The hospital room buzzed with quiet activity as Bella prepared to leave for Forks. Carlisle had completed her discharge paperwork, and Esme was already fussing over Bella's bag, ensuring everything was in order. Edward hovered protectively at her side, watching her every move as if she might shatter at any moment.
"Are you sure you're ready for the trip?" he asked softly, brushing a strand of hair from her face.
Bella nodded, though her expression remained clouded. "I need to get out of here. I'll feel better once we're back in Forks."
Edward didn't seem convinced but didn't press her. Instead, he helped her into her jacket, his cool hands lingering on her shoulders.
As the Cullens finalized their preparations, Bella's mind began to drift, her worry coiling tighter with every passing moment. A sudden, sickening thought struck her.
"Teddy!" she exclaimed, her voice sharp with panic.
Everyone turned to her.
"What about Teddy?" Edward asked, his tone steady but concerned.
Bella's heart raced as she gripped Edward's arm. "I promised Harry I'd look after him while they were away. What if James' friends go after him now?."
Edward's expression softened, his golden eyes reassuring. "Bella, you don't need to worry about Teddy. Harry, Hermione, and Leah returned last night. They've already taken Teddy back to their home."
Bella's panic subsided slightly, though her brow remained furrowed. "Are you sure he's safe? What if James' friends follow him there?"
Edward's lips curved into a faint, confident smile. "Bella, trust me. Teddy is safer now than he ever was. Harry isn't just his father; he's one of the most formidable fighter in existence. Hermione is just as brilliant and resourceful, and Leah..." Edward paused, his tone sharpening. "Leah won't hesitate to tear apart any vampire who comes near Teddy. Together, they're more than capable of handling any threat."
Esme stepped forward, her warm presence soothing. "Bella, you've done everything you could. Teddy is in the best hands. Focus on getting better and returning home."
Despite their reassurances, Bella couldn't shake the knot of anxiety in her chest. Teddy had become like family to her, and the thought of him being in danger made her stomach churn.
As they moved toward the waiting car, Bella glanced at Edward again. "Do you think they'll go after him?"
Edward's expression darkened briefly, but his voice was steady. "James no longer bother anyone. Laurent has disappeared, and the wolves forced James' mate, Victoria, to retreat far from here. They'd be fools to try anything now, especially with Harry involved."
Bella leaned back in the seat as the car began its journey, her nerves settling slightly. She couldn't deny that Harry and Hermione's return brought a measure of comfort. If anyone could protect Teddy, it was his parents.
By the time they reached the familiar tree-lined streets of Forks, Bella felt a sliver of hope piercing through her lingering fear. Edward parked the car in front of her house, stepping out to open her door.
"Welcome back," he said softly, helping her out of the car.
Bella smiled faintly, glancing at the house she once found suffocating but now seemed like a sanctuary. As she stepped inside, she made a silent promise: she would do whatever it took to keep those she cared about safe, no matter the cost.
Harry, Leah, and Hermione arrived back at their home with a renewed glow, their honeymoon adventures leaving them content and closer than ever. They had traveled across the globe, visiting Black family estates in breathtaking locations—castles nestled in the Scottish Highlands, a sun-drenched villa on the Amalfi Coast, and even an ancient manor hidden deep in the forests of Eastern Europe. Each destination held its own magical charm, but the joy of discovering these places together made the experience truly unforgettable.
Teddy's squeal of delight as they walked through the door was the perfect homecoming. He ran up to them, his small arms outstretched, and was scooped up into a group hug. Harry kissed the top of Teddy's head, Leah ruffled his hair affectionately, and Hermione gave him a warm squeeze.
"I missed you all so much!" Teddy exclaimed, his wide grin showing his missing front tooth.
"We missed you too, buddy," Harry said, setting him down. "You've been good, right?"
Teddy nodded enthusiastically. "I've been the best! I have so much to tell you! Guess what? I got to ride in a police car to preschool!"
Leah raised an eyebrow. "A police car? What happened?"
"It wasn't bad or anything," Teddy assured her quickly. "Charlie was just being nice. He said I was his special deputy for the day!"
Harry chuckled. "Looks like you've made some good friends, huh?"
"Oh, yeah! And guess what else?" Teddy's voice dropped conspiratorially. "The Cullens play baseball in the forest! It's super fast and loud. They let me watch, but only if I promised not to tell anyone."
Hermione's curiosity piqued. "Baseball in the forest? That sounds... unique. Did you enjoy it?"
Teddy's eyes lit up as he nodded vigorously. "It was amazing! They run like lightning, and the ball goes so far! I want to play with them when I grow up."
Leah smirked. "Maybe you'll give them a run for their money someday, kiddo."
As Teddy continued sharing his stories, Harry exchanged a glance with Hermione and Leah. They were relieved to see their son so happy, his small world filled with excitement and wonder rather than fear or danger.
Later that evening, as Teddy was tucked into bed, he whispered to Harry, "You're not leaving again, right? You're staying?"
Harry leaned down, brushing a strand of hair from Teddy's forehead. "We're not going anywhere, Teddy. We're here, and we're not letting anything happen to you."
Teddy smiled sleepily, his trust in his parents absolute. For now, their family was together, and that was all that mattered.
When the Blacks returned from their travels, the small town of Forks also buzzed with anticipation. Excitement filled the air as whispers of the upcoming baseball tournament spread. It had become the highlight of the year for the townsfolk, thanks to the Blacks' sponsorship and efforts last year that started the tournament. The tournament had brought new life to the quiet town, with local businesses flourishing from the influx of visitors and participants.
Harry, Leah, and Hermione, now well-rested and reinvigorated from their travels, were greeted warmly wherever they went. At the diner, the owner stopped by their table to express his gratitude.
"That tournament last year was something else," he said, placing three steaming mugs of coffee on their table. "Never seen the town so lively. Folks are still talking about it. Are you planning to make it bigger this year?"
Harry exchanged a knowing glance with Leah. "We've only just got back, but we're open to ideas," he replied, sipping his coffee.
The diner owner leaned in eagerly. "If you can pull it off again, maybe even bigger, it'll do wonders for the town. Everyone's hoping you'll bring in more sponsors, maybe some media attention. Forks could use the boost."
At the town meeting later that week, the enthusiasm was palpable. The mayor, who had initially been skeptical of the event, now praised it as a stroke of genius. "Thanks to the Blacks," he began, standing at the podium in the crowded community center, "our baseball tournament last year brought new energy to Forks. Small businesses thrived, we had visitors from neighboring towns, and it put us on the map!"
The room erupted into applause, and all eyes turned to Harry, Leah, and Hermione, who sat in the front row.
"We're hoping," the mayor continued, "that with your help, we can make this year's event even grander. Maybe a regional tournament? Or even attract some semi-pro teams?"
Hermione nodded thoughtfully. "We can reach out to some of our contacts and see what we can do. But the heart of this tournament is the community. We'll make sure it still feels like Forks."
Leah added with a grin, "And let's not forget the other activities—last year's food stalls and craft fairs and surfing were a hit. We can expand on that."
As the meeting adjourned, townsfolk crowded around the Blacks with suggestions and offers of help. From local bakers proposing themed treats to the high school coach volunteering his team for setup, it seemed everyone wanted to contribute.
That evening, as the Blacks gathered around their dining table, they began planning in earnest. Teddy sat nearby, doodling on a piece of paper, clearly inspired by the excitement.
"Can I help too?" he asked eagerly.
"Of course, Teddy," Harry said, ruffling his hair. "You can be our honorary junior organizer."
Teddy beamed. The baseball tournament wasn't just a town event; it was becoming a family tradition. With the Blacks' passion and connections, this year's tournament promised to be even more unforgettable.
With Billy Black now expertly managing the Phoenix Sports Equipment Company, Harry found himself with more time to dive into the preparations for the upcoming baseball tournament. He retrieved an old leather-bound journal from his desk, one that he had meticulously filled with notes, contacts, and observations from the previous year's event.
The journal was a treasure trove of information, listing team managers, local sports enthusiasts, prominent sponsors, and even media representatives who had shown interest in the last tournament. Flipping through the pages, Harry felt a renewed sense of purpose. He began reaching out to each contact, one by one.
"Hello, Coach Miller? It's Harry Black from Forks. Remember last year's tournament? We're organizing it again this year, and the town is making it bigger and better."
Coach Miller's hearty laugh boomed over the line. "Bigger than last year? That's saying something, Harry! Count us in. My team had a blast, and the exposure was phenomenal."
Harry ticked off Coach Miller's team on his list and moved on to the next contact.
"Hi, this is Harry Black. I'm reaching out about the Forks Baseball Tournament. You covered it last year, and we'd love for you to come back. This year's event promises to be even more spectacular."
The media contacts were equally enthusiastic. Many remembered the buzz the event had generated and were keen to cover the expanded version. Harry discussed press passes, exclusive interviews, and opportunities for live coverage to further entice them.
By the end of the first week, Harry had already confirmed several returning teams and secured commitments from a handful of new ones. He also reached out to sports enthusiasts and wealthy patrons who had attended last year.
"Mr. Cartwright," Harry began on another call, speaking to a philanthropist and avid baseball fan, "we're planning to introduce a charity component to this year's tournament. Perhaps an auction or a sponsorship drive to support local youth sports programs? Your support last year made a huge impact, and we'd be honored if you'd join us again."
"That sounds incredible, Harry," Mr. Cartwright replied. "I'd love to help. Let's talk specifics next week."
As word spread about Harry's efforts, the excitement among Forks residents grew. Local businesses began brainstorming ways to participate, from sponsoring teams to setting up stalls during the event. The high school baseball team offered to help with logistics, and even Teddy was eager to pitch in.
"Dad," Teddy said, peering at the journal over Harry's shoulder, "can I help call people too? I want to invite the Swans to come watch!"
Harry smiled, ruffling Teddy's hair. "You can definitely help. Start by making a list of people you'd like to invite."
Soon after Harry's outreach efforts gained momentum, a committee was officially formed to oversee the organization of the tournament. It comprised a mix of enthusiastic townsfolk, local business owners, returning sponsors, and representatives from various baseball teams Harry had contacted earlier. Everyone shared a sense of excitement and responsibility, knowing they had just 45 days to bring the event to life.
The first meeting was held at Harry's mansion, which had become a natural hub for planning due to its spaciousness and welcoming atmosphere. The grand dining hall was converted into a temporary conference room, complete with whiteboards, maps, and stacks of notebooks. Harry stood at the head of the table, his journal open as he addressed the room.
"Thank you all for coming. We've got a lot to cover in a short amount of time," Harry began. "Last year's tournament was a success, but this year, Forks is aiming higher. Let's make this an event people talk about for years to come."
The room buzzed with energy as ideas were exchanged. The committee quickly broke the planning into categories: logistics, sponsorships, media outreach, accommodations for visiting teams, and entertainment for spectators.
Author's Note:
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