Hello Mr. and Mrs. Dymek. It's a pleasure to meet you." In an instant, Mrs. Dymek was taken. Amber had the cutest little voice and her smile was so sweet. But her big blue eyes were what won her over.

"Hello, Amber. I'm so happy to finally meet you. How old are you, honey?"

"Um…" Amber counted in her head. "I was born in July, so I'm about 3 months."

"You mean three years, dear," Mrs. Dymek giggled.

"No, I mean 3 months," Amber said. "Right Auntie Gennie?"

"What on earth is she talking about?" Mr. Dymek asked.

"Amber, why don't you go to your room while we talk," Mrs. Lavoie said. Amber took her doll and ran downstairs to her room so the four of them could be alone to talk.

"Mr. Dymek, do you recall that I mentioned to the two of you that she was 'different'?" Mr. Lavoie asked.

"Yes," Mr. Dymek said. "We thought you meant a handicap or a deformity."

"Well, it's not a deformity and I wouldn't call it a handicap," Mrs. Lavoie said. "Look, we will tell you everything, but I need you to be open minded."

"What have you not told us?" Mr. Dymek asked rather suspiciously. Mrs. Dymek placed a hand on her husband's chest and looked up at him with pleading eyes.

"Please, Levi, let's hear them out," Mrs. Dymek said before returning her attention to Mrs. Lavoie. "What is the full story?"

"Please, have a seat. This is a long story. Might I interest you in some tea?"

"That would be lovely, thank you." Mrs. Lavoie excused herself and ran to the kitchen to fetch the hot water she'd already been preparing. She put tea bags in some mugs and poured in the hot water before rushing back to the main area and giving them their tea.

"Now that we're comfortable," Mrs. Lavoie said. "Firstly, with regards to her age, Amber is right. She's only 3 months old."

"How on earth is that possible? She looks at least 4," Mr. Dymek said.

"Yes, she does. Allow me to start from the beginning. Amber was brought to me by an American in July when the German forces had attacked. Evidently, during the aftermath, the American heard crying and he went to investigate. When he did, he found Charlotte, that's her mother's name, dead as well as her parents dead. Charlotte was in horrendous condition. I went to investigate myself after the American told me about it. Charlotte was emaciated and suffered severe blood loss from a gaping wound in her abdomen. Amber had said she'd been hiding in the closet when she heard all the noise from the battle and the American confirmed that's where he'd found her."

"Good gracious," Mrs. Dymek said. "What happened?"

"According to the American, Charlotte was raped. This will be the portion where I need you to be open minded. The American told me that her father was a vampire-"

"Excuse me?" Mr. Dymek immediately interrupted. "You expect us to believe that a non-existent creature is that girl's father?"

"Please, Mr. Dymek, allow me to explain. I did not believe the American either at first. But as Amber grew, it became rather obvious he'd not been lying to me. Amber….she won't eat. I've tried to make her eat, but she refuses. She will only hunt and drink blood. We've been able to make her only drink from animals. The American claims his mother is the same as Amber. And she's grown so fast. When the American brought her to me, she appeared no more than a few months old and she couldn't talk. Within weeks, Amber had grown so much and she was speaking French to me as if she'd been speaking for years. And she's fast. Very fast. Sometimes, she'll run from me and I can't catch her."

"This is absurd," Mr. Dymek said. "Even if what you're saying is true, you're implying this little girl is a creature that hunts humans. You're telling us she's dangerous and yet you want us to adopt her?"

"I assure you, Amber is not a danger. She has only bit my husband once, and in all fairness to her, my husband was being mean. She's a very sweet little girl and I know she will be a wonderful daughter."

"Then why don't the two of you keep her?" Mr. Dymek asked.

"Because after so many years of trying to have children, I've become disillusioned with them," Mr. Lavoie offered. It was only part of the reason, but it wasn't completely untrue. "When Gennie and I got married, we tried and tried to have a baby. After so long, we just gave up. And I got tired of seeing her crushed time after time of failed attempts. I admit the experience has left a rather acrid taste in my mouth and I wish to no longer be bothered with the task."

"I assure you both that, were it not for Pierre's feelings on the matter and were it not for the fact that he's simply not bonding with Amber, I would happily keep her. But the truth is we simply can't. Her mother looked forward to being a mother one day and the fact that it happened this way is tragic. All the same, I want to ensure that her daughter ends up with a family that will love her and raise her the way Charlotte would have wanted. It is my sincerest hope that you will be that home for her."

"Might I see her again?" Mrs. Dymek finally spoke up.

"Yes, of course. I'll go and fetch her."

"No, we'll go to her," Mrs. Dymek said. "Levi, let's go and see her." Mr. Dymek continued in German.

"Anna, Ich weiß nicht, über diese," (I don't know about this) he said.

"Was meinen Sie?" (What do you mean?)

"Sie versuchen, uns zu sagen, dieses Mädchen ist einige seltsame Kreatur, die nicht existieren sollten. Sie sagten uns, das Mädchen war "anders". Das ist nicht "anders" Anna, das ist unnatürlich." (They are trying to tell us this girl is some bizarre creature that shouldn't exist. They told us the girl was 'different'. This isn't 'different' Anna, this is unnatural.)

"Levi, bitte. Wir kamen alle auf diese Weise, sie zu sehen, und ich werde keine Entscheidung treffen, bis ich sie habe kennengelernt . Wir haben Jahre auf diesen Moment gewartet, und ich werde dieses arme Mädchen nicht abwenden, ohne sie zu kennen zu lernen." (Levi, please. We came all this way to see her and I'll not make a decision until I've gotten to know her. We've been waiting years for this moment and I'll not turn this poor girl away without getting to know her.)

"Anna, ich weiß, Sie wollen ein Kind. Ich will ein Kind auch, aber wir müssen vernünftig zu sein." (Anna, I know you want a child. I want a child too, but we need to be rational.)

"Ich habe 12 Jahre für ein Kind wartete, Levi. Es wird mehr als eine phantastische Geschichte dauern, bis ich meine wieder einzuschalten, was wahrscheinlich unsere einzige Chance sein, ein Kind zu haben." (I have waited 12 years for a child, Levi. It'll take more than a fantastical story for me to turn my back on what will probably be our only chance to have a child.) Mr. Dymek looked at his wife and sighed.

"Please take us to her," Mr. Dymek said in French.

"Of course. Please follow me," Mrs. Lavoie said and led them down the stairs to where Amber's room was. The door was open and Amber was playing with her dolls. "Amber, dearest, Mrs. Dymek would like to play with you. Would you let her?"

"She can help me make a castle for the princess!" Amber said and went to the large collection of blocks in the corner of her room. Mr. and Mrs. Dymek stepped into the room. Mrs. Dymek went to help Amber collect all the blocks while Mr. Dymek took a seat in the rocking chair to watch them.

"So who's the princess?" Mrs. Dymek asked as they began putting up blocks in a row.

"She's the princess," Amber pointed at the doll in a dress. "She's princess Juliette and her prince," Amber pointed at the other doll, "Prince Derek, is trying to save her from the tower the evil witch put her in."

"Oh, like Rapunzel?"

"Who's Rapunzel?"

"Rapunzel is a princess with long, flowing hair, just the same color as yours. Her mother had eaten from the garden of an evil witch and, as restitution, the witch took their daughter Rapunzel and locked her away in a tower. The only way in was through a window at the top. And the witch would get in by calling out, 'Rapunzel, Rapunzel, let down your golden hair' and Rapunzel would tie her hair to a hook and throw her yards and yards of hair out the window so the witch could climb up. For years, she was confined to that tower with no company other than the witch until a prince heard her singing and fell madly in love with her. He stalked the tower desperately looking for a way in until he saw the witch call out her chant. So he went to the bottom of the tower and called out, 'Rapunzel, Rapunzel, let down your golden hair'. So she did and he started going to the tower frequently to visit Rapunzel and the two fell madly in love. Many months later, Rapunzel complained about her dress not fitting and the witch realized Rapunzel was pregnant. She cut off her hair and cast her from the tower. When the prince returned, he called out, 'Rapunzel, Rapunzel, let down your golden hair' and the witch let the hair flow down so he could climb the tower. When he reached the top, the witch revealed Rapunzel was gone and boasted he would never see her again. Then she pushed him from the tower where he fell and lost his sight. He wondered the woods for years, crying and lamenting over the loss of his beloved Rapunzel. But then he happened upon her and their twins and Rapunzel cried. Her tears fell into his eyes and she cured his blindness. When his sight was returned, he took her and their children to his kingdom and they lived happily ever after."

"That's such a pretty story," Amber sighed. "Do you know any more stories?"

"Oh, several," Mrs. Dymek smiled. "I have a collection of the Brothers Grimm that you will just adore."

"Are they all about princesses and princes?"

"No, not all of them, but some are. Why, you'll adore the story of Cinderella."

"Can you tell me?"

"Well, Cinderella was a very good little girl whose mother died when she was very young. Her mother told her to always be good and that, if she were, she would be loved and adored. Her father remarried, but Cinderella's stepmother and stepsisters were very cruel. The stepmother reduced poor Cinderella to a mere servant. Years later, the Prince of the land threw a wonderful ball that was to be three nights at which point he would find his future queen and all the ladies of the land were invited to attend. Cinderella begged her stepmother to allow her to go. So she threw hundreds of lentils into the fireplace and told Cinderella that if she could clean it in two hours, she would let her go. Cinderella feared she would fail, so she sang a song for help and the birds and other woodland creatures came and helped her clear the lentils. When Cinderella and cleaned the fireplace, the stepmother forced her to do it again, throwing more lentils into the fireplace and telling her she needed to clean it up in just one hour. So Cinderella called upon her critter friends once again to help her and she cleaned the lentils just in time. When Cinderella went to her stepmother and told her she'd completed her task, the stepmother once again threw even more lentils into the fireplace and told her to clean it up in just a half hour, then she would let Cinderella go. So Cinderella did just as her stepmother said with the critters' help. But when she completed it and told her stepmother, the stepmother insisted she would never let her go."

"But she worked so hard!" Amber protested.

"I know, dear, but her stepmother was evil and did not want Cinderella to go. She wanted one of her daughters to win the heart of the prince. So after her stepmother refused to let Cinderella go, she went before a tree and began to cry. The tree in response gave her a beautiful dress for her to wear to the ball. So when it was the first night of the ball, Cinderella went in her beautiful dress and the prince refused to dance a dance with anyone except Cinderella. But she needed to leave at midnight. The following day, Cinderella went to the tree again and was given another dress for her to wear. And that night, she came and the prince would only dance with her until it was midnight and Cinderella ran away. The next day, the tree gave her a new dress and she went to the ball that night as she had before. But this night when she ran away, she left behind a precious shoe. The prince insisted that whoever fit that shoe would be his bride for he was in love with Cinderella. Women all over the kingdom desperately tried to fit into the shoe but it would not fit any of them. Desperate to ensure the shoe would fit, the stepmother told her first daughter to cut off her toe. She told her that when she was queen, she would not need a toe as she would not need to walk. The prince came, placed the shoe on the evil step daughter and it fit."

"But she cheated!"

"That's right, Amber, she most certainly did. And the birds in Cinderella's special tree knew it. The step sister was bleeding and the birds told the prince that he had the wrong woman, that she'd cut off her toe and to see the blood as proof. So the prince returned and the evil stepmother made her second daughter cut off her heel, telling her the same thing: that when she was queen, she would not need to walk. So the shoe fit her and the prince left with the second stepsister. But the birds went to the prince and told him he still had the wrong girl, that she'd cut off her heel and to see the blood. So the prince returned and demanded he be allowed to try the shoe on Cinderella. When he put the shoe on her foot, it fit perfectly and he proclaimed that Cinderella would be his queen. He took her back to his castle where they were married and lived happily ever after."

"What happened to the evil stepmother and stepsisters?"

"Why, they were punished! At Cinderella's wedding the sisters tried to be kind to Cinderella and win her affection so they could join here in the palace and the birds pecked out their eyes as punishment."

"That's so scary," Amber whimpered.

"The moral of the story, Amber, is that if you are terrible, it will eventually come back to you and if you are good, good things will happen to you."

"Do you know any other stories?" Amber asked eagerly.

"Well, how about the story of Rumpelstiltskin?"

"What's that about?"

"Why, it's another story of a young woman. She loved her father very much. But they were poor. Desperate to ensure a better future for his daughter, he went to the prince and told him that his daughter could spin straw into gold. The prince was very greedy, so he agreed to take the merchants daughter. He locked her in a room full of straw with a spindle and told her he wanted all the straw turned into gold by morning, or she would be executed."

"He's not a very nice prince," Amber crossed her arms.

"Indeed he wasn't, my dear. But the merchant's poor daughter cried and cried, knowing she simply could not turn any of the straw into gold and she knew she would be dead. But then, a little man appeared and told her that he could spin the straw into gold. So the little man spun each strand of straw into the finest gold before the morning sun rose. Now when the prince saw this, he became greedier. So he put the merchant's daughter into another room filled with even more straw and made the same demand of her. She must have all the straw spun into gold by morning or she would be executed. The merchant's daughter cried again and the little man appeared again. He agreed to spin the straw for her again and by morning, every strand of straw was made into gold. But the prince's greed still was not satiated. So he put the merchant's daughter into yet another bigger room with yet more straw than before and made the same demand. This night, the little man appeared and promised that after tonight, the prince would ask her to marry him. He told her he would spin the straw into gold if she promised to give the little man her first born child. The merchant's daughter agreed and by morning, all the straw was spun into the finest gold. As the little man had said, the prince took the merchant's daughter as his bride and they were married within days."

"Why would she want to marry him, though? He sounds so terrible."

"Well, my dear, in such a situation, it's very likely he would have executed her if she refused. But they did marry and they had a beautiful son. After the birth of their son, the little man returned to claim the child, but the princess refused. He was furious and demanded she give him the child, but she continued to refuse. So the little man made her a deal. If in three days, she could guess his name, then he would revoke their agreement. The princess was consumed with worry, terrified the little man would take her child. So she sent a handmaiden out to search for him and find a way to obtain his name. The handmaiden found the little man dancing with a broom around a fire singing and laughing how the princess would never guess his name. There was no way she would ever know his name was Rumpelstiltskin. With that name, the handmaiden returned to the princess and the princess was filled with joy. Three days later, the little man returned and the princess provided false names she knew were not true. The little man laughed at her and told her none of those names were right so she said, 'is your name Rumpelstiltskin?' The little man kicked and screamed of how she'd guessed his name and he left in a fit of rage and the princess was able to keep her son."

"You tell such wonderful stories," Amber smiled.

"Oh, thank you, Amber," Mrs. Dymek said. "Do you mind if I ask a few questions about you?"

"I don't mind," Amber answered.

"Mrs. Lavoie told us your mother was dead when the American found you."

"Yes," Amber nodded somberly. "Mommy died just after I was born. I looked at her and she smiled, but just as she started to smile, she faded." Amber sniffed back a tear. "I stopped hearing her heart after that." Amber took a moment to rub her eyes and Mrs. Dymek rubbed Amber's back comfortingly. "I was so scared and I tried to make her come back, but I couldn't. When the battle started, I was so scared and I hid in the closet. That's when Kevin found me."

"Is that the American's name?"

"Yes," Amber finally smiled fondly. "Sergeant Kevin Black. He's a hero!"

"He most certainly is," Mrs. Dymek smiled.

"He comes to see me a lot," Amber smiled. "I love him," she said rather innocently.

"If he comes to see you very often, I would imagine he loves you too. Does he speak French, then?"

"Yes, he does," Amber nodded. "His accent's funny," she giggled.

"I would imagine so," Mrs. Dymek smiled.

"Mrs. Lavoie told us you won't eat," Mr. Dymek said, wanting to get to more pressing matters. Amber shook her head.

"No, I don't like food. It tastes bad. I like blood. Sometimes, Kevin will take me to the woods and let me hunt!"

"So it is true," Mr. Dymek rubbed his face nervously. "Your father was…a vampire?" He could barely get out the word. It still sounded so ludicrous to him.

"I didn't know my daddy," Amber said. "Kevin says I'm like his mommy."

"I see," Mr. Dymek said. "Have you ever hunted a human?"

"Only once when I was little," Amber said. "Kevin grabbed someone for me after he found me. But I've only had animal blood since then."

"How have you liked that?" Mrs. Dymek asked.

"I like it alright," Amber said. "It's better than bread." Amber stuck out her tongue in disdain for the aforementioned food item.

"Why, I love bread," Mrs. Dymek said.

"I don't like it," Amber insisted.

"And you've grown this much since you were born?" Mr. Dymek said.

"Uh-huh!" Amber said proudly. Mr. and Mrs. Dymek exchanged a quick look. Mr. Dymek was still hesitant, but Mrs. Dymek was determined.

"What sort of games do you like to play?" she asked.

"I like to play tag, and I like to play with Prince Derek and Princess Juliette, and I like to play hide and seek." Amber giggled. "Auntie Gennie hates playing hide and seek. She says I'm too good at it."

"Oh my, is that so?" Mrs. Dymek giggled with Amber. "We'll, I see you're an awfully naughty child."

Mrs. Dymek continued to talk with Amber while Mr. and Mrs. Lavoie watched. As Mrs. Lavoie watched, she saw how much Mrs. Dymek was falling in love with Amber. She'd take her. She knew it. The thought started to weigh heavily on her and she got teary eyed.

"What's the matter?" Mr. Lavoie asked.

"They'll take her," she said. "I know they will. I can see it in her eyes."

"Why are you crying?"

"Because I'll miss her," she admitted. "I know it's for the best, but I'll miss her."

"I know," Mr. Lavoie said. "They'll give her a good home, Gennie."

"I know they will."

As Mrs. Dymek played with Amber, she knew with all her heart Amber was theirs. She adored her and didn't want to think about not being her mother. They played and talked and while watching them, Mr. Dymek's heart started to melt. Amber went to him and gave him her Prince Derek doll and asked him to come play with them. He went to the floor and joined them in their play and he started to realize more and more just what his wife already realized. They spent hours together, just playing. When it was nearly dark, Mrs. Dymek knew she wanted to adopt Amber.

"Amber," Mrs. Dymek said. "What do you think of me and Mr. Dymek?"

"I like you," she said. "I could play with you all day!"

"That's wonderful, Amber. We could make that happen. That is, if you do not mind being our daughter. Would you like that? Would you be alright with me being your mommy?"

"Yes!" Amber cheered and hugged Mrs. Dymek. "Can I call you mommy and daddy?"

Mrs. Dymek began to cry, but she brushed a tear away. "Yes, Amber, you most certainly can." She looked at her husband and Mr. Dymek smiled at her. "Bitte, Levi. Lassen Sie uns ihr verabschieden. Ich denke, dass du sie so sehr lieben wie ich." (Please, Levi. Let's adopt her. I think you love her as much as I do.)

"Ich mache," (I do) Mr. Dymek admitted. He stood up and went to Mr. and Mrs. Lavoie. "My wife and I have decided to adopt her."

"Oh, I'm so relieved," Mrs. Lavoie said, brushing away a tear of her own.

"Will you be looking for any form of compensation?" Mr. Dymek asked.

"Goodness no," Mrs. Lavoie said. "I only ask that you be the parents she deserves."

"We'll love her as though she were our own," Mr. Dymek nodded. "Since it's official, my wife and I will need to return to Germany and make some preparations for her. We'll need to buy toys, find her a good school, etcetera. God willing, we'll be able to take her home before Hanukah."

"I do hope so," Mrs. Lavoie said. "Her first Hanukah needs to be with her family. I'm just happy you two will be that family for her."

"We're happy for this too. We've been trying for years to have a baby. Anna would never let me give up hope, so when this came up, we jumped on it."

"Then it was meant to be," Mrs. Lavoie smiled.

"We'll keep in touch with you both, let you know if anything get's brought forward or delayed. The moment we're ready, we'll let you know and we'll be on the first boat and train here."

"She will be ready for you," Mr. Lavoie said.

Upon that agreement, Mr. and Mrs. Dymek remained one more hour playing with Amber and having a light dinner with Mr. and Mrs. Lavoie before finally departing. They remained in town for two more days and met with Amber both days before they had to make the trip back to Germany. After they'd left, Mrs. Lavoie was tucking Amber in for the night.

"So what did you think of Mr. and Mrs. Dymek, Amber?"

"I like them," Amber smiled. "My new mommy and daddy are very nice."

"They are, dear."

"I can't wait to tell Kevin! He'll be so happy. And we can all go to Germany together!" Mrs. Lavoie stared at Amber strangely.

"Well, darling, I don't know if he'd want to go to Germany. He'd probably rather go back to America with his family."

Amber shook her head confidently with a smile, "No. He promised once the war was over, I wouldn't have to share him with the front anymore. So once the war's over, he can come be with us forever." Mrs. Lavoie stared at Amber, unsure what to do. So rather than say anything further on the matter, she just smiled.

"I suppose you two will have to talk about it, then," she said.

"Okay!" Amber smiled.

"Now go to bed, you."

Amber nodded and snuggled into her bed with Princess Juliette and Mrs. Lavoie blew out the candle in the room and closed the door so she could sleep. She went upstairs where her husband was cleaning a few cups and sat on one of the pews. Mrs. Lavoie glanced at her and rolled forward.

"What's the matter?"

"She thinks Sergeant Black is going with her," Mrs. Lavoie said.

"Did you explain he'll be going back to America after the war?"

"I tried to, but she seemed so sure Sergeant Black would come with her. So I just told her she'd have to talk to him about it and told her to go to bed."

Mr. Lavoie sighed and shook his head, "It's not right. Whatever that relationship, something about it isn't right. He's a fifteen year old visiting a child every month like his daughter, but…he doesn't treat her like a daughter. It's not like a brother either. It's something else."

"I agree," Mrs. Lavoie said. "That's the other reason I don't want him taking her. I don't trust him."

"Agreed," Mr. Lavoie sighed. "How do you suppose the American will react?"

"He won't be happy when he finds out, but we're not relenting. The Dymeks are a good family and they'll take good care of Amber. I won't let that boy intimidate us into handing Amber over."

"Agreed," Mr. Lavoie answered again.

A few weeks passed back at the front. There was one last attack from the Germans, but it wasn't the same as the battle in July. They were low on men. Suspiciously low Kevin noticed. He wasn't sure if they really didn't have enough soldiers anymore or if they were indeed being moved to different parts of the front. All the more he could do was lead the men in his company. Even if he technically wasn't supposed to, he made it a habit to keep a close eye on the field and push directive orders into the minds of his men. Dodge! Duck right! Duck left! Duck under! It did the men in the company a world of good. And the Pitcher could always be relied on to catch a live grenade and throw it back. After that battle, Kevin kept everyone on high alert prepared for another attack. However, that next attack never came. It turned into yet another game of chicken. After a week of playing chicken went by, Kevin felt comfortable letting the men come and go again in turns like usual. He took advantage of the time to go with Emmett to the woods to visit their dads. However, when they changed, it was too late in the day and their dads had already returned home.

"I'm going to visit Amber," Kevin said after they exited the woods. "Did you want to see her?"

"That's fine," Embry said. "I'll go back to the front. I'll see you when you get back."

"Alright. I should be back in a few hours. If anything happens, just come get me."

"Yes sir, Sergeant," Embry teased and walked away to return to the front. Kevin laughed and went the opposite direction to the synagogue. When Kevin arrived at the synagogue, he knocked the door and waited a moment before Mrs. Lavoie answered the door.

"Afternoon, Sergeant," she said.

"Afternoon, Mrs. Lavoie. I'm here to visit Amber."

"I know," she said and stepped aside so he could come inside. Amber was at the altar practicing her passages from the Torah but she stopped when she saw Kevin and ran to him to give him a hug.

"Kevin!" she cheered when she saw him.

"Comment avez-vous été, Amber?" (How have you been, Amber)

"Génial! Monsieur Lavoie dit mon hébreu est de mieux en mieux! Et je devais visiteurs!" (Great! Mr. Lavoie says my Hebrew is getting better and better! And I had visitors!)

Kevin looked at her strangely and smiled. "Visiteurs dites-vous? Quel genre de visiteurs?" (Visitors you say? What kind of visitors?)

"Ils sont ma nouvelle mama et papa!" (They're my new mommy and daddy!) Kevin looked at her strangely, then he looked at Mrs. Lavoie.

"What is she talking about?"

"There's a couple my husband found that's agreed to adopt Amber. They visited her a few weeks ago and it's official. They returned home to make preparations for her and will return before the end of the year to take her back."

"I already have a family ready for Amber," Kevin said. "My Aunt Rosalie and Uncle Emmett are taking her."

"No they're not, Sergeant."

"Yes they are," Kevin stood up a little straighter trying to emphasize his point, but she didn't back down.

"No they're not," she answered back. "The Dymeks are a wonderful couple and they love Amber very much. They will be wonderful parents and provide Amber with a good home."

"You really think anything they can provide her is better than what my family can offer? My mother's side of the family is as rich if not richer than the God damn Rockefellers! My family can offer her everything she could possibly want. She'll have the best education one could ask for. She'll be raised with a family that will love her and know how to take care of her. What do these people know? They don't know what Amber is or how to take care of her."

"They do know what she is, Sergeant, and I've explained to them what makes her different. They're adopting her knowing full well what she is and the special circumstances surrounding her. I would never give Amber to anyone under false pretenses. And I don't care how rich your family is. Money doesn't make good parents!"

"So you go behind my back to find a different family even when she already has one lined up for her?!" Mr. Lavoie rolled over, hearing the conversation, and stood up to Kevin.

"Sergeant, it's done. There's no point in arguing the matter."

"Like hell there isn't," Kevin barked back rather loudly.

"Kevin, quelle est la question? Qu'est-ce qui se passe?" (Kevin, what's the matter? What's going on?) Amber asked. Kevin looked at her and tried to smile.

"Rien, Amber. Nous allons juste avoir une conversation sérieuse." (Nothing Amber. We're just having a serious talk.)

"Est-ce que j'ai fait quelque chose de mal?" (Did I do something wrong?)

"No," Kevin was quick to say. "No, vous ne l'avez pas quelque chose de mal Amber. Nous essayons simplement de venir à une entente." (No, you didn't do anything wrong Amber. We're just trying to come to an understanding.)

"Sergeant," Mrs. Lavoie said. "The Dymeks are a good family. As soon as they're able, they will be taking her to Munich-"

"Munich?! You're sending her to Germany? What the fuck is wrong with you?!"

"You watch your language in front of my wife, Sergeant," Mr. Lavoie bit back. "Mr. Dymek is a very successful banker and his wife is an artist and candle carver. They may not be 'rich as the Rockefellers' but that's hardly relevant or required."

"I don't care if they're a 'good family'! I told you both my aunt and uncle are adopting Amber. You have no right to throw her at another family right under my nose!"

"You left that little girl in my care, and God Damn it I'm doing what's best for her!" Mrs. Lavoie screamed back. "Amber needs to be with a good Jewish family. Something that your family is not."

"So you're refusing to allow my aunt and uncle to take her because they're not Jewish? Are you out of your mind?!"

"Regardless of how you feel, Sergeant, that little girl's mother was a very close friend. I watched Charlotte grow and she wanted to be a mother more than anything. And I know what she would have wanted for her little girl. And what she would have wanted would not have been to end up with a family of monsters that won't raise her the way she sees fit!"

"So you send her to a family that live in a country on the brink of collapse? Germany's through! There's no way they'll survive this war! Once this is over, Germany will fall apart! It's inevitable!"

"So instead, we send her across the ocean to America on your word alone? How do we know this aunt and uncle of yours even exist?" Mrs. Lavoie accused.

"Excuse me?"

"You're a continent and an ocean away from your relatives. How could you possibly know your aunt and uncle are ready and willing to take on this little girl? We know the Dymeks want to take Amber. It's a certainty. We've met them ourselves."

"It doesn't matter how I know my aunt and uncle will take her! I know they will! They can't have children because of what they are and my Aunt Rosalie would fly to the moon and back to have a child! I know she'll be a good mother to Amber and how dare you accuse myself or her of lying?!"

"Kevin," Amber interrupted. "Pour quoi êtes-vous tous crier? Qu'est-ce qui ne va pas?" (Why are you all yelling? What's wrong?)

"Il est bien, Amber, nous ne faisons que parler," (It's alright, Amber, we're just talking) Kevin rushed and returned to the Lavoies. "If it'll take the two of them coming her to meet you in person, then I'll arrange it, mark my words."

"Even if you can notify them, it will be weeks at best before they could possibly get here. By then, the Dymeks will be ready for her and I will not deny them Amber just because you are throwing a temper tantrum," Mrs. Lavoie said.

"A temper tantrum?! Bitch, I haven't even begun to get angry!"

"Now you listen here, you little brat!" Mr. Lavoie scolded. "I don't care if you saved Amber and I don't care how upset you are! You will stop swearing at my wife or you will be banished from this synagogue and you'll not see Amber again!"

"Exactly! I saved Amber's life! Neither of you did it. You didn't even want to take her!" Kevin said to Mrs. Lavoie. "And you don't want her here at all!" Kevin yelled at Mr. Lavoie.

"Saving that little girl's life does not entitle you to decide whether she goes to America or not!" Mrs. Lavoie yelled. "And the day I had that girl over to a child is the day I rot in hell!"

"Arrêtez ça!" (Stop it!) Amber screamed. "Pour quoi tu cries?" (Why are you yelling?) Amber asked Kevin, crying now. Once he realized Amber was crying, Kevin calmed down, if only for her sake, and kneeled down.

"Amber," Kevin said. "Madame Lavoie dit qu'elle vous donne à un couple en Allemagne. Est-ce vrai?" (Mrs. Lavoie is saying she is giving you to a couple in Germany. Is that true?)

"Mama et papa sont me prennent pour Munich," (Mommy and daddy are taking me to Munich) Amber nodded. "Je ne sais pas quand, mais quand la guerre est finie, vous pouvez aller à Munich aussi." (I don't know when, but when the war's over, you can go to Munich too.)

"Amber," Kevin started a little stunned. He'd not even considered…it explained why she'd not been so upset about the situation. "Amber, je ne peux pas aller à Munich. Lorsque la guerre est finie, je dois rentrer à maison." (Amber, I can't go to Munich. When the war's over, I have to go back home.)

"Mais vous avez dit….." (But…you said…..)

"Amber, ma tante et son oncle ont accepté de vous adopter. Si elles vous adoptent, alors vous pouvez venir en Amérique avec moi." (Amber, my aunt and uncle have agreed to adopt you. If they adopt you, then you can come to America with me.)

"Mais…" Amber contorted her face with an emotion Kevin couldn't quite pin. "Mais je ne veux pas une mama et papa différent. Je veux aller à Munich. Je veux que tu viennes avec." (But I don't want to a different mommy and daddy. I want to go to Munich. I want you to come with.) Amber was starting to cry and Kevin didn't know what to do.

"Amber, Je ne peux pas aller en Allemagne. Je dois y retourner," (I can't go to Germany. I have to go back. ) Kevin said.

"Mais je ne vous veux pas!" (But I don't want you to!) Amber screamed and started sobbing and rubbing her eyes.

"Amber-" Kevin started, but she ran away and went to her room, closing the door and locking it behind her. Kevin and Mr. and Mrs. Lavoie followed and when Kevin reached the door, he realized it was locked. He rested his head against the door a moment until he was interrupted.

"You heard her yourself, Sergeant," Mrs. Lavoie said. "She wants to be with the Dymeks."

"This isn't over," Kevin said and forced his way passed them. "You mark my words this isn't over! I will reach out to my family and I'll make sure you know they're ready and able to adopt Amber. And when this war is over, they will fucking swim here if they need to!"

Kevin left the synagogue and, granted in vain, Kevin went into the woods to try and communicate with his father, they were gone. He would talk to them later. He left the woods and returned to the front practically seeing red. When he finally returned, Embry glanced at him and instantly lost his smile. The look of rage on Kevin's face was like nothing he'd ever seen before. Kevin was even shaking.

"What's wrong with you, Sergeant?" Pvt. Tammy asked.

"That French bitch and her holy man husband let another family adopt Amber!" Kevin yelled without thinking. Being the only one that knew what Kevin was talking about, he went wide eyed.

"They what?! Your Aunt and Uncle are taking her aren't they?"

"They will if it's the last thing I do," Kevin fumed.

"Hold on, what are you talking about?" one soldier asked.

"When the Germans attacked and got into town, Kevin and I found a little girl and took her to a synagogue for safety. Kevin asked them to look after her and he decided he would bring her back to America," Embry explained.

"Sergeant, with all due respect, you can't raise a baby. You're fifteen for fuck's sake," another soldier argued.

"Fuck, I keep forgetting you're only fifteen," Pvt. Tammy mumbled.

"My age doesn't mean a fucking thing!" Kevin snapped. "Even if it did, my aunt and uncle would help me raise her. They're her adoptive parents."

"Okay, Sergeant, we understand, but there's no reason to react this way. Just try to calm down."

"He's right, Kevin, just try to calm down," Embry stepped in. "We can figure this out. We'll write to your aunt and uncle and they'll get this worked out."

"Yeah," Kevin tried to breath and calm down. "You're right. We'll write them first thing tomorrow and get them mailed right away." Kevin and Embry exchanged a knowing glance.

Just as promised, the next morning bright and early, Kevin and Embry left the front and went to the woods to talk to Jacob and Embry Sr. After the initial shock of their sons being out so early wore off, Jacob ran right to the Cullen house. Kevin listed and when Jacob arrived, Edward already overheard the whole conversation, put down his paper and went right upstairs to Rosalie and Emmett, who were making some last minute touches to Amber's room.

"Rosalie, Emmett, there's been a problem," Edward said.

"Problem?" Emmett asked.

"What kind of problem?" Rosalie asked.

"Evidently the couple that are looking after Amber on Kevin's behalf have promised her to another family."

"What?! They can't do that!" Rosalie said.

"There are a number of issues, but one of them is Mrs. Lavoie evidently assuming Kevin has no way to prove the two of you want or are even aware of her is part of the problem."

"Oh, we'll make her aware," Rosalie said. "Emmett, pack your things. We leave for France the minute we're packed." Emmett followed after Rosalie to their room and began packing a few things. "Chateau Thierry, right? The Synagogue?"

"Yes," Edward said.

"Good. Tell Kevin we'll be there within two weeks tops."

Edward ran downstairs and relayed the message to Jacob and by virtue Kevin. Once they had that affirmation, Kevin changed back, got dressed, and left the woods to run to the synagogue. He took a deep breath before knocking. His screaming yesterday had upset Amber and he wanted to avoid that as much as possible. When he was calm again, he knocked on the door and waited for Mrs. Lavoie to answer. When she did, she didn't allow him to enter. She only stood in the doorway and stared at him cruelly.

"What do you want?" she asked.

"You'll be pleased to know that I've notified my aunt and uncle of your little stunt and they're on their way as we speak to correct the misunderstanding."

"There hasn't been a 'misunderstanding', Sergeant."

"Yes there has, and my aunt and uncle are on their way."

"And what shall they do, Sergeant? Drink my blood for the offense and crucify my husband?"

"They'll meet Amber and take her back. The moment they arrive if needed."

"And what if Amber doesn't want to go? She already told you she wants to be with the Dymeks."

"You allowed the adoption behind my back and without explaining going to Germany means she won't see me. Once my aunt and uncle get here, she'll love them and when she knows that means coming back to America with me, she'll pick them."

"We'll just have to wait and see then," Mrs. Lavoie challenged, calling what she assumed must be a bluff.

"Indeed we will. Now let me see Amber."

"Amber didn't want to talk to you last I spoke with her."

"Horseshit," Kevin spat back. "Let me see her."

"If you continue to swear at me, Sergeant, I'll just close this door and lock it."

"Then I'll break it down."

"I dare you," Mrs. Lavoie said and slammed the door, locking it as she had threatened. Kevin stared at the door a moment, but he didn't break it down. He wouldn't give her the satisfaction. Instead, Kevin changed to a vampire and started inspecting each and every corner of the synagogue until he found a window that was carelessly left open. He snuck in and made sure no one saw him and he went right to Amber's room and gently knocked.

"Amber?" Kevin said. He heard her move, but it wasn't with any form of enthusiasm. Rather, she meandered to her door and opened it and looked right at Kevin without a word. So he kneeled down so he was on her level and looking right at her. "Amber, je suis désolé, je criais hier. Je viens surpris par les nouvelles. Mais je dois de meilleures nouvelles. Je suis entré en contact avec ma tante et son oncle et ils sont sur leur chemin maintenant. Ils seront ici dans deux semaines dessus et ils vous ramènent à l'Amérique. Ensuite, lorsque le cours de la guerre, je vais venu à la maison et tout ira bien." (Amber, I'm sorry I was yelling yesterday. I was just surprised by the news. But I have better news. I got in touch with my aunt and uncle and they're on their way now. They'll be here in two weeks tops and they'll take you back to America. Then when the war's over, I'll came home and everything will be alright.)

"Qu'en est-il des Dymeks?" (What about the Dymeks?) Amber asked.

"Well," Kevin took a moment to think of the best way to answer that question. "Madame Lavoie devra simplement expliquer qu'il ya eu une erreur." (Mrs. Lavoie will just have to explain there's been a mistake.)

"Mais Kevin, j'aime les Dymeks. Je veux aller avec eux et je veux que tu viennes avec nous." (But Kevin, I like the Dymeks. I want to go with them and I want you to come with us.)

"Amber….. Je ne peux pas faire cela. Je dois rentrer à la maison. Je famille à la maison et j'avoir des responsabilités. Je ne peux pas marcher loin d'eux." (Amber…. I can't do that. I have to go home. I have family back home and I have responsibilities. I can't just walk away from them.)

"Vous marchiez loin quand vous avez rejoint la guerre," (You walked away when you joined the war) Amber said. Kevin couldn't think of an answer to that. Instead, he rolled back so he was sitting down and he just stared at the ground. "Si vous aviez des responsabilités, alors vous ne devriez jamais avoir quitté," (If you had responsibilities, then you never should have left ) Amber cried.

"Amber, Je suis parti pour que je puisse faire quelque chose de mieux de moi-même pour l'amour de moi et de ma tribu. Il a été difficile, mais je ne l'échangerais ce que je suis passé par ici pour rien. Je suis devenu un sergent et gagné une médaille à un âge plus considéreraient impensable. Je me suis fait des amis avec des gens que j'aurais jamais rencontré autrement. Mais surtout, cela signifie que je vous ai rencontré. C'est un cadeau que je ne changerais pas pour le monde. Je sais que vous aimez les Dymeks, mais donne une chance ma tante et son oncle. Vous pouvez les aimer. Vous pouvez même les aimer plus. Et le meilleur de tous, je serai là." (Amber, I left home so I could make something better of myself for the sake of myself and my tribe. It's been hard, but I wouldn't trade what I've gone through here for anything. I became a sergeant and won a medal at an age most would consider unthinkable. I've made friends with people I would have never met otherwise. But above all, it means I met you. That's a gift I wouldn't trade for the world. I know you like the Dymeks, but give my aunt and uncle a chance. You might like them. You may even like them more. And best of all, I'll be there.)

"How did you get in here?!" Mrs. Lavoie screamed when she came downstairs hearing voices. Kevin looked up and sighed.

"You left a window open," Kevin said. "And don't bother with trying to keep all the windows locked. There are several other ways I can get in."

"Well, no matter how you got in, I expect you to get out now."

"Not until Amber and I finish talking," Kevin said and returned his attention to Amber. "S'il vous plaît donner ma tante et mon oncle une chance. Je pense que vous les aimerez." (Please give my aunt and uncle a chance. I think you'll like them.)

"Oui," Amber finally agreed and Kevin smiled. The two hugged and he carried her with him back upstairs and to the front door.

"Mrs. Lavoie, would you open the door?"

"After you put Amber down," she said. Kevin sighed and put Amber down, but she remained close to him. Mrs. Lavoie unlocked the doors and opened them. "Now please leave."

"Relax, I'm leaving," Kevin said and looked at Amber. "Je reviendrai la minute ma tante et son oncle sont ici. Vous les aimez, je le promets." (I'll come back the minute my aunt and uncle are here. You'll love them, I promise.)

"Oui," Amber said and Kevin walked away. Embry was waiting outside for him and Kevin glanced over his shoulder while they walked away. Amber stepped outside and waved goodbye to him, but there wasn't quite her usual enthusiasm.

"So how did it go?" Embry asked.

"I told her Rosalie and Emmett would be here in two weeks and to meet them. Once she meets them, I know she'll like them."

"See? I told you we'd get this resolved. No need to overreact."

"We'll just need to wait for Rosalie and Emmett to send word to us that they're here. Best case scenario, they'll be here by the 13th. It is November, right?"

"Last I checked," Embry nodded and they continued to the front.

Yet, bigger news happened while Kevin waited for Rosalie and Emmett to arrive. First, on November 9th, they received word that, evidently, the Kaiser of Germany had abdicated his throne. Interesting news, but the men remained on high alert. The very next day, word got around that Germany had made itself a republic. Again, interesting news, but nothing they concerned themselves with too much. However, the day after that, Kevin was pulled aside by Lt. Casey.

"Sergeant," Lt. Casey said when they were in the makeshift office.

"Yes, Lt. Casey?"

"We've just received word of exciting news that I'll need you to deliver to your men. Germany has surrendered. The war is over."

"Surrendered?" Kevin went wide eyed, but remained professional in appearance.

"Yes, Sergeant, surrendered. There has been mutiny after mutiny and mass desertions from what I hear. I also hear President Wilson will be sailing for France to join the other leaders to negotiate terms of surrender."

"That's excellent news indeed, sir," Kevin answered.

"News that I'm sure your men will openly welcome." The two saluted one another. "Notify the men Sergeant."

"Yes, sir!" Kevin answered and left the office. He ran down the trench until he found Embry and the others. "Everyone! I have good news! The Germans have surrendered and the war is over!"

The roar of cheers that followed was deafening. Embry ran to Kevin to hug him and pulled him to the group where they all threw up their hats and started to celebrate. The news got around the trenches like wildfire and before minutes could pass, men all over were cheering and celebrating. Embry even kissed Pvt. Tammy on the cheek telling him, "oh come here you racist fuck!" and they all continued to cheer. When the excitement died down a little, Kevin told Embry to come with him so they could relay the news to their dads. It was early enough in the day that they might be able to catch them while they were still on patrol. When they were in the woods, they stripped down, changed to wolves, and barked with joy.

The war's over!Embry Jr. and Kevin yelled before even being sure their fathers were there.

It is? Embry Sr. and Jacob answered. When are you coming home?

We don't know yet, Kevin said, but we're coming home! Are Rosalie and Emmett here yet?

Last I heard, they were due to arrive in France any day, Jacob confirmed.

Embry, you stay here. I need to tell Amber. Dad, Uncle Embry, tell everyone the news! Kevin changed back, got dressed and made his way to the synagogue. Meanwhile, Embry Sr. and Jacob ran back to the village. Embry Jr. waited while Embry Sr. and Jacob changed back and went home. Jacob jumped through the balcony window and jumped into bed with Renesmee with no gentleness and startled her.

"Jacob?!"

"The war's over!"

"What?" Renesmee sat up.

"The war's over! Our boys are coming home!"

"Oh my God," Renesmee started to cry and grabbed a hold of Jacob as they hugged. "I'll tell the children. You go tell my parents." The two got out of their beds, Jacob changed back so he could hear Embry Jr. again and ran to the Cullen house. He started barking to get their attention, but as soon as Edward heard Jacob's thoughts, he grinned.

"The war's over. They're coming home," Edward said and everyone stopped what they were doing and ran to the living room.

"They're coming home?!" Esme smiled. "Oh, thank God!"

"When are they coming home?" Carlisle asked.

"They don't know yet," Edward said. "It won't be until after terms of surrender are worked out. President Wilson will evidently leave for France soon for that purpose."

"How long do you suppose it will be before the papers spread the news?" Jasper asked.

"About two more days," Alice answered. "November 9th, the Kaiser abdicated his throne, November 10th, Germany became a Republic, and to quote the papers to come 'On the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month, Germany has surrendered'."

"We'll have to pay close attention to when the boys are coming home," Esme said.

"As soon as they're home, we'll have a big party for them like we did for Seth," Bella said.

"Excellent idea," Esme agreed. Meanwhile, Kevin made his way to the synagogue and banged on the door. He waited until Mrs. Lavoie answered.

"Where's Amber?" Kevin asked, barely able to contain a smile. "I need to tell her something."

"She's seeing her new family right now," Mrs. Lavoie said.

"Pleased my aunt and uncle could make it," Kevin said smugly.

"They've not and I'm not referring to them," Mrs. Lavoie said. Just then, Amber opened the other door so she could see Kevin and went right to him for a hug.

"Kevin!" Amber said.

"Amber!" Kevin said and picked her up. "La guerre est finie!" (The war's over!)

"Vraiment?!" (Really?) Amber said.

"Allemagne capitula. Nous pouvons rentrer à la maison maintenant," (Germany surrendered. We can go home now.) Kevin smiled.

"Vous devez être l'Américain Madame Lavoie nous a parlé," (You must be the American Mrs. Lavoie told us about) Kevin heard a strange woman's voice with a heavy German accent and he looked at the owner. The couple seemed nice enough to him, but he remained slightly standoffish.

"Oui, je suis sergent Kevin William Black," (Yes, I'm Sergeant Kevin William Black) he said.

"Nous avons entendu Amber tellement parlé de vous. Elle parle avec enthousiasme de vous. Nous entendons aussi vous êtes celui qui l'a sauvée," (We heard from Amber so much about you. She speaks glowingly of you. We also hear you're the one that saved her) Mrs. Dymek said.

"Oui." Kevin answered briefly. With a kind smile, Mrs. Dymek stepped forward.

"C'est un plaisir de vous rencontrer. Nous avons entendu tellement parlé de vous, mais j'avais tellement peur nous ne serions pas la chance de vous rencontrer. Je suis Anna Dymek. Ceci est mon mari Levi. Nous sommes le couple qui adopte Amber." (It is a pleasure to meet you. We've heard so much about you, but I was so scared we wouldn't get the chance to meet you. I'm Anna Dymek. This is my husband Levi. We're the couple that are adopting Amber.)

"Je suis désolé, Madame Dymek, mais il y a eu un malentendu," (I'm sorry, Mrs. Dymek, but there's been a misunderstanding) Kevin said. "Ma tante et son oncle adoptent Amber." (My aunt and uncle are adopting Amber.)

"Je vous demande pardon?" (I beg your pardon?) Mr. Dymek said.

"S'il vous plaît," Mrs. Lavoie stepped forward. "Lui faites pas l'esprit. Sa tante et son oncle sont pas-" (Pay him no mind. His aunt and uncle are not-)

"Nous ne sommes pas quoi?" (We are not what?) a voice came from behind Kevin. He looked and couldn't think of any other time he was so relieved to see Rosalie and Emmett.

"Qui es-tu?" Mrs. Lavoie asked.

"Je suis Emmett Cullen et voici ma femme Rosalie. Notre neveu ici nous a dit à propos de Amber et il a déjà été convenu que nous l'adopter." (I'm Emmett Cullen and this is my wife Rosalie. Our nephew here told us about Amber and it was already agreed that we would adopt her.)

"Nous ne sommes jamais d'accord pour que," (We never agreed to that) Mr. Lavoie rolled forward in his wife's defense. "Votre neveu a pris cette décision de son propre chef, sans aucune idée de ce qui est mieux pour Amber." (Your nephew made that decision on his own without any thought of what's best for Amber.)

"Qu'est-ce qui vous fait penser que nous ne sommes pas ce qui est mieux pour Amber?" (What makes you think we are not what's best for Amber?) Rosalie asked. "Nous pouvons offrir cette petite fille une vie et une famille tout autant que ces deux. Si Amber rentre à la maison avec nous, elle aura toute une coven et toute une tribu." (We can offer that little girl a life and a family just as much as those two. If Amber comes home with us, she'll have a whole coven and a whole tribe.)

"Toujours pense que ma tante et mon oncle n'existent pas, Madame Lavoie?" (Still think my aunt and uncle don't exist, Mrs. Lavoie?) Kevin asked pointedly.

"Il n'a pas d'importance," (It doesn't matter) Mrs. Lavoie said. "Amber a choisi d'aller avec les Dymeks. Si quelqu'un n'a pas le droit d'empiéter sur ce point, il est vous les gens." (Amber has chosen to go with the Dymeks. If anyone has no right to intrude at this point, it's you people.)

"Cela aurait jamais été un problème si vous ne l'aviez pas fait tout cela sous mon nez," (This would have never been an issue if you hadn't done all this under my nose) Kevin rose his voice, but Amber put a hand on Kevin's cheek to stop him. He sighed and recollected himself. "Nous prenons Amber avec nous" (We're taking Amber with us) Kevin finally said calmly.

"Tu m'écoutes" (You listen to me) Mr. Dymek started, but Mrs. Dymek stopped him.

"S'il vous plaît, je suis terriblement désolé s'il y a eu des problèmes de communication, mais s'il vous plaît laissez-nous prendre Amber. Mon mari et moi avons été en attente pendant des années d'avoir un enfant." (Please, I am terribly sorry if there has been any miscommunication, but please let us take Amber. My husband and I have been waiting for years to have a child.)

"Moi aussi," (So have I) Rosalie said. "J'ai été battu par mon fiancé et laissé mourir avant que je sois changé. Quand je suis changé, tout espoir d'un enfant est mort avec mon humanité." (I was beaten by my fiancé and left to die before I was changed. When I was changed, any hope of a child died with my humanity.)

"Ma femme et moi avons essayé pendant 12 ans- "

"J'ai attendu 80 pour une telle occasion," (I've waited 80 for an opportunity like this) Rosalie said. "Je ne pourrai jamais obtenir à nouveau une chance comme ça." (I will never get a chance like this again.)

"Pas plus que nous," (Neither will we) Mr. Dymek argued. As they argued, Kevin looked down at Amber and realized she was crying. He stroked her hair, but it didn't seem to do much. "Je ne vais pas vous laisser prendre ce loin de ma femme. Elle a attendu trop d'années-" (I will not let you take this away from my wife. She's waited too many years-)

"Levi," Mrs. Dymek interrupted, placing her hand on her husband's. Her next words barely made it out. "Sie können sie haben." (They can have her)

"Was?" (What?) Mr. Dymek asked.

"On leur a promis son premier," (They were promised her first) she barely managed. "Et si Amber veut aller avec eux, alors il est la bonne chose à faire." (And if Amber wishes to go with them, then it's the right thing to do.)

Kevin, Rosalie and Emmett saw the look on Mrs. Dymek's face and, suddenly, their resolve weakened. She looked heartbroken. Truly and uncompromisingly heartbroken. And when Kevin had seen Amber, she wasn't happy either. When Rosalie saw that look on Mrs. Dymek's face, she realized her and Emmett were just too late. Amber didn't want to be with her, she wanted to be with them. She'd come to the synagogue ready to argue and guns blazing, but seeing the Dymeks, she just couldn't do it now. Not in good conscience. Kevin had the same realization. He also could tell when he looked at Rosalie, that she wasn't going to fight them anymore. So Kevin approached the Dymeks so they were close enough to take her from his arms.

"No," Kevin said. "Elle vous a pris et si c'est ce qu'elle veut, alors je ne vais pas l'arrêter." (She picked you and if that's what she wants, then I won't stop her.) Mrs. Dymek looked a little stunned but Kevin gently made Amber look at him. "Amber," Kevin started.

"Pour quoi ne pouvez-vous pas venir avec nous?" (Why can't you come with us?) Amber cried.

"Parce que, Amber, je dois revenir en arrière," (Because, Amber, I have to go back) Kevin answered. "Je ne peux pas obtenu en Allemagne. J'ai un retour à la maison de la famille qui ont besoin de moi." (I can't got to Germany. I have a family back home that need me.) Kevin returned his attention to the Dymeks. "Je suis désolé. Je ne l'aurais pas supposé nous étions ce qui est le mieux pour elle. J'étais têtu. Je peux vous voir à la fois l'aimez déjà et qui est ce dont elle a besoin." (I am sorry. I shouldn't have assumed we were what's best for her. I was being stubborn. I can see you both love her already and that's what she needs.)

"Je fais vraiment," (I really do) Mrs. Dymek said and accepted Amber. It was the only time Amber had left Kevin's arms without putting up a huge fuss or fight. "Mercie. Cela signifie que le monde nous." (Thank you. This means the world to us.)

"S'il vous plaît prendre soin d'elle," (Please take care of her) Kevin said holding back tears. "Voilà tout ce que je peux demander, mais s'il vous plaît vous promets que vous prendre soin d'elle." (That is all I can ask, but please promise you will take care of her.)

"Nous allons," (We will) Mrs. Dymek nodded eagerly and cuddled Amber. "Je sais que vous devez penser en Allemagne est en ruine, mais nous allons faire en sorte d'Amber est bien. Nous allons lui donner tout ce que nous pouvons. Nous allons nous assurer qu'elle obtient une bonne éducation, tout ce que nous pouvons offrir." (I know you must think Germany is crumbling, but we will make sure Amber is alright. We will give her everything we can. We will make sure she gets a good education, everything we can offer)

"Merci," Kevin said. He put his hand on Amber's back and she started crying more. Then she reached over to Kevin and he took her in his arms and hugged her. Je reviendrai un jour, (I will return one day) he pushed the thought into her head. Je vous jure, je vais revenir un jour (I swear to you, I'll come back one day). After he made that promise, with her head on his chest, Amber reached her arm out with her pinkie extended and Kevin smiled and accepted it with his own. Even if she wouldn't understand him, in his native language, he pushed one more thought into her head. I love you. Amber seemed to get just a little more teary eyed. Somehow, he had a feeling she knew what he said to her.

"Je t'aime Kevin," (I love you, Kevin) Amber whimpered a little.

"Je t'aime trop, Amber," (I love you too Amber) Kevin responded and finally handed Amber back to Mrs. Dymek. "Prenez bien soin d'elle," (Take good care of her) Kevin said and was about to leave. Rosalie and Emmett left, but Mrs. Dymek stopped Kevin.

"Sergent," she said. "Peut-être que nous pouvons vous envoyer des photos et des mises à jour. Sûrement Amber aimerait vous écrire. Et vous pouvez lui écrire." (Perhaps we can send you pictures and updates. Surely Amber would love to write you. And you could write her.)

"Vous feriez ça?" (You would do that?) Kevin asked.

"Certainement," Mrs. Dymek said. "Où devrions-nous envoyer les lettres? Liebling?" (Where should we send the letters? Darling?) Mrs. Dymek looked at her husband. "Haben Sie einen Bleistift und Papier zur Hand?" (Do you have a pencil and paper handy?)

"Je vais chercher un peu," (I will fetch some) Mrs. Lavoie said, understanding only pencil and paper, after Mr. Dymek checked both his suit pockets and couldn't seem to find anything.

"J'apprécie beaucoup cela," (I really appreciate this) Kevin said.

"Nous vous remercions de nous laisser adopter Amber," (We appreciate you letting us adopt Amber) Mrs. Dymek smiled. Mrs. Lavoie returned with a pencil and paper and Kevin wrote down the address of the General Store.

"Ma famille vit dans une tribu près de Forks, Washington," (My family lives on a tribe near Forks, Washington) Kevin said. "Mon ami et moi ont envoyé toutes nos lettres au magasin général. Le neveu du propriétaire est marié à ma cousine. Il va assurer que je reçois des lettres que vous envoyez." (My friend and I have been sending all our letters to the General Store. The owner's nephew is married to my cousin. He'll make sure I get any letters you send.) Kevin held out the paper and Mr. Dymek accepted it and tucked it away in his coat pocket.

"Merci encore pour tout," (Thank you again for everything) Mrs. Dymek said. "Amber avait dit que vous savez ce qu'elle est parce que votre mère est comme elle?" (Amber had said you know what she is because your mother is like her?)

"Oui," Kevin nodded.

"Elle a tellement grandi depuis notre dernière l'a vue. Je sais qu'elle ne fut né en Juillet, mais elle regarde déjà quatre. Combien de temps cela continuera?" (She has grown so much since we last saw her. I know she was only born in July, but she looks four already. How long will this continue?)

"Ma mère a cessé de croître à sept," (My mother stopped growing at seven ) Kevin answered, taking a moment to rub his eyes. There was still a burn of tears threatening to fall. "Ma mère était pleine cultivé par cet âge et elle est restée la même depuis. Ma mère sur cinquante-six maintenant, mais elle regarde la même chose, comme elle l'a fait à sept heures." (My mother was full grown by that age and she's stayed the same since then. My mother's about fifty six now, but she looks just the same as she did at seven.)

"Elle se développera rapidement" (She will grow rapidly, then) Mrs. Dymek rationalized. "Nous pouvons l'école à la maison. Ou nous pouvons trouver un moyen de faire en sorte que tous les tuteurs qu'elle a gardés sont pas au courant." (We can home school her. Or we can find a way to make sure any tutors she has are kept unaware.)

"Cela peut être difficile," (That may be difficult) Kevin said. "Pour autant que je sache, sa croissance va ralentir un peu, mais en quatre ans ou plus, mais elle va encore être de plus en plus vite qu'un enfant moyen. Vous aurez envie de marcher légèrement lorsqu'ils traitent avec d'autres personnes." (As far as I am aware, her growth will slow a little but by age four or so, but she'll still be growing faster than an average child. You'll want to tread lightly when dealing with other people.)

"Elle a une condition médicale," (She has a medical condition) Mr. Dymek said and they all looked at him strangely. "Lorsque nous avons commencé à parler avec Monsieur Lavoie, il nous a dit qu'elle était différente. Il n'a pas précisé. Nous avons non spécifié à nos familles soit. Si nécessaire, nous pouvons juste leur dire Amber souffre d'une condition médicale rare qui provoque une croissance accélérée. J'ai entendu de telles conditions avant, donc ce n'est pas complètement inconnu." (When we first started speaking with Mister Lavoie, he told us she was different. He didn't specify. We have not specified to our families either. If needed, we can just tell them Amber suffers a rare medical condition that causes accelerated growth. I've heard of such conditions before, so it's not completely unheard of.)

"Ja," Mrs. Dymek smiled. "Oui, cela fonctionne parfaitement. Notre famille sait Amber est différent, mais ils ne savent pas comment tant. Nous allons leur dire qu'il est une condition médicale rare. Personne ne sera tout le plus sage!" (Yes, that will work perfectly. Our family knows Amber's different, but they don't know how so. We'll just tell them it's a rare medical condition. No one will be any the wiser!)

"J'espère que cela fonctionne," (I hope that will work) Kevin said. "Vous l'emmenez à Munich?" (You're taking her to Munich?)

"Oui, c'est là notre maison est. Vous avez dit que l'Allemagne a cédé?" (Yes, that is where our home is. You said that Germany has surrendered?)

"Oui, je l'ai appris ce matin," (Yes, I learned of it this morning) Kevin nodded.

"Les soldats seront de retour en masse," (The soldiers will be returning in droves) Mr. Dymek said.

"De ce que j'entends, l'Allemagne a elle-même une République déclarée maintenant," (From what I'm hearing, Germany has declared itself a Republic now) Kevin said. "Toutefois, un pays peut difficilement se prendre d'une monarchie à une république du jour au lendemain." (However a country can hardly take itself from a monarchy to a republic overnight.)

"Convenu," (Agreed) Mr. Dymek said. "Tout ce que nous pouvons espérer est le vainqueur sera miséricordieux." (All we can hope is the victors will be merciful)

"Oui," Mrs. Dymek nodded. Mr. Dymek checked his pocket watch and interrupted.

"Anna, wir müssen zu verlassen. Unser Zug fährt in einer Stunde." (Anna, we need to leave. Our train departs in an hour.)

"Oh, ja," Mrs. Dymek looked at Kevin. "Encore une fois, merci pour tout. Que Dieu vous bénisse, sergent." (Once again, thank you for everything. God bless you, Sergeant.)

"Merci, Madame Dymek." Kevin finally began to walk away. As he did, Amber nudged Mrs. Dymek to put her down and Amber ran after Kevin. She grabbed a hold of his legs in a hug, nearly causing him to fall over.

"Promettez vous reviendrez," (Promise you'll come back) Amber cried. "Promettez vous reviendrez." Kevin kneeled down and picked Amber up, giving her a big hug.

"Je promets," Kevin said and kissed her cheek. "Vous avez entendu votre papa. Votre train quitte bientôt." (You heard your daddy. Your train leaves soon.) As a way to seal the promise, Kevin removed his dog tags and put them around Amber's neck. As a response, she took off her mother's Star of David necklace and reached around Kevin's neck to clasp it. As one last show of sealing the deal, they linked pinkies and Kevin promised on more time that he would return some day. One way or another. Kevin walked back to the Dymeks, who'd come outside after Amber, and handed her back over. "Au Revoir Amber."

Kevin walked away and kept looking over his shoulder as he always did and just as she always did, Amber waved goodbye to him until they couldn't see one another anymore. Embry caught up to Kevin and, when he saw how sad Kevin looked, he pulled Kevin aside in town. They parked themselves near an abandoned building and sat down. Kevin started crying and Embry just let him. He didn't say anything. There was no point. Nothing he said would help or make things better. Instead, he just rubbed Kevin's back and let him get it all out. Rosalie and Emmett had walked away from the synagogue with heavy hearts, but deep down, Rosalie knew they had done the right thing. It didn't make it any easier, but she knew.

"I'm so sorry, Rosalie," Emmett said.

"Don't be," Rosalie said. "She wasn't ours. It wouldn't be right for us to take her. I don't think she would have been as happy with us. She would be happy with Kevin around, but that's about it."

"Still, we came all this way," Emmett said.

"I know," Rosalie said. "I'm sorry."

"It's not your fault." Emmett kissed Rosalie's hugged and they stopped where they were a moment and he hugged her tightly. "One day, Rosalie. I'll find a way for us to have children. One day."

"I hope so," Rosalie sighed and dug her face into Emmett's chest as if to hide away.

News of the war ending spread across the country like wildfire. People cheered in the streets that the war was over and were eager to welcome their sons, their brothers, their husbands and their fathers home. Sgt. Stanley kept in touch with commanding officers at the front and, through telegram, he confirmed that Kevin had not only done him proud, but that he was still alive and well. Later that November after word of Germany's surrender reached the states, Lt. McCarthy stepped into his father's study. It was such a huge space lined with books on the walls that, quite frankly, most of which his father had never even read, but they were relevant to religion, politics, law, medicine, language and all manner of study. His father was working on a few things when Lt. McCarthy let himself in. Honey Bee was in the corner with her head down.

"Ah, Alex," Dr. McCarthy said. "What can I do for you, son? Honey Bee, get us both some brandy." Honey Bee bowed and went to a shelf on the wall and poured some brandy into two glasses and brought one to Dr. McCarthy's desk and the other she handed directly to Lt. McCarthy.

"Thank you, Honey Bee. Would you be so kind and let me have a word with my father in private."

"Yes Mr. McCarthy," Honey Bee answered politely and left the study, leaving Lt. McCarthy and his father alone.

"So tell me what's on your mind."

"Well, father, do you recall how I advised you there was something I wanted to discuss once the war was over?"

"Yes," Dr. McCarthy nodded. "I do recall such a conversation. What is it that had to wait until after the war?"

"Well, it's a matter of repaying a debt. You recall Sgt. Kevin Black correct? He's the young man that Uncle Henry and I told you and mother about. He's the boy that saved me and Uncle Henry from certain death."

"Yes, I recall. A brave young man."

"Indeed. Well, as you know, Uncle Henry rewarded him with a promotion to Sergeant and a Medal of Honor."

"A lofty reward indeed, especially for an Indian."

"Yes," Lt. McCarthy said. "However, I've still not repaid my debt to that boy. Really, Uncle Henry already provided him with a military advancement. I want to offer him something bigger. A life for a life as it were."

"How do you mean?" Dr. McCarthy enquired. Nervously, Lt. McCarthy took a deep breath before finally presenting his request.

"I want to offer Sgt. Black the opportunity of a higher education," he finally said. "You're the Dean, so surely you can help me obtain a spot for him."

"Yes, Alex, I'm a Dean, but I'm not a miracle worker. You're asking me to allow a Squaw into an Ivy League school."

"He saved my life father," Lt. McCarthy said. "I owe him something of equal value."

"You're right, he does deserve a reward," Dr. McCarthy agreed. He then reached into his desk drawer and pulled out his checkbook. "Just tell me where we need to send the check to. I think $1000 is a rather generous reward."

"Is that all my life is worth? A thousand dollars? I'm your only son. Hell, I'm your only child."

"You're right. $2000 is a more acceptable sum."

"Father, he deserves more from me than a shallow thank you and some money thrown in his face."

"No man with good sense turns down money being thrown in his face, my boy."

"No man with good sense would stubbornly refuse to give his son's savior a proper reward."

"I'm not stubbornly refusing, Alex. I'm offering a reward and you're refusing to allow me to sign the check."

"I'm refusing to allow you to insult him."

"$2000 is hardly an insult, Alex."

"But it's nothing special," Lt. McCarthy said. "The opportunity to attend Yale University? That's special. A chance to study at one of the finest schools in the country, a chance to become something worthwhile and be something special for his family and his tribe, fuck, even a chance to watch a sporting event with Handsome Dan marching proudly on the field. That's special and that's worth something and that's what my life is worth. I'm asking you to give him what you gave me because if it weren't for him, you would have lost me." Dr. McCarthy kept holding the pen while staring at his son. Eventually, he sighed heavily, wrote void on the check, took it off his checkbook and tore it up.

"Fine," Dr. McCarthy said. "Fine. I will give that boy a spot. It sure as shit won't be easy, but I'll see what I can do."

"Please," Lt. McCarthy said. "If anyone's earned it, it's Sgt. Kevin Black."

"Yeah, yeah, yeah," Dr. McCarthy said and waved his hand dismissively. "Now scram. I have some assholes to lick, balls to suck and egos to stroke."

"Thank you," Lt. McCarthy chuckled. When he had the chance, Lt. McCarthy told Sgt. Stanley that he'd convinced his father to obtain a spot for Kevin at Yale. With that confirmation, Sgt. Stanley continued to remain very frequently in touch with his friends that remained in France.

In France, the men remained in the trenches, but they could finally come and go as they pleased. When Kevin finally had enough control, he went to the synagogue and apologized to Mrs. Lavoie for his behavior and for screaming at her. She accepted his apology, but it was an admittedly extremely uncomfortable truce, if one could even call it that. With Amber gone, Kevin was depressed. He started missing her the moment he handed her over to Mrs. Dymek. The only reason he was able to do it was the look of happiness on Mrs. Dymek's face and the tears of joy in her eyes. He'd done the right thing. He knew he had. He just wished it hadn't been so hard. Rosalie and Emmett returned to Washington with heavy hearts forced to tell everyone that Amber would not be coming home with them. Rather she would be remaining in Europe with a Jewish couple that lived in Munich. Kevin and Embry had not shifted to speak to their fathers since they announced the war was over. Kevin wanted to be left alone. As much as was possible, of course, given that he was still in the trenches surrounded by his men. By December, President Wilson finally set sail for Paris and Kevin and a number of the others in the trenches were taken to Paris as well where they remained on base while a treaty was negotiated. Of course, it wouldn't be completed and signed until June of that year, 1919.

Kevin and Embry remained in Paris well into January before they were finally told they were going to start sending men back home. They didn't receive news they would be leaving until February. And when they did, they took a train to Le Havre and were all boarded the next day and given room assignments. After putting what few things he had in his assigned room, Kevin went up on deck and just stared into the crowd of people.

"Are you excited to go home?" Embry asked.

"I'm happy the war's over," Kevin answered.

"Two very different things," Embry said.

"Thank you again, Embry. I don't know if I could have done this without you."

"Oh, shut up, you would have," Embry smiled. "I was just following you to hell and back. And you got me back."

"Thank God for that," Kevin said.

"No, thank you," Embry said. Kevin smiled.

"Regardless, thank you for sticking by me through this."

"To hell and back," Emmett smiled. The two laughed a little and kept looking out to the crowd. After several hours of having the men board the ship, they ship was finally released from the dock and was being pulled away to set sail. Kevin kept staring into the crowd until he saw a familiar face.

In the crowd, he saw Amber sitting on Mr. Dymek's shoulders waving both hands to get Kevin's attention. She knew when she had him, because she smiled and started waving even harder. Kevin waved back to her. The two kept waving until the boat began leaving the harbor. As the boat left, Amber got off her father's shoulders and ran through the crowd with Mr. and Mrs. Dymek following behind her until Amber reached the edge of the harbor. Kevin walked along the boat deck as the ship moved and Amber kept waving at Kevin as he walked. Eventually, after a few minutes, Kevin reached the end of the ship and kept waving back at Amber. He saw her crying and he realized he was crying too. But Amber smiled at him all the same.

Je promets que je reviendrai, (I promise I'll come back) Kevin pushed the thought to her. With the thought in her mind, Amber sniffled a little and played with his dog tags around her neck while continuing to wave her free hand. They waved at one another until the boat was finally out of sight, but Kevin remained and the end of the ship for a while.

"I can't believe they brought her here to see you off," Embry said.

"I'm grateful they did," Kevin smiled.

"How do you plan to come back?"

"I don't know," Kevin said. "I just know I will. I promised her and I mean that. Someway, somehow, I will come back."

"Sooner rather than later," Embry said.

"Indeed," Kevin agreed and they set sail for home at long last. Although it had been a hard year and although it put them both through the limits, they both knew they wouldn't change it for the world. Kevin especially.