37 ◦ Thanksgiving (BPOV)

                                    

                                          
November 24th 2016
                          
The past month had us all on edge. Aside from Renesmee and Jacob—who had been avoiding the house by spending time with Billy or Charlie during the day—we all had questions that couldn’t be easily answered.
                          
Edward still had his human family’s past on his mind, Kalona Bradley in particular. I was concerned with his focus. What would he do if he did find out that he was somehow related to him? What could he do? Not much, if anything.
                          
Would he tell him? Absolutely not. It wouldn’t make any sense to the boy, and Edward wouldn’t risk our family’s safety.
                          
“Are you going with us to Charlie’s for Thanksgiving tonight, Bells?” Jacob asked me as I was reading. Well, skimming and turning the page every minute. Edward was playing the piano next to me, which distracted me a few chapters ago.
                          
“I think so, just for awhile. I was gonna see if Sue would like help cooking.” I kept my eyes on Edward as I spoke.
                          
Days passed in a blur now. It’s like I was on autopilot, half-asleep while everything was happening around me, out of my control. It was harder than ever to keep my instincts at bay.
                          
“Bella!”
                          
I looked up, startled.
                          
I was sitting at Charlie’s dining table, our family surrounding us and staring me down along with him.
                          
I vaguely remember driving here, cooking with Sue, sitting down, or having small conversations with everyone.
                          
Charlie was at the head of the table, with me across from him. I made eye contact.
                          
“Sorry, what?”
                          
His eyes narrowed.
                          
“You okay, honey?” Renée asked me.
                          
“I’m great. Just lost in space.”
                          
They nodded, letting it go.
                          
The rest of the Cullens didn’t know how normal to act around my mom yet, so it was relatively quiet. Excluding Emmett, who had a very low veil between them. It was clear that Mom already adored him.
                          
It was extremely odd, being in the same room with both of my parents. And my father’s new wife, even though Renée seemed to really like Sue.
                          
“Do you have any plans for your anniversary on Sunday?” I asked Charlie.
                          
“We’re leaving for a fishing trip on Saturday morning,” he answered with a huge grin on his face. Sue’s eyes sparkled as she stared at him.
                          
“How long has it been?” Renée asked.
                          
“Four years.”
                          
I’m still forever grateful to Sue for making him happy again.
                          
I suddenly felt uneasy as I remembered Phil. I didn’t really think of him as a step-father, but it was still heartbreaking. We got along fine, even more so because I knew how he made my mother feel.
                          
I put my hand over hers, giving her a half-smile.
                          
“Actually,” Carlisle voiced. “I’m glad you brought that up, Bella.” He glanced at Esme, who smiled at him before looking back at Charlie and Sue.
                          
“We were wondering if you’d accept a gift,” Esme proposed.
                          
“A trip to our island. All expenses paid, and there’s a beautiful river nearby that’s great for fishing.”
                          
Sue gasped. Charlie cleared his throat. “Wow... I... Really, you’d let us do that?”
                          
“Of course!” Esme boasted. “You’re family.”
                          
“Thank you so much!” Sue gushed, leaning to her left so she could give her a hug.
                          
Later I was doing the dishes, and I heard my daughter’s light steps trailing up behind me.
                          
“One more—” Her foot caught the rug, and I caught her under her elbow. The cup nearly flew back into the wall, but Carlisle’s hand caught it before it could shatter.
                          
“Ness? You okay?” I asked.
                          
“Yeah. Yeah, I’m good. Thanks.”
                          
Her heart was racing. She very rarely had clumsy moments, but I thought it was happening more lately because her wedding date was getting closer. Just a month left now.
                          
As she walked back to the living room, Carlisle swiped back her hair.
                          
I turned off the faucet before facing him. “That was really nice of you to do that for my dad and Sue. Thank you, Carlisle.”
                          
“Of course. I feel the same way Esme does about them. I hope you know that.”
                          
“I do.”
                          
“I should be the one thanking you,” he added suddenly.
                          
I felt the question mark on my face. He laughed.
                          
“Ever since you stepped into my son’s life, you have brought so much joy to this family. I don’t think I’ve ever properly expressed my gratitude to you for that.”
                          
I looked down, slightly embarrassed. I knew the rest of our unhuman family was listening.
                          
Carlisle held my shoulders and I stared back into his eyes.
                          
“From the bottom of my heart... thank you, Bella. For everything you’ve given to be part of us.”
                          
If I were able to, I’d be tearing up. Carlisle leaned in for a hug, and I welcomed him wholeheartedly.
                          
When we joined everyone else again, Emmett was grinning. “Dad’s such a softie.” Carlisle smacked the back of his childish son’s head.
                          
Esme grabbed my hand and squeezed, silently telling me she felt the same. I kissed the top of her hair before sitting back down between Edward and Renesmee.