The evening with my Grams went wonderfully. I had dinner with her, and it was refreshing to share a meal with another human without worrying about being watched or overthinking how loudly I was chewing. Maybe I was just prone to overthinking.

Now, it was time to break the news to her—that I'd be leaving with the Cullens and possibly living with them for the rest of my life. When a quiet moment arose, I debated just blurting it out, but nerves got the better of me, and I hesitated. I was more anxious than I wanted to admit.

"Grams," I said softly, my hands wrapped around a warm cup of herbal tea that did little to soothe my nerves. "I need to tell you something." I finally lifted my eyes from the tea to meet her expectant gaze. She smiled warmly at me, as if ready to support whatever I was about to say.

I slowly unwrapped my hands from the cup, feeling the warmth linger in the air. But my mind was racing, and the air suddenly felt a bit heavier. "The Cullens," I finally managed to say, though the words caught in my throat. "They—well, you see..." My voice wavered as I spoke, and I began nervously fidgeting with my hands, my fingers intertwining and then pulling apart. I glanced away from her for a moment before meeting her eyes again. "Now Bella is one of them. They can't risk anyone seeing her. So, they've asked me to go with them," I said, my words coming out slowly as if time itself had slowed down just to let me speak.

I searched her expression, noticing it falter slightly, but not as much as I had expected. I had imagined she would give me a stern talking-to, warning me that it was a bad idea and that she wouldn't be able to keep an eye on me if something went wrong.

"Have you thought it through?" she asked calmly as if it were no big deal. Her response took me by surprise, to say the least. I expected to hear some anger or disapproval in her voice, but there was none.

"Not entirely," I admitted in a single breath. "But I know I love him." My voice was filled with adoration, making it clear to anyone listening that I was a girl deeply in love.

"I want you to follow your heart, no matter what," she said softly, her words surprising me once again. "If your heart tells you to leave this town and embark on wonderful adventures, then do it," she continued, her tone bright and encouraging as if she genuinely embraced the idea of me leaving and creating joyful memories. Reaching out, she placed her hand in mine, her touch warm and reassuring. "I'm not getting any younger, and I want you to live a full, happy life," she added, her voice sincere and filled with heartfelt emotion.

"Even if it means being away from you?" I asked, my voice tinged with uncertainty. She was my world, and I loved her so much that the thought of leaving her behind felt almost unbearable.

"I'm just a phone call away or a astral projection," she joked, prompting a faint chuckle from my lips. "Your parents would want you to live the life you truly deserve," she began, her voice filled with emotion. "You've sacrificed so much to make others happy. You helped with the newborn army, fought for Bella and her daughter, and were even willing to give your life to bring Bella back." Her words were filled with conviction, painting me as far braver than I ever saw myself, and they brought tears to my eyes. "It's time for you to stop sacrificing and start living."

"I love you, Grams," was all I could manage, but it came straight from the depths of my heart.

"I love you too, my darling," she replied, her smile bright as she leaned over and wrapped me in a warm embrace. I wonder what adventures I would get up to...

......................

Soon after, I drove back to the Cullens, knowing I'd return tomorrow to see my Grams again and possibly spend the night. I wanted to make the most of our time together before I had to leave.

As I pulled up to the house, I immediately noticed the sheriff's car parked out front, which set off alarm bells. Charlie was here, which was unsettling since he was supposed to believe Bella was dead. If he was here, something had clearly gone wrong.

As I parked the car and turned off the engine, I reached over to grab the keys. When I looked up, I saw Emmett standing outside by the door, ready to open it for me. What a gentleman.

"What's Charlie doing here?" I asked, my eyebrows furrowing as I stepped out of the car. My eyes were fixed on Emmett as he quickly shut the door behind me.

"Well," Emmett began, turning to face me, "Jacob went over to Charlie's and told him about being a shifter and that Bella was different." Emmett's words rolled out, causing my eyes to widen in surprise at Jake's boldness.

"So, we're not leaving?" I asked, raising an eyebrow.

"No," Emmett replied. "You're not disappointed, are you?" he asked, as I tried to sort out my feelings. I didn't feel disappointed or sad about it at all. "You're smiling," he pointed out with a smile of his own. Only then did I realise I was indeed smiling. Was I happy because I wouldn't have to leave my Grams after all?

"I'm not disappointed at all," I replied warmly, lifting my arms to rest them on his shoulders as if I were about to embrace him. "All I need is you," I said softly, my words lingering in the air as he flashed me his boyish smirk.

"And you've got me," Emmett responded, his voice deepening slightly before he leaned down and pressed his lips to mine. I melted into his embrace as our lips moved in perfect harmony. I could feel the warmth radiating from me and the electric spark that danced between us. This was love—there was no doubt about it.

Without thinking, my hand slipped around his neck, my fingers threading through his hair, soft and comforting against my touch. We both deepened the kiss, and I felt his large hands wrap around my waist, pulling me even closer to him. I couldn't help but moan against his lips, but hearing it just fuelled his lust.

Our lips slowly parted, leaving us gazing at each other with pure adoration. We were so swept up in love—it was rare to experience something like this.

"I love you so much, Charlotte. You have no idea," Emmett's voice softened as he opened up to me, sharing the feelings I held just as deeply for him. I slowly unwrapped my arms from around him, bringing my left hand up to gently rest against his cheek. He leaned into my touch, nuzzling it softly.

"I do know," I whispered, my voice tender as I gazed into his mesmerising golden eyes. "I see it every day. And I hope I see it forever," I said, a wide smile spreading across my face. The words echoed the truth in my heart—I wanted to wake up to his loving gaze every morning and share a laugh with him for the rest of my mortal life.

My words clearly touched his un-beating heart, as I saw the emotion in his expression. He scooped me up into his strong arms and spun me around, making me laugh as I clung to him tightly. After a few spins, he stopped and effortlessly adjusted me in his arms, carrying me bridal style toward the back of the house.

When we reached the back of the house, I saw the rest of the Cullens gathered there, along with Jacob. Edward was inside with Bella and their daughter, introducing her to Charlie. As we came into view of everyone, they greeted us with warm, welcoming smiles, clearly sharing in our happiness. Emmett gently set me back on my feet, but I stayed close by his side, his arm wrapping securely around my shoulders and pulling me even closer to him.

"I'm still planning for a June wedding," Alice teased, her smile stretching from ear to ear. I met her gaze and couldn't help but let out a soft chuckle, which quickly spread to everyone else.

"At least let me turn eighteen first," I replied, my smile wide. I no longer felt anxious about the future like I did just weeks ago, and the thought of marrying Emmett now felt anything but frightening.

"Deal," Alice responded sweetly, making me shake my head with a soft laugh. I then turned my attention to Emmett, who was giving me the most adorable big smile.

We all engaged in small talk while Charlie and Bella reconnected. Before long, Charlie was heading out, and Bella and Edward stood by to wave him off. Jasper, Emmett, and I were standing in the doorway, with me comfortably nestled between them. I could feel the soft fabric of Emmett's grey hoodie brushing against my skin.

"Well done, Bella," Jasper said as the sheriff's car disappeared down the drive. Both Edward and Bella turned to face us. "I've never seen a newborn show that kind of restraint." Jasper, who had dealt with countless newborns, knew just how bloodthirsty and uncontrollable they could be. I could sense how immensely impressed he was with Bella's self-control.

"I'm not sure she is a newborn," Emmett teased, a smug look crossing his face as I glanced over at him. "She's so..." He paused briefly, searching for the right word. "Tame."

"Emmett, don't antagonize her. She's the strongest one in the house," Edward said, defending Bella with a hint of authority, though it was a simple fact.

Emmett snorted dismissively, clearly unimpressed by his brother's comment. Known for his own immense strength, he slowly punched his fists into his palms as if daring her to challenge him. "Please," he said, baiting her with a grin.

We headed toward the back of the house, leaving Jake, Rosalie, and Renesmee behind. I stood alongside Esme and Carlisle as Emmett emerged from the forest, carrying a massive rock that resembled a slab. This imposing rock was intended for the test he had promised Bella—a test of strength in the form of an arm-wrestling match. He carried the rock with effortless ease, having shed his hoodie to reveal his impressive, flawless physique.

My God, it was like gazing at a God. His shoulders were broad and muscular, and his arms were sculpted with defined biceps and sinewy strength, reminiscent of a Greek god. Every detail of his physique was strikingly perfect, captivating enough to make any girl swoon—and it certainly made me do just that. He should wear vests more often...

Emmett placed the rock down with a heavy thud, making sure it was securely positioned for their challenge. "Don't hurt yourself, Emmett," Edward called out from nearby. Emmett shot his brother a look that clearly said 'not a chance' as if he was confident the match would be a breeze for him. He even had this cocky grin on his face.

Bella and Emmett leaned against the rock, Bella using her right hand and Emmett his left. They clasped hands firmly, ensuring a secure grip, and then placed their free hands behind their backs.

"All right, on three," Jasper called out, standing a few inches behind Emmett alongside Alice. "One... Two... Three," Jasper's voice marked the start of the competition. As soon as he said "three," the contest commenced. Bella and Emmett began to exert their strength, their locked hands pressing against each other with increasing force. Emmett wore a confident, cocky smile at first, but as he realized Bella was matching and even surpassing his strength, his expression shifted. His grin faded, replaced by a determined frown, and he began to grunt with effort, clearly putting all his strength into the struggle.

The sound was like two massive boulders grinding against each other, the force of their struggle echoing with a heavy, grinding pressure. Bella's arm was clearly gaining the upper hand as she pushed Emmett's arm decisively to one side. Despite Emmett's best efforts, he struggled to keep pace with her strength. With a final, powerful push, Bella drove Emmett's hand down onto the rock. Her newfound strength was so intense that the impact caused the rock to shatter on the side. Chunks of rock rained down onto the ground.

"Did you see that?" Bella laughed, glancing over at Edward. Meanwhile, Emmett's face was a picture of shock, clearly not expecting to lose the match. Despite his surprise, he wasn't letting it dampen his spirits—it was all in good fun. Bella then began pummelling the rock as though it were nothing more than sand, sending chunks flying in all directions. With a casual kick, she broke off a large piece, causing more laughter to erupt around us, including from myself.

In that moment, it was clear that Bella had truly embraced her new life as a vampire. Her strength and ease with her abilities were remarkable, and I couldn't have been happier for her.

My attention shifted to Emmett as he caught my gaze. I sauntered over to him, putting on a playful pout. "Aww, the big guy lost to a girl," I teased with a mockingly sympathetic tone. "Don't worry, you're still my strong guy," I said, flashing him a flirtatious smile that immediately brightened his mood. "And maybe you should wear tank tops more often," I added, playfully biting my bottom lip as my gaze drifted over his shoulders, biceps, and abdomen.

Emmett's voice deepened, filled with a newfound intensity. "Oh yeah?"

Before I could react, he swept his hands to my waist, pulling me in close. I collided with the solid of his body, the fabric of his shirt brushing against my skin. My hands pressed firmly against his muscular chest, feeling the strength beneath the fabric as we stood there. The heat was unmistakably rising, and Emmett was well aware of it.

"Maybe tonight you'll dream of me again," he murmured, his voice low and husky, sending shivers down my spine and making my knees feel unsteady. "Maybe I'll be all we—" Before he could finish, I surged forward and pressed my lips against his with an urgent hunger. My kiss was fuelled by a fierce longing, and a desperate need to silence the word he was about to say. The thought of dreaming about him, drenched and irresistible, had my engine going...

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