𝐁𝐄𝐓𝐓𝐄𝐑 𝐄. 𝐂𝐔𝐋𝐋𝐄𝐍 ✔︎

𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐲 𝐟𝐢𝐯𝐞

NAYELI WATCHED IN QUIET awe as Kai pulled himself up using the couch. She didn't want to startle him, so she kept her excitement contained, but inside, she was absolutely bursting with joy at this new milestone. Emmett, sitting nearby with Carlisle as they read the newspaper, noticed immediately and shared the same internal excitement. The couple exchanged a smile, both thrilled by their son's progress.

Not long after, Bella and Edward joined them, returning from a hunting trip. As they walked in, Nayeli pointed to Kai, still standing with all his weight on his feet. Edward opened his mouth to cheer, but before he could make a sound, Nayeli quickly placed a hand over his mouth.

"You'll scare him, and he'll cry," she warned softly.

"Oh, right. Yay, Kai!" Edward whispered, clapping his hands gently. He then sat down beside Bella, who immediately began looking around for Renesmee.

"Where's Renesmee?" Bella asked, scanning the room.

Nayeli pointed toward the door. "Blondie stole her... again," Jacob replied, taking a bite of his sandwich. "She's really attached to the kids. Is it weird?"

"No," everyone responded in unison.

"Rosalie's always wanted to be a mom. It's not weird at all," Nayeli added, giving Jacob a pointed look. "Let it go."

Jacob looked back at Nayeli, catching her silent message to stop, and turned his attention back to Rosalie, who was gently rocking Renesmee in her arms.

The peaceful moment was interrupted by the sound of the phone ringing. All side conversations halted, and the room grew tense as everyone waited for Bella to answer. Bella stepped forward, glancing at the caller ID.

"It's Charlie," she said, her voice soft.

"He's been calling twice a day," Edward added quietly, his gaze flicking toward his wife.

Nayeli ran a hand over her face, knowing what was coming. With a sigh, she picked up the phone. "Hi, Charlie."

The voice on the other end sounded broken, defeated, filled with worry. "Hey, Nayeli. Any news on Bella?" Charlie asked.