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.

71. Chapter 71

Chapter 71

It was late by the time Natalie and Jae finally returned. Shore wore her new bracelet with pride, hardly able to not look at it. While it was gorgeous, she loved it because she knew how much work Jae had put into it. Knowing that made it even more special. Everyone finally got to the see the infamous bracelet that Jae had been working on for so long and were just as impressed save for Nathan. He'd seen in thanks to their nights on patrol. Having returned from work, Kevin suggested they all go out to celebrate. The following morning, Kevin sent a telegram home on his way to work, sending the message that Jae had proposed and Natalie had said yes. The when the message was received, it was immediately brought to Hailey first thing in the morning.

"What's that?" Leah asked after the postman left.

"Jae proposed and Natalie said yes," Hailey smiled.

"I knew she would," Leah smiled. "Did you get to see the bracelet he'd made?"

"Yes," Hailey nodded. "Puts the one I made you to shame, that's for damned sure," Hailey said in a bitter tone, but really he was smiling and very proud. "It's strange. I'm really proud of the kid."

"Sure you are," Leah said. "You love him, so it's only natural to be proud of him."

"Don't go too far, Leah," Hailey said.

"Oh, shut up, Hailey, you love the boy as if he were our own son. There's no shame in admitting that," Leah bit back with a light laugh.

"I appreciate the kid in that he has found a way to make me not dislike him," Hailey said.

Leah laughed, "Whatever, Hailey," and returned to her work. Knowing that Jae had been working on the bracelet at Mr. Pence's shop, Hailey walked over during his lunch break to present the telegram to Mr. Pence.

"Afternoon, Mr. Dauer," Mr. Pence said. "What brings you here?"

"We just got a telegram from out east. Jae proposed to Natalie."

"And?" Mr. Pence asked expectantly.

"She said yes," Hailey said.

"She'd have to be a damned fool to say no," Mr. Pence chuckled. "You know what, I can go and tell Debra about the engagement and she can get her son to put together a little party for them when they get back."

"Even at 70, the woman must have a party," Hailey chuckled. "How has she been by the way? Since the Innkeeper's death?"

"She's been doing alright," Mr. Pence said. "My wife says she's doing far better than she had been and with her grandson helping her out, it's made everything much easier on her. Truth be told, I think an engagement party to plan is just what she needs."

"I think so too," Hailey said. "They're not due back for a while, so that'll give her plenty of time to plan."

"I'll have Jen relay the news to Debra," Mr. Pence said. "I'm sure Debra will do back flips for a little celebration. When are they due back exactly?"

"I'll make sure they send us a telegram when they're on their way back," Hailey promised.

By that afternoon, absolutely everyone knew about the engagement. While a number of people in town weren't terribly familiar with Natalie, they were familiar with Jae and they were happy to hear of the engagement considering those that spoke to him frequently knew that he was head over heels for this girl. Hailey made sure to pass the news on the tribe. No one was surprised. There wasn't a doubt in anyone's mind that Natalie would say yes. Jacob was rather surprised to find out the town was planning to throw an engagement party for the two of them but wasn't about to argue. It would still be another week give or take before Jacob and Renesmee would make the trip east to get on a boat to France. All the same, they were preparing.

"This is so strange," Renesmee said.

"What is?" Jacob asked while she was getting some clothes picked out and resting them on the bed.

"Nathan gets married two years ago, now Natalie's getting married and we're going off to meet Kevin's fiancé. They're just growing up on me."

Jacob smiled, "They've been doing that a while now."

"I know," Renesmee smiled just a little sad. "Is it terrible to say sometimes I wish they were little again? Sometimes, I wish Kevin were my little boy, Kyle my little apprentice and Nathan and Natalie my little black sheep."

"I'd offer to have another baby, but…you know," Jacob chuckled and Renesmee glared a little smile at him. "What?" he chuckled.

"I don't want another baby," Renesmee said. "I just want the babies I already have to be my babies again. Even if only for a day or something."

"I'm not sure I can deliver that," Jacob teased.

"I know," Renesmee answered and glanced at her nightstand at the family photo of them. Back when the twins had just been born right after they'd been christened. Kevin and Kyle were tiny toddlers standing on both sides of her in the chair she sat. She was holding Natalie and Jacob stood behind her holding Nathan. She even reached over to grab it. "Do you remember when we took this?"

"We took a lot of pictures back then," Jacob said. He walked across the room and sat beside Renesmee on the bed. "Your aunts were going picture crazy as I recall."

"They certainly did," Renesmee smiled. "This is still my favorite one, though. You look so happy in this picture."

"I was happy," Jacob smiled. Then he wrapped his arm around Renesmee's waist and held her a little closer. "I'm as happy now as I was then."

"Really?"

"Really," Jacob answered and kissed her neck.

"I remember thinking how much all three of them look like you," Renesmee continued as she looked at the picture. "I remember when Kevin finally came home from the war. I barely recognized him. He'd grown up so much and I remember thinking he looked just like you. And then I realized it wasn't just him growing up to be as handsome as you. He grew up to be a good man like you."

"Kevin's a good kid," Jacob said. "They all are. I feel like I don't tell them enough how proud I am of all of them."

"Me too," Renesmee answered and brushed away a stray tear.

"What's the matter?" Jacob asked, rubbing away the streak on her cheek that remained.

"Nothing," Renesmee smiled and took a hold of Jacob's hand.

"Mamma's just sad to let the pups out of the den?" Jacob teased and Renesmee giggled.

"Yes," she nodded. "Do you remember when you showed Nathan your penny collection and you took him and Natalie to get candy?"

"Yes," Jacob smiled. "They bought so much candy."

"And as I recall, I specifically said they could have two," Renesmee smiled.

"Everyone got some candy, so that's what's important," Jacob chuckled and kissed Renesmee's neck.

"As I recall, Nathan also tricked Natalie into trying black licorice and your poor baby girl started crying," Renesmee said.

"She was alright," Jacob said and kissed her neck again. "Were we human, our heads would be white right now."

"I don't know what you're talking about. I've located grey hairs those four have given me."

"Well, if so, they're well hidden," Jacob said with another kiss. "25 years," Jacob said. "It seems like such a long time."

"That we've been married?" Renesmee asked and leaned against Jacob. "I believe that's considered the Silver anniversary."

"I'd say we've earned more than a Silver," Jacob smiled. "I look forward to another 25 years."

"And many more after that," Renesmee sighed and lifted her head so she was looking up at Jacob while resting on his chest. "I love you," she said.

"I love you too," Jacob answered back. Then he lifted Renesmee into his arms and carried her further onto the bed and began to kiss her. With a content sigh, Renesmee eagerly accepted the kiss and spent the remainder of the afternoon in Jacob's loving arms.

The following day, Kevin returned to work with the news of his sister's engagement. For those who cared at least. "Jae's the one you sent all that garnet to, right?" Olga asked upon being told the news.

"Yes," Kevin nodded. "You should've seen this thing. The center stone was made of opal, the chain of garnet and tied together with silver."

"He's quite the craftsman it sounds," Olga smiled. "I dare say I'm rather jealous."

"Believe me, so am I," Kevin chuckled. "And here the bracelet I made Amber is only made of seashells and cuttlefish bone."

"Well, it still sounds lovely," Olga defended. "Besides, I dare say Amber will still love her bracelet far better because you made it for her. A true lady cares not about the material of her gift, but the thought behind the one who gave it to her."

"That's sweet of you to say, Olga," Kevin chuckled. "Have you heard engagement rings are becoming popular?"

"Yes, I have. Mother and I saw a few in a jewelry store when we were out shopping the other day. You should see these things! Those diamonds get so big and intricate. Makes me swoon," Olga smiled.

"Perhaps I should buy Amber a ring," Kevin said. "The bracelet is in keeping with my people's traditions, but American tradition certainly can be fit in."

"I would say if you do, it had better be from the heart," Olga said. "I imagine no matter what, she'll always love the bracelet more because you made it for her. That speaks volumes more than a rock from Africa that a jeweler put in a setting and sold to you for X amount of dollars."

"That's true," Kevin said. "Regardless, a ring will need to come later."

"Yes, her family doesn't know," Olga said. "I admit that sounds terribly exciting. To be so in love but in secret. It sounds like a romance."

"I'm sure were it a romance novel, everything would work out flawlessly," Kevin joked. "So have all my clients been notified?"

"Yes, I've let them know to reach out to Mr. Heidelberg until you return."

"Thank you, Olga. I'll tell Alphonse the good family news and get to work. Come get me if you need anything."

"Yes, sir," Olga smiled and returned to her work. Kevin stepped into Alphonse's office and saw Diane in the corner playing with her while Alphonse was getting ready for the day.

"Morning, Miss Heidelberg," Kevin joked to Anastasia. "Working hard I trust?"

"Morning Uncle Kevin," Anastasia said and ran over to him to hug his leg. "Daddy said I work super hard. He said I do good a job," Anastasia continued with a proud smile and a little giggle.

"Well, then, Miss Heidelberg, it sounds to me like you're due for a promotion."

"Yeah!" Anastasia cheered.

"Go on, Anastasia. You play with Diane while Uncle Kevin and I talk." Anastasia did as Alphonse said and returned to Diane to play with her toys. Kevin closed the distance between him and Alphonse's desk before continuing.

"Just came in to give you some good news," Kevin said. "My little sister is getting married."

"Good for her," Alphonse said. "Do they know when?"

"They haven't determined that yet," Kevin said. "They're still just enjoying their trip out here. I told you they're joining me in Europe did I?"

"I recall you mentioning that," Alphonse nodded. "You'll go straight to Berlin and they're visiting Paris, am I right?"

"Yes," Kevin nodded. "Paris was nice when I'd been there even during the war. Imagine what it's like now."

"Eh," Alphonse shrugged. "It's Paris. It's the same as it always is."

"I see Ana is far more appreciative of Paris than you are," Kevin chuckled.

"Were it that she were appreciative of things that matter," Alphonse muttered under his breath. "She's adamant she wants to visit her parents in Paris and take Anastasia with her, but I'm not too keen."

"You can't go with them? If I can take a month off once a year, surely you can."

"She wants to visit far longer than that," Alphonse said. "If she had her way, we'd live there. Although I've made that point of contention abundantly clear."

Kevin glanced at Diane. "Diane, would you go ahead and take Anastasia to the lunch room? I'm sure Anastasia would love a muffin."

"If that's alright, Baronet?" Diane asked.

"Please," Alphonse nodded and Diane encouraged Anastasia to join her in the lunch room promising muffins to which Anastasia was most agreeable to. When they'd left, Kevin walked over to the chair and took a seat.

"So what happened?"

"The same thing that always happens," Alphonse said. "That woman won't let up. She wants to move to New York so fucking badly and I keep telling her no. My mother isn't helping one bit either. Ana goes crying to my mother and the woman will call me telling me I'm being 'unreasonable'. Right now, Ana's up in the Hamptons 'visiting' them and she tried taking Anastasia and I told her absolutely not. So if you're wondering why Anastasia's going to be here every day, that's why."

"Have you mentioned to Ana that we're planning-"

"No, I haven't. And I won't. I'll not give that broad an inch of leeway to plan. If she has time to plan, she has time to make what's supposed to be a proud moment for me a living nightmare. Were it not for Anastasia, I'd buy the woman a damned house in the Hamptons and never speak to her again. That would make me happy."

"Does Anastasia know about any of this?" Kevin asked, concerned.

"No," Alphonse said. "Ana has the decency to at least behave appropriately when my daughter's around."

Rather than argue the point, Kevin opted to console. "So long as the two of you are cordial with one another. I'm sure you must be tired of hearing me give that advice."

"No as tired as I am about this nonsense of moving to New York. If she wants to move to New York and live by herself, I'll pay for that house with a big fucking smile, but she's not taking Anastasia with her. Knowing her, she'd never let me see that girl again."

"Why? You're her father. She can't just keep her from you."

"It's….Ana doesn't….Look, the why doesn't matter. I just know if Ana leaves, she's taking Anastasia with her and the day I let that happen is the day I run that bitch over with my car."

"It can't be because you abuse the girl or anything," Kevin said. "Little squirt's treated more like a princess than I'm sure her mother ever was."

"You're God damned right about that," Alphonse said bitterly. "She can 'disapprove' of me all she wants, but I'm a good father regardless."

"Disapprove of what?" Kevin chuckled almost condescendingly. "What does she possibly have to disapprove of? It's not like either of you are saints with regards to how you treat one another."

"She's a spoiled brat," Alphonse said a little too hurriedly. "Simple as that. She's gone from the house for the time being, so I'd rather enjoy my time in peace and quiet."

"I'll bet," Kevin said. "I feel a little bad for bothering you, now," he chuckled.

"Don't feel bad. You never bother me," Alphonse said. "If anything, you always make me feel better."

"Well, I'm glad to help."

Anastasia and Diane returned with several more muffins than Diane had permitted, so Kevin and Alphonse ended the conversation and turned their attention to Anastasia. Eventually, Kevin went to his office to work and returned home to Kyle entertaining everyone. They were all due to get on the boat to Le Havre that weekend, but Embry Jr. did, as promised, fly out for a while to visit. The two of them went on a walk along the beaches to catch up.

"We never get to do this anymore," Embry said as they were walking.

"I know," Kevin joined in lamenting. "I miss it. When I get back, I'll be closer so we can spend more time together."

"We'd better," Embry chuckled. "So is Amber excited about meeting Jacob and Renesmee?"

"She's excited, but based on her letters she's also really nervous. She's scared they won't like her." Kevin chuckled a little. "I reassure her that's highly unlikely, but she's still so nervous."

"It's a big step," Embry said. "The language barrier won't help much either."

"That is an unfortunate truth," Kevin said. "But I'll make sure everything runs as smoothly as possible."

"Do you think you'll officially ask Levi for his blessing once they've all met?"

"I'm not sure," Kevin answered honestly. "I want to be positive he'll approve."

"Well, shit, Kevin, you can't be positive," Embry said. "I suppose Kyle can cheat for you, but he can't even be sure unless Levi's thinking about it."

"Indeed," Kevin grumbled. "I suppose after meeting my parents is as good a time as ever."

"What did Amber say? I assume she's voiced a suggestion?"

"She's undecided," Kevin said. "It's something we'll have to talk about."

"Well, good luck to you. Hopefully, you can have her moved her by next year."

"It won't be next year," Kevin said, "as nice as that might be. It'll probably be closer to two or three years from now. I still need to prove I'm a worthy marital prospect and that'll be compounded in difficulty by the sheer fact that I'm so far away most of the time. That's an unfortunate detail about this that'll leave Levi and Anna hesitant I know."

"Well, you can't really help that."

"I know," Kevin said.

"I can't imagine a single reason they wouldn't at least hear you out," Embry said. "You've got plenty going for you, so it's not as though you can't provide for her and take care of her."

"She'd be here with me, though. She wouldn't be able to see her parents as often. That's not exactly a point in my favor."

"Give all the points that are in your favor, distant should be barely more than a minor inconvenience."

"Would Caevia consider it a 'minor' inconvenience if you lived so far away? You see your mom every day. Imagine if you lived out here and only saw her twice a year. Mom certainly doesn't like it."

"She'd lose a babysitter, that's for sure," Embry joked. "Though I guess there's always Aidetzi. By the way, guess what she's been up to."

"What's that?"

"Apparently Bernadette and her husband have been stationed back in Washington, so those two are joined at the hip again."

"Good for Aidie," Kevin said. "I know how much she's missed her. How is…..what was her son's name?"

"David?" Embry guessed. "I think that's his name. Aidie said how old he is, but shit if I can remember."

Kevin chuckled, "I want to call him 3 but I can't remember either. So speaking of personal lives, how has yours been?"

"If you're asking me if I'm seeing someone: no one worth mentioning," Embry answered.

"I wasn't referring to that specifically, but good to know," Kevin chuckled a little. "I was more so wondering about work."

"It's going on," Embry said. "It's wood chopping at a factory."

"How are the conditions?" Kevin asked.

"If you want the honest truth, dismemberment's a frequent occurrence. Management just drags the guy out, carve the blood off the wood and hire someone the next day."

"How nice," Kevin said sarcastically. "Maybe you should work somewhere else."

"I'm fine, Kevin. I'm faster than everyone else. I have the reflexes to get out of the way last minute."

"If you say so," Kevin sighed.

"Not everyone can be a lawyer, Kevin," Embry joked. Kevin looked at Embry and the two shared a smile and started laughing a little. "God I've missed this," Embry finally said offhandedly.

"Me too," Kevin said. "Maybe when Alphonse and I get the practice open you could come work for us. I'll make sure you're paid well."

"I'm flattered, Kevin, but it's fine. I don't need you to take care of me. Thank you for offering, though."

"Alright," Kevin said. "Are you sure you don't want to join us?"

"And lose my job? No, it's alright. I met Amber when she was a kid and we'll meet again once you bring her to America. Besides, I'm never getting on a boat ever again."

Kevin chuckled, "You could always fly. You flew here."

"Maybe another time," Embry finally said. "But in the meantime, I'm starving. What's around here?"

Kevin and Embry walked along the boardwalk until they found a place to sit down and eat. Given the lack of space in the house with all the visitors, Kevin insisted on sleeping on the floor while Embry took the spot of the couch. Embry stayed in Connecticut through the morning and said goodbye to everyone that afternoon to return to Washington, making sure to hug Jae and congratulate him beforehand.

"Congratulations, you two," Embry said as he got ready to leave. "Aunt Renesmee's chopping at the bit to get this started I don't mind telling you."

"So are we," Natalie smiled and hugged Embry back.

Renesmee and Jacob weren't due to join them for a while, but the same afternoon Embry left, Kevin and the others went to New York to get on the boat to Le Havre. Having people with him on the two day trip made it go by with greater ease. When they all got off the boat, Natalie and Tomoeh stepped forward ahead of the others, Scarlet in Tomoeh's arms, and took in the scenery. It was so different than home, but it reminded them a little of Connecticut, but it cobblestone roads and everything was in French.

"It's so much like Connecticut," Tomoeh said.

"Well, that's no fun," Nathan said. "We came to look at something different," Nathan joked.

"I assure you Paris is very different," Kevin said. "And if you want to see something I hadn't gotten to see, you should visit the palace at Versailles. It's within the city limits of Paris if I recall correctly."

"A Palace?" Tomoeh smiled. "That sounds exciting."

"I hear Versailles is gorgeous," Natalie said. "Do you know about King Louis the XVI and Marie Antoinette?"

"No," Tomoeh said. "Are they the owners of that Palace?"

"They used to be," Natalie said. "Marie Antoinette was said to have bankrupted France for her love of dresses because she had a new dress for every day of the year. Evidently King Louis XVI was a terrible king. During his reign, the people of France revolted and overthrew the Monarchy to start the Republic of France. It was a bloody time when monarchs and anyone considered an enemy of the republic was beheaded by the Guillotine. If I remember correctly, that ended when Napoleon Bonaparte became emperor."

"France has had a rather tumultuous history, let's say. Are there any Monarchies left in Europe?" Nathan asked Kevin.

"I don't know for sure," Kevin said. "England is still a monarchy in theory, although if we're being honest with ourselves, parliament has more control in England than the monarchy. As far as I'm aware, they're largely decorative. Germany is a Republic. I'm not positive if France is a republic. I know they were a republic when the Great War started, but that may have changed. I'm only familiar with Germany I'm afraid."

"So when does the train for Paris leave?" Tomoeh asked.

"Our trains both leave tomorrow," Kevin said. "You'll need to make sure to convert any money grandpa gave you to Franks. Don't worry about changing any to Marks. I'll pay for your hotel once you're all in Berlin."

"Will you be staying in a hotel?" Nathan asked.

"No, I'm saying with the Dymeks like I always do," Kevin said.

"We're meeting your parents in Paris, right?" Jae asked Natalie.

"Yes, mom and daddy said they'd be here about a week after us and to meet them at the train station in Paris. I'm assuming it'll be the same one we're going to since they're coming here from Le Havre like us. Once we've all met in Paris, we'll take a train to Berlin."

"I'll meet you at the train station," Kevin said. They approached the ticket booth and, while paying for his ticket, Kevin asked for some paper and pencil to write with. "This is the number to Levi's home," Kevin said. "Call me at that number the day before your train leaves and I'll make sure to meet you at the station. The train ride from here to Berlin is about 6 hours, so I imagine it'll be the same for a train from Paris to Berlin."

"It's better than the train ride from Washington to Connecticut, I guess," Tomoeh sighed.

"Don't worry," Nathan said. "I'll run us back home."

"Can you run for that long?" Tomoeh asked.

"Sure I can," Nathan said. "Don't worry about a thing. I'll take care of it."

"I'll just run home too," Natalie agreed. "That trip east was miserable. At least actually being out east was nice." She looked at Jae a moment to smile and he smiled right back.

"Save it for home, you two," Nathan joked.

Since they had the evening, they all ate somewhere and found a tiny inn to stay for the night. The following morning, they all had breakfast together and said their goodbyes before parting ways to board their respective trains. When the group was on the train, Natalie snuggled up to Jae and smiled.

"Isn't this exciting?" Natalie asked.

"We'll have to remember to thank your grandpa when we get back," Jae smiled and kissed the top of Natalie's head.

"How is your French?" Tomoeh asked Nathan.

"Abysmal," Nathan mumbled, but chuckled. "I know enough to get around, but I never really took to French. Kyle's going to be our interpreter for most of this trip."

"Wouldn't hurt for you to brush up," Kyle said while he read his book.

"Will Scarlet learn French?" Tomoeh asked.

"If our grandparents have any say in her education: most definitely," Nathan smiled. "She'll learn everything we did. Whether she'll take to French like Kevin and Kyle did or not care so much is yet to be seen."

"I took to French better than you did," Natalie defended.

"Well good for you," Nathan jabbed right back.

"Alright, stop bickering, you two," Kyle said.

The train arrived in Paris two and a half hours later. When they stepped out of the train station and went to the streets, Natalie was breath taken. The roads were stone, the houses around the station quaint and decorated with wallflowers and there was a band playing nearby. In the distance, there was a clown entertaining some children whose parents were shopping at the grocer across the street. The clown was accompanied by a Mime that appeared as though he were locking the clown in an invisible box. In the distance, she could barely see the very top of Notre Dame, but she could hear their bells tolling to announce the time.

"It's so beautiful," Natalie said.

"It certainly looks better than it did the way Kevin and Embry remember it," Kyle said. "Let's get ourselves into an inn and relax. We'll start sightseeing later."

They walked down the street and passed the clown and mime duo that Scarlet noticed and was immediately intrigued by. In her near unintelligible babbles and small sentences, she begged they stay and watch. For her, they did so and moments later, the clown seemed to notice them. Nathan kept a close eye on the clown and mime as they approached and all the children turned their attention to where the clown and mime had gone. The clown proceeded speaking to them, but it was French and he was speaking far too quickly for Nathan to catch it. After the clown finished talking, he looked directly at Scarlet and held up his hands. Scarlet stared at his hands and watched until, with a flick of the clown's wrist, he pulled out a little rose and handed it to Scarlet. With a sweet giggle, she accepted the flower.

"Merci," Nathan said, at least knowing that. Of course, the clown proceeded with his act and they were lost in translation again.

They finally continued down the road until they found an inn to stay at. They spent the afternoon relaxing and found a café to have dinner at. After dinner, Kyle returned to the inn while Jae took Natalie for a walk and Nathan took Tomoeh and Scarlet a different way. As they walked, Nathan and Tomoeh came across the Eifel Tower and the large square in which it presided. There were lights and small crowds of people with several vendors all over the place. Scarlet was asleep on Tomoeh's shoulder while Nathan and Tomoeh walked together hand in hand.

"I'm so happy we're getting to do this," Tomoeh said.

"Me too," Nathan smiled. "Maybe next time, we can go south. How about we go to California together next time? Just you, me and Scarlet."

"I would love that," Tomoeh smiled. "Scarlet loved the beaches in Connecticut. I'm sure she'd love to get to do something like that again."

"In nice hot weather no less," Nathan smiled and Scarlet. "It's a shame she won't remember this."

"Paris you mean?" Tomoeh said. "I think she'll remember it. I'll make sure she does. We'll make sure she remembers California too. And all the other places we go."

Nathan chuckled, "Where else did you have in mind?"

"All the places you'd talked about. New Mexico, Texas, Nevada, Mexico, Brazil, all those places. I want us to go all over."

"I like the way you think," Nathan smiled. "We'll start with California and work our way down. By the time Scarlet's my age, she'll have been all over the world."

"That sounds exciting," Tomoeh said and looked down at Scarlet, sound asleep. "Doesn't that sound fun, Scarlet Willow?" She didn't receive any more answer than Scarlet's soft breathing.

"Ask again when she's awake," Nathan joked.

"Nathan?" Tomoeh said.

"Yeah?"

"When do you think we should start trying for a little brother or sister for Scarlet?"

"Hmm," Nathan mumbled. "I'd say traveling would be a lot harder if we had another."

"We can always take our trip to California next year and start trying once we get back. Then once her new brother or sister is a little older we can all go to another state or to Mexico or wherever."

"After California then," Nathan agreed with a smile and gave Tomoeh a kiss.

"What do you think we should name the baby?" Tomoeh asked. "Another color and plant?"

"I say let's wait until we're expecting before we start planning a name," Nathan answered.

On the other side of the river, Natalie and Jae were walking hand in hand together. They could see Nathan and Tomoeh but chose to stay across the river. They wanted to be alone. The moon was full, the lights in the city were bright, and what little foot traffic remained left a murmur of footsteps in the air. The first place they had gone was Notre Dame and she was as beautiful as Kevin and Embry remembered. Then they walked around Paris until they found the river again.

"What do you think Versailles will be like?" Natalie asked.

"Lavish," Jae answered and earned a giggle from Natalie.

"I'm sure," she said. "I wonder if there are ghosts there."

"I hope not," Jae chuckled. "I assume they'd be angry ghosts."

"You never know," Natalie smiled. "I've heard it's huge with gold statues and gold floors and gold everything with marble outside and a massive fountain. Can you imagine living in such a place?"

"I can't say I can," Jae smiled. "I would think you'd run out of things to fill the rooms with."

"I suppose that's why there are so many golden statues," Natalie giggled. Jae answered by pulling her left hand up to his lips to give her wrist a kiss, placing his lips just above her bracelet.

"I still can't believe it sometimes," Jae whispered.

"What can't you believe?"

"That we're engaged," Jae elaborated. "Sometimes I feel like I must be dreaming."

"You're not, I promise," Natalie smiled and reached up to kiss him. "Once we get home, we'll have a moon ceremony and probably be married by August."

"It seems so far away," Jae said. "Do you want to start having kids right away?"

"I wouldn't mind a honeymoon baby," Natalie giggled. "Though I do believe we're still in contention about how many we'll be having."

"Five still not enough?" Jae joked.

"Still far too many," Natalie answered. "We'll start with two."

"Only two?" Jae continued to joke.

"Only two," Natalie said. "We can always have more later."

"That's true," Jae smiled and bent his head to give Natalie a kiss. The two kissed in the moonlight, stopping in the tracks, and held on as though the world had melted away.

Kevin's train ride had seemed so long. It had been delayed for something engine related, or so he could tell from any of the employee's that would talk to him, and thanks to that delay, it was nearing ten in the evening by the time he'd arrived. Not wanting to pop in on them in the middle of the night, Kevin located a payphone near the train station and called their house. Levi answered.

"Who's calling at this hour?" Levi answered, a little annoyed.

"It's Kevin Black," Kevin said.

"Oh, Kevin? I'm so sorry, I didn't mean to sound rude. It was so late, we didn't think you were coming today."

"My train got delayed I'm afraid. I finally got off the train a few minutes ago. Do you mind if I come over or should I stay in a hotel for now and come back in the morning?"

"Don't be ridiculous, Kevin, come here,"Levi chuckled. "I'm afraid we're all getting ready for bed, but you know where the house key is, so feel free to let yourself in."

"Thank you, Levi. I'll be over in a few minutes."

Kevin and Levi said goodnight to one another before hanging up. Now that he'd spoken to Levi, he picked up his luggage and made the trip to their little shop. All the lights were off from what he could tell when he arrived. He went to the side door and located the spare key to let himself in. He put it back where it belonged and locked the door behind him, stepping into a dark house, but Kevin could see fine. Kevin walked up the stairs to the guest room with his suitcases and tapped the door open with his shoe. When the door opened, he saw Amber sitting on the edge of the bed in her little nightgown he loved so much, wearing her bracelet, her star and his dog tags. Kevin put down his things while Amber got up and, managing to have enough sense to do so, closed the door behind him before Amber jumped into his arms. Kevin embraced her and the two kissed passionately. They parted only for air and Kevin immediately started kissing her neck.

"I missed you," Amber whispered into his ear while he kissed her neck.

"I missed you too," Kevin said between kisses.

Amber sighed, "I was so excited when daddy said you were on your way. I even read your letter before you got here."

"Did you now?" Kevin said and placed Amber on her feet so he could move a hand downward. "You mean the letter I wrote you before I left?"

"The very same," Amber giggled as Kevin's hand went to her thigh and started lifting the hem of her gown until he was touching her bare skin.

"Am I to assume you're alluding to something mischievous?" Kevin teased, his hand roaming closer to her center. "Something that'll make that delay worthwhile?"

"I'd suggest you see for yourself," Amber played along, taunting him playfully. Kevin smiled against her skin and abandoned the previous slow pace and simply delved his hand into her panties and pressed his fingers between her legs. He was greeted with a whimper and her potent arousal. When he slipped two fingers inside her, she released the smallest little cry and tightened her arms around his neck.

"Seems to me, Miss Dymek, that you are," Kevin said. Amber released an odd combination of a giggle and a moan.

"I never denied it," Amber smiled. Kevin curled his fingers in response to make Amber moan again. "I really did miss you," she whimpered.

"Believe me, I missed you too," Kevin responded, curling his fingers again causing Amber to nearly fall over, but he held her up.

"Oh Kevin," Amber sighed, "please stop teasing me."

"Teasing?" Kevin smiled. "I'm not teasing. But I can." Cruelly keeping his word, Kevin removed his fingers and brought them around to touch her firm hips. He moved his hands over her body while he kissed her chest, her neck and her jaw.

This time, instead of voicing any complaint, she instead grabbed a hold of Kevin's belt and undid it in a hurried fashion. When his belt was unfastened, she turned to the buttons and zipper of his pants until they were undone. Then she grabbed a hold of his shirt and pulled him with while she stepped backwards towards the bed. When she hit the bed, she laid down dragging Kevin with her. Kevin pulled his lips from her skin so he wouldn't unintentionally bite her, but her rabid eagerness made the two share a brief laugh before looking into each other's eyes and kissing again. Kevin secured his arms around Amber so he could bring her further onto the bed so they were comfortable.

Once they were both on the bed, Kevin pulled away enough so he could pull her dress up over her head and toss it on the floor. Then he pulled off her panties so she was finally naked with only her jewelry left on. Amber took advantage of the distance and reached for Kevin's shirt to undo the buttons. A task made easier when Kevin came closer to her, though he placed his hands on either side of her. Once his shirt was unbuttoned, Kevin got back up and pulled off his dress shirt and the shirt he wore underneath and then finally removed his pants and undergarments that Amber had loosened before. But instead of coming back down to her to kiss her, he brought his lips to her neck. He kissed and licked her skin while she wrapped her arms around his neck. She cradled his hips in hers and waited eagerly for him to come inside, but he didn't.

Rather, Kevin kept kissing down her neck until he reached Amber's chest enjoying the taste of her skin. Amber might have complained of his cruel teasing, but soon his lips reached the rounded flesh of her breast only to take her nipple into his mouth. As Kevin sucked tenderly, Amber trailed her hands up to lace her fingers through his thick short hair and sighed contentedly at the feel of his warm tongue. Eventually, he started kissing across her chest to her other breast to take her other nipple into his mouth. Amber lifted her hips attempting to take Kevin in, but he still avoided her. He smiled against her and started kissing down her midriff.

"Okay, Kevin," Amber said. "You've proven your point. You can stop teasing me."

"Have I?" Kevin asked with a mean smile. "I don't think I have."

"You have," Amber insisted. "Please, Kevin," she continued, emphasizing her request by clutching Kevin's hair. Kevin chuckled and came back up so they were face to face.

"Well," he teased, "since you're being so impatient."

At long last, Kevin placed a hand on Amber's hip to hold her just a bit upright and slipped inside her in one firm stroke. The muscles in Amber's neck went weak and her head fell back, allowing Kevin to start kissing her neck again. Amber wrapped her arms back around Kevin's neck while he savored being inside her. They both needed a moment to be reminded of the feeling. They'd both only been able to rely on memory since they parted. Amber had the treat of reading Kevin's letter, but actually being together was far better. After just enjoying the reunion, Kevin started a rather slow and steady pace that immediately made Amber start to sigh. Kevin kept the slow pace until Amber took charge and pushed Kevin off her and onto his back, remounting him and setting her own pace. Kevin grabbed a hold of her hips while she bounced up and down on him.

Amber pressed her hands into Kevin's chest to stay upright and for leverage. Kevin kept a firm grip on Amber's hips and guided her as she moved, but soon he wanted her close again, so he sat up and took her into his arms while still guiding her up and down as she'd been doing before. Now that they were closer together, their lips met in a kiss and Amber relaxed more so than she had before, now having a means of muffling her moans. Soon Kevin pulled Amber back down so she was on top of him. Then he brought his hands back down to her hips so he could lift her up and down until she started doing so herself. It didn't take long for Amber to get into her own rhythm. Once she had, Kevin brought a hand forward to touch Amber intimately in her most sensitive spot, encouraging her along as she brought him closer and closer to his own release. Soon, Kevin finally brought Amber over the edge, but he kept thrusting until he reached his own climax and managed to remember to pull out last minute. A lot of it got on Amber's chest while she was laying down on him, but she didn't seem bothered by it. Rather, she just snuggled up to him and buried her nose into his neck.

Amber kissed Kevin's chest before saying, "I missed you so much."

"I missed you too," Kevin smiled. "This is certainly the warmest welcome I've ever received."

Amber giggled, "Perhaps you should arrive late into the night from now on."

"Perhaps I will," Kevin joked. "Did you wait long for me?"

"Only 30 minutes," Amber said. "Daddy said you would be coming soon and we all went to bed. I read your letter, and then I came in here to wait for you."

"Well, I'm sorry to have made you wait," Kevin smiled and kissed Amber's head. "How about we get cleaned up and I'll get you to bed?"

"I'll agree to getting cleaned up, but I don't want to go to bed yet," Amber said.

Kevin chuckled, "You're not tired? I admit I am."

"Oh," Amber said. "I'm sorry."

"Don't be," Kevin smiled and kissed Amber's head. "It's not your fault the train was delayed." Then Kevin reached over to the nightstand and grabbed a tissue so he could clean them up. Amber sat up and reached down to get her nightgown off the floor to put back on.

"How did your siblings enjoy the trip so far?" Amber finally asked.

"The train ride to Connecticut was terrible so I'm told, but we enjoyed the boat ride to Le Havre. We all spent the night and had breakfast together before we got on our respective trains. I imagine they've long since arrived in Paris. I'm sure they're having a great time."

"I bet Paris is beautiful," Amber sighed. "I wish we could go."

"Don't worry, Amber. We'll go together one of these days," Kevin reassured. "My parents will arrive later. They'll meet everyone in Paris and they'll make the trip here. I've given them your house phone, so they'll call when they're on their way."

"Oh, good! We can meet them at the train station," Amber smiled. Then she looked nervous again. "Do you really think they'll like me?"

"I know they will, Amber," Kevin smiled and sat up. "Don't get yourself worried over it. You have nothing to worry about."

"Maybe I should carve them some flowers as a welcoming present," Amber suggested.

"You don't have to, but that's sweet of you to offer."

"Well, I want to. Your mother likes red roses. I do remember that. What other flowers should I do?"

"Well," Kevin smiled, "My sister adores those little black dahlia flowers you carved. Wait until you see the bracelet Jae made for her. It puts us all to shame. I may have to make you a new bracelet," Kevin joked.

"I love the one you made me," Amber insisted. "I'll not have another one." She lifted her wrist to look at her bracelet and smiled. "I think mine's perfect."

"Do you?" Kevin smiled.

"Of course," Amber said. "You made it for me. So a rose for your mother and father, a black dahlia for your sister. What else?"

"Don't worry yourself over it, Amber," Kevin said. "Any flower you make them will be appreciated. I say make a rose for mom, make a black dahlia for Natalie as an engagement present and you'll be fine. We can buy a toy for Scarlet tomorrow."

"What about your brothers? I should make them something."

"Don't waste any soap on them, Amber," Kevin joked. "Nathan and Tomoeh will be much happier with a toy for Scarlet and Kyle already gets to admire the orchid you made me."

"Perhaps he'd like his own," Amber smiled.

Kevin chuckled a little and finally relented, "Perhaps."

Amber grinned and stood from the bed, "Good. We'll buy a toy tomorrow and I'll get to work on those flowers while I'm filling orders."

"Are you busy this season?" Kevin asked.

"With wedding season comes good business," Amber smiled. "What kind of toys does Scarlet like?"

"Anything that can take a little abuse," Kevin said.

"Well, that's broad," Amber smiled. She walked over to him where Kevin still laid in bed and leaned down to kiss him. "I'll let you get some sleep. I'll see you in the morning."

"Do you want me to walk you to your room?" Kevin smiled.

"No, you stay in bed," Amber said. "No use in you getting dressed just to walk me to my room."

"Are you sure?" Kevin asked.

"I'm sure," Amber smiled. She leaned down once more to kiss him before she finally left to return to her room.

Kevin and Amber smiled at one another before Amber closed the door behind her, whispering 'I love you' to him. Kevin pushed the sentiment to her mind and closed his eyes to fall asleep. In the morning he was reminded that he had, once again, forgotten to close those awful blinds and was woken up by the sun being in his eyes. Although instead of turning over, he got out of bed and went to his suitcase he'd dropped on the floor and brought it to one of the chairs he usually kept it on. He dressed and left his room, glancing towards Amber's. He could hear her parents downstairs conversing while Anna made breakfast. Kevin snuck over to Amber's room and placed his ear against the door and was pleased to hear her light breathing. As quietly as possible, Kevin let himself into Amber's room ad gently closed the door behind him. He went to her bedside and kneeled on the floor so he was facing her. Then he placed his hand on her cheek and gave her a quick kiss to rouse her.

"Morning, Amber," Kevin whispered. "Looks like I get to wake you for a change."

Amber's eyes opened and she smiled, "So you do." Amber sat up in bed. "Normally, mother wakes me, so you'll want to get downstairs. I can't think of an explanation as to you being in here."

"I'll meet you downstairs, then," Kevin smiled and stole a quick kiss from Amber before leaving her room and going downstairs where he was greeted by Anna and Levi, none the wiser.

"Good morning, Kevin!" Anna smiled, stopped what she was doing, and came over to Kevin to welcome him. Levi stood from the table and went to Kevin as well. "And also welcome! Levi told me your train was delayed."

"Yes, it was. I am very sorry to have arrived at such an ungodly hour. I'm afraid I've no explanation as to why the train was delayed. I hope I didn't disturb you when I arrived."

"Not at all," Levi reassured. "I suspect we were all asleep by the time you got here. And don't worry so much about the train. It's certainly not your fault."

"Seeing as you're awake," Anna said, "I'll go check on Amber and get her up for the morning. Poor thing would sleep in all day if I'd let her."

Kevin chuckled and went to the table to sit with Levi. By the time Anna was upstairs, Amber was already dressed and ready. Surprised that Amber was already awake, Anna asked what Amber was doing up so early. Amber claimed she'd heard a loud noise outside that had woken her and offered no further detail before going downstairs. Amber acted as though it was the first time she'd seen Kevin in a year and Kevin stood from his chair to give Amber a friendly hug.

"While I'm thinking about it," Kevin said after they'd been sitting at the table eating breakfast. "My siblings and parents decided they wanted to see Paris, so I convinced them to take the trip around the same time as me and suggested they come visit Berlin. I'll pay for them to stay in a hotel, but I thought it might be nice for us all to get dinner together one night."

"Oh, that sounds lovely," Anna immediately smiled. "When are you expecting them?"

"I hope it's alright, but I gave them the phone number to your house so they can call when they're on the train to Berlin. They want to spend a week in Paris, so I imagine they'll arrive around Saturday or Sunday. I hope you don't mind amusing a few more Americans for a week," Kevin joked.

"Not at all," Levi smiled. "We hear so much about your relatives. It might be nice to finally meet them."

"Mom is really excited to meet all of you too. She tells me I talk about you as though you're extended family so it would be rude not to come here and visit."

"Now, your family doesn't speak German?" Levi asked.

"I'm afraid not," Kevin said. "My mom and little brother speak French. My little sister speaks a little French, my little brother Nathan couldn't be bothered with it and my dad speaks English and to quote him 'that was plenty'." Kevin laughed a little, "I can translate when needed."

"So long as your mother speaks French, we'll find plenty to talk about," Anna grinned. "What should I make for dinner? We can go out one night, but I'll not let them leave until I've cooked at least once for them."

"Anything you make will be will be loved," Kevin smiled. "I should warn you about Natalie, though. She won't eat meat, she won't eat dairy, she won't eat eggs, and she can't peanuts or shellfish."

"Oh," Anna said, slightly dejected. "Well….at least shellfish isn't too much of a wrench," Anna managed to joke.

"I'm sorry?" Kevin asked.

"Jewish religion prohibits the consumption of shellfish and Pork," Amber clarified.

"Oh," Kevin said. "Well, good, neither does Natalie," he joked. "Although she doesn't have religious reasoning."

"Why does she do that?" Levi asked.

"Well, in her defense, she is….I don't know how to say it in German. She's allergic to dairy. Nathan is too for that matter. They get sick if they eat it so they don't. Natalie's also allergic to nuts and shellfish. We discovered, the hard way I might add, that if she eats nuts, her throat closes. That was a terrible experience for the poor thing. And when she touches clams, she breaks out into hives, so I'm sure eating them would be worse. As far as why she won't eat meat or eggs in general, I think dad just scared her when she was little. My dad will always butcher the tribe's kills and Natalie saw a few times when she was a kid and it scared her, so she won't eat meat and as far as eggs, she just thinks they're gross because a chicken lays them."

"Goodness," Anna said. "So she just lives off vegetables?"

"Essentially," Kevin chuckled. "To mom's credit, though, she's gotten really good and accommodating her. Most of the time, we would all eat that way. She learned how to make milk out of rice and seeds, mom makes a great Lentil soup, the potato cakes are always good and Natalie loves bread. Now if only Natalie ate more. That would make us happy."

"How do you mean?" Levi asked.

"Natalie's just finicky. She always has been. She's gotten better and Jae's done a lot to encourage her to eat more so she's started putting a little more meat on her bones, but she's always been a skinny thing. Just be patient with her is all I'm saying."

"So lentils, I assume beans are acceptable?"

"She loves beans," Kevin nodded. "You don't have to worry about it now. In fact, I'll worry about getting anything for dinner. It's enough I'm asking you to cook for someone that eats like a rabbit. No use in making this harder."

"It's no trouble at all," Anna said. "So she can eat bread?"

"Yes, she'll eat bread. It just water, yeast and flour, so she'll eat it."

"Good, then she can eat bagels," Anna said. "I guess she can't have lox, but I can cook up some mushrooms. Does she like mushrooms?"

"Loves mushrooms," Kevin smiled.

"Oh! I can make a bean spread for her! I hear the Greeks have something called hummus. Is that what it's called, darling?"

"I believe so," Levi said.

"I can make a spread with beans and some spices. Do you think she'd like that?"

"She'd love that," Kevin reassured. "Why, if I didn't know better, Mrs. Dymek, I'd think you've had to cook for my sister her whole life."

Anna blushed, "Oh stop, Kevin. You're such a charmer."

"And on that note," Levi said, glancing at the clock, "I'd better leave."

"Oh, yes, let me get your lunch," Anna said, running to grab the paper bag and following Levi to the front door. Levi said goodbye to everyone and kissed Anna goodbye before leaving for the day. Anna returned to the kitchen and started clearing off the table. "So, Kevin, how are things going for you?"

"Everything's going well," Kevin said. "Alphonse and I have raised more money and we're already beginning to build a rather loyal clientele in Washington thanks to a few reliable connections out east. Kyle will be out of school by next year, so we'll finally be able to return home. Alphonse will move his family with and we'll start a practice in Seattle. Kyle's even thinking of setting up a hospital closer to the tribe so it doesn't have to be in mom and dad's house anymore."

"That's delightful news," Anna said, "though I admit that's not what I was referring to."

"What were you referring to?" Kevin asked.

"I meant have you met a nice young lady yet?" Anna asked. "I mean, goodness, Kevin, you're…25 is it?"

"Almost," Kevin said.

"So 24," she said. "You're 24 and you still haven't settled down or met a nice young lady? Surely there must be someone back home worth pursuing." Amber, suddenly, became really uncomfortable. She leaned back while covering her bracelet unwittingly while Anna kept smiling at Kevin, who retained a straight face and kind smile right back.

"I'm afraid not, Anna. I suppose I'm just a picky man. You know what they say: 'A man always looks for his mother'. That's the saying right? Well, my mother is one in a million, so any young lady I meet already has one hell of a hurdle to cross."

"Well, by that logic, you'll never find someone," Anna teased.

"Don't worry, Anna. I'm sure I will," Kevin answered knowingly. Amber was getting more nervous but said nothing.

"Well, I guess we'd best open shop," Anna said and finally looked at Amber. "Are you alright dear?"

"Oh," Amber snapped out of it, "yes, I'm fine. Yes, we'd better open the shop. Mother, if it's alright, I'd like to make little soap flowers for Kevin's family since they'll be visiting."

"That sounds like a wonderful idea," Anna said. "If they're not coming until Saturday or Sunday, we'll have plenty of time to get them done."

Amber nodded and rushed out of the kitchen to the front to get the shop opened. Kevin insisted Anna let him put the dishes away for her so she could get to work as well. When the dishes were put away, Kevin went to the living room and started reading a book he found on the coffee table. A short time later, Amber came back to into the living room and gently closed the door behind her.

"Are you alright?" Kevin asked.

"I'm alright. We need some more candles for the front, so I'll get those soaps done while I'm at it."

"I'll join you," Kevin said and followed her into the candle room. Amber wasted no time and got right to preparing the vats of wax to warm them up. "Are you sure you're alright?"

"I am," Amber said. "I wish mom wouldn't pester you like that."

Kevin smiled gently, "Don't worry about it, Amber. She's just trying to be helpful."

"I don't know how you manage to be so calm when she interrogates you like that," Amber said.

"She's not interrogating me, Amber," Kevin chuckled and walked closer to the vats and placed his hand on hers. "She doesn't know about us, so it's only natural to be curious why a man my age doesn't seem interested in finding anyone. AS far as how I can stay calm, there's no reason not to be."

"How can you say there's no reason to be?" Amber asked. "There more she asks you about it, the more upset she might be when she finds out about us."

"We'll explain it as gently as possible," Kevin reassured. "Don't let this bother you, Amber. No matter if your mother is momentarily teasing me because she thinks I'm single, we will talk to her and Levi when the time is right and we'll make them understand. I promise you that."

"What if they don't?" Amber said, suddenly getting teary eyed. Kevin rushed to close the door and return to Amber to hold her in his arms seemingly in the same instant.

"I'll make them," Kevin reassured as he cradled Amber in his arms and rocked her back and forth reassuringly. I promise I'll make them."

Kevin eventually calmed Amber down after rocking back and forth with her in the candle room. Only after she'd relaxed and returned her attention to the now mostly melted wax did Kevin open the door to the candle room. He sat in his usual chair and talked to Amber while she dipped and carved, desperate to have her mind on anything else. Back home, Jacob and Renesmee started preparing to leave for the east coast. Renesmee burrowed some suitcases from the Cullen house and was packing some clothes. Carlisle had already taken over as the doctor until she and Jacob returned home. Jacob sat on the bed, back against the wall, as Renesmee got their things together.

"They're aware I don't speak a word of French or German, right?" Jacob asked while Renesmee was packing.

"I'm sure Kevin informed them," Renesmee answered. "I'll translate for you, so you won't be out of the loop."

"Do you remember when you first came here? When you didn't speak any Quileute and Caevia had to do all the translating for you?"

"Yes, I remember," Renesmee said.

"So you can empathize with what this is going to be like," Jacob said. "Although, I guess I can always keep company with Nathan. He didn't really take to French did he?"

"No, much to daddy's chagrin," Renesmee said.

"Edward's or yours?" Jacob chuckled.

"Both," Renesmee said. "It would be one thing if he was having trouble with it, but he just didn't want to. I mean, Natalie's just out of practice and at least Jae took to another language."

"Our little Black Sheep," Jacob joked. "He speaks Quileute at least."

"Yes, but outside of the tribe, that doesn't help him much. It would do him good to speak another language, but that boy's stubborn to the bone." Renesmee looked at Jacob. "I suppose the apple didn't fall far from the tree."

"And you love it," Jacob teased.

"Perhaps Nathan's not our little Black Sheep so much as he's his father's son," Renesmee teased. "But then, even you learned English."

"I don't mind admitting to you it wasn't without hesitation. I was ready to make you learn Quileute and make my life easier, but Sokajili had pointed out that learning English for you would be flattering."

Renesmee smiled, positive memories of Sokajili passing through her mind. "At least you listened to the man some of the time."

There was a moment of silence before Jacob sat up a little so he could be closer to her. "Don't worry, Sokajili did manage to rub off some sound advice on me in his day."

"I would hope so," Renesmee said. "I just wish there had been more time for Sokajili to have the same effect on Nathan."

"We all miss him, Renesmee," Jacob reassured, taking her hand in his. "And don't worry. I give the boy sound advice that would make Sokajili proud."

"Do you?" Renesmee asked, smiling skeptically.

"Yes, as a matter of fact, I do," Jacob said.

"Such as?"

"Such as when he and Tomoeh were getting ready to get married."

"I recall you telling me you told him that no one prepares you to be a parent and he needed to just 'wing it'. Were those your words?"

"And would you look at how good he's been with Scarlet thus far," Jacob chuckled. "I'd say he's done a damn good job."

"I'll not argue," Renesmee smiled. "I really am proud of him for how well he's taken to being a father. I admit I was so worried he wasn't ready."

"Truth be told, he didn't think he was ready at the time, but he made himself ready. I like to think that boy inherited some of my better qualities."

"It's the good and the mildly annoying," Renesmee teased. Jacob glared a little at Renesmee, making her laugh while Jacob tugged on her arm so she fell into his arms and the two sat back on the bed.

"The 'mildly annoying' you say? What traits might those be?"

"Well, your stubbornness for one," Renesmee said. "Your occasional childishness used to be another, but you seem to be growing out of that little by little the closer you get to 50."

"Are you calling me old now, missy?"

"I said no such thing," Renesmee defended stubbornly. "I merely stated that, when we first met, your uncle was right in the sense that, at times, you were still very much a boy, but now that you have grown you've managed to lesson those rather juvenile traits."

"And you're what now? 64?"

"Well, now you're just being mean," Renesmee teased and tried to sit up, but Jacob held on tight so she was stuck in his arms and she started giggling.

"You don't look it if that makes you feel better," Jacob said.

"Well, you don't look 43."

"Is that how old I am?"

"Give or take," Renesmee said. "Now let me go. I still have some packing to do."

"You can do it later," Jacob argued and spun them around so Renesmee was on her back and Jacob was right above her. "We're not leaving until tomorrow."

"Yes, and we're waking up bright and early," Renesmee protested despite Jacob having started kissing her neck lovingly. "And I'd like to make sure we're ready."

"We can take a break," Jacob said, tugging at the collar of her dress so he could start kissing her chest.

"'We' nothing," Renesmee answered meekly, her will to resist beginning to fade. "I've been doing all the packing."

"Then I'd say you're in need for a moment to relax," Jacob said, coming ever closer to pulling her dress down enough to expose her breasts.

"Well, Jacob," Renesmee continued as he voice went just a little weaker, her eyes now closed enjoying the sensation of Jacob's kisses, "what you're doing isn't the least bit relaxing."

"I'm sorry," Jacob teased, finally pulling her dress down enough that her breasts were exposed to his view. "I tend to confuse relaxing and arousing. You must forgive me. English is my second language after all."

With that, Jacob took her nipple into his mouth and all remaining will to argue flew from her mind and she sat back and enjoyed what he was doing. Almost as if to get one last little jab, Jacob took his sweet time and made their lovemaking last as long as possible. It did not occur to Renesmee to complain of it until she returned to packing, feeling, admittedly, rejuvenated. She managed to get all their necessities packed by nightfall and the two slept soundly in each other's arms and woke up bright and early as Renesmee had wanted. They were not taking a train east. They needed to keep the trip as quick as was within their means, so they would be running to New York, Jacob as a wolf with Renesmee by his side.

The run out east wasn't so bad since they stayed within the wooded areas of Canada. One might call it relaxing. They arrived in New York just in time for their boat to leave in the next few hours. So they boarded the boat and found their room so they could finally get some rest. They slept nearly the whole boat ride as it turned out because by the time they woke up, the ship was due to arrive in Le Havre by the afternoon.

"So once we board," Renesmee said as the two sat in the guest bed together, "we'll take the first train possible down to Paris and then we'll take a train to Berlin."

"How long will that take?"

"No less than 2 days I would imagine. I know we were supposed to arrive on Sunday, but I don't think we'll be earlier than Monday at best."

"We can always run," Jacob suggested.

"We can run to Paris," Renesmee agreed, "but I don't know if running to Berlin would be wise."

"I don't see why not," Jacob said. "We have the number to the house that Kevin gave us, so we can call once we get there and wait for Kevin to come get us. I doubt Amber's parents are going to bother checking the train schedule to make sure we actually arrived on a train."

"We should still be cautious," Renesmee said.

"Hold on, don't they already know we're 'weird'?"

"I suppose they do but even so," Renesmee said.

"I say we just run there and meet them at the train station, and if they ask questions, fine, but if they don't, even better," Jacob said.

Renesmee sighed, "Alright, we'll just run."

When they finally arrived in Le Havre, Renesmee insisted they enjoy a walk through town before they began a full on run. She'd never been outside the country, save perhaps for Canada granted, and she was eager to enjoy the sites. We she really to have her way, she and Jacob would take a trip to Glasgow while they were in Europe, but she suspected Jacob wouldn't be terribly eager. She'd attempt to convince him all the same. She'd not told Jacob, of course, but she had brought up to Carlisle the possibility that they all might visit Glasgow as a family, get back to their roots as it were. At least her side of the family's roots. Carlisle said were she to do that, she and Jacob needed to ensure they visited Briton and London on their way to Glasgow as well. Of course, that would be saved for when they finished in Berlin.

"So this is where the plagues came from," Jacob mumbled a little as they walked along the streets.

"Jacob, don't be so grumpy," Renesmee smiled and rested her head against his shoulder. "I refuse for you not to have a good time. We're in France. Let's enjoy the change of scenery."

"Alright," Jacob said and kissed Renesmee's head. "I suppose so long as we get to do this together, it's a decent enough experience."

"Not quite what I'd wanted, but it's an improvement," Renesmee teased.

"I'm just not sure what the appeal is. It doesn't really look all that different from Connecticut."

"It is different. It's the old world. And you can't just judge a place by how it looks on the outside. It may look similar to home, but they have different customs here, a different language."

"Alright," Jacob said and kept looking around.

Jacob and Renesmee walked around town for a few hours enjoying the view. Eventually they left town and once they did, they finally made the run to Paris which was huge in itself. Renesmee convinced Jacob to walk around together, the night sky and bright lights an appealing site. They stopped by the Eiffel Tower and Renesmee told Jacob the story of how that tower was revealed during the 1889 World's Fair. Jacob asked what it was for and, when Renesmee explained it was decorative, Jacob huffed and said nothing. Renesmee just laughed. Eventually, they came across a row of buildings with the train station. They knew the kids were staying in a room in that street, so the search was on to find out where. Renesmee saw a few ladies that reminded her of Janine. She suddenly missed the woman and wondered where she was now. Hoping they might be able to help, Renesmee walked up to one young woman that reminded her a little of Janine.

"Bonsoir," Renesmee said in to the woman. "Pourriez-vous me dire si vous avez vu un grand groupe de personnes fréquenter cette région avec une petite fille?" (Might you be able to tell me if you've seen a large group of people frequent this area with a little girl?).

"J'ai vu beaucoup qui correspondent à cette description madame ," (I've seen many that fit that description ma'am) the woman answered. She wasn't so nice as Janine, but Renesmee smiled all the same.

"Ils ressembleraient beaucoup à mon mari ," (They would look a lot like my husband) Renesmee said, placing a hand on Jacob's shoulder. "Je ne pense pas que ça vous aide?" (I don't suppose that helps?).

The woman looked at Jacob a moment and then turned to another woman on the street. "Eleanor, cette femme demande à un groupe avec un enfant qui ressemble à cet homme. Cela vous semble familier?" (this woman is asking about a group with a kid that look like this man. Does that sound familiar?).

"Je le crois," (I believe so) the woman answered. "Je me souviens avoir vu un jeune homme avec une petite fille qui ressemblait à lui. En fait, j'ose dire qu'il est l'image miroir de vous monsieur ," (I recall seeing a young man with a little girl that looked just like him. In fact, I dare say he's the mirror image of you sir) the woman directed her statement at Jacob with wanton eyes. "C'est environ 2 Francs si vous voulez vous amuser." (It's about 2 Franks if you'd like to have some fun.)

"Cela ne sera pas nécessaire ," (That won't be necessary) Renesmee said rather meanly. "Pourriez-vous nous dire où vous avez vu ce jeune homme?" (Might you please tell us where you saw that young man?).

"Ah," the woman giggled. "Vous devez être la femme. Mes excuses pour être si en avant. Ils séjournent dans cet hôtel en bas de la route. C'est la Coupe de Thé. Nous, les dames, aimons nous divertir." (You must be the wife. My apologies for being so forward. They're staying at that hotel down the road there. It's the Coupe de Thé. We ladies like to entertain there.)

"Merci," Renesmee hurried. "Vous laisserons à votre travail." (We'll leave you to your work) Renesmee pulled Jacob in the direction the woman had shown.

"What was that about?" Jacob asked with a light chuckle.

"One of them was trying to get you to buy some time with her," Renesmee said.

"Did they at least tell us where to go?"

"The one hitting on you said she'd seen someone that looks like you in a place called Coupe de Thé, so that's probably where they're staying."

"Would that happen to mean Cup of Tea?" Jacob guessed. Renesmee glanced up and finally smiled.

"Yes, it does," Renesmee said. "See? You speak some French."

"Hardly," Jacob smiled. "It just sounded the same as English, so I put two and two together."

"Still," Renesmee smiled. "Perhaps I'll teach you French."

"English is enough, thank you," Jacob said and made Renesmee giggle. They finally arrived at the little inn and luckily had no trouble finding their children, or finding Kyle at least. The others were out on the town together.

"How was your trip?" Kyle asked as he walked to them and hugged them.

"Lots of running," Jacob said. "How've you guys liked it here?"

"We've loved it," Kyle said. "Natalie and Tomoeh insisted on visiting Versailles at least three times. There's a lot to see."

"Versailles?" Jacob asked.

"It's a palace that used to belong to Marie Antoinette and her husband King Louis."

"It's a museum now," Kyle said. "If you're willing to spend the night, we can all take you tomorrow. We know our way around like house servants by now," Kyle joked.

"Oh Jacob, let's go ahead and do that," Renesmee said. "I promise, we'll visit the palace and go right to Berlin."

"Aren't you guys tired of it by now?" Jacob asked.

"Truthfully, I can't say I am," Kyle chuckled. "It's a breathtaking palace I have to be honest. And Notre Dame is everything I imagined and more. Every time the bells toll, I imagine Quasimodo is up there ringing them. Assuming he'd been real and hadn't died," Kyle said.

"Oh, we need to visit Notre Dame," Renesmee smiled. "Kyle, where is everyone else?"

"They went to the river together," Kyle said. "Natalie discovered a little café who's chef shares Natalie's dietary eccentricities. We've basically been eating there since we arrived."

"I'm so happy to hear that," Renesmee said. "I was worried Natalie might not be eating properly."

"If all else failed, she ate bread," Kyle reassured. "Why don't I take you to that café and we'll all go to Notre Dame together before we get to sleep for the night? You can just share a room with me, save us renting another room."

"I think that'll work," Renesmee said. With her son and husband by her side, they all went to the café Kyle mentioned and the group was still enjoying dinner.

First and foremost, Renesmee took a hold of Natalie's wrist to see this bracelet she'd heard so much about and when she saw it she smiled. When Natalie relayed what Jae had said to her about how he'd wanted to make something no one else could replicate because Natalie was one of a kind, Renesmee went to Jae and gave him a tight hug, telling him she looked forward to officially calling him 'son'. After gushing over the adornment, the pair joined everyone, moving to a larger table, and Renesmee ordered something for Jacob she knew he'd like and even ordered a dessert for him. They all had coffee except Renesmee and Tomoeh. Then they made the trip to Notre Dame and were able to step inside. Renesmee had only ever seen the cathedral in black and white pictures. All the candles and stained glass and altar were far more beautiful in person in all its colorful glory. By that time, Tomoeh was about ready to fall over from being so tired and Scarlet was long asleep with her little head over Nathan's chest listening to his heartbeat like a lullaby. They returned to the inn to sleep for the night and, as promised, they all returned to Versailles to show Renesmee and Jacob around.

"This is so much more beautiful than the pictures," Renesmee said as they walked along the gold halls.

"Seems like a really expensive waste of space," Jacob said. "They couldn't possibly have been able to use every room in this palace."

"Palaces are never about practicality, they're about displaying status," Renesmee said.

"Well, if this is the sort of thing royals lived in while people starved, I don't wonder what started the French Revolution."

"Oh, no, you're not wrong," Renesmee said. "It was things like this and, or so they say, the story that Marie Antoinette supposedly had a different dress for every day of the year."

"It's still such a beauty," Tomoeh said. Scarlet was running around the halls, guards by in large ignoring her unless she walked up to one. One guard she approached smiled at her and kneeled down to let her try on his hat. It was far too big for her.

"That's Armone," Nathan said. "We've been here so many times, he's become Scarlet's buddy. Apparently he has a little daughter at home about her age."

"Do they not live in the city?" Renesmee asked.

"He'd said his wife and daughter live just outside town," Kyle said. "He spends the week in Paris for work and returns home when it's his time off. He said his daughter's name is Eileen I think."

"So Scarlet's been a little breath of fresh air for him?" Renesmee smiled.

Eventually, the guard was told to get back in line by a commanding officer, halting any play he and Scarlet were engaged in. Before leaving, Kyle informed Armone that they would be leaving for Berlin that day. He insisted on letting Scarlet keep his hat, promising she'd grow into it eventually. The gold helmet reminiscent of a Roman helmet with its tuft up top covered her eyes, but she insisted on wearing it for the remainder of their last tour. Any maids in the building that had also come to know the group giggled and promised, in French of course, that Scarlet looked precious in her new helmet. Then, finally, they returned to the inn to pack their things and get ready to leave for Berlin.

That same day, Kevin sat in the candle room with Amber. He and Levi had done their ritual of attending the local Beer Hall. While they had done as Anna asked last year, the same could not be said for this year. The two of them drank themselves stupid. After five beers on his part, Kevin had started playing the piano, sadly underperforming given his condition, while a bunch of men drunk off their asses, Levi included who'd been on his 6th beer by then, danced around him like guests at a Quileute wedding dancing around a pyre. They'd barely managed to crawl their way back home and, when they finally did, they both slept downstairs, Levi in his chair and Kevin on the couch, because the task of going upstairs was too much to ask. When Amber and Anna came downstairs and saw them, Anna crossed her arms frowning, trying desperately not to laugh just a little.

"I don't think they had only 3 beers," Amber joked and made Anna begrudgingly crack a smile.

"No, dear, I don't think so," Anna responded.

They'd left the two of them in the living room to sleep, going about their day until Levi woke first and managed to run to the bathroom to vomit. When Kevin finally woke up, he suffered an awful headache that lasted the remainder of the day and by dinner when they could finally manage to sit up, they shared a mutual look of wondering why they did this to themselves. By Monday, Kevin and Levi were back to normal and Levi returned to work good as new while Kevin sat with Amber and watched her carve.

"I'd thought everyone would be arriving yesterday. Are they alright?" Amber asked.

"I couldn't tell you. I won't know anything until they call."

"They have the right number?"

"They should," Kevin said. "Don't worry, I'm sure they're just enjoying Paris too much."

"Who wouldn't?" Amber smiled. "I wish I could convince mom and daddy to take a trip to Paris. We only passed through when I was little and I only saw the outskirts of the city. I'd love to see it in person."

"Don't worry, Amber, you will," Kevin smiled. "Perhaps our honeymoon. Or did you wish to do a tour like I'd suggested?"

"That would be exciting," Amber smiled. "Perhaps we could start in Paris and make a circle to Spain, through Italy and to Greece and finally make our way back to France."

"I hear Cyprus is gorgeous," Kevin said. "It's a little island near Greece and they have bright sandy beaches that will take your breath away, or so I'm told."

"Have you seen pictures?"

"Sadly, no. A friend of mine from the law firm went to Greece with his wife. She's half Greek and has family in Athens from what I'm told, but he wanted to go to Cyprus and he said it was beautiful."

"Then we simply have to go if it's as beautiful as you say," Amber said. I've always wanted to go to the beach."

"You've been to Le Havre," Kevin chuckled.

"That's a port; that doesn't count," Amber protested. "I want to go to a beach and sit in the water with the sun beating down on me."

"I quite like that image," Kevin said and, when Amber looked at him, winked at her. Amber blushed with a shy smile and returned to her work. When she completed the final curl, the phone started to ring. "I'll get it," Kevin said. "That's probably my relatives." Kevin went to the phone, Anna stepping into the house having heard it ring, and Kevin answered. "Guten Nachmittag, Dymek Residenz," Kevin said.

"Kevin, I need to insist you speak in English," Jacob said from the other end.

"It was just in case," Kevin chuckled. "Are you guys on your way?"

"We're at the train station," Jacob said. "Every single written word is too long, but Jae is telling me this is 'normal'."

Kevin laughed, "It's German, dad. So how long have you been here?"

"We just arrived. You're meeting us here right?"

"Yeah, I'll be there in just a minute. I'll see you soon." When Kevin ended the call, he glanced at Amber first. She was suddenly rigid while Anna seemed mostly normal.

"Your family's made it safe?" Anna asked.

"Yes, they have," Kevin smiled. "They're at the train station now, so I'll go get them and bring them to a hotel so they can relax. I can bring them back for dinner if that's acceptable."

"Of course," Anna said. "I can close the shop a little early and get started. Now, I can make mashed potatoes and vegetables for your sister. I'll make something more suitable for the remainder of the week."

"Don't worry too much," Kevin reassured.

"Mom," Amber said. "Would you mind terribly if I joined Kevin? I have most of the orders filled for today. I can always work a little more later if you need me to."

"Oh, yes, that sounds lovely. You make sure to welcome them warmly for me until we meet for dinner." A moment later, Anna finally returned to the shop while Amber bolted upstairs. Kevin followed behind, walking at a much more relaxed pace, and came upon Amber's room watching her fuss over what to wear and he couldn't help but chuckle.

"What are you doing?" Kevin asked.

"I'm trying to find something suitable," she said, rummaging through her clothes. "I can't meet your parents in these rags," Amber said about her skirt and short sleeve shirt. Kevin thought she looked just fine, but she pulled out a few dresses of different colors trying to find something. "What do you think?" Amber asked, holding up her lavender dress with a belt and a white sundress with flowers.

"The purple one," Kevin said, picking one randomly.

"You don't think it's too plain?"

"Not at all," Kevin said. Amber changed while Kevin stood in the doorway, keeping on her nylon stockings. She looked in the mirror to make sure the seams of her stockings were properly lined up before putting on the lavender dress with the white belt and a white shawl, Kevin's dog tags tucked under her dress as they always were and her Star of David gracefully resting on her neck. She went in front of her vanity fussing over her hair, displeased with the loose curl she had.

"My hair looks awful," she complained as she started grabbing at pins and decorative clips to try and fix it.

"Amber, don't worry so much," Kevin smiled as he walked up to her and wrapped his arms around her while she continued to fuss with her hair. "Your hair looks beautiful. It always does."

"You're bias," Amber said. She eventually settled on forcing her hair into a tight bun that looked tasteful and ladylike. "Okay, I'm ready."

"You look beautiful," Kevin said and kissed her neck.

They finally left, Amber putting on her black Mary Janes to complete her look, and walked together to the train station. Every time Kevin glanced at Amber, he had to smile. She'd really not had to put so much effort in, but the fact that she had was touching. As promised, Kevin's family was waiting outside the train station and Renesmee was the first to notice them. She told everyone she could see Kevin and they all walked up to him closing the distance.

"There you are," Renesmee said to Kevin. "We were beginning to wonder where you were."

"Sorry about that," Kevin said.

"Vous devez être Amber," (You must be Amber) Renesmee said, turning her attention to Amber. "Parlez francais oui?" (You speak French correct?)

"Oui, mais pas aussi efficacement que je faisais," (Yes, but not as proficiently as I used to) she smiled and accepted Renesmee's hand. "Je ferai de mon mieux, cependant." (I'll do my best, though.)

"Tu m'appartiens bien," (You sound lovely to me) Renesmee smiled and brought her lips to both her cheeks in quick kisses. "Je suis Renesmee. La mère de Kevin. C'est un plaisir de vous rencontrer enfin. C'est Jacob, mon mari et le père de Kevin," (I'm Renesmee, Kevin's mother. It's a pleasure to finally meet you. This is Jacob, my husband and Kevin's father). Renesmee pointed at Jacob who smiled, realizing he probably should. "Et ce sont les frères et sœur de Kevin. Ceci est Kyle, qui est Nathan et sa femme Tomoeh et leur fille Scarlet, et qui est Natalie et son fiancé Jae." (And these are Kevin's brothers and sister. This is Kyle, that's Nathan and his wife Tomoeh and their daughter Scarlet, and that's Natalie and her fiancé Jae).

"C'est un Plaisir," (It's a pleasure) Kyle said while Nathan just nodded his head and Natalie repeated after Kyle.

"Nett, Sie kennenzulernen," (It's nice to meet you) Jae said. "Wir haben alle so viel von dir gehört." (We've all heard so much about you.)

"Du sprichst Deutsch?" (You speak German?) Amber asked.

"Ja, mit freundlicher Genehmigung von Herrn Dauer nach Hause zurück. Ich ziehe es lieber über Französisch." (Yes, courtesy of Mr. Dauer back home. I far prefer it over French.)

"Er ist ein guter Lehrer," (He's a good teacher) Amber praised. "Ihr Akzent ist ausgezeichnet." (Your accent is excellent).

"Danke zu sagen, Amber," (Thank you for saying, Amber) Jae smiled.

"Let's get you guys to a hotel so you can relax," Kevin said, then repeated to Amber what he'd said in German.

Helping with the luggage, Kevin and Amber walked the family to a hotel that was close to the shop and Kevin paid for everyone to have their rooms. Kevin let everyone get some rest while he walked Amber back home promising that he'd return to get them for dinner. Before Kevin left, while he hugged Renesmee, she whispered to him that she loved Amber already and looked forward to meeting her parents. While Kevin walked Amber back, she kept glancing at her hands.

"Do you think I made a good first impression?" Amber asked.

"Yes," Kevin smiled. "Mom said she loves you already."

"Really?" Amber asked eagerly.

"Really. I told you, Amber, you have nothing to worry about. I'll even tell you mom appreciated that you dressed so nice to meet her. She thought that was very classy of you."

"Thank you," Amber blushed. "Do they know we're…"

"They know," Kevin smiled. "They also know we haven't told Anna and Levi yet, so they won't say anything. Besides, we aren't technically engaged, at least not by tribal law. We aren't 'engaged' until your father gives his approval and we have a moon ceremony. The bracelet I gave you is meant to indicate my intentions and I have to impress your parents."

"So when you talk to daddy," Amber said, asking for clarification.

"I'll treat it as though I've not said a word to you about asking you to marry me," Kevin smiled. "I suspect it'll soften the question and he'll be more apt to be open to the idea if he thinks I'm asking him first. I dare say he'll appreciate it."

"I hope so," Amber said. "So now that our parents are about to meet, when do you want to broach the subject with daddy?"

"Next year, once you're out of school," Kevin said. "That'll be the best time to do it. If everything goes to plan, we'll be married by '31," Kevin reassured.

"We'll be going to Washington, right?" Amber asked.

"Yes, we'll be in Washington by then," Kevin said. "In fact, it might be best to start planning a wedding after Alphonse and I get our business off the ground. So we'll probably be married closer to '35."

"It's so far away," Amber lamented.

"I know, but I'll make it sooner. Don't you worry," Kevin smiled and pulled her hand up for a quick, apparently, innocent kiss. By the time they arrived back, the shop was closed and Anna was already getting to work on dinner. In a corner, she had beans soaking for dinner the following night while she got the rest of dinner prepared. She barely noticed the two getting back. Levi returned shortly thereafter and, noticing how Amber was dressed, raised a brow.

"Are you going to the synagogue?" Levi asked.

"No, Kevin's family finally got in. I just wanted to make a good first impression."

"So they're coming for dinner tonight?" Levi asked.

"Yes, they are. They're just down the block from here, so I'll grab them as soon as dinner's almost ready," Kevin said.

"Okay, good. That should give me time to dress nicer," Levi said. "Anna, are you already dressed?"

"I'll put on something better while Kevin's out," Anna answered from the kitchen.

"Alright," Levi said. "And, Kevin, they speak French right?"

"My mother and brother, Kyle, do," Kevin said. "Jae speaks German, otherwise everyone only speaks English."

"Who's Jae?"

"My sister's fiancé," Kevin said.

"Alright," Levi said. "We'll make sure to not leave them out as best we can. I fear any English I know is laughable at best."

"That's alright, I can translate worst case scenario," Kevin said.

"Oh, I nearly forgot!" Amber said suddenly jumping from the couch to the candle room to get the flowers she'd made. For Renesmee and Jacob, she carved a red rose, for Nathan and Tomoeh she made a sunflower and for Natalie and Jae she made a black dahlia. Each flower was in a little black box for safe keeping. "I want to make sure I give them these."

"Absolutely after all the work you put into those," Kevin smiled.

"Kevin, dear," Anna said, stepping out of the kitchen. "Dinner is nearly ready, so why don't you go grab your parents and it'll be on the table by the time you get back."

"Alright," Kevin said. "I'll be right back."

"Should I come with you?" Amber asked.

"That's alright, Amber. I'll only be a minute."

Kevin left the house and made the quick walk to the hotel nearby. He went to the front desk asking his family be phoned letting them know he was downstairs. He waited just a moment before they all came down, nicely dressed. Jacob wore a suit that he despised but tolerated, as did Nathan and Jae. Natalie and Tomoeh wore dresses they'd bought in Paris while Renesmee wore a lovely teal dress her family had gotten her for Christmas. Scarlet was in a little red dress. While they'd attempted to dissuade her, Scarlet insisted she wanted to wear her new helmet.

"What the hell is that thing?" Kevin asked when he saw Scarlet.

"It's a helmet a guard at Versailles let her keep," Nathan said. "Sorry, we tried to make her take it off, but she won't."

"You sure you want to wear that to dinner, Scarlet?" Kevin made his attempt. "What if you forget it at the Dymek's house? You might lose it."

"Nah-uh, I won't lose it," Scarlet protested, shaking her head and causing the helmet to move independent of her.

"But Scarlet, that thing's way too big for your little head. Surely you want to be able to see."

"I can see!" Scarlet said, pushing the helmet up just enough so her black eyes were just barely in view. "See?"

"No, kid, I don't see," Kevin chuckled. "You're not planning to keep that on all night are you? It's rude to wear a hat indoors."

"But everyone's wearing hats!" Scarlet protested.

"Not when they're in someone's home," Kevin said. "I promise, after tonight, you can wear that helmet all you want, but for tonight be a good girl let everyone see how cute you are."

"I think I'm cute in my hat," Scarlet said, starting to cry.

"Okay, we'll be back," Nathan said and left to return to the room he and Tomoeh shared to calm Scarlet down.

"Shame on you," Kyle joked. "You hurt her feelings."

"She'll be alright," Renesmee said. "I really would prefer she look her best when we meet Amber's parents. So just to be clear, they don't know about you and Amber, right?"

"Not at this time, no," Kevin said.

"Okay," Renesmee said, becoming just a little annoyed. "When exactly do you plan to make them privy to this? You've in essence asked the young lady to marry you and you've not said a word to her father about it. That's extremely rude to say the least."

I know, mom, I know," Kevin said. "I'll talk to him soon. Amber just suggested you all meet one another so my asking might be a little easier. Part of the problem is the mere fact that she'd be coming back to Washington with me."

"I can't imagine they don't at least suspect," Jae said. "I mean, you've been coming here every year for…how long has it been? At least five years now? You two write to each other all the time, you buy her things, you spend all this time with her. I'd think a blind man would have figured it out by now."

"Well, they haven't and I don't want them 'figuring it out'. If they do, it'll makes this harder. If they think Amber and I have been doing anything behind their backs, they'd be livid."

"You have," Kyle said bluntly.

"And if you say anything, I'll hit you over the head with a frying pan," Kevin said pointedly.

"Kevin William," Renesmee said sternly.

"Alright, I'm sorry," Kevin answered after a sigh. "Just please be delicate about this. When in doubt, just let me do the talking."

"Alright," Kyle said. Finally, Nathan and Tomoeh returned with Scarlet, sans the helmet. She was pouting but her hair was fixed back up.

"Okay, better," Kevin sighed. "Let's get going. Dinner's ready and I know Anna will hate it if it gets cold before we arrive."

They all left the hotel and made the short walk to the shop. Kevin walked in first and saw Levi and Amber both sitting in the living room. Levi was in a nice suit, a grey one rather than his brown work suit, and he stood up from his chair once Kevin entered and smiled kindly once Kevin stepped aside for his relatives to come in.

"Bienvenue. Veuillez entrer," (Welcome. Please come in) Levi said as Kevin closed the door. Anna stepped out in her royal blue dress that she usually saved to Hanukkah service.

"Bonjour," Anna said eagerly as she nearly ran to the group. "Je suis Anna. C'est mon mari Levi et ma fille Amber," (I'm Anna. That's my husband Levi and my daughter Amber).

"C'est un plaisir de vous rencontrer enfin," (It's a pleasure to finally meet you) Renesmee smiled and the two kissed each other's cheeks. "Je suis Renesmee, la mère de Kevin," (I'm Renesmee, Kevin's mother). Renesmee then went down the line, introducing everyone else in the group.

"C'est si agréable de rencontrer la famille du Sergent," (It's so nice to meet the Sergeant's family). "Mon mari et moi devons vraiment à votre fils une dette de reconnaissance pour tout ce qu'il a fait pour notre fille." (My husband and I really do owe your son a debt of gratitude for all he's done for our daughter.)

"C'est si gentil de votre part de le dire," (That's so kind of you to say) Renesmee smiled.

"S'il vous plaît, vous devez tous être affamés. J'ai dîner sur la table. J'ai préparé notre grande table pour que nous puissions tous nous asseoir ensemble," (Please, you must all be famished. I have dinner ready on the table. I prepared our large table so we can all sit together.) Anna said, leading everyone to the kitchen where she'd enlarged the table with all the food ready for the taking. "Et il y a aussi de la nourriture pour Natalie." (And there's food for Natalie as well).

"Merci, madame Dymek, c'est très gentil," (Thank you, Mrs. Dymek, that is very kind) Renesmee smiled.

"Appelez-moi Anna," (Please, call me Anna) she replied. Before they all got to the table, Amber ran to the candle room and retrieved all the soaps she'd carved and handed them to their intended recipient. Renesmee proclaimed she adored it and would keep it with the first rose and candle Amber had carved her. Everyone else loved their flowers too. Scarlet tried playing with the flower, but Nathan made sure she was careful. Anna led everyone to the kitchen where they all sat down together and started with pleasantries once they were all seated. "Comment a été ton voyage?" (So how was your trip?)

"A Paris, vous voulez dire?" (To Paris you mean?) Renesmee asked. "Jacob et moi n'avons pas pu rester pour très longtemps, mais nous avons passé un très bon moment. Kyle et les autres étaient à Paris beaucoup plus longtemps. Il me dit qu'ils ont visité le palais de Versailles au moins trois fois." (Jacob and I didn't get to stay for very long, but we had a lovely time. Kyle and the others were in Paris far longer. He tells me they visited the Palace of Versailles at least three times.)

"Il y avait beaucoup de le palais à voir," (There was a lot of the palace to see) Kyle chuckled.

"Comment était Versailles? J'entends que c'est spectaculaire pour dire le moins," (How was Versailles? I hear it is spectacular to say the least) Anna asked. Kyle proceeded to tell Anna all about the décor, the view, the gardens and everything they saw all those times they went to Versailles. He even told her of the guard that befriended Scarlet and had given her his helmet that she'd wanted to wear to dinner tonight. Anna did try to ask Scarlet more details about this guard she befriended, but sadly Scarlet couldn't understand her and even when Kyle translated, she was very shy. "Votre petite-fille est si précieuse," (Your granddaughter is so precious) Anna smiled. "Quel âge a-t-elle?" (How old is she?)

"Sera trois en décembre," (She will be three in December) Renesmee said.

"C'est une chérie. C'est votre premier petit-fils?" (She's a darling. She's your first grandchild?)

"Oui," Renesmee smiled. "Le premier de beaucoup j'imagine." (The first of many I imagine).

"Avec quatre enfants à votre nom, certainement," (With four children to your name, most certainly) Anna joked. "J'admets que je vous envie," (I admit I envy you) she continued with a hint of sorrow. "Levi et moi avons travaillé si dur pendant si longtemps, mais nous n'avons jamais pu avoir d'enfants. Amber a vraiment été une aubaine, mais j'aurais aimé lui avoir donné un frère ou une sœur." (Levi and I worked so hard for so long but we just never could have children. Amber truly has been a Godsend, but I wish we could have given her a brother or sister.)

"Un médecin a-t-il jamais donné une explication?" (Did a doctor ever provide an explanation?)

"N'avons vu qu'un médecin et il n'était pas sûr. Il a fait quelques recommandations et même des médicaments, mais rien ne semblait fonctionner." (We only saw one doctor and he wasn't sure. He made some recommendations and even some medicine, but nothing seemed to work.)

"Combien de temps étiez-vous et Levi regardant l'adoption avant que vous avez découvert Amber?" (How long were you and Levi looking at adoption before you found out about Amber?)

"Pense que c'était deux ans," (I think it was two years) Anna said. "Avons essayé des orphelinats et nous avons essayé de donner notre nom aux gens dans l'espoir que quelqu'un pourrait être en mesure de nous donner un enfant. Avons atteint notre Rabbi et c'est ainsi que nous avons entendu parler d'Amber. Notre Rabbi avait un bon ami qui était relié au fils du Rabbi de Château." (We tried orphanages and we tried giving our name to people in the hope that someone might be able to give us a child. We reached out to our Rabbi and that's how we heard about Amber. Our Rabbi had a good friend that was connected to the Rabbi's son from Château.)

"Ce devait être le destin," (It must have been fate) Renesmee smiled. "Pourrais-je vous demander comment vous et Levi êtes venus apprendre le français? Vous le parlez si bien." (Might I ask how you and Levi came to learn French? You speak it so nicely.)

"Ma grand-mère était française," (My grandmother was French) Anna said. "Insistait pour que tous ses petits-enfants parlassent le français. Quant à Levi, il a commencé à apprendre quand il était jeune fréquentant l'école et ses parents l'ont encouragé à continuer. Et vous?" (She insisted all her grandchildren would know French. As for Levi, he started learning when he was young attending school and his parents encouraged him to continue. And you?)

"Mon oncle Carlisle a grandi le fils d'un Pasteur et le français était une compétence requise pour n'importe quel puits à faire Anglais. Il a appris mon papa français qui a enseigné ma mère française et quand j'étais grand, le français était parmi les nombreux sujets que je devais étudier." (My Uncle Carlisle grew up a Pastor's son and French was a required skill for any well to do Englishman. He taught my daddy French who taught my mother French and when I was growing up, French was among the many subjects I was required to study.)

"Je suppose que vos enfants ont été tenus à la même norme?" (I assume your children were held to the same standard?) Anna joked.

"Oui," Renesmee answered bluntly and Anna laughed. "En fait, mes enfants ont été tenus à un niveau plus élevé parce qu'ils ont dû étudier dans ma famille ainsi que la famille de Jacob." (In fact, my children were held to a higher standard because they had to study under my family as well as Jacob's family.)

"Quel genre de choses votre mari et ses gens ont-ils enseigné?" (What sort of things did your husband and his people teach?)

"La langue pour un. Chasser, pêcher, faufiler dans les bois, cuisiner et fabriquer des armes sont quelques autres tâches qui leur ont été enseignées." (The language for one. Hunting, fishing, sneaking in the woods, cooking, and crafting weapons are a few other tasks they were taught.)

"Kevin dit que votre tribu est juste sur l'eau," (Kevin tells us your tribe is right on the water) Levi said.

"Vivons près du ravage," (We live by the shore) Kyle clarified.

"Je parie est merveilleusement relaxant," (I'll bet is wonderfully relaxing) Anna smiled.

"Oui," Renesmee smiled. "Mon fils vous visite si souvent. J'espère qu'un jour peut-être vous et Levi pouvez nous rendre visite." (My son visits you so often. I hope one day perhaps you and Levi can visit us.)

"Ce serait adorable," (That would be lovely) Levi answered.

During dinner, Jacob involved himself in the conversation as much as was possible, but sadly it became much easier to just talk to Nathan and Tomoeh rather than make Renesmee waste time translating for him when she was having a nice conversation with Anna. Kevin made a point to help Jacob converse at least with Amber, especially if Amber praised Jacob for traits she admired of Kevin that she could tell came from Jacob. Just as Kevin had hoped, Renesmee became very friendly with Anna and Levi as well as Amber by the end of the night. When they finished dinner, Anna brought out a coffee cake she'd made, though it had eggs in it so Natalie refrained, and they all enjoyed some coffee together and got to know each other more. However, they eventually needed to end the night as it was getting late and Levi needed to get to bed. Anna made Kevin promise to arrange for them all to meet again the next day for lunch. Anna was happy to close the shop for an hour or so. After they all said goodbye, Kevin started walking everyone back to the hotel.

"So what do you think?" Kevin asked Renesmee while they made their way back.

"Anna's a lovely woman," Renesmee said, "and Amber's a darling."

"You imprinted on a good girl," Jacob said.

"Thank you. She really wanted to impress all of you." Kevin said.

"She's a wonderful young woman," Renesmee said. "I look forward to when you two can finally get married."

"I do too," Kevin said. "I'll bring Amber and Anna to the hotel tomorrow and we'll all go to lunch together. Or we can eat at the hotel. Whichever you prefer."

"I'll leave it up to you," Renesmee said. When they arrived at the hotel, Kevin walked them in and hugged them goodbye. "We'll see you at about noon tomorrow?"

"Yeah, I'll bring them over around then," Kevin said. "You guys sleep well, alright?"

"You too, honey," Renesmee answered. They all said their goodbyes and goodnights and Kevin finally left the hotel to return to the shop. When he returned, Amber's parents had already gotten to bed and Amber was waiting for him in his room sitting on the edge of his bed.

"So what do they think?" Amber asked when Kevin closed the door behind him. "Do they like me? What do they think of mom and dad?"

"I told you they adore you," Kevin smiled and walked over to give Amber a kiss. "Mom really likes Anna."

"Mom loves Renesmee too," Amber smiled back. "I think our parents meeting was a huge success."

"I'd say so too," Kevin agreed.

Afterwards, Kevin and Amber hugged and, having hugged for a few minutes, got on the bed together and made love. Amber wanted so badly to stay in bed with Kevin. He wished she could too, but alas he had to return her to her room for the night. In an act of romanticism, Kevin carried Amber back to her room and laid her on her bed, giving her one last kiss. Or it would have been one last kiss had Amber not clutched onto him and made the kiss passionate. They made love again in her bed, staying as quiet as possible. When they reached their highest point, Kevin took a deep breath and forced himself to leave Amber's room, wishing her a goodnight and telling her he loved her. Then he returned to the guest room to get some rest, excited about lunch the next day.