𝐅𝐎𝐑𝐄𝐕𝐄𝐑 | 𝐉𝐀𝐒𝐏𝐄𝐑 𝐇𝐀𝐋𝐄

𝟏𝟖 | 𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐕𝐈𝐒𝐈𝐓

THE FOREST OUTSIDE OUR HOME WAS QUIET, THE TREES STANDING TALL AND STILL, SHADOWS STRETCHING ACROSS THE MISTY LAWN. Rain had fallen earlier, leaving the world glistening and fresh, the scent of pine heavy in the air.

I held Ava in my arms, her tiny warmth a sharp contrast to the cool air of the house. Even human life felt like magic to me now. Jasper stood nearby, leaning against the doorway, his presence steady, grounding. The golden glow of his eyes caught the light in a way that always made me forget the world outside.

"She's asleep," I whispered.

"For now," Jasper murmured, his hand brushing the small of my back. "She's already growing too fast."

I smiled faintly, pressing my cheek against Ava's soft hair. "She's ours. And safe."

The doorbell rang, echoing softly through the house. Jasper's eyes flicked toward the door, protective instinct brushing at the edges of his calm. I set Ava gently in the crib and went to open it.

On the porch stood my parents, Jess and Mark, their eyes wide and smiling. Behind them, the Cullens Esme, Carlisle, Edward, Bella, Alice, Rosalie, Emmett, and little Renesmee waited politely.

"Delilah!" My mother said, her voice warm. "We brought lunch and a few things for the baby."

"Hi, Mom. Hi, Dad," I said, stepping forward. "Come on in."

Jasper followed, handing me a small basket of blankets he had prepared for Ava. "I'll help with them," he said softly, moving toward the kitchen.

My parents smiled at him politely, unaware of the centuries behind his eyes, seeing only the careful kindness in his movements.

We led them into the living room. Ava stirred slightly, opening her bright eyes, blinking at the sunlight streaming through the windows. Jess gasped softly, her hands flying to her mouth.

"Oh, she's perfect!" she whispered.

Mark crouched carefully, reaching out to hold her tiny hand. "You two did a wonderful job," he said quietly. "She's beautiful."

I smiled, letting them marvel at her, while the Cullens lingered politely in the background. Esme and Carlisle offered gentle smiles, making themselves welcome without overwhelming the humans. Renesmee tiptoed forward, peeking at Ava with quiet awe.

"She's so small," Renesmee whispered.

"Yes," I agreed. "And she's ours to love."

Ava yawned, tiny fingers curling around my thumb. My chest tightened with emotion. She was human fragile, perfect, and completely unaware of the strange world that surrounded her. And that was exactly how it should be.

Jasper's hand found mine. "We'll keep it that way," he said softly. "Always."

Outside, the forest was silent, holding its secrets. Inside, the room was full of laughter, gentle voices, and the quiet awe of family human and immortal alike, though the immortals wore their secrets carefully behind polite smiles.

And in that moment, I realized something I had never known in Year: eternity would feel like home.