The trip back to the airport in Rio de Janeiro was faster than I had remembered.  We didn't speak of the Volturi or the Quileutes.  There would be plenty of conversations surrounding those topics when we were home -- we wanted to be as peaceful as possible for now, just quietly enjoying each other's presence. 

I slept a restless, fitful sleep on the plane.  We had first-class tickets on a direct flight, which made the trip quite comfortable physically, but that did not help my state of mind.  I was completely exhausted from the recent days, and knew the coming days and events awaiting us when we arrived home would require every ounce of energy I had, but my mind wouldn't allow my body to relax enough to actually slip under for any amount of time.

Edward had his eyes closed the majority of the flight, pretending to be asleep.  He would awake every hour or so, asking for some water or going to the lavatory, keeping up appearances.  We kept the conversation light, mostly discussing the amazing island we had visited, and when we planned to return.  I knew the plans were completely dependent on the upcoming events, but decided to make them anyway.

As we got closer to Seattle, I began to feel the weight of the decision that was coming.  I knew this would involve everyone, and that they would support my decision, but the decision would ultimately be mine.  Do I decide to change now, and break their treaty with the Quileutes?  Or do I decide to wait, and risk the Volturi getting involved -- even more than they have involved themselves already?  I prayed silently for enough time to meet with Sam, and that everything would fall into place from there.

I was pulled from my thoughts as the pilot informed us that we were beginning our decent, just a few minutes from landing at SeaTac.  It was only eight fifteen the next morning, but I felt like we had been traveling for days.

Carlisle and Esme were waiting for us when we arrived.  Esme pulled me into a warm embrace, kissing the top of my head and whispering loving words to me the entire way to the car.

The drive back to Forks was quiet, much like the rest of our trip.  Edward sat in the passenger's seat while Carlisle drove, Esme and I in the back.  I sat behind Edward, our hands resting together on the center console the entire ride, our thumbs lazily rubbing circles around each other.  I felt Edward shift in his seat a few times, sometimes adjusting his head slightly.  I knew he didn't usually fidget like this unless we were around other humans, and wondered what was causing him to act that way until I saw Carlisle glance his way and realized they were having a silent conversation.  I considered objecting, but decided I should just wait until we were at the house to give my input.  I was enjoying the calm feeling in the car, hearing only the hum of the engine.

I didn't realize I had fallen asleep until I awoke to the car pulling into the garage.  My head was in Esme's lap, her cool hands running through my hair.  I turned my head to face Esme and she leaned in to place a gentle kiss on my forehead.  Before I could say "Thank You," the car door opened and I was abruptly pulled out by my feet, Emmett catching me just before I hit the ground.

"Hi, sis!"  He was beaming with excitement, which I didn't quite understand in this moment but was glad to have someone lighten the mood.

"Hey, Emmett.  It's good to see you too!"  I hugged him around the neck, and then demanded that he put me down.  Instead, he threw me to Jasper who was standing in the driveway about twenty feet away.

"Jasper!"  I gasped as he reached out, pretending he couldn't reach me as I fell.  He snatched me up when I got too close to the concrete and spun me in the air.

"Bella!  Lighten up, I'm not gonna let you fall, you should know that!"  He just laughed as he tossed me in the air, catching me at the waist and then hurling me across the driveway toward Alice.

I screamed again, truly afraid for my life this time.  She was even farther away than Jasper had been, and I wasn't sure it was possible that a pixie, vampire or otherwise, could catch me.

"No faith!"  She caught me around the hips with one arm, the other twirling around a strand of her short, pointy hair.

"Put me down, NOW!"  I fought uselessly against her grip.

By this point everyone, even Edward, was laughing.  I scowled as Alice glanced toward Rosalie, who crossed her arms and shook her head.  "No way, she'll try to pull my hair out.  I just finished curling it!"

"Yeah, you're right.  I don't want her doing that to me either!"  The final round of Bella-Ball was a gentle toss from Alice to Edward, who caught me and immediately set me lightly on my feet.  I tried to pull away toward the house, but Edward turned me to face him.

"Don't be mad, love, they are just happy to see you.  I wouldn't let them hurt you, you should know that," he whispered into my ear, kissing it lightly before pulling back to meet my eyes.  His smile made me instantly forget the anger I had felt.  I reached up to kiss him sweetly on the lips, and then turned to walk into the house.  Edward followed and sat next to me on the couch, the others joining us moments later.

 Esme took her place on the adjacent couch next to Carlisle while Emmett and Rosalie stood together facing Edward and I.  Jasper sat next to me and Alice sat cross-legged on the floor in front of the three of us.

 Everyone remained quiet, and as I met all of their stares I realized they were waiting for me to speak.  I took a deep breath and opened my mouth, but no words came.  My throat convulsed instead, and a single tear escaped each eye.  Edward grabbed my hand, rubbing the top of my knuckles with his thumb.  I felt a wave of calm fill the room and gave Jasper a thankful smile.  He nodded and smiled, still pushing the calming feelings toward me.

 "Bella, Edward had told me that you wanted to speak with Sam about their decision."  Carlisle broke the silence, beginning the dreaded discussion.  "I understand that request, and agree that it won't hurt to try.  However, there are now additional elements to the situation.  The Volturi still do not know that we are in association with werewolves, and we would like it to remain as such. 

 "Alice has seen that Aro will send their newest member here, but he has not decided when or if she will come alone.  I think it would be best if we contacted Sam right away to setup this meeting.  Would you be alright with talking to him as soon as possible?"

 I felt a sudden urge to run over and wrap my arms around Carlisle's neck.  He was so loving and supportive, and always remained calm in tense situations.  I wasn't accustomed to having a father so involved in my life, and I appreciated that Carlisle was there to help more than I could say.

 Jasper chuckled next to me, surely feeling the array of emotions coming from me, and I gave him a quick eye roll before answering Carlisle's question.

"That sounds like a good idea, Carlisle.  I think the sooner we meet, the better."

Carlisle had his phone out and up to his ear in the next breath.  I squeezed Edward's hand lightly, hoping Sam would agree to meet on such short notice.

"Hello, Sam. This is Carlisle Cullen. . . Yes, Bella and Edward have arrived home safely.  That is why I am calling.  Bella would like to speak with you about our situation. . . Yes, that sounds fine.  Shall we meet at the treaty line?. . . Okay, we will see you then. Thank you, Sam."

 I relaxed my grip on Edward's hand when Carlisle smiled.  "Sam says he will be able to meet tonight.  He is doing a run this evening, and will be finished by ten.  We are meeting at the treaty line then."

I exhaled a sigh of relief, feeling surprisingly hopeful about the outcome of the upcoming conversation.  I glanced at Jasper with a questioning look.

"Nope, not me. That one's all you, sis."  He smiled and nudged me with his elbow.

I looked down at Alice when I heard a small, humph, come from her direction.  "Everything okay down there?"

"No!  I can't see a thing!  If those wolves weren't so helpful, I would rip them apart!"  Emmett and Jasper laughed out loud at that comment, and Rosalie chimed in, "I'd help you!  Dirty dogs are always stinking this place up!"

 Alice giggled, relaxing noticeably.  "Jazz, you don't have to do that.  I'm fine.  Just annoyed, but I'll be better after tonight."

"I think I'm going to take Bella upstairs.  We have had quite a long trip, and she needs to rest."  Edward and I rose from the couch, Jasper, Esme, Carlisle and Alice all following suit.

I leaned to my right and nudged Jasper with my shoulder, thanking him for tempering my teenage girl range of emotions.  "Bella, you are not the typical teenage girl, and you are not dealing with a typical teenage girl situation.  None of us expect you to handle this any differently than you are.  You are actually doing exceptionally well considering."

I thanked him and shifted my gaze to Alice as she skipped over and hugged me around the waist.  "You'll be great, Bella.  I can't see it, but I just know."

"Thank you, Alice. For everything."  She winked at me, knowing I meant more than just today.  I would have to thank her more formally later, but for now I was focused on tonight.

I reached Carlisle next.  I felt like hurling myself into his arms, but instead gave a shy smile.  "Carlisle, I can't thank you enough for all your help. . ."  He placed a single hand on my shoulder and smiled, conveying all the love he felt with just that small gesture.

"No thanks required, Bella.  You are my daughter, and I will do anything to keep you safe."

I thanked him again and moved to his right to be immediately embraced by Esme -- embrace being the closest word to accurate for a hug that contained so much love it nearly hurt.  I felt her shoulders rock with a dry sob, and I reached up to kiss her cheek.

"Bella, I love you so much.  I can't describe what you have brought to my life, as well as Edward and the rest of the family's, but it is amazing. Thank you."  I smiled and told her I felt the same and with one last squeeze, she released me to a waiting Emmett.

"Dude, why does this feel like we are saying goodbye?  The human is gonna go sleep for awhile, and then we get to scare a werewolf into letting us make her immortal.  It's awesome!"

Everyone chuckled at Emmett's enthusiasm as he pulled me into a rough hug.  "Go get some rest, squirt. We have a long night coming."

I thanked him and moved to Rosalie, my gaze falling to my shoes as I prepared for the lecture.  I was nearly knocked off my feet - literally - when she gave me a squeeze that could rival Emmett's.

"We'll figure this out, Bella.  You're going to make an awesome sister, and vampire!"  She smiled confidently as I tripped over my own words, trying to respond while completely stunned.

"I. . . um. . . well. . . thanks?"  I couldn't form a complete sentence, so I decided to leave it at that.

"Ready?"  Edward gestured toward the stairs, leading me up to the bedroom.  Our bedroom.

When we reached the door I stopped.  "Do you mind if I take a human moment?"

"Of course.  I'll be in the bedroom."  He closed the bedroom door just as I felt a tap on my shoulder.  Alice was behind me with a towel and fresh clothes.

"These are from your suitcase.  Enjoy your shower!"  She disappeared down the stairs.

I took my time in the shower, allowing the steaming water to work my tense muscles loose.  I leaned against the wall for a few minutes, trying to clear my mind and enjoy the feeling of water and steam enveloping me, rinsing the remnants of travel from my body.

I washed and dried quickly, the effects of my lack of sleep catching up with me after the soothing shower.  Alice had provided a black t-shirt and matching pajama shorts, allowing me to be comfortable for my much-needed rest.  When I reached our room I saw that Edward had turned down the sheets for me, and he was stretched on the other side.  I crawled into bed next to him, falling asleep the moment my head hit the pillow.

***

 I opened my eyes slightly, seeing a blur of Edward above me.  I let out a groggy moan, and asked for the time.

 "It's almost six."  His voice sounded husky, and deeper than normal.  I forced my eyes open to see him hovering over me, his eyes black - but not with hunger.  "Edward?"  I sat up in bed, my expression confused.

 "I'm sorry, love.  Alice and Jasper retired to their bedroom for the evening, and they seem to have caused quite the mood.  I think Jasper may have inadvertently spread his emotion to the rest of the house.  And then I heard you speak. . ."

 I immediately blushed as I tried to remember my dream.  I felt a warm tingle run from my head to my toes, and shivered in response.

 "See what I mean?"  His smirk was completely irresistible.  I grabbed his face and pulled him to me, smashing his lips with a smoldering kiss.  He met me fully, wrapping his hands around my head as I ran mine down his back.

 Just as our kiss began to deepen further I heard a loud crash, a seductive giggle following close behind.

 "Was that Rosalie?"  I quickly realized I shouldn't have asked my question aloud.

 "Damn right!  That's my woman taking charge!"  Emmett's voice was unmistakably excited.

 I gave Edward my best please don't make me listen to that look, and he understood immediately.  He gave me one last kiss before sweeping me into his arms, down the stairs and out the back door toward the trees.

Edward continued kissing me as he took us deep into the forest, my legs wrapped tightly around his waist.  After a few moments of walking he finally stopped, leaning my back up against a tree as his kisses trailed my jaw line and continued down my collar bone, stopping at the hollow at the bottom of my throat before moving back up to my lips.  I could feel his body begin to tense, his eyes becoming impossibly darker as our kiss deepened even further.  His hands moved from the bottom of my thighs to my hips and then slowly up my sides, raising my shirt with them. 

I raised my arms and temporarily halted our kiss, allowing him to lift it over my head, then curled my hands back into his hair as he flung my shirt to the ground, his eyes still fixed on my own. 

He didn't lean in to continue the kiss, but let his passion-consumed eyes wander downwards, fixating on my bare torso and then moving slowly down to my waistline, stopping at the elastic waistband of my shorts.  My hips rolled involuntarily under his gaze, causing him to take in a sharp breath before his breathing stopped completely.  My breathing, however, only became faster and more ragged as he leaned in and began kissing my midsection. 

He made his way from my belly button over to my side, where I felt a reflexive urge to giggle.  I ignored my ticklish spot, biting down on the inside of my bottom lip to stifle the laugh that was building.  I bit harder than I expected and felt a sharp sting, which was quickly forgotten when he moved back up to my face, taking me into another fierce kiss.  My mouth opened and I let his tongue sink into it, encircling it with my own as my hands pulled at his head and neck, crushing his face to mine.

I felt a jolt of heat rush through my body, then focus on my mouth where our lips met.  The heat continued to rise in temperature, until my whole mouth was on fire with a burning ache for him.  My Edward. My love.  My husband. 

Again, the perfect words to an end I didn't realize had come.