All Grown Up: The Story of Jacob and Renesmee Part I

Getting to Know You

Renesmee

"Bring everyone else. Even though I'm sure you've cheated and already seen him."

"Of course I did," he said without a trace of shame as he came through the door with my mom, his arm wrapped around her waist.

 The rest of the family filed in behind them, their faces bright. Daddy was positively beaming. Mom made a noise that was a cross between a gasp and an excited shriek when she laid eyes on her grandson for the first time.

"Everybody, this is Anthony Jacob Cullen Black," I announced with great pride, looking at my son who I had cradled in my arms.

"Oh, he's so sweet, Ness!" my Mom said.

"He's just perfect!"

"He really is. He's extraordinarily beautiful, without a doubt. Congratulations," Daddy said to both of us, every one else echoed him.

"Thanks," we said together.

"He's like a teeny little, Jacob!" my mom said in tiny voice.

"He sure is a tiny one isn't he," Nanna said. "How much does he weigh?" she asked Grandpa.

He gave a small shrug. "Nessie hasn't let go for long enough for me to find out yet." I waved my hand dismissively.

"Minor detail," I said.

"I'm saying 5.5 pounds," Uncle Emmett said.

"No way, 6," Uncle Jasper responded.

"Loser buys the winner a new car. Not a 'new to you' car, a new one." They shook on it.

"You guys are dorks. No more betting about my baby."

I noticed then that everybody was wearing their baby related t-shirts.

"I see you dressed everybody, Aunt Alice," I said.

"We were ready!"

"You were the only ones I think," I said managing a small laugh.

"Well, I had to find something to do while we were waiting. Just because we aren't uncomfortable standing in the same place all day doesn't mean we aren't bored."

Before I let anyone hold Anthony I made them use hand sanitizer. I made them put it on their lips too, to make for nice clean kisses. I almost told them that I don't know where their mouths have been. I was thinking along the lines of on the necks of filthy wild deer that could be crawling with ticks. But I didn't elaborate because I knew Uncle Emmett would never, ever let that golden opportunity pass by.

"Smart girl," Daddy had said, I knew he'd probably heard me think that, and wasn't only referring to my sanitation demands. I gave my baby a kiss before letting my family cherish him. Mom and Daddy both looked down at him in awe when they held their first grandchild. 

"Mom, was it you that was crying outside of my door during labor?" I teased.

"Hey, I kept it together!" she protested looking up from Anthony.

"What? Wasn't that you?" I asked. Everybody assumed a poker face. "Who was it?"

"I've been threatened with bodily harm should that information leave the hallway," Mom said seriously.

"Why is it such a big deal?"

No response.

"Please tell me?"

I gave my best puppy dog eyes.

"Come on you guys, who was it?"

Ever so slowly, a hand raised, the last hand that I expected.