Adventures In An Alternate Dimension Book 2

Chapter 32 - Unboxing Chaos: A Tour of the New Home

Bella's POV

Three months. That's how long it had taken to build this monstrosity – or should I say, this masterpiece? – of a house. Eighteen bedrooms each bedroom with their own bathrooms with one extra bathroom on each floor, a sprawling kitchen that could feed an army, and a living room that could host a vampire coven ball (though thankfully, that wasn't on the agenda). It was excessive, perhaps, but after the fire that took our old home, excessive felt... necessary for our ever-expanding family.

Today was the day we finally moved in. The Swan-Cullen-Sloane-Anderson clan, or whatever monstrosity our family tree had morphed into, was descending upon Forks in all its chaotic glory. The moving trucks rumbled up the newly paved driveway, disgorging boxes and furniture like oversized piñatas bursting with forgotten dreams.

Edward, my ever-patient vampire husband, squeezed my hand. "Ready for the whirlwind?" he murmured, his voice as smooth as velvet.

"As ready as I'll ever be," I replied, trying to ignore the nervous flutter in my stomach. We had a lot under one roof – vampires, werewolves, hunters, a human-turned-vampire hybrid, and enough human children to rival a small daycare center. It was enough to make any immortal being nervous.

A cacophony erupted as car doors slammed and excited voices filled the air. Charlie, my ever-reliable human father, was barking orders at the movers, while Sue, his ever-patient wife, wrangled the younger children onto the expansive lawn. Esme, Edward's ever-graceful mother, materialized at my side, her arms full of giggling youngsters – Olivia, Sky and I's oldest at the age of eight, and Lily, our youngest child at the age of five.

"They're so excited about the new house, Bella," Esme cooed, her golden eyes twinkling. "Just wait till they see the playroom."

"I'm sure they'll love it," I said, forcing a smile. My own excitement was dampened by the lingering sense of loss for the old house, a loss that still hung heavy in the air. But these were new beginnings, and I had to focus on that.

Suddenly, a whirlwind of red auburn and laughter collided with me. It was Renesmee, my half-vampire daughter, now all grown up at twenty-eight. Beside her was Jacob Black, my sister's werewolf husband looking sheepish in his usual jeans and a black t-shirt. He was still getting used to the whole vampire thing, but their love seemed to bridge the gap between species.

"Mom!" Renesmee exclaimed, throwing her arms around me. "It's incredible! So many rooms, I don't even know where to begin exploring!"

"Take it easy, sweetheart," I chuckled, returning her hug. "There's plenty of time for exploration later."

As if on cue, the rest of the family materialized. Jasper and Alice, ever the picture of perfect coupledom, walked hand-in-hand. Alice, my sister-in-law, bounced on the balls of her feet, her pixie cut shimmering in the sunlight. Jasper, her stoic husband, managed a small smile.

Then there was Emmett and Skylar, Ashlynn's vampire husbands. Emmett, with his booming laugh and playful demeanor, was a contrast to Skylar's quiet strength and leadership. They were followed by Ashlynn, my younger witch-vampire hybrid sister. She was older now, 24, and looked radiant with her other husband, Thor Odinson, a rather stoic (though undeniably handsome) Asgardian god, by her side.

Then came Vannessa, Edward and I's second oldest at 26 and her husband Eric. They had just announced not too long ago that they were pregnant and expecting their first baby. Then came the teenagers following behind. Raven, Edward and I's third oldest, with her new husband Connor and their one-year-old daughter Rose nestled comfortably in her arms wearing a cute outfit of distressed jeans, a rose floral print long sleeve shirt and cream colored shoes.